South African overhead crane manufacturer RGM Cranes in December 2024 successfully completed the design, manufacture and installation of a high- capacity ladle handling crane at a platinum mine.

The project involved replacing an ageing crane that had reached the end of its service life and incorporated modern lifting technologies to enhance safety, efficiency and reliability.

The mine’s original ladle handling crane had been in operation since 2007 and had performed reliably with minimal downtime. Given its critical role in handling molten metal, the mine required a near-identical replacement to maintain operational continuity.

However, the new crane also needed to incorporate modern enhancements that would not disrupt the mine’s existing workflow.

To ensure the new crane met the mine’s stringent operational and environmental requirements, RGM Cranes worked closely with the mine’s engineering team to conduct an in-depth design analysis. The extreme conditions of the smelting plant demanded an advanced lifting system capable of operating 24/7 with minimal maintenance.

To maintain a degree of consistency with the original crane design, RGM Cranes collaborated with the German technology provider that designed the original crane. This ensured that the replacement crane aligned with existing infrastructure.

The new crane is classified under a Class 4m M8 duty rating, meaning it is built for continuous heavy-duty operation. It is controlled from a dedicated cabin, which has been equipped with a sulphur dioxide filtration system and a self-contained gas detection unit.

Additionally, an anti-collision radar system has been integrated to prevent accidents in the confined and high-risk workspace. Other engineering enhancements include improved drive mechanisms for smoother operation, high-performance hoists for precision load handling, and upgraded control systems that optimise lifting efficiency, ensuring compliance with both European and South African safety standards.

Before installation, the new crane underwent Factory Acceptance Testing at RGM Cranes’ assembly facility in South Africa.

This multi-stage process was designed to verify the crane’s operational performance, safety features and overall reliability before deployment to the mine.

Representatives from RGM Cranes and the platinum mine attended the testing process to ensure that all the specifications were met before the crane was shipped for installation.

Since operating in a high-temperature smelting environment presents unique engineering challenges, RGM Cranes incorporated several design elements to enhance the crane’s reliability and longevity.

These elements included heat-resistant electrical components, and reinforced mechanical structures.

Specialised coatings and thermal protection were also applied to prevent degradation and extend the crane’s service life.

Additionally, the crane’s cooling and ventilation systems were optimised to maintain stable operating conditions and prevent overheating; all moving parts were engineered for durability to reduce maintenance requirements and minimise downtime.

The company also continues to refine its approach to crane engineering by incorporating into its installations predictive maintenance strategies, corrosion-resistant materials and real-time monitoring systems.

In conversation with Engineering News, the company highlights that the lessons learned from this project will be applied to future crane installations in similarly demanding industries, such as the steel production, mining and energy sectors.