Air Compressors in the Mining Industry
Compressed air plays an important role across the mining industry, supporting pneumatic tools, maintenance activities, exploration, processing and specialist applications.
For mining operations and contractors across Western Australia, reliability is particularly important. Equipment often operates in hot, dusty and demanding environments, a long way from parts and technical support.
At Nessco Pressure Systems, we work with mining companies and contractors to support their compressed air equipment throughout its working life. From scheduled servicing and compliance inspections to major overhauls, breakdown support and compressor rental, our team provides practical support on site and from our Welshpool workshop.
How is compressed air used in mining?
Each mine site is different, but mining operations use compressed air across a wide range of equipment and activities.
Depending on the operation, this can include:
- Pneumatic tools and equipment
- Exploration and drilling activities
- Maintenance workshops
- Cleaning and general plant maintenance
- Instrument and control air
- Abrasive blasting and surface preparation
- Processing and production equipment
- Breathing air systems
The compressor itself is only one part of the system. Air receivers, dryers, filtration, pipework and other air treatment equipment can all affect the reliability, quality and performance of the air supply.
For sites that rely heavily on compressed air, maintaining the complete system helps reduce unexpected downtime and keep equipment operating as intended.
Supporting mining compressors on site
Regular compressor servicing helps identify wear and developing problems before they lead to significant repairs or unplanned downtime.
Our technicians can attend mine sites across regional Western Australia for scheduled servicing, inspections, repairs and other compressed air work.
We service all major compressor brands and work with mining customers and contractors to plan servicing around their equipment, operating hours, site requirements and maintenance schedules.
This may include routine servicing and recommendations for worn parts or other maintenance our technicians identify during inspection.
Planning this work in advance also allows us to coordinate parts, labour and temporary air requirements before the service.
Major compressor overhauls and rebuilds
As compressors accumulate operating hours, routine servicing may no longer be enough to maintain their condition and performance.
Major overhauls and rebuilds allow us to complete more extensive work without replacing the entire compressor.
Nessco Pressure Systems carries out major compressor repairs, overhauls and rebuilds at our Welshpool workshop, where our technicians have access to the equipment and facilities needed for more involved work.
Depending on the compressor and its condition, our technicians may strip and inspect major assemblies, replace worn parts and complete other work needed to return the compressor to service.
For mining operations with established compressor assets, an overhaul can form part of a longer-term maintenance strategy and help extend equipment life.
Air receiver inspections for mine sites
Air receivers are pressure vessels and require appropriate inspection, maintenance and, where applicable, registration throughout their working life.
Australian Standards and WorkSafe WA requirements specify regular inspection requirements for pressure equipment within the relevant hazard classifications.
Nessco Pressure Systems conducts air receiver inspections and can assist mining companies and contractors with inspection requirements, documentation and WorkSafe WA registration.
Accurate records are particularly useful on sites with multiple compressors and receivers, where vessels may have different inspection and maintenance dates.
For more information about inspection intervals and requirements, see our Air Receiver Inspections page.
Breathing air testing
Some mine site compressed air systems also supply breathing air for activities such as abrasive blasting or work that requires respiratory protection.
When workers use compressed air for breathing, the quality of that air needs separate consideration from general-purpose compressed air.
Nessco Pressure Systems provides breathing air testing across WA. Testing can form part of a regular maintenance program alongside compressor servicing and filter replacement to help confirm the air supply meets the required standard.
We generally recommend breathing air testing every three to six months, depending on the application, working environment and site requirements.
You can find more information about testing requirements and what we test for on our Breathing Air Testing page.
Compressor rental for planned and unexpected requirements
Mine sites and contractors may need temporary compressed air for several reasons.
Scheduled maintenance or a major overhaul may take a compressor offline. A project or shutdown may require additional capacity. A breakdown may also create a need for temporary air while our technicians complete repairs or source replacement parts.
Our compressor rental fleet provides a flexible way to maintain air supply without purchasing additional equipment for a short-term requirement.
Nessco Pressure Systems offers rental compressors for short and longer-term requirements. Our team can help determine an appropriate unit based on pressure, air demand and application.
Breakdown support when something goes wrong
Even with regular servicing, compressor faults can occur.
Knowing the compressor make and model, operating hours, alarm or error code and what happened before the fault can help our service team begin troubleshooting before a technician attends.
Photos of the controller, data plate, visible leaks or other signs of the fault can also help.
Our technicians provide breakdown support for all major compressor brands. We can also provide rental equipment where temporary air is needed while we complete repairs.
For urgent breakdown assistance, call our service team directly.
Supporting mining companies and contractors across WA
Compressed air requirements can vary considerably between a mine site workshop, processing facility, exploration project and contractor working across multiple locations.
Our approach starts with understanding the equipment, application and site requirements rather than applying the same solution everywhere.
Nessco Pressure Systems supports mining companies and contractors with:
- On-site compressor servicing and repairs
- Planned preventative maintenance
- Major compressor overhauls and rebuilds
- Air receiver inspections and registration support
- Breathing air testing
- Compressor rental
- Breakdown support
- New compressors and compressed air equipment
- System upgrades and installations
- Compressed air audits and system advice
With more than 20 years supporting WA industry, our Perth-based team combines on-site support with the technical capability of our Welshpool service centre.
Need support with your minesite’s compressed air equipment?
Whether you are planning compressor maintenance, reviewing your air receiver inspection schedule, arranging breathing air testing or need support with an existing compressor, speak to our service team.
Call Nessco Pressure Systems on 1300 290 638 or contact us to discuss your compressed air requirements.
