What are your duties as engineering manager?
“It’s my responsibility to ensure that all equipment associated with the underground mining and processing plant operates safely, efficiently, reliably and at the lowest operating cost.”

What are the main challenges of your work?
“The mine has operated for more than 30 years, so some of the equipment is getting old. This is a challenge as Black Mountain is planning to ramp up production from 1.6 million tonnes per annum to 2.5 million tonnes.”

What’s your relationship with Sandvik?
“Our cooperation goes way back. Sandvik delivered all trucks and scoops to the mine and also opened an on-site store for spare parts and consumables. Vedanta Resources Plc has a global partnership agreement with Sandvik, and I’ve personally worked with them on some improvement projects.

What kind of improvement projects?
‘‘One was a study of optimal replacement intervals, which changed the way we look at capital equipment replacement, and how it can improve both financial and operational efficiency. Their service level is very high, and although we operate in a remote area, they’re only a phone call away.”