The mining industry in many developing and third world countries has, over the last ten to fifteen years, undergone a great growth period. New methods of finding minerals have been discovered and it has caused old mines to be re-opened and new mines to begin. Mining involves a fairly simple principle of extracting minerals from the earth and refining this raw material to finish with an end product. These products, such as gold, silver, iron ore, copper or lead, are all very valuable in our world at present. The gold prices today are at record highs. This leads to many new mine companies starting up or old ones to go through rapid growth periods.
The primitive mining methods existent thousands of years ago, have now been replaced by new methods involving machines. People used to dig away at a mountain by hand or use of small hand implements. Then came the use of horses and animals as power, which made the work easier and more feasible. This was still not such a big deal until the invention of the combustion engine and therefore machines specifically designed for mining. Once this happened it changed dramatically dramatically.
These machines are used extensively today and are the backbone of the business. The mining techniques used vary greatly depending on the landscape or the location of the ore being extracted. Underground and open-cut are two main ways of mining. Underground mining requires special low height machines such as loaders, tippers and patrol cars. They can drive along tunnels of a very low height. Mining out in the open is done with many machines. Big bulldozers, drag-lines, tippers, excavators, graders and pile drivers. Many cars are also needed for a mine site to function properly.
When mining is in progress, the large company that normally has the mining rights, often employs many sub companies to do the actual excavating. These sub-contractors have a lot of the machines on a mine site. These machines are often leased. This means they are not owned by the contractors but borrowed off another company for use. This is quite a common practice and also a very well functioning one. It involves the companies paying rent money to have new and very valuable machines at their disposal. This is normally the way it has to be as no body can afford to capitally invest into so many machines. It works well because the machines are often newer and function better than older, more out-dated machines, that the people could afford.
This is great for all parties as it maximizes progress and everyone is making money. When the down-time and maintenance is reduced, then is it better for everyone. It is a good way for small businesses to start up and run. The idea has been around for some time and is very beneficial to profit making. Mining is an industry that never stops and this is a good way to help you out in these tough economic times.