Material handling Solutions

A large share of CO2 emissions from mines is generated by diesel-powered heavy vehicle traffic in mining areas. When electrifying the material flows, mining companies can take a significant step towards carbon neutrality as diesel-consuming truck traffic is no longer needed at the mines.

In traditional wet tailing, dams can be susceptible to leaks and evaporation, which may lead to water wastage and environmental pollution. Conveyor belts enable dry stacking, reducing or completely eliminating the need for tailing ponds, which in turn significantly reduces the risk of leaks and the seepage of harmful substances into the surrounding environment.

Conveyors allow for more efficient water management through dry stacking, compared to traditional wet tailing. Dry stacking reduces the amount of water circulating in the process, as water is not pumped as slurry to tailing ponds (wet tailing). Water is separated at the processing plant, and only dry tailings are transported for stacking. This brings the process closer to a closed water cycle, as the separated water can be recycled back into the production processes, saving water resources and reducing water treatment costs.

Heavy vehicle traffic used to transport mineral aggregate at the mine operates in several shifts, causing continuous noise and dust issues. Sometimes the aggregate must be transported over longer distances from the mines to the processing plant and from there to the tailing areas as a waste rock, making the problem significant. Conveyors eliminate the dust and noise caused by truck traffic.

Continuous heavy vehicle traffic in and around mines increases safety risks, especially since pedestrians are also present in these areas. The safety of using conveyor belts is significantly better than operating trucks, as it eliminates the need for heavy vehicle traffic in the mining area.

Transporting material flows with vehicles in multiple shifts at mines requires a significant amount of personnel. The lower personnel needs for operating a conveyor belt system help improve business efficiency with significantly lower operating costs. This offers a more cost-effective way to operate in the long term.

With dry stacking, tailings can be stored more compactly, requiring less land space than traditional tailing pond. This allows for more efficient land use. The exposed tailing area can be reduced, and the area can be restored during the operational phase. These factors significantly reduce environmental collateral. The structures of dry stacking are easier to landscape and integrate into the natural environment, simplifying the restoration of the area after mining operations cease.

Unlike traditional heavy truck transport, conveyors minimize soil disturbance, reduce air and noise pollution, and decrease the risk of fuel leaks and other contaminants entering surrounding ecosystems. By limiting the environmental footprint of material handling, NewPaakkola’s solutions help industrial and mining operations comply with strict environmental standards while promoting safer, cleaner, and more sustainable operations.