Rich with valuable minerals and resources, the bountiful red earth of the Pilbara region in Western Australia is invariably a treasure trove for miners. However, when it comes to operating in the region, the severe environmental conditions are punishing on mining equipment without adequate protection against the elements. 

Protecting heavy industrial equipment against extreme temperatures and heavy loading requirements with oils, greases, and lubricants is the best way to prevent equipment downtime on mining operations. But for Australian miners, this problem is exacerbated by the dry, dusty, and extreme temperatures of outback country, where lubricated components often end up inoperable from being caked with red dirt, rust, and contaminants. 

Because many lubricants for the mining industry are developed by global oil companies on American or European soil, it can be difficult to find lubrication products that are tailored specifically toward local mining conditions. This was the platform on which Peter Vicary and his sons Ben and Andrew first established Gulf Western Oil (GWO) in 1988. 

From humble beginnings in Penrith, New South Wales, the company has established themselves as a leader in their field, supplying lubricants to the local market that focus on the Australian mining industry. And when it comes to helping miners go the distance on severe-duty mining applications, GWO leaves no stone, or wheel, unturned.

SUPERDRAULIC hydraulic oil for mining 

GWO’s SUPERDRAULIC range of anti-wear hydraulic fluids is formulated using advanced Zinc Dithiophosphate additive technology that provides superior protection against pump wear and excellent filterability. The formula maintains thermal stability, resisting water and releasing air with foaming and demulsifying properties that protect against corrosion. Available in ISO Viscosity Grades 15, 22, 32, 46, 68 and 100 and retaining good seal and paint compatibility, miners will find it hard to resist keeping SUPERDRAULIC products in rotation on site. 

BLACK TAK severe-duty grease

GWO’s BLACK TAK Molyplex Grease is a severe duty 5 per cent molybdenum disulfide lithium complex mining grease, specifically formulated for a wide range of mining equipment operating under heavy loads in the most difficult environments. BLACK TAK’s extreme pressure and anti-wear properties provide exceptional boundary lubrication under high load and shock loading conditions, from low temperature to very high temperature environments. When met with shear stability; combined with effective rust, oxidation and corrosion inhibitors; tackiness and adhesive additives; this grease is easily the preferred choice for mining equipment operators.

From their state-of-the-art blending facility, GWO has developed some of the most technologically advanced API (American Petroleum Institute) licensed and ISO 9001 quality assured severe-duty formulas available to the market. 

As a strategic supply partner to Motion Australia, GWO’s Australia-wide distribution network is unmatched by competitors. Their superior quality diesel engine oils, petrol engine oils, hydraulic oils, gear lubricants, transmission fluids, aerosols, coolants and cleaners, have consistently attained high approval rating from OEMs, both locally and globally. With the products being attributed to increased performance, extended equipment life and significant cost savings for mining operators.   

GWO BLACK TAK Severe-Duty Grease Features and Benefits

 • Extreme pressure, boundary protection and anti-wear properties

• Excellent resistance to water spray off and wash out

• Protection against rust, oxidation and wear assisting trouble-free operation

• Contains an optimised level of Molybdenum Disulphide to protect against impact, sliding mechanisms and assist extended lubrication intervals

GWO SUPERDRAULIC Hydraulic Oil Features and Benefits

• Improved equipment life and decreased downtime due to superior wear and corrosion protection

• Enhanced chemical and thermal stability provides long fluid life and permits higher operating temperatures

• Air release and antifoam properties to prevent cavitation and oxidation

• Filterability even when contaminated, thereby preventing filter blockages 

• Enhanced low frictional characteristics to prevent ‘stick slip’