Abstract

Dramatic reduction in energy use and environmental impact can be achieved with Sandwich Belt high angle conveyors that are the vital link in any IPCC (In-Pit Crushing and Conveying) system.  These high angle conveyors are not new at all, but have not found wide use in IPCC systems where they can realize the greatest advantage.

IPCC systems were already realized in the 1970’s.  With bulk haulage by conventional conveyors, the most direct path out of the open pit was not possible.  A major study in 1979 sought to develop high angle conveying systems that could continuously haul the mined bulk material directly out of the pit, along the high wall - the shortest distance between the two end points.  Commercialization began in 1983.  Only the second commercial sale, in 1984, this high angle conveyor found use in the most rugged requirements of an IPCC system.  After more than 150 commercial installations, it remains arguably the most significant high angle conveyor.  The Majdanpek copper mine in Serbia decided to use a sandwich belt high angle conveyor to elevate primary crushed ore continuously, directly out of the pit, along the high wall to the pit perimeter.  It featured 2000mm wide belts elevating 250mm coarse ore, at 4000 t/h, over six 15-meter high benches, a total 90 meters of net lift.  Despite the great success at Majdanpek, its use has not been repeated as part of an IPCC system.

The high angle conveyor offers the link to optimization of any IPCC system, yet that industry continues to struggle with the use of conventional conveyors and haul trucks to achieve the high angle function.

The primary purpose of this writing is to demonstrate suitability for open pit mining applications.  Finally we ask why is this gift so often treated with such suspicion and then declined?