Becker Mining Warkop

BECKER-WARKOP

EVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION In mining, safety comes first – that’s our domain – to provide safe, reliable, top quality products.”

That’s the view of Leszek Zyrek, Deputy Chairman of Engineering and Development at Becker Warkop.

Zyrek is responsible for development both in technological aspects but also in gaining new markets and direction within the company, and it is his belief that the European mining industry, 2 | EME Outlook issue 42

Leszek Zyrek, Deputy Chairman of Engineering and Development at Becker Warkop, discusses the digital transformation of Poland’s mining space while prioritising a safety first approach Writer: Sean Galea-Pace Project Manager: Thomas Arnold

particularly in Poland, is seen as having had its best days.

“The main reason for this is the very deep ore deposits, which dramatically increases mining costs and risk assessments,” he explains.

“However, this doesn’t prevent the market from developing new mine projects in which we participate with great willingness and commitment.

The brand we have managed to create over the past 30 years has made its

MINING

presence felt in almost every country involved in the mining industry in Europe.”

Founded in 1991, Becker Warkop has become a leading producer of mining equipment and devices.

Becker Warkop is part of the internationally recognised Becker Mining Systems Group providing access to innovative mining solutions.

Indeed, the organisation specialises in manufacturing longwall sets of

equipment, underground transport systems, power systems, control systems, communication systems and identification systems.

Becker Warkop, as well as other companies operating with mining and mining-related companies, have a number of products that can be offered off-the-shelf. The organisation always tries to adapt or redesign its solutions in order to meet the customer’s requirements and

expectations as much as possible.

“The way we work with clients is mainly based on preparing a number of studies, different options and presenting the widest possible range of applications for our systems,” explains Zyrek. “In mining, the costs associated with the exploitation of seams located deep underground are becoming an increasing problem.

Our solutions, especially in mining where tire equipment is used, open EME Outlook issue 42 | 3

BECKER-WARKOP

up new possibilities for mining companies that face this problem.

Our transport systems can reach the point of excavation in a faster way due to the ability of running on much more inclined sections. This means that labour and time is saved during the development of the headings.

This system is called Becker Steep Transport.”

Today, Becker Warkop employs more than 350 people. The company’s flagship products are monorail and floor-mounted transport systems driven by diesel, electric or battery power. In addition, the firm is also a major manufacturer of powered roof supports for longwall mining and has supplied the market with over 14,000 units. Becker Warkop offers a wide range of services, from basic aftersales service to assembly services or the design of new technologies according to the requirements and expectations of their customers.

The organisation provides both its 4 | EME Outlook issue 42

“AT BECKER WARKOP, WE PUT EMPHASIS ON PEOPLE WITH LARGE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, BUT ALSO, WE PUT EMPHASIS ON STAFF WHO ARE YOUNG, AMBITIOUS, AND OPEN FOR NEW TASKS” – LESZEK ZYREK, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT, BECKER MINING WARKOP products and services to the entire European mining industry, and in recent years has also been able to significantly increase its footprint in the Asian market. Following this success, Becker Warkop is showing no signs of slowing its reach and has set its sights on expanding into the South American, North American and Australian markets.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION With technology beginning to play a more influential role on operations across the world, Zyrek remains open to adopting technological innovation

that makes life easier.

“In view of the incredible technological developments affecting all areas of industry, we at Becker Warkop also strive to take advantage of the advances in technology available on the market,” he explains.

“As a company primarily involved in the manufacture of mining transport systems, we have already experienced the impact of technology on our equipment over the course of our 30 years of business. We started by supplying rope-driven systems, then electric systems, then diesel systems, and now, in order to meet modern

FOAMED MINING INHIBITOR SIG-1 The main task of SIG-1 is the reduction of coal self-heating tendency by the deactivation of its surface, and thereby the extension of fire incubation period. It is used for: • • • •

Preventing fire hazard in active longwall workings, Sealing longwall workings that are to be closed down, Sealing of galleries in the points of coal seams crossing, Sealing of temporary and permanent isolation stoppings.

It can be used in underground workings of coal mines in workings of levels ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’ methane explosion hazard.

SIG-1 is a class 4 inhibitor of coal self-heating process according to the classification developed in Central Mining Institute (GIG).

GCA MINING NITROGEN REFRIGERATING UNIT The GCA Mining nitrogen refrigerating unit is designed to be used in underground workings of coal mines, in workings of ‘a’, ‘b’ or ‘c’ level of methane explosion hazard and in workings of “A” or “B” class of coal dust explosion hazard. The unit is used for cooling nitrogen pumped into goafs to prevent fire in the area of a longwall in operation as well as in sealed headings. The unit is compact, made in closed housing on a frame bearer guaranteeing its stiffness during transport. The design of the unit enables its movement along with the longwall advance, it can also be installed in any gate road or in close proximity to the stopping if the area is sealed. The unit is powered from a typical mining starter. The refrigerating system is airtight, water used for cooling the condenser is taken from the mine system operating in an open circuit.

The refrigerating unit can lower the temperature of nitrogen pumped into goafs by about 30 degrees to the recommended one [-1 C].

CONTAINER NITROGEN GENERATOR WA-700 The container nitrogen generator type PSA is designed for continuous generation of nitrogen of purity min. 97%, with flow rate 700Nm3/h and pressure 6-8 bars from atmospheric air.

Atmospheric air drawn by the generator is compressed, cleaned and dried, then directed to two nitrogen generators working alternately, where oxygen and nitrogen are separated. The nitrogen obtained this way is pumped through a buffer tank to the receiving system, and the oxygen is released into the air outside the container.

The device is maintenance-free, and all the processes can be observed with the use of a complicated visualisation system.

Azis Mining Service, 44-304 Wodzisław Śląski, os. 1 Maja 16K | azis@azis.pl | +48 32 4510083

BECKER-WARKOP trends, we produce and put into operation battery-powered transport systems.

“Technological development is also used in the production process, through the use of the newest machines or, for example, machining centres, but also in management.

A very good example of the impact of technology on company management was the introduction of remote working during the COVID19 pandemic - thanks to modern software and available electronic tools, remote working did not affect Becker Warkop in any negative way.”

Becker Warkop has plans to develop further autonomous mining transportation systems and is developing a solution that will allow control of autonomous systems from a control and supervision point located on the mine surface. “Communication and control of the transportation system is done via Wi-Fi wireless network and the most important stage is development proximity detection and collision avoidance systems that detects danger and automatically stops the machine when it occurs,” says Zyrek.

“We are currently developing and implementing the above solutions

Speedway Freight Services Speedway Freight Services (Poland) is an expert in transport supports exporters in reaching new foreign markets.

We are an international logistics operator responsible for transporting goods to the most distant destinations worldwide, including China.

Day in, day out we take every effort to ensure a comprehensive service for sea, air and railway transport operations. This is made possible owing to our membership of the WFN, ALN and AOP groups. This allows us to support deliveries i.a. to Africa, North and South America.

BECKER-WARKOP: PRODUCTS The products of Becker Mining Systems provide solutions for higher safety and efficiency into the mining industry, split into two divisions: electrical and mechanical.

ELECTRICAL The electrical segments consist of three product divisions: energy distribution, automation and communication. A safe and flexible supply of energy underground is vital in mining. Becker Mining Systems provide complete, customised energy infrastructure solutions that yield maximum output even under the most challenging of conditions. The products in the area of energy distribution includes transformers and switchgear that can be handled flexibly and quickly as a result of a modular technology developed by Becker.

In automation, the company provides flexible solutions that guarantees the comprehensive control and monitoring of all work processes across all levels of a modern mine and at the same time, the greatest efficiency with more safety.

MECHANICAL Transportation and infrastructure products are included within this segment. Since the establishment of the company, the organisation has been developing transportation systems for workers and material underground. Both individual solutions and complete systems transport employees, material and equipment quickly and reliably, even to the most remote parts of the mine. The systems are renowned for transporting heavy loads at high speeds, even on strongly inclined routes.

In the expansion of underground mining, safety is essential too. The company produces support systems for safe face and roadway expansion.

The developed hydraulic shields and mechanical support systems secure faces and roadways during and after expansion.

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in battery-powered monorails and locomotives from our product range, however the final stage of the project is to create a dedicated autonomous transport system.”

With the world seeking to adopt a more sustainable approach, Becker Warkop understands the importance of pivoting quickly to leverage the latest trends.

“As environmental protection has become increasingly important, the demand for electric and battery solutions has increased,” explains Zyrek. “For the last seven years since we implemented our first battery transport system, we are constantly developing our technology to get the best result from the solutions we offer.

We currently provide manoeuvring devices, a battery-powered monorail and a monorail with electric-toothed drive, all with the possibility of additional power supply and battery charging via a bus cable.”

For Zyrek, there are two projects

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We are a reliable partner for our customers!

Working together with our partners, especially on long-term projects, has endorsed our belief that besides professionalism in the handling of the transport operations, an individual approach to the task entrusted to us is also of great importance.

Only our 100% commitment allows us to work out fully satisfactory solutions.

www.sfspoland.com

Longwall system

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BECKER-WARKOP that stand out as being particularly influential over the last few years.

“Recently, we had the opportunity to supply two mines, Zenica and Kakanj, with complete longwall systems.

Every contract is a challenge for us, and it confirms our belief of solid position in the mining industry,” discusses Zyrek. “Another milestone project is based on the application of our monorail systems in hard rock mining - something that has evolved within recent years, when the first solutions of this kind were applied on a gold mine in Mexico.”

Remote Control

Battery Monorail

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Becker Warkop offer various power supply methods using diesel engine, battery or electrical wire. All its devices and machines are adapted to the requirements in force in the country of destination and meet the requirements regarding safety and ergonomics

STRATEGIC COLLABORATIONS To Becker Warkop, both suppliers and partnerships are key for the smooth running of the company and the firm remains enthusiastic about keeping a special bond with all of these relationships.

“We are constantly looking for new partners and foreign representatives, especially in markets where we see potential and opportunities, open for new technologies and solutions not only limited to mining,” says Zyrek. “Based on the partnership and representative’s cooperation for years, our position and recognition within the mining market has improved notably. The key factors we consider when establishing a partnership are mutual promotion, sales and technical support, and desire to develop.”

MINING

too. Most importantly, our employees identify themselves with the company and its products. Each of our employees has an open career path in Becker Warkop - we have many employees who started their work in the service department or production department and now they are on the management level.”

Looking ahead, expansion is the aim of the game and the company harbours goals of expanding into new markets, such as Australia, Africa, South America and North America in the near future. It’s clear Becker Mining is just getting started.

BW Trans Zyrek recognises the role that employees play on the success of his organisation. As far as he and Becker Warkop are concerned, such an approach has been presented from the top up from the very beginning.

“We try to minimise fluctuation

of employees in our company - the longer our employees are with us, the more profits the company has from it,” he tells us. “At Becker Warkop, we put an emphasis on people with large professional experience, but also, we encourage young and ambitious staff

Tel: +48 32 432 99 00 International Sales: +48 32 432 99 38 becker@becker-mining.com.pl www.becker-mining.com.pl

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BECKER-WARKOP ul.Przemysłowa 11 44-266 Świerklany Poland Tel: +48 32 432 99 00 International Sales: +48 32 432 99 38 becker@becker-mining.com.pl www.becker-mining.com.pl

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