Consequences of wear

It contributes notably to global energy consumption. Specifically, it is estimated that 6.2% of global energy consumption is driven by mining activities, with the remanufacturing of worn parts constituting a substantial portion of this energy use. Wear in mineral mining operations leads to the release of approximately 970 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, about 2.7% of the global total.

The economic impact is equally staggering: the total estimated losses due to wear in mineral mining are approximately €210 billion. While wear is rarely catastrophic, its implications are profound. It reduces operating efficiency by increasing power losses, adversely affects the performance and longevity of equipment, and heightens maintenance requirements.

Consequently, wear elevates operating costs, shortens the lifespan of mining plants, and contributes to work-related injuries. On top of that, the need for frequent part replacements and repairs due to wear can lead to operational downtime, further escalating costs and impacting productivity.

The environmental consequences are also significant, as the energy-intensive processes required to manage wear contribute to the depletion of natural resources and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Addressing wear by using advanced materials and improving maintenance practices can be crucial for the sustainability and efficiency of mining operations. By mitigating wear, mining companies can reduce their environmental footprint, lower operational costs, and improve the safety and reliability of their operations.