Compass Minerals has bought a new Cat 988 wheeled loader operations down the UK’s biggest salt mine, in Winsford.
However, the Cat 988 is a 51-tonne machine, with a maximum height of 7.5 metres with the bucket raised. Too big to get down the 4-metre by 4-metre mine shaft, the machine had to be stripped down and rebuilt underground after all the component parts had been lowered in turn.
Compass Minerals mechanical engineer Jamie Lennon said: “Our rock salt mine is the largest and oldest working mine in the UK, lying approximately 150 meters under the Cheshire countryside. When we were looking for machinery that could meet the demands of these unique working conditions, the Cat 988 ticked every box for the level of durability and capability we needed, especially as we approach the uplift in the seasonal demand for [road] salt as we look towards the UK winter season.”
Mike McGrady, area manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “Having to perform underground assembly does bring many additional variables to this delivery. We were able to mitigate some of these challenges by performing robust testing to ensure the machine will perform to our exact specifications before beginning the meticulous process of dismantling and transporting it underground.
“Delivering the parts for safe and efficient assembly by our field service engineers was our priority. The underground environment presents complex challenges including the risk of ground instability and accidents to limited visibility and manoeuvrability. However, the expertise and collaboration from both teams ensured a safe delivery and assembly, demonstrating the importance of having a reliable partner to mitigate risks and ensure operations remain safe, efficient, and sustainable.”
