Engineering & Mining Journal

JUL 2013

Engineering and Mining Journal - Whether the market is copper, gold, nickel, iron ore, lead/zinc, PGM, diamonds or other commodities, E&MJ takes the lead in projecting trends, following development and reporting on the most efficient operating pr

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P R O C E S S I N G S O LU T I O N S point mobility as well as radial travel capability—all while reducing the need for multiple trucks and loaders," he said. Integrated with the telescoping radial stacker is the Horizontal Index Conveyor (HIC), a fully skirted unit with a frame that mounts to the stacker. "For greater heap leach site mobility, the track drive on the unit is designed to move itself and the radial stacker along the cell centerline—and for maximum flexibility, the HIC can be fed at any point along the length of the conveyor," said Domnick. He added that when combined with portable jump or grasshopper conveyors, the HIC minimizes the frequent removal or adjustments of the jump conveyors along the material transfer line. "Ultimately, the combined mobility and flexibility of the HIC is key to building larger leach pad footprints," he said. Domnick explained that a horizontal feed conveyor runs perpendicular to both the HIC and the grasshopper conveyors. "It transfers material from the grasshopper conveyor to the HIC to maintain a consistent, steady material flow," he said. Built in standard lengths of 100 ft (30 m) or engineered in custom lengths, multiple grasshopper conveyors comprise a substantial length and are combined consecutively to transfer material to the stacking conveyors. Domnick said retreat stacking will move in increments of the grasshopper conveyor length by removing one at a time, while advance stacking requires the insertion of a jump conveyor upon moving forward. For very large systems, there are "super" portable grasshopper conveyors that range from 215 to 250 ft (61 to 76 m) in length. "Operations can also utilize a tugger, which is a self-contained and tracked mobile pivot base, to move grasshopper conveyors into place. It can also be used as a single point axle on a horizontal feed conveyor," said Domnick, who also noted the company's new Trailblazer portable groundline conveyor can be used to replace some of the grasshopper conveyors. "This gives the system the advantage of fewer transfer points and electrical connections, and lesser move frequency," he added. While a total systems approach to heap leach conveying may seem an unwieldy proposition to some operations, Domnick stressed that adaptability is made easier when the systems provider also takes a total approach to the design/build factor. "Today it's common for manufacturers to subcontract to others for both large and small comwww.e-mj.com ponents. At Superior, we manufacture all our components and conveyors, and engineer our systems as a whole to ensure such things as smooth material movement at all transfer points, as well as the necessary electrical integrity required for the integration of multiple conveyors, for example. Our approach also allows greater control over lead times and delivery," he said. From system installation through startup, Domnick said his team provides onsite assembly and training. "This ensures safe operation and allows the crew to experience productivity right from the start," he said. Superior Industries was founded and built on the premise of making conveyors mobile, and minimizing the need for costly loader, dozer and haul truck use, Domnick said. "So it is no surprise that we are drawn to the heap leach mining market as it has one of the highest requirements for mobility." This article was written by Carol Wasson, a freelance writer for the aggregate, mining and construction industries worldwide, on behalf of Superior Industries, Morris, Minnesota, USA (www.superior-ind.com). JULY 2013 • E&MJ; 81

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