Belzona interviewed Mr. Wilson and Mr. Matheus Santos, two Consultants for Hita, Brazil’s Belzona Distributor. Wilson is the top Belzona Consultant in the world having sold close to $6 million (US dollars) just last year. His son, Matheus followed his father’s footsteps and became a Belzona Consultant. Both are successful individuals with vast knowledge about Belzona and the solutions they deliver to mining operations in their territory in Brazil.
During this interview, we asked them about the challenges they face as Consultants and Hita. We also focus on a repair system they use to repair and rebuild bases for equipment in mining operations susceptible to vibration and movement.
What industries or types of mines do your services primarily cater to?
Matheus: Today, our services primarily cater to large copper and iron mines. We also service ferrosilicon, manganese, and nickel mines.
Can you provide an example of a project where your company had to deal with a significant issue, such as the failure of anchoring systems, and explain how your solutions, such as abrasion-resistant systems, have been beneficial at mining sites?
Wilson: We frequently work on anchoring systems for equipment foundations. This is especially true for vibratory equipment such as screens, crushers, slurry pumps, and more.
One recent example, which had a problem with the failure of anchor bolts in a structure over 240 meters (787 ft) long. We had to redo the anchoring of 276 bolts, creating 276 5 cm (1.9 in) holes, 300 mm (11.8 in) deep, for 5/8 in (1.6 cm) bolts. We also repaired the entire metallic structure of the conveyor belt.
In addition, we’ve seen growth in abrasion-resistant systems. These are in use at iron mines, but even more so at copper mines. Our work with Belzona 1812 has been yielding positive and interesting returns for the company.
What are some of the significant challenges you face in your work, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Wilson: Just like any other job, our work presents significant challenges. However, no obstacle can’t be overcome with determination. Our current challenge is substantial, as we need to navigate distances ranging from 65 km to 125 km (40 miles to 77 miles) to reach the mines. Looking ahead, one of the most daunting tasks is in a hydropower dam project. This large-scale endeavor involves the coating of turbine blades. We hope to have Belzona’s support in tackling this task.
Matheus: Today, the biggest challenge in the mining industry is minimizing shutdown time. Although it’s a significant issue, it can also be seen as an opportunity for us. Our product, with its fast-curing time, coupled with our team’s excellent application skills, provides a fantastic solution for our customers. Another challenge is solidifying our contract with one of the largest Mines. We started with a small contract at the Mine but turning it into a substantial one like we did at other large mines is a considerable challenge we face. Therefore, enhancing collaboration among Hita, Belzona, WS, and ECR to deliver consistent services in our region, and strengthening partnerships with our customers, is crucial.
Can you describe an instance where you faced a significant challenge in your work, and how you managed to overcome it?
Matheus: The primary crusher’s application is mainly for crushing concrete foundations, which we have been doing for a long time. It was a significant challenge but yielded a good return, especially in our corporate relationship with a mining operation facility.
The equipment weighs 346 metric tons (381 US tons) and operates with a load of 3,333 metric tons (3,674 US tons). However, due to some operational issues, its foundation failed. As a result, we had to disassemble the equipment, as it’s too large to handle like pumps. We removed all loose concrete until we reached the sound part of the structural steel. After cleaning and decontaminating the steel, we created all the molds, performed the sealings, and then applied them. It was a successful application that brought good returns. Shortly after, we returned to complete the entire base. That was the process in a nutshell.
Could you detail the features and uses of Belzona 4111 and 4151, particularly their role in anchoring equipment foundations and effectiveness under challenging conditions like vibrating bases?
Wilson: We used our high-tech concrete, Belzona 4111 and Belzona 4151. Primarily, these two products have been utilized for anchoring equipment foundations and have shown excellent results in mining operations.
Matheus: The key distinction of our product lies in its versatility. Despite challenges in mold creation, we’ve developed a product that can be used in both rebuilding and self-leveling applications. It excels at penetrating small cracks due to its fluid consistency. Additionally, it boasts superior mechanical properties, including excellent adhesion to existing concrete and steel, as well as high resistance and toughness. We understand that under ideal conditions, a crusher is supported by its anchor bolts over the base, which can vibrate. However, loosening can occur for various reasons. Rest assured, Belzona 4111 and Belzona 4151 have the necessary resistance to meet the demands of this service.
What are your feelings about the opportunity provided by Belzona, and how would you describe the presence and support of Belzona in Brazil, especially in the mining sector?
Wilson: Thank you for this opportunity. As you’ve heard from us, we’re also interested in hearing from Belzona. We’re curious about your perspective on our team, Hita, and our work in the south of Pará, Brazil. We welcome suggestions on how we can improve. Similarly, we have ideas on how Belzona can enhance its operations, which we’ve discussed amongst ourselves.
Matheus: We would like to reiterate our thanks for the opportunity Belzona is providing us and reinforce that Belzona now has a Distributorship servicing the entirety of Brazil. Moreover, Belzona, Hita, WS, and ECT are present in the world’s largest mining operations. We want to make it very clear that the support and presence of Belzona there is consistent and full of integrity.
Digital Content Creator, Belzona Inc., Miami, Florida
