Fibreglass Strengthens Mines: Economic Benefits of GRP Grating in Mining Environment

The evolution of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) grating and structural products has played a pivotal role in advancing the infrastructure of the mining industry. The combination of GRP’s lightweight design, high strength, corrosion resistance, and durability allows GRP products to outperform traditional materials such as steel and other metals.

This structural evolution enhances occupational safety, reduces maintenance demands, and prolongs the life of mining platforms, walkways, handrails, guardrails, and other critical components. Its unique composition offers resistance to chemicals, eliminates rust, is thermally and electrically non-conductive, and reduces slippage. Its ease of installation and customisable configurations make it a cost-effective and sustainable choice. GRP grating and structural products stand as transformative solutions, optimising mining environments for efficiency, longevity, and occupational health and safety. 

Economic Benefits of GRP Grating Underground 

 Cost-Efficiency

Fibreglass grating's cost-efficiency stems from its durable composition, reducing replacement and maintenance expenses. Its lightweight nature facilitates easy installation and transportation - lowering labour, shipping, installation, and maintenance costs. Additionally, its resistance to corrosion and long lifespan contribute to sustained savings over traditional materials. 

 On-Site Fabrication Facility

The composition of GRP grating permits on-site fabrication, allowing crews to adapt to specific mining project needs. This eliminates complex pre-fabrication, minimises transportation challenges, and accelerates installation. The ability to customise dimensions and shapes on-site enhances efficiency, reduces lead times, and ensures a precise fit - making GRP an adaptable solution for the mining industry applications. 

 Longevity

GRP grating offers exceptional longevity due to its resistance to the effects of corrosive chemicals and physical wear. Unlike traditional materials like steel, it maintains its structural integrity over time, reducing replacement frequency. The reduced wear and tear over the lifespan of the application translates to minimised downtime, lower maintenance costs, extended lifespan, and sustained performance, ensuring long-term value. 

Corrosion-Resistance 

The inherent corrosion resistance property of GRP grating arises from its non-metallic composition. It remains unaffected by corrosive substances, moisture, and harsh chemicals. This property ensures a prolonged service life, making it a reliable choice for the mining industry which is prone to rust-related challenges. 

 Slip-Resistance 

GRP grating offers excellent slip resistance due to its textured surface, open spaces, and design features. Even in wet or oily conditions, the anti-slip properties provide a secure footing for workers. This feature enhances safety, preventing accidents and injuries in industrial settings. 

 Non-Conductivity

Because GRP products are made by saturating and surrounding glass fibres with a plastic resin, the final product is insulated – reducing thermal conductivity. Furthermore, both glass and plastic are electrically non-conductive materials – making the resulting GRP products electrically non-conductive. These electrically non-conductive products enhance occupational safety for workers in the mining industry environments which are quite prone to electrical hazards. 

Low Transportation Costs

GRP's lightweight properties significantly slash transportation costs. Its lightweight properties allow for ease of handling and decrease fuel consumption during shipping. This advantage not only lowers expenses but also supports eco-friendly practices, making GRP a pragmatic choice for cost-effective and sustainable transportation solutions. 

Ease of Installation 

GRP grating's lightweight design and modular construction facilitate easier installations. Its manageable weight simplifies handling and reduces labour demands. With options for various attachment methods, such as clips or bolts, GRP grating offers a streamlined installation process, saving time and effort in diverse mining operations and processes. 

Fibergrate GRP Products adhere to rigorous OSHA standards - ensuring occupational safety for workers and site compliance. Fibergrate's full range of services and expertise streamlines the entire process, from material selection to final setup, enhancing efficiency. Our GRP gratings boast durability, corrosion resistance, and structural integrity, fulfilling OSHA's regulations criteria. 

Ready to make the switch to Fibergrate GRP products, for lasting value and compliance with OSHA standards, to transform your mining operation? Click below to explore our GRP solutions and take a step towards a safer, cost-effective, and sustainable mining environment.