Multinational oil and gas corporation ExxonMobil in March took part in the Mining Summit 2015, held in Johannesburg, where it highlighted the importance of proper lubrication at mine sites.

The primary function of a lubricant is to protect equipment, reduce unscheduled downtime and extend oil drain intervals, explains ExxonMobil industrial marketing adviser for Europe, Africa and the Middle East Mohamed Mourad.

In addition, owing to advancements in lubricant technology, especially when it comes to fully synthetic-based products, certain oils and greases provide outstanding levels of protection besides other potential benefits, he adds.

Mourad was among the key speakers at the Mining Summit 2015, which was held on March 11 and 12. The event brought together delegates involved in all areas of mining from across the continent. Focus topics at the event included efficiency, sustainability and technology associated with a vast array of mining practices, ranging from exploration to production.

Range of Lubricants
ExxonMobil has formulated a range of synthetic lubricants that help mining companies achieve their safety and productivity goals. The lubricants can also deliver a range of potential performance benefits, such as prolonging equipment life, improving energy efficiency and extending oil life in comparison with conventional mineral oils.

These lubricants are used in a wide range of stationary and mobile equipment commonly found in mining applications.

For example, the Exxon Mobil Mobil Delvac 1 engine oil range includes Mobil Delvac 1 ESP 5W-40, a fully synthetic heavy-duty diesel engine oil that can help extend engine life while providing long drain capability for modern diesel engines operating in severe applications.

Further, the Mobil SH 600 Series circulating and gear oils demonstrate the ability to deliver potential energy efficiency benefits relating to fluid performance of up to 3.6%, compared with conventional oils of the same viscosity grade.

The Mobil DTE 10 Excel series is a range of high-performance hydraulic oils that provide long oil life and help minimise deposit formation in severe hydraulic systems. In controlled laboratory efficiency testing, Mobil DTE 10 Excel was measured to provide up to 6% improvement in hydraulic pump efficiency relating to fluid performance, compared with standard hydraulic oil.

Meanwhile, the Mobilgrease XHP Mine Series greases are specifically designed to meet the needs of off-highway and mining equipment that require lubricants which offer exceptional extreme pressure/antiwear performance, and will remain in place even in tough conditions.

In addition, the company offers a comprehensive range of heavy-duty diesel engine oils, hydraulic oils and greases that work hand in hand to enable machinery on mining sites to operate effectively.

ExxonMobil concludes that mining operators are constantly looking at ways of improving performance and reducing costs, with the availability and output of mining machinery directly linked to the overall productivity and profitability of a mining site. Operators can gain a competitive advantage by selecting high-performance lubricants, such as Mobil Delvac engine oils and Mobil Grease.