Atlas Copco portable air compressors boosting Indonesian mining project

12 August, 2024

Navigating through the intense humidity, relentless monsoons, and heat of an Indonesian mine in East Kalimantan, 19 Atlas Copco XAHS 38 portable air compressors are at the core of an ambitious mining project.

Atlas Copco XAHS 38 portable air compressor inflating the tires of a large truck at a coal mining site in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, showcasing its durability and performance in challenging conditions.

Atlas Copco XAHS 38 portable air compressor powering tire inflation of a heavy-duty truck at a coal mining site in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

In the rugged terrain of East Kalimantan’s coal mining region in Indonesia, Atlas Copco's portable air compressors are playing a central role in powering a tough mining project. The mining site produces around 27 million ton of coal per year in difficult conditions and exports to several countries like China, India and Korea. Operating amidst the intense tropical conditions characterised by dust, relentless rainfall, and pervasive humidity, 19 of Atlas Copco’s XAHS 38 units are consistently demonstrating their resilience and adaptability.

The XAHS 38 portable air compressors have been indispensable for inflating the tires of heavy-duty trucks that navigate the often-arid landscape of the mining site. The Atlas Copco machines were deliberately chosen for this project because of their ability to withstand the toughest conditions. Also, the low weight and compact size of the portable air compressors make it simple for the team on-site to move them whenever is needed.

Their use for tire inflation in the coal mining site is integral to maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring vehicle safety, and minimising downtime due to tire-related issues.

Thriving in tropical trials

One of 19 Atlas Copco portable XAHS 38 air compressors stationed at a coal mining site in Indonesia, providing power for tire inflation and other operations

East Kalimantan is notorious for its extreme weather, including heavy monsoon rains that lead to flooding and waterlogged conditions, disrupting operations. High humidity and temperatures up to 30°C (86°F) present further challenges to the durability of machinery and the efficiency of the workforce. The terrain often becomes muddy and slippery, complicating the operation of heavy machinery.

Atlas Copco's light yet robust portable XAHS 38 compressors are engineered to perform reliably in such demanding conditions; with a capacity to deliver 7 bar pressure, their suitability for temperatures ranging anywhere between -20°C or up to +50°C (-4°F – 122°F), and high-quality, dust and corrosion-resistant materials; meaning these units provide the necessary resilience and power to sustain continuous operations, thereby supporting efficient and safe mining activities.

At the mining site, dust and heavy rainfall are similarly constant threats to safety and operational continuity. Despite these conditions, the portable air unites are performing with optimal uptime, highlighting their design for durability and sustained performance. The XAHS 38 model features a HardHat PE (polyethylene) canopy that is not only light and corrosion-resistant but also very durable, making it ideal for the severe onsite weather conditions.

The mining operation is projected to conclude in March 2025, marking the end of a significant chapter in Indonesia’s mining industry; while showcasing the critical role of Atlas Copco's reliable solutions in overcoming the environmental challenges of one of the world’s most demanding industrial landscapes.