For the expansion of Northam Platinum’s Booysendal North mine, a cost-effective, reliable and safe means of transport was required, and the company opted for a RopeCon® system to tackle the challenge of transporting 909 t of platinum ore per hour across a distance of approximately 4.8 km and a difference in elevation of 530 m. As part of an additional expansion programme, the miner awarded to Doppelmayr a contract for a second RopeCon®, which will connect with the first system and enable transport from another mining area north of the concession.
The second system is designed to transport 400 t per hour over 2.8 km and a difference in elevation of -160 m. It is currently under construction and all towers are in place with preparations for the pulling of the track ropes having started.
RopeCon is Doppelmayr’s solution for conveying bulk material. “It combines the advantages of proven ropeway engineering with continuous conveyor technology. The system consists of a continuous flat belt with corrugated side walls. The haulage function is performed by the belt and is fixed to axles at regular intervals. These axles support the belt and have running wheels fitted to either end which run on track ropes. The track ropes are elevated off the ground and guided over tower structures. This enables RopeCon to easily cross obstacles such as roads, valleys, rivers and buildings, while having a minimum structural footprint as it is an elevated system.”
The company says the clean design has only a minimum number of moving parts, thus reducing the required inspection and maintenance work. Furthermore, as the running wheels are attached to the belt, they continuously pass through the terminal stations. Inspection and maintenance of these items can be easily carried out there in a safe work shop environment. As the conveyor belt is positively guided by the wheel sets attached to it at regular intervals and which run on the track ropes, belt skewing is prevented even in cross winds or under irregular loading conditions. The material itself is stationary on the belt, which greatly reduces wear and tear on the belt and increases its service life.
