The Beginner's Guide to Mining Cables and Accessories

Mining equipment is a lot more than just pickaxes and hardhats. Mining cables and accessories are the sweet spot between the latest technology and designs that will hold up to grueling conditions in a mine. Now that we have described the equipment, what comes to mind when you think of the term “mining”? Mining can be defined as the process of extracting valuable materials from the earth.

There are four main methods of mining: underground, surface, placer, and in-situ. Underground and surface mining are exactly as they sound. Underground mining involves digging deep into the Earth's crust to retrieve valuable materials, whereas surface mining targets the deposits that are closer to the surface.

The Gold Rush is a timeless example of placer mining, which uses sifters to sort through sediment and help find precious metals. In-situ mining stands out from other methods because it uses chemicals that are injected into the ore to dissolve and harvest natural resources.

Regardless of the method of mining, having the right tools will make or break a mining project. The idea of being miles into the earth and being surrounded by darkness is frightening. So, there’s no questioning why it’s necessary to have a steady stream of electricity and temporary power lighting while venturing into the depths of the earth.

ATI’s Portable Power Experts have put together a complete arsenal of mining power equipment that is specifically designed for use in the mining industry. At this point, you might be questioning what all this equipment does. Let’s take some time to delve into the different types of mining equipment and examine their uses.

A Breakdown of Mining Cables and Accessories

Without mining cables and temporary power lighting, miners would have to rely on flashlights and headlamps to see and use backpacks to carry deposits to the surface. Our mining cables keep operations rock solid by distributing electricity used to illuminate dark tunnels and power machinery. Our current online selection of mining cables can be categorized as either Type G-GC, Type CLX, Tight Buffers, or SC/APC cables. However, we’re always adding more products to our site to better support our customers.

If you’re looking for a sturdy portable power cable, then Type G-GC cable is for you! Type G-GC Cable is rated for a maximum of 2000 volts. This means that it’s perfect for distributing the large loads of electricity needed to power heavy-duty machinery. Plus, it features a special type of flexible wire stranding that makes it a top pick for mining applications that require frequent mobility.

Take a moment to picture Type CLX cable as the gladiator of the cable world. Type CLX cable is made from insulated copper conductors wrapped in an aluminum cable jacket. Also known as armored cable due to its metal-clad jacket, this portable power cable thrives in tough mining environments. Type CLX cable is ideal for low to medium-voltage circuits, making it a great choice for powering equipment located both underground and on the surface. 

In addition to powering mining machinery, data communication is an important part of every mining operation because it lets miners monitor equipment and keep a close eye on activities. Tight buffers are a variety of fiber optic cables that transmit data throughout communication systems. ATI’s Indoor/Outdoor Tight Buffers have a high fiber count to transmit data at lightning-fast speeds so you can stay connected with your team. We offer these cables in your choice of plenum or riser rating so that you can enjoy high-speed data with a reduced risk of fires.

Type SC/APC (Subscriber Connector/Angled Physical Contact) is another type of fiber optic cable that is designed to fight signal loss by making sure that the cable’s fiber ends make minimal contact while being installed at an angle. When used as part of a system, Type SC/APC connectors and cables are pros at providing video and sound that can be used for exploring remote locations and allowing real-time feedback between personnel. 

As we mentioned earlier, we offer top-shelf protective caps, couplers, and even decoupling tools on our website. If equipment in a portable power system gets disconnected, it can mean worse things than losing power on your project. Damaged connections can cause electrical arcing and even fires. However, the good news is that you can steer clear of subpar connections by using high-quality couplers.

Grimy and abrasive field conditions can take a toll on portable power connections. Rust and rubble tarnish connectors and hurt their ability to safely conduct electricity. Our protective caps fit couplers or panel mount connectors like a glove, sealing out moisture and debris so that you can get the most out of your equipment. 

After reading this article, we hope that you can take away a deeper understanding of mining cables and accessories. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best solution for the task at hand. If you have any questions about mining equipment or would like us to prepare you a personalized quote, please contact our Mining Project Manager for assistance by calling (702)-370-4815 or email our sales team at PPG@atielectrical.com.