10 ways a tool store can boost uptime and safety on your mine site
Discover how an end-to-end tool store and asset management solution can benefit your operations
In mining, where operational delays can cost millions, the ability to access the right tools at the right time is more than a convenience – it’s a necessity. Increasingly, mine operators and maintenance contractors are turning to on-site tool stores to reduce downtime, improve safety and streamline shutdowns and maintenance projects.
A tool store is a dedicated, on-site facility that houses tools, equipment and consumables. Managed by trained personnel, it provides controlled access to essential gear, ensuring that workers can quickly and safely retrieve what they need. In remote or high-risk environments, tool stores act as a critical link in the supply chain – reducing reliance on off-site logistics and improving operational continuity.
Coates first introduced on-site tool stores in the 1960s, helping to halve shutdown times at major mine sites and industrial plants.
Today, Coates Industrial Solutions supports hundreds of shutdowns annually, offering fully managed tool stores equipped with hired and/or customer-owned tools, equipment and consumables, which are managed in real time via our proprietary SiteIQ asset management system.
“Tool stores are no longer just about tools and equipment – they’re about control, compliance and efficiency,” says Chris Wright, Acting Group Manager for Coates Industrial Solutions. “We’ve seen how a well-managed tool store can transform site performance, especially during high-pressure shutdowns.”
While Coates is known for our fully managed tool stores, we also supports customers who operate their own. For example, Coates helped Monadelphous optimise its large fleet of tools, equipment and consumables at various mine sites across the Pilbara by introducing SiteIQ and a team of Coates Tool Store Controllers to manage tool store operations.
“We were able to help Monadelphous improve visibility and control over their own tool store operations, optimise processes and find efficiencies through data and best practice principles,” says Chris. “It’s not just about supplying equipment – it’s about helping customers get the most out of what they already have.”
Here are 10 reasons to consider hiring a tool store for your next shutdown, maintenance or construction project.
1. Optimise tool fleet size
Knowing what you need, where, and when is key to avoiding over- or under-supply. Coates uses historical data, smart tech and industry insights to help you right-size your fleet, reducing hire costs and improving tool time.
2. Minimise unplanned downtime
Missing, damaged or uncertified tools or equipment can bring work to a halt. A managed tool store ensures the right equipment is available, maintained, certified and ready to use.
3. Centralise tool access
With multiple contractors on-site, a centralised tool store improves visibility and control over tool usage, helping teams avoid duplication, streamline returns and make better use of shared resources.
4. Reduce tool loss and damage
With tracking systems like Coates’ SiteIQ, every asset is logged, assigned and traceable to a mine employee or contractor – minimising loss and improving asset utilisation.
5. Improve safety and compliance
“Our experienced Tool Store Controllers manage inspections and maintenance, reducing risk for operators and supporting compliance,” says Chris.
6. Support remote operations
In remote locations, equipment delays can have a big impact. “An on-site tool store acts like a mini-Coates branch, strategically stocked using data-driven forecasting to ensure your team has the right gear,” says Chris.
7. Enable faster shutdowns and turnarounds
Shutdowns are high-pressure events where every minute counts. On-site tool stores reduce tool-related delays by streamlining access, improving coordination and ensuring vital equipment is always on hand and ready for use.
8. Reduce procurement complexity
Managing tool, equipment and consumables supply can be time-consuming for operators. “Coates simplifies this by handling both hired and customer-owned assets, consolidating logistics and reducing the administrative burden on your team,” says Chris.
9. Improve workforce productivity
When workers don’t have to search for tools or wait for replacements, they can stay focused on the job – improving tool time efficiency and boosting productivity.
10. Gain data-driven insights
With detailed reporting from systems like SiteIQ, you can make smarter decisions about current and future events. “Detailed reporting helps you to understand costs, timings and utilisation to find efficiencies and savings,” says Chris.
Whether you're planning a shutdown, managing a remote site or simply looking to improve processes, a managed tool store could help your mine site work smarter, safer and more efficiently.
Contact Coates Industrial Solutions to explore how a managed tool store can optimise your mining operations
Knowing what you need, where, and when is key to avoiding over- or under-supply. Coates uses historical data, smart tech and industry insights to help you right-size your fleet, reducing hire costs and improving tool time.
Missing, damaged or uncertified tools or equipment can bring work to a halt. A managed tool store ensures the right equipment is available, maintained, certified and ready to use.
With multiple contractors on-site, a centralised tool store improves visibility and control over tool usage, helping teams avoid duplication, streamline returns and make better use of shared resources.
With tracking systems like Coates’ SiteIQ, every asset is logged, assigned and traceable to a mine employee or contractor – minimising loss and improving asset utilisation.
“Our experienced Tool Store Controllers manage inspections and maintenance, reducing risk for operators and supporting compliance,” says Chris.
In remote locations, equipment delays can have a big impact. “An on-site tool store acts like a mini-Coates branch, strategically stocked using data-driven forecasting to ensure your team has the right gear,” says Chris.
Shutdowns are high-pressure events where every minute counts. On-site tool stores reduce tool-related delays by streamlining access, improving coordination and ensuring vital equipment is always on hand and ready for use.
Managing tool, equipment and consumables supply can be time-consuming for operators. “Coates simplifies this by handling both hired and customer-owned assets, consolidating logistics and reducing the administrative burden on your team,” says Chris.
When workers don’t have to search for tools or wait for replacements, they can stay focused on the job – improving tool time efficiency and boosting productivity.
With detailed reporting from systems like SiteIQ, you can make smarter decisions about current and future events. “Detailed reporting helps you to understand costs, timings and utilisation to find efficiencies and savings,” says Chris.
