25 Years of Safe, Reliable Relining: How Geita Gold Mine has grown with RME

From the start of operations, Geita has worked with RME to support safe and efficient mill relining. One of the site’s original RUSSELL Mill Relining Machines remains in service today, a strong reflection of both the durability of RME equipment and the care, discipline and pride shown by the Geita team over many years. 

During a recent visit to RME, long-serving Geita personnel shared how their relining capability has developed over time, and why strong maintenance practices, practical training and a safety-first mindset continue to underpin their success. 

The visiting team brought decades of hands-on experience operating and maintaining relining equipment in a demanding concentrator environment. Their insights highlighted the importance of strong maintenance practices, practical training and a safety-first mindset in achieving long-term relining success.

A culture built on care, consistency and pride

At Geita, relining equipment is treated as a long-term asset, not a short-term tool. 

That mindset is clear in the way the site operates. Equipment is maintained in line with OEM guidance, daily inspections are completed with discipline, servicing cycles are followed, and inventory is managed proactively. 

This is not accidental. It is the result of a culture where reliability is built day by day through care, consistency and accountability. 

The continued operation of one of Geita’s original RUSSELL Mill Relining Machines is a practical example of what can be achieved when equipment is used correctly, maintained properly and respected by the people who rely on it.

Training that happens before, during and after shutdowns

One of the strongest messages from the Geita team was that training is not treated as a one-off event. It is part of the whole shutdown lifecycle. 

“We bring technicians before the shutdown for pre-checks… during the shutdown they are there with us… and after the shutdown, it’s also part of training.” 

“Even during troubleshooting, our team learns by working alongside the RME Customer Support Technicians.” 

At Geita, training happens during pre-shutdown preparation, live shutdown execution and post-shutdown review. Operators and technicians work alongside RME Customer Support Technicians, building confidence and capability through real work, shared problem solving and practical experience.

Reducing fatigue through better technology

Geita’s relining practices have evolved significantly over the years, particularly as newer RME technologies have been introduced. 

In earlier relining methods, crews were required to perform repeated physical hammering, placing considerable strain on the body. Today, advanced recoilless hammer technology has changed that experience for operators.

Systems such as the THUNDERBOLT MAGNUM Recoilless Hammer help reduce the physical demands of liner removal by improving impact performance, control and repeatability.

For the Geita team, the benefits are clear:

• Reduced physical strain
• Fewer repetitive movements
• Improved control during liner removal
• Better management of operator fatigue

This is where technology delivers real value. Productivity improves, but not at the expense of people. Instead, safer and more efficient tools help protect crews while supporting stronger shutdown performance.

Shutdown performance: where safety defines success

At Geita, shutdown success is measured through a clear lens: safety first, supported by disciplined time management. 

Safety is non-negotiable. Any incident can stop a shutdown, affect production and, most importantly, place people at risk. That is why safety is built into daily routines, from pre-start briefings and structured handovers to job safety analysis processes and clearly defined procedures. 

Time remains important, particularly within fixed shutdown windows. But it is managed alongside the most important goal: making sure every person returns home safely. 

This approach reflects what high-performing sites understand well. Strong safety performance is not separate from productivity. It is what makes consistent productivity possible.

Growing capability through partnership

As Geita looks ahead, the focus remains on continuous improvement. The team continues to explore technologies, tools and practices that can further improve safety, efficiency and asset performance. 

Areas of interest include advanced relining solutions, RME INSIDEOUT™ Technology and supporting accessories that improve asset protection and shutdown readiness. 

Importantly, Geita recognises that successful technology adoption depends on people as much as equipment. New systems need to be understood, trusted and embedded into site routines. 

This is where RME’s role extends beyond equipment supply. Through technical support, training, change management and ongoing service, RME helps sites adopt new capability with confidence while maintaining strong safety standards.

A long-term partnership delivering lasting value

Geita’s experience shows what is possible when the fundamentals of relining are applied consistently over time. 

• Equipment is maintained with discipline.
• Safety is built into every activity.
• Training is continuous and practical.
• Technology is adopted with purpose.
• OEM and site teams work together.

As the Geita team reflected:

With a strong foundation in place and decades of operation still ahead, Geita continues to demonstrate how best-practice relining delivers more than performance. It delivers lasting value through safer shutdowns, dependable assets and stronger site capability.

Strengthen your relining performance 

Whether the goal is to improve safety outcomes, reduce fatigue, extend asset life or strengthen shutdown execution, RME’s Site Service and Optimisation framework and the global Customer Support Technician network support Customers at every stage of the relining lifecycle.