Transvaal Rubber Co (Truco) has supplied conveyor belting to the value of R1.2 million to Protea Conveyors for use at IAMGOLD’s new Essakane gold mine in Burkina Faso. Truco worked closely with the engineering team at Protea Conveyors to advise on the best solution for the application. Jason Owen, Manager, Conveyor Belting Division, Truco: “Protea was contracted to supply the complete conveyor system, including structure, motors, gearboxes and pulleys, as well as complete the installation. Due to our excellent working relationship and work on similar projects, we were contracted to supply the belting.”

Truco supplied almost 1,500 m of textile reinforced rubber belting for the ore conveyor. The belt carcass is manufactured from nylon and polyester, while the belting’s top and bottom covers are made from a combination of natural and SBR rubber. This ensures that the belting is highly flexible and abrasion and wear resistant, while providing excellent tensile strength and low elongation.

Owen notes that the turn around time on the order was eight weeks, well on par with local manufacturers. “The belting was manufactured by a trusted supplier, according to European DIN22102 specifications, which often exceed the SANS minimum specified requirements. The belting is also supplied with a laboratory test certificate.”

In addition, Truco has been awarded the contract to supply belting spares to the project. The Essakane project is expected to begin commercial production by August 2010 and is estimated to produce 315,000 oz/y.