Lokring is growing its operations in Australia and offering a patented cold-weld mechanical pipe solution for its mining customers.
While Lokring’s involvement in Australian mining is still relatively fresh, the company is a recognised partner in mechanical pipe solutions across North America, particularly in oil and gas, nuclear, and military shipbuilding sectors.
According to Rob Sigsworth, Lokring’s technical director, this international pedigree is providing the business with a strong foundation for an expansion Down Under.
“Our experience across global operations positions us well for growth in Australia,” Sigsworth told Mining. “The mining sector here shares many of the same safety and performance priorities we’ve seen in other regions, and Lokring is uniquely placed to support these goals.”
Cold-weld innovation
At the core of Lokring’s offering is its patented cold-weld mechanical pipe fitting technology. The fittings provide a high-integrity, leak-free seal without the need for traditional welding. In doing so, Lokring eliminates the need for hot work, making installations both faster and safer.
“For Australian miners, this means a substantial reduction in downtime, improved operational efficiency, and the complete removal of fire and explosion risk associated with open flames,” Sigsworth said.
Lokring’s mechanical connections are not only quick to install – taking around 15 minutes per joint on average – but also require no hot work permits, no radiographic inspection, and no cooling periods. The fittings are ASME B31 code-qualified and represent the only unlisted mechanical connector with this level of certification.
“This combination of integrity, speed, and safety is unmatched,” Sigsworth said.
Ideal for mission-critical applications
Mining environments present a broad spectrum of challenges, from harsh operating conditions to the need for absolute reliability across hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems. Lokring’s technology is ideally suited for such critical infrastructure.
“Our fittings are already being used globally in fuel and lubricant transfer, compressed air systems, chemical processing, and water treatment,” Sigsworth said. “Wherever you can’t afford a failure – or can’t afford downtime – Lokring becomes a very compelling option.”
In North America, Lokring fittings have already demonstrated clear performance benefits for mining operators.
“A major operation saw a 70 per cent reduction in installation time, joint for joint, compared to welded alternatives. Another customer pointed out how much easier it was to manage confined space work without the complications of hot work,” Sigsworth said.
Consistent customer feedback
Feedback from Lokring’s mining clients has been resoundingly positive. Operators praise the ease and speed of installation, but just as important is the added flexibility that Lokring brings to live sites.
“Our customers are consistently impressed by how quickly they can return systems to operation,” Sigsworth said. “They also really appreciate the ability to run simultaneous operations – what the industry calls ‘simops’ – because there’s no hot work zone to worry about.”
It’s a capability that proves particularly valuable during shutdowns and unplanned maintenance, where time is of the essence.
“We’ve been told more than once that Lokring has ‘saved’ a shutdown,” Sigsworth said.
Full-service support
Behind the technology, Lokring’s commitment to service and long-term partnerships is another key differentiator.
The company offers hands-on technical support, on-site assistance, and detailed training programs to ensure each customer is confident in their use of the fittings.
“We stay involved long after the initial install,” Sigsworth said. “From consulting and regular follow-ups to proactive maintenance planning, we’re there to help our customers get the most from our technology.”
Lokring’s product line also continues to evolve. The company recently introduced a new four-inch stainless steel fitting range – engineered specifically for the more demanding environments often found in mining.
“Our new SS40 P64 fittings offer greater compatibility and are aligned with both ASME B31 and other international standards,” Sigsworth said.
Lokring has its sights set firmly on the future, with clear goals to deepen its role in Australia’s mining sector and expand its customer base.
“We’re focused on cementing our reputation as a preferred piping solution provider in mining,” Sigsworth said. “That means driving innovation through product development and continuing to deliver unmatched safety, speed, and reliability.”
More broadly, Lokring sees its role as supporting broader goals of safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
“We’re excited to be part of the mining sector’s future,” Sigsworth said.
“We look forward to working with forward-thinking companies that see the value in reducing risk and increasing efficiency through proven, world-class engineering.”
This article appeared in the Winter edition of Mining Magazine.
