The RopeCon® system which transports platinum ore from Booysendal South to the existing processing plant has recently gone into operation. The South African mining company Booysendal Platinum (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of Northam Platinum, is relying on technology by Doppelmayr for their expansion project at the Booysendal concession. Every hour, at least 909 t of material will be transported over a distance of approximately 4.8 km through hilly terrain.
The terrain between the new mining areas to the north of the Booysendal concession and the existing processing plant is challenging in terms of topography. In a straight line, a distance of some 4.8 km and a difference in elevation of 530 m must be covered. For the expansion of the Booysendal mine, a cost-effective, reliable and safe means of transport was required, and Booysendal Platinum opted for a RopeCon® system to tackle the challenge of transporting 909 tons of platinum ore.
RopeCon® is a technology developed by the ropeway manufacturer Doppelmayr. The system offers the advantages of a ropeway and combines them with the properties of a conventional belt conveyor. It essentially consists of a flat belt with corrugated side walls. Just as on conventional belt conveyors, the belt performs the haulage function. It is driven and deflected by a drum in the head or tail station and fixed to axles arranged at regular intervals to carry it. The axles are fitted with plastic running wheels which run on fixed anchored track ropes and guide the belt. The track ropes are elevated off the ground on tower structures.
The material mined at Booysendal South is loaded onto the RopeCon® belt via a silo and two chutes. In the vicinity of the processing plant, the RopeCon is linked to the existing conveying equipment. A switch chute allows for the material either to be transferred directly onto a feeder conveyor to take it to the processing plant, or to be discharged onto a stockpile via a second, smaller RopeCon® thus creating a temporary buffer.
“Booysendal was also particularly careful to choose a transport system that would minimise the environmental footprint of the mine. Because RopeCon® is guided over towers, the only space required on the ground is for these structures, which, in the case of Booysendal, amount to no more than 12. At the same time, the system does not represent an insurmountable obstacle for wildlife or humans. The track crosses a number of roads, and even wildlife can roam freely underneath the RopeCon®.”
Construction of the RopeCon® commenced in January 2018. 11 months later, and perfectly on schedule, commissioning began. Since 20 December, 2018, the installation has been transporting approximately 20,000 t of platinum ore per day over a distance of 4.8 km between the mining area and the existing plant.
As part of an additional expansion programme, Booysendal awarded to Doppelmayr the 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 due to start operating in early 2021.
Doppelmayr Transport Technology GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of the international Doppelmayr Group with headquarters in Wolfurt, Austria.
