CIM 2019 Convention: today’s stakes in the mining industry, at the center of our discussions

CIM 2019 Convention: today’s stakes in the mining industry, at the center of our discussions

The mining industry is an important contributor to our country’s economy. In 2018, this industry contributed to 5% of Canada’s nominal GDP. Our national mining activities include the production, processing and transport of minerals. Canada’s mineral transformation facilities count 31 smelters of nonferrous metals, refineries and processing plants.

 

As one of Canada’s considerable industries, the current stakes in regards to its evolution is a concern that is central to many discussions in our field. The environment and health and safety at work are also part of these, and polyurethane can be an adequate and affordable answer to these concerns!

 

What is polyurethane?

 

Simply put, polyurethane is a urethane polymer. Polymer is a macromolecule, which means a molecule comprised of many repetitive sub-units. For instance, natural fibers, plastic materials, rubbers, glues, paints and resins are all polymers. As for urethane, it is formed by the reaction between an isocyanate and an alcohol.

 

Be it through reduction of abrasion, energy absorption during impacts, temporary plugging, shock reduction or protection from humidity or deep cold, polyurethane brings solutions to managing equipment deterioration in production and processing chains particularly in the mining industry. Read about it in our blog article “Polyurethane in mines: where is it used and what is its role?’’ for more information on its specific uses in that industry.

 

 

The environment: a sizeable stake in the mining industry

 

For many years now, various stakeholders in this industry have been working to implement sustainable development programs. Namely, The Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative of The Mining Association of Canada enabling companies to apply measures in line with their commitment in terms of environmental as well as social concerns.

 

Another factor linked to the environment: clean technologies and the mining industry are closely connected. The raw materials that are used for technological tools intended to reduce our carbon footprint come from mines. More specifically, batteries and electric cars are products that depend directly on mining activities.

 

Polyrurethane can be used for the purpose of sustainable development in mineral processing plants, and thus, prolong the life of their equipment. By definition, sustainable development, is characterized by three principles, the ecological, social and economic aspect, to sum it up.

 

Health and safety at work: an industry priority

 

In the present context of a labor shortage, health and safety at work become a substantial preoccupation. In order for the Canadian mining industry to stay competitive, the workers who keep in going must remain safe and healthy. Here again, polyurethane can be of great help, more precisely, to protect workers from moving parts.

 

In fact, we recently developed a polyurethane protective casing preventing any object or part of the body from coming in contact with a pulley. A very distinctive innovation that will serve greatly in terms of health and safety!

 

Polyplast is presenting at the CIM 2019 Convention

 

As is demonstrated, the Canadian mining industry is thriving and we will witness this booming activity at the CIM convention from April 28 through May 1st, 2019, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal. This year, the convention will highlight the changing face of the mining industry as its main themes are information, intelligence and innovation. All these reflect the present stakes at hand in our industry!

 

As for the convention’s expo held from April 28 to 30, it will bring together over a hundred companies from all across Canada, to present equipment, tools, new technologies and services, along with mining products. Polyplast will be present at booth no. 1501 to also show its polyurethane product offer to the industry.

 

 

Sources:

https://convention.cim.org/2019/fr/congres/experience/

http://mining.ca/sites/default/files/documents/Facts%20and%20Figures%20-%20French%20-%20Web%20FINAL.pdf

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polym%C3%A8re

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyur%C3%A9thane

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