Mining Industry – Rugged Power & Automation Solutions for Alberta and B.C.
Mining in Alberta and British Columbia demands equipment that can survive extreme conditions. Open‑pit and underground mines face dust, moisture, vibration, long operating hours and sometimes high altitudes. Crossman Automation has been supporting Western Canada’s mining sector for decades, supplying and integrating heavy‑duty motors, variable‑frequency drives (VFDs) and power‑transmission components that maximize uptime and improve efficiency. From coal and potash to metals and aggregates, we understand the challenges of crushing, grinding, conveying and pumping ore in some of the harshest environments in North America.
Motors Designed for Mining Environments
Electric motors are integral to every stage of mineral extraction and processing. They must provide high starting torque to break large rock, run continuously at full load and survive dust, moisture and temperature swings. Crossman partners with industry leaders like ABB/Baldor‑Reliance and U.S. Motors to supply motors purpose‑built for mining applications.
Rugged construction: U.S. Motors’ CORRO‑DUTY line uses cast‑iron frames, corrosion‑resistant paint, shaft slingers and zinc‑plated hardware to protect internal components from dust and chemicals, while stainless steel nameplates and precision balancing reduce vibration. These features ensure long life in the harshest mining environments.
Energy efficiency and VFD compatibility: Premium‑efficiency motors reduce life‑cycle costs and comply with North American and European regulations. U.S. Motors’ CORRO‑DUTY motors meet NEMA Premium efficiency standards.
Flexibility: Mining sites require motors for crushers, conveyors, mills, pumps, fans and hoists. U.S. Motors supplies CORRO‑DUTY motors from 1–300 hp, available in NEMA or IEC configurations, 2/4/6 poles and multiple mounting styles. Vertical solid shaft motors up to 5 000 hp are available for water and slurry pumps, ensuring proper thrust handling in high‑head pumping applications.
Variable‑Frequency Drives (VFDs) Boost Productivity
Mining operations benefit immensely from variable‑frequency drives. VFDs modulate motor speed and torque to match process demands, saving energy and reducing wear. West River Conveyors notes that variable‑speed conveyors allow you to fine‑tune belt speed, reduce power consumption and minimize equipment strain during start‑up and slow‑down. Matching conveyor speed with material flow reduces energy use and operational costs, and smooth acceleration/deceleration reduces wear on belts, pulleys and bearings.
VFDs are used across mining applications:
Conveyors: VFDs maintain a steady conveyor speed even as the load changes, ensuring consistent throughput and preventing jams and spills. Operators can adjust speed to match production rates or handle different ore types.
Crushers and mills: Variable‑speed control enables crushers, ball mills and sag mills to adapt torque to the material being processed, maximizing crushing efficiency and preventing stalls. This leads to higher throughput and reduced energy consumption.
Drilling and tunneling: Variable‑speed drills adjust torque and speed to the material being drilled, optimizing penetration and reducing wear on bits.
Pumps, fans and compressors: VFD control allows pumps to run only as fast as necessary for dewatering, slurry handling or ventilation, saving significant energy. Fans and compressors also benefit from matching speed to demand.
Crossman Automation is a full‑line supplier of Danfoss and Vacon drives. Our engineers select the right VFD for your motor and application, program acceleration/deceleration rates and safety features, and integrate drives with existing controls. We design drive panels with NEMA 3R/4 enclosures, dust filters and cooling for mine environments and ensure they meet CSA or ATEX hazardous location standards if required. Because drives can introduce voltage spikes that damage motor windings and bearings, we specify inverter‑duty motors and install protective features such as shaft grounding rings and insulated bearings to mitigate bearing currents.
Power‑Transmission, Clutches and Brakes
Mines rely on rugged power‑transmission components to transfer torque and protect equipment. Crossman supplies gearboxes, couplings, clutches and brakes designed for heavy loads and harsh conditions. Our partnership with Nexen provides torque limiters, brakes and clutch‑brakes with simple, durable designs. Nexen’s heavy‑duty air‑engaged clutches and brakes deliver faster response times, higher torque and longer life than conventional units. Torque limiters protect crushers, mills and conveyors from overload by disengaging the drive during jams, while tooth clutches and coupling systems ensure smooth engagement and allow for maintenance without removing heavy drivetrains. We integrate these components into complete motor‑and‑drive packages to ensure reliable material handling with minimal downtime.
Integrated Solutions from a Local Partner
Crossman Automation differentiates itself by offering complete systems—motors, drives, gear reducers, clutches and controls—from a single source. Our engineers evaluate your mining operation, considering factors like elevation, ambient temperature, dust exposure and load profiles. We then select the right combination of motor, VFD and transmission components, design control panels with proper ingress protection and cooling, and oversee installation and commissioning. We also provide operator training and preventive maintenance services to maximize equipment life and performance.
Because we are headquartered in Edmonton and serve clients throughout Alberta and B.C., you benefit from local inventory and responsive support. We hold stock of common motor frames, VFDs and replacement parts, reducing lead times. Our field service technicians are available to troubleshoot, program drives or perform repairs on site. We also offer remote monitoring solutions via ABB Ability™ Smart Sensors, allowing predictive maintenance and minimizing unscheduled downtime.
Why Choose Crossman Automation for Mining?
Experience & expertise: Decades of supplying electrical and automation solutions to Western Canada’s mines mean we understand the unique challenges of both surface and underground operations.
Rugged products: Our motors feature cast‑iron construction, high‑torque designs, high service factors and IP55/IP66 protection; CORRO‑DUTY motors add corrosion‑resistant paint, shaft slingers and stainless steel hardware.
Energy efficiency: Premium‑efficiency motors and VFDs reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Complete systems: We provide all the components—motors, VFDs, gearboxes, clutches, brakes and controls—from leading brands like U.S. Motors, Danfoss, Nexen, Brook Crompton, WEG and Parkhaven. Everything works together seamlessly because we take single‑source responsibility.
Local support: With an Edmonton base and strong supplier relationships, Crossman offers quick access to parts, custom modifications and on‑site service.
Let’s Power Your Mine
Whether you operate a coal mine in the foothills, a potash plant near Saskatoon, or a hard‑rock mine in British Columbia’s mountains, Crossman Automation can help. We’ll specify the right heavy‑duty motors and VFDs to handle high starting torques, design drive panels to cope with dust and temperature extremes, and integrate reliable power‑transmission components to protect your equipment. Contact us today to discuss your mining project and learn how Crossman’s rugged, efficient solutions can help you maximize production, reduce downtime and achieve long‑term operational success.