Australia’s mining sector is defined by some of the most challenging operating conditions on the planet.
From abrasive coal and iron ore dust to severe temperature swings, machinery must withstand continuous punishment while delivering uninterrupted performance.
Downtime isn’t just a costly inconvenience – it can jeopardise safety, disrupt production schedules, and potentially impact long-term profitability.
In this landscape, motors designed specifically for harsh mining applications can spell the difference between smooth, profitable operations and frequent, costly repairs.
TECO Australia and New Zealand managing director Stuart Walker underscored the importance of purpose-built equipment in these environments.
“We recognised early on that standard motors simply don’t cut it in Aussie remote mines,” Walker said.
“That’s why we focused on creating a dedicated solution that tackles dust, heavy loads, and extreme heat without compromising on reliability.”
TECO Australia and New Zealand has introduced the flagship AFJN series of electric motors, designed from the ground up for Australian mining operations.
Whether you’re running above-ground conveyor belts or high-capacity ventilation systems underground, the AFJN delivers robust performance where it’s needed most.
Understanding the Australian mining environment
Australian coal and iron ore mining spans large-scale open-cut pits and deep underground operations. Regardless of the method, fine coal and ore dust is ever-present, finding its way into bearings, windings, and other sensitive components.
Over time, this can erode performance, leading to higher maintenance costs and unplanned downtime.
“Dust from operations is a huge factor,” Walker said. “Once it settles on the outside and works its way inside a motor, it can cause insulation failures and overheating. When that happens, you’re looking at unplanned outages, which can derail production targets. That’s exactly the scenario we’ve engineered the AFJN Motor to avoid.”
Compounding the dust issue is the relentless operational schedule. Equipment often runs 24/7 under heavy loads, making it critical for motors to have excellent heat dissipation and minimal need for ongoing maintenance.
Remote locations also mean any repairs can and will be time-consuming, highlighting the importance of reliable equipment and local parts availability.
The TECO AFJN advantage
The AFJN motor is designed to meet the most demanding requirements of the mining industry.
With a rugged, shielded design, it significantly reduces the risk of dust ingress, prolonging operational life and cutting down on maintenance cycles. This shielded configuration forms a barrier against coal and ore dust, debris, and moisture, allowing the motor’s internal components to function optimally under intense operating conditions.
“Shielded construction is at the heart of the AFJN,” Walker said. “We’ve fortified the motor so that even in a dust-laden environment, it maintains consistent output. That means fewer service interruptions and a more predictable production schedule.”
Beyond the physical shield, the AFJN incorporates advanced cooling systems to manage heat more effectively. This ensures the motor doesn’t succumb to overheating during sustained, high-load operations – a critical requirement for large and small mining sites, where equipment must run non-stop.
Technical highlights that matter
While the AFJN series includes a host of advanced features, several key attributes stand out for mining professionals looking to maximise uptime and efficiency:
- Shielded sesign
Equipped with a durable shedder cover (coal shield), the AFJN motors ensure superior protection against harsh environments, extending operational life and maintaining reliability even in demanding conditions. - High efficiency
The AFJN’s design minimises energy consumption, resulting in reduced operational costs and an improved power factor. For operations running multiple motors around the clock, even marginal efficiency gains can lead to substantial savings annually. - Rugged construction
Built on heavy-duty frames with premium insulation, AFJN motors handle fluctuating power demands and mechanical shock. This resilience is key when dealing with the constant stress of large-scale mining operations. - Wide power and voltage range
The AFJN covers power outputs up to 1000 kW (higher ratings available on request) and supports . This flexibility means the motor can be deployed in an array of applications – from conveyance and pumping to ventilation. - Ingress protection
Rated at IP66 Protection, the AFJN is fully sealed to keep out dust and moisture. This robust sealing further minimises internal damage risks, even in the most particle-laden environments. - Local stock and support
With AFJN motors readily available in Australia and New Zealand at voltages up to 690V, operators can swiftly replace or upgrade motors without extended lead times. Just as importantly, TECO’s local technical and after-sales service is on hand to ensure smooth installation, provide diagnostics, and deliver troubleshooting assistance.
Meeting core mining needs
Reliability, efficiency, and ease of service are top priorities for all mining operators. Each aspect is integrated into the AFJN’s core design:
- Reliability
Through its shielded construction and robust materials, the AFJN minimises breakdowns and unplanned outages, helping mines maintain consistent output. - Efficiency
By cutting energy consumption and enhanced power factor, the AFJN reduces ongoing operational expenses. “At scale, even a small efficiency increase can significantly improve a mine’s bottom line,” Walker notes. - Serviceability
Drop-in compatibility means the AFJN can replace existing motors with minimal disruption. Local inventory and on-the-ground support further reduce the time spent waiting for parts, helping to keep production lines running steadily.
Real-world Impact: Downtime and costs
Downtime in mining is notorious for its high costs. When a critical motor fails, it can grind the entire operation to a halt.
Repairs can be time-consuming, particularly in remote regions. By adopting motors specifically engineered for challenging environments, mines benefit from lower failure rates, fewer maintenance intervals, and a more predictable production schedule.
“Putting an AFJN in place can drastically reduce unplanned outages,” Walker said. “And if an issue does arise, having spares and support onshore means we can get operators back up and running without significant delays. Ultimately, that reliability leads to better profitability and a safer working environment.”
Australia’s mining environment demands motors that can endure relentless stress, abrasive dust, and continuous duty cycles.
TECO’s AFJN series meets these demands head-on with its shielded design, robust construction, high efficiency, and local availability.
By honing in on what truly matters – reliability, serviceability, and energy performance – the AFJN helps coal mines reduce downtime, streamline operations, and achieve long-term cost savings.
Whether you’re replacing existing equipment or enhancing your production lines, the TECO AFJN offers a forward-thinking solution to the unique challenges of modern coal mining. And with support teams and stock readily available across Australia and New Zealand, operators can rest easy knowing help is never far away.
“We’ve built the AFJN to withstand whatever the Australian mining sectors can throw at it – and then some,” Walker said.
To learn more, visit the TECO Australia and New Zealand website at: https://electricmotors.teco.com.au/
You can find more on TECO in the Autumn edition of Mining magazine, available to read here.
