Kaunisvaara iron ore mine – cranes play a vital role

Six Potain cranes, a mix of top-slewing and self-erecting models, are working on a major mining project divided between two locations in the Arctic Circle. The cranes are working more than 10 hours a day in temperatures as low as minus 25˚C in long hours of darkness to keep the €560 million Kaunisvaara mine project (International Mining, February 2012, pp8-16) on schedule. They are working directly for main contractor Peab. They were chosen for the project for their proven reliability and strength even in extreme conditions, as Jan Heed, Managing Director of Lambertsson, Potain’s Swedish distributor, explains: “Working in the Arctic has many challenges. Visibility is a major issue with long nights and poor weather. But Potain’s Ultraview Cab provides the best view of the job – and is one of the warmest places to be on site,” he says. “Working to a tight schedule is expected on such a major project, but the cranes’ reach and capacity ensures more can be done in less time.” (more…)