Beyond the Drum - Why Mining Reliability Requires More Than Lubricants

A lubricant can protect a component. A reliability strategy helps protect an operation. The difference between the two is becoming increasingly important as mines look for new ways to improve equipment performance, manage maintenance costs and keep critical assets operating longer.

For many years, lubrication was often viewed primarily as a procurement decision. Select the right product, ensure supply continuity and keep equipment serviced according to schedule.

While those fundamentals remain important, the conversation has evolved.

Mining companies today are placing greater emphasis on equipment reliability, maintenance planning and risk management. As a result, lubrication is increasingly being evaluated not only on product performance, but on the role it plays in supporting broader operational objectives.

According to Dave Gons, National Manager Mining at FUCHS LUBRICANTS SOUTH AFRICA and Regional Mining Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, this shift is changing how mining operations engage with lubrication suppliers.

"Customers are looking beyond individual products and asking bigger questions about equipment performance, maintenance efficiency and operational reliability," says Gons. "That changes the conversation from product supply to long-term equipment support."

Reliability Starts with Understanding the Whole Machine

Mining equipment is designed to perform under demanding conditions. Whether operating on surface mines, processing plants or contractor fleets, machines depend on multiple systems working together consistently and efficiently.

Engine oils, transmission fluids, hydraulic fluids, coolants and greases all play a role in protecting equipment and supporting performance. When one system is overlooked, the effects can often extend beyond a single component.

For maintenance teams, this means reliability is rarely achieved through isolated decisions.

Instead, it is the result of understanding how different systems interact, how equipment operates in specific environments and how maintenance practices contribute to long-term asset health.

"Equipment reliability is influenced by many factors," explains Gons. "Lubrication is one of them, but it needs to form part of a broader strategy that considers the machine as a complete operating system."

Beyond Product Supply

The mining sector continues to face pressure to maximise equipment availability while managing maintenance costs and operational risk. As a result, expectations of suppliers have evolved.

Many operations are looking for partners that can contribute technical expertise, practical support and application knowledge in addition to supplying products.

This is particularly relevant as equipment becomes more sophisticated and maintenance teams are required to manage increasingly complex operating environments.

For FUCHS, this has led to a complete fluid solutions approach that focuses on supporting all major lubrication and fluid requirements across the machine.

Rather than viewing engines, transmissions, hydraulic systems and cooling circuits separately, the objective is to understand how each contributes to overall equipment performance.

"Every fluid system has a role to play," says Gons. "When maintenance teams take a holistic view of the equipment, they are often in a stronger position to improve performance, manage risk and support long-term reliability."

Technical Expertise Remains Essential

Even as mining operations become more data-driven, practical experience remains an important part of effective maintenance and reliability management. Understanding operating conditions, recognising developing issues and applying lubrication best practices often requires more than product knowledge alone.

This is where technical support and close customer engagement continue to provide value. The ability to work alongside maintenance teams, understand site-specific challenges and provide practical guidance helps ensure lubrication strategies are aligned with operational requirements.

"The closer you are to the customer, the better you understand the realities of their operation," says Gons. "That understanding creates opportunities to provide meaningful support and help address challenges before they impact production."

A Broader Definition of Value

For mining operations, value is increasingly measured by outcomes rather than products alone.

Equipment availability, maintenance efficiency, component life and operational performance all contribute to the success of an operation. Lubrication remains an important part of that equation, but it is most effective when integrated into a wider reliability strategy.

For Gons, this is where the industry is heading. "The conversation is no longer only about what's inside the drum," he says. "It's about how lubrication, technical expertise and maintenance practices work together to support equipment performance and operational success."

As mining operations continue to focus on productivity, asset management and risk reduction, the role of lubrication is expanding beyond product supply and becoming an increasingly important contributor to long-term reliability.

Continuing the Conversation at Electra Mining Africa 2026

Mining professionals interested in discussing these challenges with Dave Gons and the FUCHS Mining team can visit FUCHS at Electra Mining Africa 2026 in Hall 6 (previously Hall 5), Stand C21.

For more information explore FUCHS Mining Lubrications Solutions online, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect via WhatsApp on 071 861 8844.