Mine Supply Company and ABC Ventilation Systems
Mine Supply Company has been working with Saskatchewan’s potash operations since 1966, when owners Jim Balfour and Warren Champ joined forces to answer the need for a regional mine supplier. While the company initially focused on consumables, they soon moved into equipment, ventilation, ground support, and more – continually updating the product line in order to provide the most innovative and cost-effective solutions for clients working in a variety of conditions across the province. What has remained constant is an unwavering commitment to quality and efficiency – this has increased the importance of close relationships with Mine Supply’s premium brands. In touch with operators at all Saskatchewan mining locations, the Mine Supply team acts as boots on the ground, working with clients to understand particular operating issues in order to aid manufacturers in developing the best possible solutions.
ABC Ventilation Systems and Mine Supply Company have worked in this way since ABC was first founded in 1968 by Darryl Yausie. This legacy relationship has led to the development of numerous innovations designed specifically for the region’s mines. Miners in Saskatchewan’s potash region know the particular need for abrasion resistance – ABC Ventilation’s premium product was created in response to the demands of this environment. A vertically-integrated manufacturer of flexible and semi-rigid polymer products and air distribution systems for mine and tunnel ventilation, ABC Ventilation controls production from start to finish. The company’s premium lines include the renowned FlexLine (Minevent, Twinduct, Mineduct) and Hardline (Max, Oval, PRO) performance ducting plus all the necessary accessories; Ventilation Control Solutions (brattice, curtains, inflatables); and Ventilation Fan Systems (fans, silencers, dedusters and integrated cassette options).
Always ahead of the game, ABC Ventilation was the first to utilize 100% virgin PVC (i.e. no recycled material from unknown sources) in production, and to eliminate phthalates from its plasticizers. This means that underground workers breathe the cleanest, safest air possible. “Miners depend on our ducting to provide the clean air they breathe,” says Derrick Ryce, Western Regional Manager – Canadian Mining, ABC Ventilation. “We take this responsibility very seriously.”
The manufacturer is also committed to meeting or exceeding client expectations related to sustainability and the environment. ABC Ventilation sources the best possible raw material, produces the fabric, and coats it in their facility in Saskatoon. Every product goes through a rigorous quality control system in the ABC’s state-of-the-art, MSHA-certified lab.
“Every mine in the world is concerned about rising energy costs and carbon taxes,” says Kevin Carriere, Mine Supply Company’s ventilation expert. “ABC has invested millions of dollars to develop the most efficient technology – superior quality, low friction, low leakage – in order to deliver air further down the line, without increasing the demand for power. This is the best product out there.”
Carriere also stresses the unique advantages of a regional, integrated manufacturer. “ABC controls the whole manufacturing process, which minimizes both supply and logistical risks overall, and ensures faster delivery at a lower freight cost. And their quality control is unparalleled.”
As with all of its products, the Mine Supply Company team remains connected with end-users at site, working with clients to develop the best solutions for site-specific issues, all the while keeping the clients’ production goals front of mind. With over 100 years of combined operations, sales and procurement experience, the team knows the value of premium products, and the importance of examining the total cost of ownership of a good.
“It’s so much more than the base price,” says Carriere. “We need to consider the principal cost of the good, then the cost of freight, and the cost of maintaining that good over the life cycle of either the asset or the mine’s production run,” says Carriere. “Our ultimate goal is to minimize down time and maximize production time for our clients. Our relationships with our clients and vendors, and commitment to quality products helps to ensure that.”
To find out more about this Saskatchewan company and its premium product lines, connect with the team at sales@minesupplyco.com or call 306-653-1056