Metso Introduces Integrated Approach for In-the-Pit Operations

Published: October 3, 2016 |

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(Source: Metso)
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Mines today are continuously being challenged to rethink how to shape their operations to be more sustainable and profitable. Metso’s comprehensive in-the-pit solutions (ITPS) trim the operations by optimizing the entire process — from design to selection of machinery and to production. This results in a savings of water and energy, and a cost reduction of up to 35 percent.

“The mining industry is continuously exploring not only new ways to mine at lower cost, but also new sustainable methods, technologies, and systems. Transportation of ore and waste is one of those areas: it can account for up to 50-60 percent of the operating cost of mining. If truck haulage can be minimized, significant savings can be achieved,” said Erik Isokangas, director of in-th-pit solutions at Metso.

“Metso’s in-the-pit solutions are an advanced option for conventional production processes where truck haulage is used. With these solutions it is possible to reduce overall costs by 15 percent to 35 percent. The savings mainly come from improved energy efficiency resulting from well-planned conveying, and reduced maintenance and labor costs,” added Isokangas.

Metso’s sophisticated in-the-pit solutions offering includes concept and feasibility studies, design and engineering, equipment and systems, procurement and commissioning as well as maintenance and operation. The ITPS can also be connected to Metso’s tailored Life Cycle Services (LCS) contracts.

Metso can supply both fully mobile and semi-mobile in-the-pit crushing systems as well as conveying and material handling solutions to cater for different types of demand.

A fully-mobile crushing system removes the reliance on truck haulage. An excavator loads material directly into the hopper of a Lokotrack® mobile crushing plant. Crushed rock is then transported to an in-pit belt conveyor via mobile Lokolink conveyors. The conveyor carries crushed rock from the Lokotrack to a processing plant or waste dump. When blasting is performed, the Lokotrack and Lokolink conveyors move to a safe distance. After the blast, a wheel loader cleans the quarry floor and the Lokotrack plant moves to the new muck pile. Operation resumes with minimal production downtime.

A semi-mobile crushing unit reduces the distance of truck haulage. Metso’s units are designed to be moved as a single device or disassembled into 4-6 smaller modules mounted on skids for easy transport. Typically, these crushing systems are moved every few years. This method leverages the flexibility of trucking operations while reducing the cost of long-distance haulage. The main applications are in operations where the mining is selective, where the ore body is heterogeneous or for capacities above 3,000 mtph for hard rock.

About Metso
Metso is a world leading industrial company serving the mining, aggregates, recycling, oil, gas, pulp, paper and process industries. They help customers improve their operational efficiency, reduce risks and increase profitability by using their unique knowledge, experienced people and innovative solutions to build new, sustainable ways of growing together. Their products range from mining and aggregates processing equipment and systems to industrial valves and controls. Their customers are supported by a broad scope of services and a global network of over 80 service centers and about 6,400 services professionals. Metso has an uncompromising attitude towards safety.

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