Brazil MRT Inspection: Mine Wire Ropes
08 APRIL 2025
Motive inspection services in Brazil: MRT for mine stage and kibble winders wire ropes
At Motive we’re used to dusty boots and heavy machinery, but this recent Certification & Inspection wire inspection work scope at the UMS Group (United Mining Services) project site at a copper mine shaft in Bahia State, Brazil was one of our more unusual job locations of late.
The Motive Do Brasil Ltda team, led by Operations Manager Luis Ferrari, were contracted by our client UMS Group in Brazil to inspect the stage winder and kibble winder wire ropes, with diameters of 38mm and 40mm.
Navigating the constraints of active mining operations required our team to be exceptionally adaptable, seizing windows of opportunity to conduct inspection works.
Timing was everything. We had to be very flexible onsite, working around the mine schedule, and ready to seize any gap in operations to conduct our inspections.
This was a very interesting job, in a pretty unique location, and working closely with our client we had excellent communication and coordination throughout ensuring everything ran very smoothly.
- Luis Ferrari, Operations Manager (South America) @ Motive Offshore Group
Magnetic Rope testing (MRT) was carried out using one of Motive’s fleet of specialist MRT machines, in this case utilising an LMA175.
This is the second occasion that Motive has conducted Electro-Magnetic Rope Tests on our Project, and I can, with confidence, say that the tests carried out was on par and to a satisfactory level. The testing methods and reports are of international quality and very informative. This is crucial for any Engineer as these reports give a true reflection of the state of the Steel Wire Rope.
It is a pleasure working with Luis and he demonstrated his commitment by adopting his working hours to suit our production, thus minimum disruption to our schedule.
- John Pretorius, Project Engineer @ UMS Group (United Mining Services), Brazil
Carried out routinely, the MRT method of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) actively monitors wire sustainability throughout its service lifetime, gathering a valuable record of wire condition. Regular inspections to analyse for flaws or loss of metallic cross-sectional area (LMA) caused by deterioration or wear and tear help inform a proactive, scheduled replacement programme.
Committed to providing our clients with cost-effective solutions for maximising rope safety and performance whether on a vessel or in a mine, Motive has significantly invested in renowned NDT technologies wire rope inspection equipment, delivering MRT and Electromagnetic (EMAG) for rope diameters up to 165mm, and we can carry out wire rope pressure lubrication within the same operation.
Brazil's vast energy resources and growing commitment to both sustainable energy and responsible decommissioning make it a cornerstone of Motive’s global growth strategy. We're invested in Brazil, dedicated to delivering safe, sustainable and long-term operational excellence.
- Jonny Watt, Americas Regional Director @ Motive Offshore Group
Motive offers a comprehensive range of Inspection Services in Brazil, and across the globe, ensuring client assets remain legally compliant and in optimal condition, maximising workplace safety.