Copper Mine Durable Lights in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Completion date: July 2021

Location: Lubumbashi,RDC

Project Overview

The copper mining project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) was compelled to suspend operations in 2021 to address critical maintenance needs and update various systems and equipment. As with all mining operations, ensuring reliable lighting is essential for the smooth operation of machinery and overall site safety.

The mine's shovels, along with other areas around the site, were originally outfitted with LED lights from a renowned U.S.-based lighting company. These lights, installed on their fleet of forklifts, were projected to last over eight years. However, after only six months, the lights began to fail, leading to operational interruptions, increased safety risks, and growing frustration among the operators.

Solution

Seeking a solution, the operators examined the lighting success of a nearby coal mine in RDC. They discovered that the key difference was the use of LSLEDS floodlights on the coal mine equipment.Consequently, the electrical team at the copper mine replaced the faulty lights with LS-FLN fixtures.

Since transitioning to LS floodlights, the copper mine has experienced zero downtime due to lighting failures. Operators noted a significant improvement in performance, thanks to the robust housing design that ensures durability and impact resistance. This eliminated the issue of lights being damaged upon impact. Moreover, the increased lumen output of the LS-FLN fixtures greatly enhanced visibility across the site, improving operational efficiency, productivity, and overall safety.

Outcome

Since the successful LED retrofit, word of Lsleds Light solution spread rapidly. Today, these advanced lights have been deployed on more than five hundred pieces of equipment across 10 different mining sites throughout the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC). Their widespread adoption underscores the reliability and performance of Lsleds Light technology in demanding mining environments.