CASE STUDY

Maximum Conveyor Mobility in Heap Leach Mining

Metals Mines
LOCATION TYPE
Metals Mining
INDUSTRY
Heap Leach-3

The Challenge

Heap leach mining operations continually seek greater capacity, continuous material flow, and reduced downtime. In any precious metal application – including gold, copper and ore – these challenges are ongoing top-of-the-mind initiatives, particularly due to the complexity of stacking plans.

Material handling equipment must be highly mobile and extremely flexible. And, for optimum performance, more and more operations are utilizing integrated conveyor systems, which can be custom-engineered for the specific pad design. The speedy payback from the latter is measured in more tons per move, larger leach pad footprints and increased profitability.

“We manufacture all our components and conveyors, and engineer our systems as a whole to ensure smooth material movement at all transfer points as well as the necessary electrical integrity required for the integration of multiple conveyors. Our approach also allows greater control over quality and lead times."

Bob Domnick
CEO

The Solution

To address these challenges, Superior Industries designs a fully integrated heap leach system tailored to each operation. This customized system includes mine-duty TeleStacker® Conveyors, Horizontal Index Conveyors (HIC), grasshopper conveyors, and horizontal feed conveyors. 

The TeleStacker Conveyor, with its internal stinger and unique FD Axle assembly, enables consistent material distribution and smooth transitions between radial and linear modes. The integrated system also includes mobile options, such as radial travel tracks and track-mounted pivot bases, which reduce the reliance on trucks and loaders. 

Additionally, the Horizontal Index Conveyor, in combination with grasshopper conveyors, facilitates larger leach pad footprints by minimizing the need for frequent adjustments and removals.

Heap Leach-1
Heap Leach-2

The Results

The implementation of Superior’s customized heap leach system significantly improves the efficiency of material handling in heap leach operations. The automated, mobile system allows for even distribution of material, resulting in flat-topped piles ideal for irrigation. 

The system’s mobility and flexibility have enabled operations to expand leach pad footprints, increase stacking volumes, and ultimately enhance profitability. 

By reducing the need for manual adjustments and minimizing the use of trucks and loaders, the solution has also contributed to lower operational costs and greater overall efficiency. The comprehensive design and seamless integration of components have ensured smooth operation and accelerated the return on investment for heap leach mining operations.

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