Modern Mining December 2020

“It has become critical that extra care is taken to protect people working in potentially dangerous environments and to make sure that working dis- tances are maintained,” he says. “It is the responsibility of companies to minimise people’s exposure to environmental pollution, which is a major problem in dry bulk handling, caused by fugitive dust.” Demand drivers Pelser views mechanisation as the future of South African mining: “This drives the demand for improved bulk handling equipment. It will no doubt also impact the rest of Africa, too,” he says. To McCrory, the need to keep tonnages high and production costs low is a key driver for producers and consumers of ores globally, as they “strive to remain agile in an often-unpredictable industry”. Mouritzen says companies around the world are continually looking for more efficient, dependable systems to alleviate problems associated with dust generation and belt misalignment in bulk handling. “Common difficulties include dust, spills and contamination at the transfer points of conveyor systems. Misalignment, abrasion and subsequent belt damage are other problems industry faces. An added advantage is for industry to be able to cope efficiently with the challenges of moist and sticky materials.” Products and technology Pelser says more producers are making use of high- vibration screen media like Major Wire Industries’ Flex-Mat high-vibrating wire screens, featuring high- frequency movement which “makes it an active part of the screening process”.

“The style of screen media improves efficiency compared to static media such as woven cloth or synthetic panels, and can provide a significant return on investment.” This ROI comes from reduced down- time and fewer screen media change-outs due to improved wear life and virtually eliminated pegging and blinding. He says high-vibration screen media also feature a significant amount of open area and increased stratification. This means more production, an improved feed rate per hour and reduced chance of material carryover. He says it also produces cleaner material, more in line with specifications. “The reduced need to stop and start the plant regularly to clean decks means reduced labour costs, safer working conditions and less stress on the plant equipment.”

A FLEX-MAT high-vibrating tensioned screen from Major Wire Industries.

Right: The ABHS All Wheel Travel ship-unloader from Astec Industries offers added mobility and flexibility. Below: BLT World’s Samson eco-hopper for dry bulk materials handling.

December 2020  MODERN MINING  17