They're getting on
at Flin Flon!

Atlas Copco is fully involved in a smooth-running partnership with HBM&S to ensure that the project, which has been updated to run until the year 2016 and includes the development of three new mines, is successful.

Part of the HBM&S fleet from Atlas Copco: Boltec 35B rig.

Superior products

The four original mines were Callinan, Trout Lake, plus the two which are mined out and now closed, Westarm and Photo Lake. The three new mines scheduled for development are Konuto Lake, which is now open, plus Chisel North and 777.

HBM&S decided last year that future developments would need a large quantity of drilling and load-haul-dump equipment to be delivered over several years by a chosen supplier. Atlas Copco's superior products, aftermarket service, proven support and commitment to work in a partnership, won through.

Part of the HBM&S fleet from Atlas Copco: Mine Truck 444

A CAD 20 million order (USD 13.5 million) was placed for 20 Atlas Copco Rocket Boomer rigs with COP 1838 rockdrills, four 40-tonne Mine Trucks, and five Scooptram LHD units. In the first year, Atlas Copco supplied eight Rocket Boomer rigs equipped with COP 1838 rockdrills and operated with DCS 18 control systems, plus several Scooptrams and Mine Trucks.
Action on after-sales support taken by Atlas Copco includes the opening of a warehouse and service facility in Flin Flon and the provision of two service technicians. With the new drilling products, training operators and mechanics was of paramount importance. Initial commissioning and start-up training was provided by the Technical Service department of Atlas Copco Construction and Mining N.A., and the local service department in Flin Flon co-operated on other training aspects.

Part of the HBM&S fleet from Atlas Copco: ST-7.5Z

Close relationship

Says Henry Starkes, Maintenance Superintendent: "The close working relationship between us and Atlas Copco has resulted in a smooth introduction of the new equipment as well as impressive availability and operating costs. All aspects of equipment performance are monitored closely by both parties, resulting in swift and appropriate corrective action.

"This mutual co-operation is an essential ingredient in the success of the partnership - and the solid working relationship between the two companies is evident at all levels of management. Atlas Copco participates along with our sales, field service, aftermarket sales and service, technical service, marketing department and senior management.

Part of the HBM&S fleet from Atlas Copco: A Rocket Boomer 322 rig

"We work in a spirit of partnership towards common goals - such as optimising equipment costs and availability - and we achieve them through mutual co-operation."

Jim Mihalicz, Mine Superintendent, says: "The new Rocket Boomer rigs from Atlas Copco have more than exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and operating costs. And the Atlas Copco service has been outstanding - it is a critical factor in the success of the partnership."

The town with a colourful past Flin Flon got its name from a fictional prospector called Professor Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin, who was the hero of a paperback novel called "The Sunless City", written by J.E. Preston-Muddock. A copy of the book was reputedly found in the wilderness of northern Manitoba. Today, an unflattering statue of the professor, designed by world-famous cartoonist Al Capp, stands on the outskirts of the town. But there is more to Flin Flon than the folklore. The community was established in 1928 when the railroad line was completed from The Pas, 156 km to the south-east. Shortly afterwards, the HBM&S plant was built there. In addition to copper and zinc mining, forestry, fishing and tourism contribute to the town's economy.