Rail-Belt Haulage System at IMC’s Carlsbad Operation

The haulage system at the International Minerals T & Chemical Corp. (IMC) potash mine near Carlsbad, N. M., reached a turning point in December 1956 with the introduction of rope suspended belt haulage. In fact, IMC pioneered the use of this type of belt in the potash industry. Since that time belt conveyance has been employed as an extension of the rail system but not as a replacement of the main rail haulage. IMC's potash mine is located in the Permian Basin, approximately 20 miles east of Carlsbad. From three levels, the 800-ft, 850-ft and 900-ft, over 60 million tons have been extracted. Langbeinite (K,SO,. 2MgS0,) is mined on the 850 level and sylvite (KCl) on the 900 level. The 800 level, with both langbeinite and sylvite mineralization, is idle. Mining heights vary from 54 in. to more than 10 ft. A room and pillar mining system is used.