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HAULAGE SHAFT NIGHT AND DAY WITH CONVEYOR SYSTEM

The Mine, utilized a main haulage shaft as a critical artery for material transport. After the Copper ore was extracted from stopes and crushed underground, it was transferred to the surface via a series of underground conveyor systems. Haulage shafts remain a critical component in modern underground mining, especially as operations extend to greater depths. While declines and ramps are suitable for shallower deposits, vertical shafts become more economical and often necessary for efficient transportation of ore, personnel, equipment, and for vital functions like ventilation and utility corridors.

Contemporary mines leverage advanced technology in haulage shaft design and operation. Modern hoists, often powered by variable frequency controlled AC drives, facilitate rapid and high-capacity movement of skips (for ore) and cages (for personnel and materials). Automated skip loading systems and real-time monitoring of shaft conditions, often through LiDAR-based 3D scanning, significantly enhance safety and efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing downtime.

At the Milpillas Mine, after the crushed ore was hoisted from the underground workings to the surface, an extensive and vital conveyor belt system took over. This system, the backbone of surface material handling, was meticulously designed for the continuous and efficient transport of ore to the processing plant.

The network at Milpillas comprised multiple, interconnected belts, each engineered to handle significant tonnages and often traversing substantial distances. These belts were robust, built with multiple plies for strength and wear resistance, and supported by a series of idlers. Transfer points were crucial, allowing ore to seamlessly move from one belt to the next, forming a complex yet highly optimized material flow path. This “truckless” approach significantly reduced operational costs, fuel consumption, and environmental impact compared to traditional truck haulage.

Key design considerations for the Milpillas conveyor system had focused on maximizing system availability, minimizing wear on components, and facilitating easy maintenance to ensure uninterrupted operation. Advanced control systems, including variable speed drives and material tracking, were employed to optimize belt loading, conserve energy, and provide real-time data on ore flow and quality, all contributing to the overall efficiency of the mine’s surface operations.

Original photos courtesy of Veronica Santoyo (Author: silvia)