Driving innovation in Saskatchewan potash Saskatchewan’s potash industry has for many decades
The two- and four-rotor boring machines have long been
been a stable and important element in our region’s econ-
the primary mining machines in the conventional Sas-
omy. Since 1965, Bit Service has been a strong supporter of
katchewan potash mining market. Instrumental in the cut-
this growth, as a locally owned and operated organization
ting and production of the ore are the radial bits on the
providing key elements to each operating mine’s under-
front of the machine and Bit Service saw a need for an
ground needs.
upgraded and purpose-built product in this area. Over
From humble beginnings, Bit Service provided service and boring machine bit sharpening, expanding capabilities shortly after with bit manufacturing, repair and cutting assembly fabrication services. Not long after, the high-quality products of long-established mining manufacturers Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co. and The Bowdil Company were brought onboard, aiding Bit Service to grow alongside the needs of the industry.
the course of decades and hundreds of prototypes, employing several different carbide grades and profiles, as well as dozens of braze formulas and procedures, a line of bits specific to the needs of Saskatchewan potash mining were refined and put into production. Technological innovations and robotics in the production methods have pushed the capabilities to new levels, and to this date, they are the most prominent and well-received bits in use in our province’s potash industry.
Cincinnati Conveyor Chain.
Bowdil Trim Chain.
The experienced and knowledgeable personnel at Bit Service work with mine staff and management to help eliminate problems they face with mine consumables and to maximize production. From the design stage, aided with 3-D modelling software, through production and warehousing they continually fulfill customer needs. Constantly striving to innovate and improve on the products they service and provide, Bit Service has seen 55 years of strong partnerships in Saskatchewan potash.
94 PotashWorks 2021
Robotic work cell in our production facility.
Building on the value provided to their mining customers, early in 2020 Bit Service finalized an agreement to be the exclusive distributor of Kennametal’s underground mining products for our Saskatchewan potash clients. Through the partnership with Bit Service, Kennametal is committed to providing superior products to the mining end user customers. In addition to providing a way to market, Kennametal looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Bit Service in order to support their lo-
