Advances In Mobile Material Handling Systems For Mining Applications

Within the last few years, there have been numerous techno-logical advancements within material handling due, in part, to the introduction of conveying systems and mobile material handling systems to the industry. Although the traditional material handling methods are still commonly used, the introduction of conveyors to the industry has provided companies with some very efficient and economical options. These "new" systems change with the industry to accommodate rigorous demands, ease of operation, and low operating cost requirements. The number of mobile material handling systems utilized in mining operations is increasing, especially in heap leaching applications. Ten years ago, mobile material handling systems like Mobile Stacking Conveyors (MSC) were considered a novelty. There were two (2) MSC's in actual operation and only one of those in a heap leaching application. Today there are numerous proven systems operating at mine sites around the world-La Coipa, Zaldivar, Florida Canyon, Cananea, El Abra, Chuquicamata, and Radomiro Tomic. The popularity of mobile systems is due to the benefits realized by individual projects. As technology advances, so do the concepts behind mobile material handling systems. Implementing self leveling mechanisms, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Global Positioning Systems to control the equipment are just a few of the recent advances that will be discussed in this paper. We will also discuss current proven systems, and touch on what we see as some of the future advances.