Ferreyros, a premier Caterpillar (CAT) dealer in Peru, plays a critical role in the Peruvian mining industry, providing maintenance and support for heavy machinery in some of the country’s most advanced mining sites. For many years, Ferreyros has partnered with AFEX Fire Suppression Systems to protect both equipment and personnel in the challenging and high-stakes environments of Peru’s mines, including the pioneering of Peru’s first autonomous mining project at Anglo American’s Quellaveco operation.
Reinaldo Alpaca Chavez, Head of Maintenance at Ferreyros, brings over 16 years of mining experience, working with both conventional and autonomous mining machinery. Having spent nearly a decade with Ferreyros, he has overseen operations in some of Peru’s largest mines, including Constancia, Quajone, and Quellaveco. These mines represent substantial investments in both equipment and personnel, making safety and equipment preservation critical.
Challenge: Protecting Autonomous Mining Vehicles from Fire
Mining equipment faces extreme conditions, with high temperatures, heavy loads, and the risk of flammable material igniting fires. In traditional mining setups, operators are physically present in machinery, heightening the need for robust fire suppression solutions to protect lives. Autonomous mining presents new challenges: without operators on board, fires need immediate, automatic response systems. Ferreyros needed a fire suppression partner capable of delivering advanced technology, reliability, and consistent support.
Solution: Premium Fire Suppression Systems for Harsh Mining Environment
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems provided a tailored solution for Ferreyros’ customers’ unique needs across both conventional and autonomous mining projects. AFEX systems, featuring state-of-the-art sensors and automatic response technology, are designed to withstand the harsh conditions typical in mining environments. The systems are installed across a range of machinery, from autonomous trucks to manually operated tractors and drills, ensuring comprehensive protection. The results?
- Enhanced Safety for Personnel: Reinaldo noted that AFEX systems provide peace of mind for operators by offering quick, controlled fire mitigation. In the event of a fire, the AFEX system activates immediately, protecting operators from potential harm and minimizing equipment downtime.
- Protection of High-Value Autonomous Equipment: At Anglo American’s Quellaveco project, AFEX systems ensure the safety of valuable, operator-less trucks. Reinaldo emphasized that this protection is crucial, as autonomous trucks lack an onboard operator to notice or report fires, making AFEX’s automatic activation feature invaluable.
- Reliable Performance and Adaptability: AFEX’s ongoing commitment to quality has impressed Ferreyros. Reinaldo highlighted how AFEX systems remain responsive, even when dealing with high temperatures and frequent use. Ferreyros has seen several instances where fire incidents were controlled without escalation, preserving the machinery’s functionality and protecting the site’s productivity.
Industry Recognition and Dependability: AFEX’s presence at mining industry events, such as MINExpo and Perumin, demonstrates the brand’s commitment to industry standards. Ferreyros recognizes AFEX as a premium brand on par with Caterpillar, affirming AFEX’s reputation as a reliable partner within the mining industry.
Reinaldo shares, “AFEX systems give us confidence and security, ensuring that our equipment and personnel are well-protected. We feel that AFEX is a part of our family, dedicated to supporting the safety and success of every operation. AFEX’s technology and commitment to quality make them the top choice for fire suppression in mining.”
Conclusion
Through this partnership, Ferreyros and AFEX have set a new standard in the Peruvian mining industry, where cutting-edge technology meets top-tier safety solutions. AFEX’s fire suppression systems have proven essential in ensuring safety and preserving the lifespan of machinery in autonomous and conventional mining environments alike. As Ferreyros continues to support mining operations, AFEX remains a trusted partner in safeguarding both assets and lives, contributing to a secure and productive future for mining in Peru.
