Luiz Claudio Sampaio, General Manager for Total and an expert in mining lubrication, recently spoke out on the role of lubricants in the industry. He emphasised that in today’s mining sector, the latest advances in lubrication are now supporting a more sustainable future.
Heavy-duty lubricants have always been an integral element of mining work, from gear oil and industrial grease to high-quality hydraulic oil. Oils, greases and fluids are specially formulated to deliver outstanding performance under the most extreme operating conditions. Special additives are included in products to help mining equipment cope with contamination, corrosion, heavy loads, extreme pressure, friction and wear.
Now, leading lubrication manufacturers working in the industry like TotalEnergies, Klüber, Shell, Mobil, Fuchs and Petro-Canada are working to create more sustainable solutions that answer environmental challenges.
The mining industry is a major force in the global economy, but is now being asked to play a substantial role in supporting energy transition. As such, the sector is currently undergoing a considerable move towards more sustainable operations. Its part in aiding environmental aims is to supply important metals and minerals for use in renewable energy technologies, energy storage solutions and electric vehicles (EVs).
As a fundamental part of mining, Sampaio commented that lubrication is central to the transition process. Sustainable lubrication can enhance efficiency and mitigate environmental impact while optimising overall performance at modern mining operations. He stated that in placing lubricants at the heart of the new approach towards sustainability, mining firms can look to a more environmentally conscious future.
