Adequate protection against corrosion can significantly minimize maintenance needs and eliminate stoppages in operations by prolonging the lifespan of mine equipment, says Miguel López-Hurtado, President of Nanoprotech. “The costs can quickly add up if these matters are not taken care of properly. Offering solutions for metal structures is the biggest area of opportunity we saw in the mining industry.”
Nanoprotech’s technology studies material at a molecular level and offers a high amount of precision. “We are the only company in the mining industry offering anticorrosion lubricants and electrical insulation coatings based on nanotechnology, especially at our price point,” says López-Hurtado. “Our products work as an invisible layer on top of materials that can repel anything from liquids to dust and chemicals. It can be applied to machines in every phase of the mine life cycle from exploration to production,” he adds. To put into perspective the size of a nano, 1m can host up to 1 billion nanos and 1cm holds 1 million nanos. Such precision can also help reduce corrosion.
But while proved successful abroad, Nanoprotech has had to face Mexican miners’ resistance to new technologies. “People here are not used to this type of technology and do not trust it at first. But most tend to adopt it after sampling the product and seeing its value,” says Omar de la Fuente, the company’s Vice President. For example, Nanoprotech is working with Agnico Eagle, while also doing tests with Grupo México and Industrias Peñoles. “We take the time to show clients the benefits of our coatings and lubricants. We want to be at the forefront of innovation and are always on the lookout for new solutions for our clients,” he adds.
Advancing down the innovation path, the company’s laboratories in Russia are constantly working to develop new products. “For example, we are increasing the number of textiles for which we can provide solutions in addition to metallic structures,” says De La Fuente. These include wood, leather and even cement.
The company is also promoting new waterproof solutions that, after being designed for domestic consumption, were adapted to work for industrial purposes. “Many machines and trucks work under humid conditions that cause condensation, which can make windows fog up,” says López-Hurtado. “Operations often pause for two or three hours until the machines are completely defogged. Our products can help remove mud, water and debris to keep windows clean day and night.”