THE DURABILITY DIVIDEND: Built-to-last reduces total cost of ownership

Here are 10 reasons why RUSSELL Mill Relining Machines are trusted for reliability and durability:

#1: 40 years of OEM experience: Your advantage

When you buy a RUSSELL MRM, you inherit 40 years of RME DNA, matured and strengthened through 570+ MRMs delivered. Mill relining is not just what we do – it is all we do. This singular focus translates into a clear advantage for our Customers. For four decades, we have led with original thought, pouring expertise and investment into inventing and ever-improving the industry's most progressive and reliable mill relining technologies. We continuously leverage this experience to optimise every stage of the relining process, working relentlessly to eliminate risks to reline crews, reduce reline time and improve mill availability. Furthermore, RME's team of experts possesses deep knowledge and OEM experience in this specialised field. This expertise allows us to custom-engineer solutions for each specific mill’s needs. Every RUSSELL MRM is built on this foundation, guaranteeing solutions that are both time-tested and cutting-edge. Customers benefit from the proven reliability of the past while gaining access to the innovations of the future.

#2: Future-proofing for your growth

The future of mill relining is rapidly evolving with roboticisation poised to revolutionise the process by reducing and eliminating hazardous and manually-repetitive tasks. Mill operators can now control risks inside the mill by relining from outside the mill, improving both reline safety and speed. RME is both leading this change and making it accessible. Not only does our modular technology platform have future-proofing built in, our commercially-available RME Advanced Technology Mill Relining System allows mine sites to adopt these methods easily, and progressively, during planned maintenance windows. This flexibility ensures mill operators avoid being ‘locked-in’ to equipment that quickly becomes outdated. As new solutions emerge, our systems are integration-ready. RME also recognises that not every operation requires a fully-automated system, so our modular approach also allows for partial adoption of RME INSIDEOUT Technology. For example, even existing RUSSELL 7 and 8 MRMs in-the-field can be retrofitted with an innovative tool that eliminates hazardous manual liner slinging, and with it, the need for crew inside the mill during muck-out. This dramatically improves safety at a cost-effective price point. Having this ‘optionality’ ensures all mills can secure significant improvements risk exposure and relining efficiency, while extending asset utilisation, lifespan and ROI.

#3: The widest range of safety and performance upgrades

Mill operators can extend and optimise the performance of their mill relining equipment through RME’s extensive range of proprietary safety and productivity accessories and upgrades. These upgrades go beyond basic operation to enhance system reliability and strengthen machine durability. Upgrades like fit-for-purpose grapple attachments and asset protection gear to slow the rate of machine wear and tear and extend your asset’s operational life. Automation features and control upgrades work together to improve safety and ensure the RUSSELL MRM operates at peak performance for longer.

#4: Quality manufactured for harsh industrial environments

RME’s commitment to quality manufacturing and machine longevity starts with the materials we use. Our selection processes go simply beyond meeting standards – we source high-quality materials that will endure years of rugged operation and withstand harsh mineral concentrator plants. This meticulous approach extends throughout the manufacturing processes, incorporating advanced techniques and superior finished treatments with protective costings. The results? Machines that sustainably deliver decades of reliable service. Of course, proper care plays a role too. With regular inspections and preventive maintenance, RUSSELL MRMs will perform for many years to come. (Customers can read our ‘Best practice mill liner handler care and maintenance eBook’ for practical advice on extending the life of your RUSSELL Liner Exchange Machine)  

#5. Superior structural integrity

Mill operators cannot afford mill relining equipment failure mid-reline, so machine structural integrity is a paramount consideration. All RUSSELL MRMs structural materials and steels are certified, and their source are recorded. Complete records are retained by RME and available to our Customers at any time. All welding processes are prequalified and RME’s welding quality is legendary, both in its integrity and surface finishing. All machining processes are quality assured up to and including high-precision components, which are assessed by RME’s certified coordinate measuring machine which has micron accuracy.

#6: High-calibre hydraulics integrity for enhanced reliability and safety

RUSSELL MRMs robust hydraulic systems prioritise both operator safety and machine reliability. The foundation lies in high-quality, ISO-standard components that ensure system integrity. To further safeguard operators and machinery, RME has cleverly eliminated the presence of visible hydraulic hoses in the areas most susceptible to impact. Leveraging our 40 years of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) expertise, RUSSELL MRMs also incorporate multiple levels of design redundancy across all the hydraulic control systems. These protect against potential fault and failures, resulting in more robust and reliable control systems.  

#7: Rigorous power electrics standards

RUSSELL MRMs own the confidence of hundreds of mill operators because of their rigorous electrical safety standards and adherence to international regulations.  Every machine is meticulously engineered and manufactured to meet the specific electrical codes and standards as required. Our rigorous power electrics design process incorporates multiple layers of protection against electrical faults and failures. This includes using well-tested components and implementing alternate routing or separation strategies for critical circuits. Furthermore, we follow strict "Electrical Equipment for Machines" verification procedures to ensure all aspects of electrical integrity are addressed. Detailed documentation is maintained for each machine, providing a clear record of the design and safety measures implemented. 

#8: Intelligent electronic control design

The intelligent electronic control design of all RUSSELL MRMs places additional ticks in the ‘safety’ and ‘machine reliability’ boxes for mill operators.  We employ well-established safety principles and components to minimize inherent risks associated with electronic controls. Our development process rigorously addresses both random and systematic failures in critical controls like unexpected motion and load release. This proactive approach ensures exceptional reliability and minimises downtime. Redundant or dual-path circuits with alternate routing or separation strategies are implemented to resist common cause failures. This redundancy strengthens the overall system, maximising equipment performance and reliability.

#9: ‘Invented by RME’ and ‘Made in Australia’ engineering integrity

The safety of grinding mill relining personnel relies upon the engineering and manufacturing integrity of the equipment they operate. RUSSELL MRMs are custom-engineered and manufactured by our expert teams at our ISO-certified facilities in Australia. Not only do RUSSELL MRMs meet all necessary codes for the country in which they will operate, but they will exceed these standards with RME’s own rigorous structural integrity standards. This ensures exceptional performance and durability, even in the harshest of environments and variable operator handling practices.

#10: Premium corrosion protection: Built-to-last

Lower asset lifecycle costs are assured for mill operators when equipment is genuinely built-to-last and properly maintained. RUSSELL MRMs are required to survive life in mineral concentrators where acidic process waters and airborne contaminants present significant corrosion hazards and risk. All fabricated components are free from weld splatter, are grit-blasted and painted independently, inside and out, prior to machine assembly. All smaller parts are either stainless steel or plated, ensuring high performance even in the harshest of environments.