Material Handling in Mining

Material Handling in Mining

Material handling in mining is the movement, storage, protection and control of material throughout the mining process. This definition may not sound like the most exciting aspect of mining when compared with the blasting of rock and the use of 400-ton trucks, but the proper handling of material is one of the key aspects of any profitable mining operation. Join us as we explore material handling and mining material handling equipment, as well as how the efficient recovery valuable mined resources lead to mining success.

CMQ Engineering are the concrete, quarry and mining equipment suppliers transforming industries around the world with equipment built to last and made to perform in the toughest conditions. Contact us today to learn more by calling 07 3879 3288 or get in touch via the online form for ordering information.

Material Handling in Mining – An Overview

Preparations

Before the commencement of operations at a new dig, the site must be properly setup. This is a complex job involving significant planning, compliance issues and resource management.  A big part of all the preparation work consists of establishing the infrastructure – support structures must be built, and for remote mining sites, dormitories need to be prepared. Roads also need to be made that can handle the heavy traffic of ore haulers that travel around the site. Material handling in mining starts here with the storage and use of materials used to make and maintain access roads and foundations for facilities. Without modern infrastructure mining would be unnecessarily dangerous and highly inefficient.

Extraction

Once the mining site has been setup, that actual work of extraction can begin with heavy machines such as drills, excavators and loaders. The process of extraction consists of the physical removal of material from the earth and the initial separation of the material of value from waste materials. These are the early steps in the chain of material handling in mining, the success of which depends on effective material extraction.

Movement of Materials

After the ore has been extracted, it needs to be transported. Mining material handling equipment used for the movement of ore can take different forms, including rail systems and even slurry pipelines. Trucks and conveyors are the most common, with trucks often being used when the ore processing facilities are located far from the mining site, and a mining conveyor belt system for shorter distances. When selecting the best system for the movement of mined materials, important considerations include distance, terrain and the volume of ore. The efficient movement of materials is key for maintaining a high level of productivity and profitability.

Control and Storage of Materials

The materials acquired in mining can be simple commodities used in everyday life, including copper for wiring, iron for construction and rare earth metals for semiconductor manufacturing. There are also mines for precious metals and gems. All these mined materials have market values – this is where the importance of proper control and storage of material comes in.

Tracking and monitoring through inventory management systems and the use of real-time data analytics help to achieve a high level of control – modern mining is high-tech and there has been a lot of investment and innovation in monitoring mined materials. When dealing with high value minded goods, safe storage becomes extremely important. CMQ Engineering are silo manufactures that produce high quality, protective silos for the storage of bulk materials. Effective storage is vital for optimal mining performance.

For the Best in Industrial Equipment

CMQ Engineering are the leading material handling equipment supplier for mining firms across Australia and around the world. Designed for durability and reliability, all CMQ mining plants and mining material handling equipment are made to perform in the toughest conditions. We also offer unmatched customer support – our team of engineers and customer service representatives are available for consultation and to ensure you receive any guidance or needed assistance. Contact us today to learn more by calling 07 3879 3288 or get in touch via the online form for ordering information.