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Best Practices for Tracking Mining Tools & Materials
May 7, 2025
Mining operations depend on tools, consumables, and materials that support drilling, blasting, hauling, maintenance, and production activities. Because mining sites are large, remote, and busy, tools and materials are easily misplaced, hoarded, or wasted.
Effective tracking helps mining companies reduce loss, improve safety, streamline logistics, and ensure crews always have what they need.
This article outlines the best practices for tracking tools and materials in mining environments, supported by modern asset management strategies.
Why Tracking Tools & Materials Is Challenging in Mining
Large, Dynamic Work Areas
Mining operations cover vast distances with multiple active zones.
Challenges
Tools left behind during shift changes
Materials scattered across pits and workshops
Loss during transportation
Summary: Tracking ensures visibility across the entire site.
High Tool Turnover in Harsh Environments
Mining tools face dust, moisture, vibration, and constant movement.
Common Issues
Premature wear
Misplacement
Damage unnoticed until needed
Summary: Consistent tracking prevents unexpected downtime.
Materials Move Constantly Between Teams
Blasting materials, maintenance parts, and consumables are shared across crews.
Problems
Difficulty determining stock levels
Excessive reordering
Hoarding of supplies
Summary: Tracking materials reduces waste and eliminates shortages.
Lack of Accountability
Shared tools are often misplaced due to unclear ownership.
Issues
Tools not returned
Missing equipment goes unnoticed
No record of last user
Summary: Accountability reduces equipment loss.
Outdated Manual Systems
Paper logs are unreliable in dusty, outdoor mining environments.
Problems
Inaccurate numbering
Smudged or lost records
No real-time visibility
Summary: Digital systems withstand challenging conditions.
Best Practices for Tracking Mining Tools & Materials
Label All Tools with Durable QR or Barcode Tags
Industrial QR codes survive mining conditions and enable instant identification.
Benefits
Fast scanning
Clear assignment history
Easy access to tool specifications
Summary: QR tags form the foundation of modern tool tracking.
Use Check-In/Check-Out Workflows for Accountability
Technicians scan tools when borrowing or returning them.
Helps
Track last user
Reduce loss
Improve responsibility
Summary: Simple workflows prevent tools from disappearing.
Assign Tools to Crews, Locations, or Vehicles
Tools can be allocated to specific pits, workshops, or service trucks.
Advantages
Prevents cross-site confusion
Helps supervisors monitor inventory
Improves equipment distribution
Summary: Assignments ensure tools stay where they belong.
Digitise Material Inventory Tracking
Mining materials include parts, lubricants, bolts, explosives components, and wear items.
Digital Inventory Helps
Maintain accurate stock levels
Prevent stockouts
Eliminate surplus or expired inventory
Summary: Digital tracking reduces waste and ensures readiness.
Implement Pre-Shift and Post-Shift Inspections
Track tool condition and material usage each shift.
Supports
Safety compliance
Repair planning
Operational consistency
Summary: Inspections keep teams prepared and equipment safe.
Use Real-Time Visibility for High-Value Items
Some mining tools and materials require closer monitoring.
Examples
Hydraulic torque tools
Drilling consumables
PPE stock
Electrical testing devices
Summary: Tracking protects expensive and safety-critical equipment.
Set Up Tool Rooms or Controlled Storage Areas
Centralised storage prevents tool scatter.
Benefits
Faster tool retrieval
Better organisation
Clear inventory control
Summary: Structured storage improves efficiency across shifts.
Record Condition Reports with Photos
Technicians log equipment damage as soon as it’s detected.
Prevents
Safety risks
Unexpected failures
Misuse of damaged tools
Summary: Photo documentation supports rapid maintenance response.
Practical Example: Improving Tool Tracking at a Mining Site
A mining company operating multiple pits struggled with tool and material loss.
Before
Tools left behind after night shift
Materials frequently overordered
No accountability for shared high-value tools
Maintenance delays due to missing items
After Implementing Digital Tool & Material Tracking
QR tags added to all tools
Check-in/check-out systems introduced
Inventory levels tracked in real time
Condition reports supported proactive maintenance
Outcome: Tool loss dropped 50%, materials waste decreased, and maintenance productivity improved significantly.
How MapTrack Helps Mining Operations Track Tools & Materials
MapTrack provides a mining-ready asset management platform designed for rugged environments.
QR & Barcode Scanning
Technicians scan tools to see details, assignments, and history.
Real-Time Tool & Material Visibility
Track distributed inventory across pits, workshops, and vehicles.
Digital Checklists & Condition Reports
Technicians document tool health with photos and structured workflow.
Assignments for Teams, Locations, or Equipment
Control who uses what and where it’s located.
Summary: MapTrack improves accountability, reduces loss, and streamlines operations across mining projects.
FAQ
What mining tools are most commonly lost?
Hand tools, hydraulic wrenches, testing equipment, PPE, and drilling consumables.
Can QR codes withstand mining environments?
Yes—industrial-grade labels are dustproof, waterproof, and abrasion-resistant.
Does digital tracking reduce material waste?
Absolutely—real-time inventory prevents overordering and stockouts.
How does tracking improve equipment readiness?
It ensures tools are available, inspected, and assigned correctly.
Can MapTrack track consumables and materials?
Yes—MapTrack supports both tools and material inventory.
Does this help with safety compliance?
Yes—checklists and reporting improve inspection accuracy and documentation.
Conclusion & Actionable Takeaways
Mining companies can improve operations by:
Labeling tools with durable QR tags
Using check-in/check-out workflows
Assigning tools to crews and locations
Tracking material inventory digitally
Performing shift-based inspections
Recording condition reports
Monitoring high-value tools
MapTrack helps mining operations track tools and materials with a single system that improves visibility, accountability, and efficiency across the entire site.
