TOP 10: Mining Equipment Fails

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10. Bucket-Wheel Excavator meets Caterpillar Dozer

This is the tale of David and Goliath, except David was scooped up and never to be heard from.

Tip: Don’t mess with bucket-wheel excavators. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone.

9. Haul truck overload

Mining trucks are designed to handle the heaviest of loads. Built with the hands of gods, these trucks are developed to haul anything and everything from mining sites. Just make sure not to overload them.

Tip: Check with your equipment manufacturer or supervisor to ensure you’re using the correct rated payload.

8. Excavator falls flat

We’re not entirely sure who’s at fault here (we’re guessing the operator), but this is a prime example of what happens if you don’t properly secure the bench you’re working on.

Tip: Before operating mining equipment, make sure the bank and slope stability is maintained for the type of equipment being used.

7. Too hot to handle

This 280 haul truck had only a few hours on the clock before it was engulfed in flames. Because of an undisclosed fire, this bad boy was cremated and laid to rest.

Tip: Always follow-up on the maintenance of mining equipment before getting behind the wheel. Make sure to check equipment gauges, fluids and tire pressure.

6. Spontaneous combustion

In this well documented photo, an accident involving a spontaneous combustion at the coal face of BHP’s Blair Athol mine in Queensland claimed this dragline excavator.

Tip: Sometimes s#^t happens.

5. Dragline collapses in Queensland

When the operator’s bench failed, this dragline in Queensland took a tumble.

Tip: No matter how safe you are, some accidents are unpreventable. Always ensure the bench you’re operating on is stable and secure for work.

4. Cast away

Not sure what happened here but it makes for a great story for the onlookers who discovered it.

Tip: Never leave mining equipment unaccounted for. Follow protocol and ensure all machinery is checked before and after operating it.

3. Frozen

There are no words to describe the magnitude of this fail. Although weather conditions are uncontrollable, the proper precautions should have been taken.

Tip: Don’t mess with Mother Nature.

2. I’ve made a huge mistake

Most dragline buckets don’t need to be secured when on the back of a truck (they weigh over 70 tons). This image, however, would suggest otherwise.

Tip: Make sure equipment is properly secure before transporting, no matter how heavy or secure it may seem.

1. Road kill

Operating equipment in the mining sector requires immense experience, training and responsibility. Sometimes the unexpected happens.

Tip: Always keep your eyes peeled when operating heavy duty equipment.