Telestack provide reasons for using mobile equipment to improve Heap Leaching Operations
Heap leaching is the low-cost method for extracting valuable metals from crushed or ground mineral ores. This cost-effective and flexible approach has revolutionised the mining industry, particularly for metals like copper, gold, silver and uranium. However, the efficiency and productivity of Heap Leaching operations can be significantly enhanced with the integration of mobile equipment. These mobile solutions offer a range of benefits, from increased flexibility to reduced operational costs, making them indispensable in modern mining operations.
The key benefits of utilising mobile equipment in Heap Leaching applications are:
1. Enhanced Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of mobile equipment in Heap Leaching applications is its unparalleled flexibility. Traditionally fixed conveyor systems limit the ability to adjust to changing mining conditions or to move locations quickly. In contrast, mobile conveyors and stackers can be easily relocated and reconfigured as the Heap Leaching pad grows. This mobility ensures that the system can adapt to variations in ore deposit locations and changes in production requirements, allowing mining operations to maximise ore recovery while ultimately minimising downtime.
2. Cost Efficiency
Mobile equipment can significantly reduce both capital and operational expenses. With fixed or semi mobile systems, any change made in the Heap Leaching operation, such as expanding the pad or moving to a new location, requires substantial investment in new conveyors and support structures. However, mobile equipment can be redeployed across multiple sites with minimal setup time, reducing the need for costly new installations. Additionally, mobile systems typically require less downtime for preventative maintenance than fixed systems, leading to further cost savings over the life of the project.
3. Improved Material Handling
In Heap Leaching, efficient material handling is crucial to ensuring that the leaching solution is evenly distributed over the ore, maximising precious metal recovery. Mobile stacking systems are designed to optimise material placement, ensuring a consistent and uniform heap, which is vital for effective leaching. The material is not compacted unlike stockpiling with trucks and dozers, and this soft stockpile allows the acid to permeate through the ore, giving better leaching rates. These systems can also handle a wide variety of materials, from finely crushed ores to coarser aggregates, ensuring versatility in different mining environments.
4. Types of mobile systems.
Telestack can supply a variety of systems
- Fed by tripper conveyor via link conveyors, cross conveyors and Horizontal Index Conveyors to the stacker
- Fed directly by ADT trucks to truck unloaders, link conveyors, cross conveyors and Horizontal Index Conveyors to the stacker
- Fed directly by ADT trucks to truck unloader to stacker
5. Customisation
Telestack can supply units designed with componentry to handle impregnated ore with various acids including optional extras for upgraded paint, acid resistant belts, acid resistant scrapers and liners, stainless steel control panels and instrumentation.
Telestack can supply units designed with winterized componentry to handle operating temperatures of down to minus 40 including winterized belts, lowe temperature scrapers , insulated and heated control panels, low temperature oil, low temperature bearings, insulated hydraulic tanks and low temperature seals on hydraulic oil.
6. Increased Operational Safety
Safety is a top priority in mining operations, and mobile equipment contributes significantly to a safer work environment. By reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and manual material handling, mobile systems minimise the risk of accidents. There is no need for dozers, wheel loaders or trucks to be working at heights which reduces potential for accidents. Moreover, many modern mobile systems come equipped with advanced safety features such as remote operation and automated controls, further reducing the risk to on-site personnel and operators.
7. Environmental Benefits
Mobile equipment can also offer environmental advantages in Heap Leaching operations. Since these systems are designed for minimal site disruption, they reduce the environmental footprint of mining activities. The utilisation of mobile equipment reduces the need for wheel loaders, dozers and trucks and diesel consumption, reduces dust generation, and lower emissions compared to traditional fixed systems. Furthermore, their efficiency in material handling helps ensure that the leaching process is as effective as possible, minimising waste and reducing the overall environmental impact.