Mobil™ recognises the evolving needs of India’s mining sector as it is a pivotal cornerstone in the nation’s economic growth, boasting a rich variety of mineral resources that span across diverse geological terrains. 

An overview of India’s mining sector 
India’s mining sector stands as a pivotal cornerstone in the nation’s economic growth, boasting a rich variety of mineral resources that span across diverse geological terrains. As the third-largest consumer of energy globally, India consistently experiences an increased need for power and electricity, leading to a growth in the demand for coal. 

The Metals and Mining sector in India is expected to witness a major reform in the next few years, owing to reforms such as Make in India Campaign, Smart Cities, Rural Electrification, and a focus on building renewable energy projects under the National Electricity Policy as well as the rise in infrastructure development.

The anticipated rise in infrastructure development, including increased construction of roads, railways, airports, and other projects, is expected to drive a ~10 percent growth in steel demand. With ambitious targets in sight, India aims to achieve a total crude steel capacity of 300 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a total crude steel demand/production of 255 MTPA by the fiscal year 2030-31.

Ensuring Efficiency with Proper Lubrication
In the mining sector, where heavy machinery operates in demanding conditions, the role of lubrication emerges as a critical factor in ensuring efficient and reliable operations. Mining equipment faces extreme loads, high temperatures, and exposure to harsh environmental elements. 

Lubricants specifically engineered for the mining industry play an important role in minimising friction, reducing wear and tear on essential components, and ultimately extending the lifespan of the equipment. These specialised lubricants not only enhance the operational efficiency of the equipment but also contribute to increased energy efficiency. Moreover, in challenging mining environments, where factors like dust, moisture, and varying temperatures are prevalent, effective lubrication becomes a protective barrier against corrosion, ensuring the durability and longevity of the machinery.

Mobil^TM’s Solutions for Next Level Mining
Mobil™ plays a pivotal role in bolstering India’s mining efficiency through its advanced range of high-performance lubricants and fluids, specifically designed keeping in mind critical mining operation conditions. 

To meet the pressing needs of the industry, Mobil SHC™ Gear Series, a line of exceptional performance, synthetic industrial gear oils are designed to provide outstanding protection of gears and bearings, extended oil life even under extreme conditions, helping to enable problem-free operation of equipment and increased customer productivity. It offers outstanding rust and corrosion protection relative to conventional gear oils, even in the presence of seawater contamination. They show no tendency to plug fine filters even when wet and have excellent compatibility with ferrous and non-ferrous metals even at elevated temperatures. 

Mobil SHC^TM Gear Series also exhibit outstanding compatibility with elastomers in static seal tests. They have outstanding EP properties that provide protection even under shock load conditions. These lubricants are recommended for enclosed industrial gear drives including steel-on-steel spur, helical, and bevel gears. They are especially recommended for applications that may be subject to micropitting: especially heavily loaded gearboxes with surface-hardened tooth metallurgies. It may also be used in gear applications where extreme low and/or high temperatures are encountered and applications where corrosion may be severe.

Keeping the challenging mining environment in consideration, Mobil^TM has designed high temperature performing greases such as the Mobilgrease XHP™ 460 Series which are lithium complex greases formulated for heavy-duty applications. These greases provide excellent high-temperature performance, adhesion, and resistance to water contamination, with a maximum operating temperature of 140ºC (284°F). The Mobilgrease XHP^TM 462 Moly variant is enhanced with 3 percent molybdenum disulfide for superior protection under heavy loads and sliding conditions.

In recent events, a leading mining corporation faced challenges with high equipment downtime due to frequent maintenance, which affected productivity and incurred extra costs. After thorough inspections and discussions with workers, they turned to Mobil^TM Field Engineering Service for expert advice. Mobil^TM recommended switching to Mobilgrease XHP™ 462 Moly for lubricating excavator bushpin applications. This advanced grease improved efficiency and profitability by reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment life, resulting in an average productivity improvement of 4 percent, 3 times increase in greasing interval, ultimately cutting maintenance costs by 3X, with annual cost savings of ₹17,48,333*.

The integration of cutting-edge equipment and technologies is transforming the mining landscape. As India’s mining sector continues to grow, driven by strategic investments and government initiatives, the role of advanced lubricants and greases becomes increasingly critical. By leveraging such technologies, companies can ensure their operations remain competitive and efficient, securing their place in the dynamic global market.

In addition, Mobil™ emphasises innovation through its industry-leading services like Mobil™ Lubricant Analysis (MLA) program, aimed at optimising equipment performance and reducing maintenance costs. MLA simplifies the lubrication monitoring process while producing reliable results that help guide maintenance professionals to the best decisions for their operations.

Mobil^TM’s Continued Commitment to Innovative Lubrication Solutions 
The integration of advanced equipment and technologies plays an indispensable role in revolutionising the mining landscape. As India’s mining sector continues to grow and evolve, driven by strategic investments and government initiatives, the importance of innovative lubricants and bearing oils becomes increasingly critical. 

As the industry grows, so does the need for quality, heavy-duty equipment that can withstand the rigors of the industry. To achieve the best performance and exceptional efficiency, Mobil^TM aims to create the finest lubricants on the market. Our products will be designed to reflect the latest developments in technology and to meet the growing demands so that they will meet the standards necessary for operational excellence in the future.

In line with this commitment, Mobil™ recently unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Fill with Mobil™,’ which emphasises expertise, collaboration, and trust. This campaign reinforces Mobil^TM’s dedication to delivering top-notch solutions through a combination of specialised knowledge and shared expertise.

Mobil™ believes that this synergy of superior products and reliable service has fostered tremendous customer goodwill, as evidenced by its many successful associations.  It is dedicated to advancing India’s mining sector through innovative products and services. With a focus on efficiency, reliability, and innovation, the company strives to be the partner of choice for mining industries seeking to enhance productivity and competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic market.

For more information, visit: https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/locations/india