Problem
One of the largest and deepest gold mines in the world — extending 2,998 meters below the surface — faced severe material carryback issues on 22 underground conveyor belts of 1200mm wide belts running at speeds of 2 to 3.5 mtr/sec. The problem was worsened by the use of competitor belt cleaners, which proved ineffective due to the presence of clip joints on the belts. As a result, the mine experienced reduced productivity, increased equipment damage, maintenance costs, significant downtime, and potential safety hazards.
Solution
Following a thorough conveyor belt audit, a comprehensive solution was recommended to address carryback and material spillage challenges. The proposed setup included the installation of 12 CleanScrape® Primary Cleaners—safe for use on conveyor belts with clip joints—alongside 22 Martin® Secondary Cleaners for enhanced cleaning efficiency. To further protect the system, Martin® V-Plowswere installed at the tail pulleys to prevent material buildup and potential belt damage. Additionally, proper belt support was ensured with 14 Martin® High Speed Impact Cradles, and effective sealing was achieved using Martin® ApronSeal™ skirting.
Results
Implementing this comprehensive solution brought a remarkable transformation to the mine’s conveyor belt operations. Consequently, the mine experienced increased operational efficiency, substantially reduced maintenance interventions, improved safety conditions, and a notable drop in unplanned downtime, leading to greater productivity and cost savings.
