A
major initial and ongoing cost component in many mining operations is that of
transporting mined materials and processed ore from the point of extraction or
processing to the next operation. For various reasons the transport distance can
be significant or in some cases the route may be particularly challenging. The
trend to higher production rates to gain economy of scale benefits and
capitalise on sales opportunities means that optimisation of transport can play
a significant part in profitability. Apart from the cost criteria, increasingly
there are other criteria such as environmental restraints, land ownership and
security of supply that can have a significant impact on determination of the
optimum route and transport vehicle. The paper aims to briefly highlight the
important selection criteria and the benefits and disadvantages of the most
commonly utilised transport vehicles. It then moves on to looking in more depth
at belt conveying, highlighting the unique capabilities of the Metso MRC Cable
Belt Conveyor system.