Hitachi fleet provides ideal support on demanding Greenland project

A fleet of Hitachi construction machinery has proved invaluable to LNS Greenland AS (LNSG) and its mining operations in southwest Greenland. LNSG operates a mine at Aappaluttoq on behalf of Canadian company True North Gems Inc. (TNG), which has a license to mine rubies and pink sapphires at the site for the next ten years.

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The Hitachi machines have been playing a key role since infrastructure work began in September 2014. LNSG utilises three wheel loaders, a ZW310-5, a ZW220-5 and a ZW75, and three excavators, a ZX520LCH-3, a ZX290LC-5 and a ZX65USB-5 at the remote 12km² site.

Once this work has been completed, the mine is scheduled to be in operation by spring 2016. “Hitachi machinery is ideal for the type of work we do in such an isolated location,” says LNSG’s Project Director Peter Madsen. “The maintenance work is easy to carry out and our technicians find it straightforward when it comes to replacing spare parts.”

Peter depends on equipment that can withstand the harsh climate common to the area. “The wheel loaders and excavators are the most reliable option and are particularly robust given the tough conditions,” he continues. “The fuel efficiency of each machine is also a positive.”

Wheel loader operator Carsten Folmer Jensen is quick to praise the functionality of the Hitachi machines. “They are comfortable and move quickly around the site,” he says. “This makes them suitable for the conditions and the work we do here. I have used other machines in the past, but I’ve been more satisfied when working with Hitachi equipment.”

LNSG is supported by HP Entreprenørmaskiner A/S (HP), the authorised dealer of Hitachi construction machinery in Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The combination of reliable equipment and support is a key factor for Peter. “We chose Hitachi machines because of the excellent relationship we have with HP,” he explains. “We receive a fantastic service from them.”

Despite the remoteness of the Aappaluttoq mine, LNSG can keep downtime to a minimum on all machines. Every wheel loader and excavator is covered under a basic service contract, while the ZW310-5, ZW220-5 and ZX290LC-5 are protected by the Hitachi Extended Life Program (HELP). All units are monitored remotely with Hitachi Global e-Service.

LNSG’s Chief of Construction Jonny Jensen believes there are distinct benefits in selecting Hitachi. “The support from Hitachi is top class here in Greenland,” he explains. “It is the only company that can deliver a reliable service in such a location. Last winter we operated for three months in -25C conditions and the machines started every morning. They are completely reliable.”