RPN: Expert Wear Solutions for Miners

Q: How will the COVID-19 outbreak affect the mining industry in Sonora?

A: The mining industry is key for a strong economy. The stoppage of mining operations due to COVID-19 was a strong blow to the sector. The process to ramp up operations will be slow. Suppliers like RPN are working to comply with all safety protocols to be able to work with the mines as soon as they need our services. The 2020 production outlook for mines has been radically altered. Budgets will be restricted and that will impact suppliers. Large mining groups will carry on mostly unscathed. But smaller companies will suffer the greatest impact.

Q: What problem do you solve in the mining industry and how do you solve it?

A: Within the mining process, chemical containment areas and processing plants work with sulfuric acid, cyanide and sodium hydroxide. These are very aggressive agents. We have developed a unique rubber formula called Abrasuper, whose main characteristic is being strong and durable. Also, our Warex epoxies have international certifications that ensure their durability and quality. Our coatings based on special polymers extend the useful life of equipment and have managed to reduce corrective maintenance, which has a direct impact on operative downtime. These products provide greater durability and protect the environment in which the mine operates. Also, our coatings prevent soil contamination.

Q: What added value do your concrete floor treatments provide?

A: Thanks to our international certifications in epoxy coatings, we can cover danger areas ensuring that any situation of spillage of aggressive agents within mining operations can be controlled. Thus, we avoid major accidents and large economic losses for mining groups. RPN's original mission was to help control corrosion in mines. After this, we expanded to abrasion control. Concrete floor repair is another service we have included. This service is key for mining companies that need to protect their assets from any contact with chemical acids. Likewise, the mining industry must comply with legal requirements that demand the strictest safety standards around areas where chemical acids are used. Polymers are used to protect concrete floors. We have them in different colors. Red is the most popular because it is resistant to UV rays and is the best for resisting chemicals.

Q: What type of epoxy coatings do you offer and what are your applications?

A: In mining, epoxy coatings are in high demand. There are many types. Our Warex epoxy coatings contain Novolac aggregates as well as different polymers that have been specially developed for mining. Mine acids are particularly aggressive. In the mine, it is key that the acids remain within the primary and secondary containment areas. There are industrial paints with Kevlar aggregates that result in extra abrasion resistance. There are also different types of Warex epoxy floor coatings that work for different needs in the mining industry. There are alternatives for epoxy coatings, such as polyureas, but in my experience, they are not as effective as epoxies. Epoxy floors are also less expensive. When the goal is to protect the entire plant, then the most profitable solution is an industrial paint. We have Warex epoxy coatings for that. They are certified and evaluated under the highest quality standards. RPN has the ability to take on projects comprehensively. In addition to the floors, we also coat acid containment tanks. We cover them inside and out, as well as the structures that are corroded by contact with gases in the process area. If corrosion is not effectively prevented, accidents can occur such as a structure collapsing or a tank leaking.

There are different coatings for each type of application. The most popular are epoxies containing Novolac resins. They can withstand sulfuric acid up to 99 percent. This is very relevant in Sonora, mainly because most of the type of mining that is carried out requires large amounts of sulfuric acid. Other coatings, such as water-based, are used for maintenance of structures. We also have zinc-based coatings. They are used as a primer.

Q: Why is your hydroblasting service superior to sandblasting alternatives on the market?

A: Hydroblasting is used for cleaning equipment before coating. It can be applied to metal and concrete surfaces. There are environmental regulations that prohibit sandblasting where an abrasive blast of sand is propelled against the surface. Our method does not generate dust. Mining companies call us because our methods allow them to continue working while we hydroblast without causing any health problems for their employees. In Mexico, some providers use sand, but we are sand-free certified. We prepare surfaces with state of the art methods.

Q: What are rubber linings used for?

A: RPN is constantly searching for innovation to offer the best coating solutions that help extend equipment life within mining operations. This way, clients are able to schedule preventive and non-corrective maintenance, saving on costs and preventing unnecessary operation stops. Rubber linings are mostly used in tanks and pipes. Because we are the only manufacturer in the Northwest area of ​​Mexico, we have developed a rubber that meets the quality standards required in the mining and industrial sector. Under our Abrasuper brand, our rubber guarantees durability and resistance at a competitive price. Our most important clients have given us their trust by carrying out large projects within their most important mines, within which we have carried out projects complying with the three pillars of RPN, solve, innovate and provide the best quality in our products and services.

RPN Recubimientos is a Sonoran company that strengthens the infrastructure and projects of the industry under international standards to prevent corrosion and wear. It provides services such as anticorrosive and anti-abrasive coatings, hot and cold rubber vulcanization, surface preparation by abrasive blasting, hydroblast, hydro-cleaning and pipe repair.