Truck-and-Loader Versus Conveyor Belt System: An Environmental and Economic Comparison

The oscillation of the main mining commodities prices and the significant increase in the operating costs has forced this sector to look into processes that are more and more efficient. The transportation costs in an open-pit mine operation can account for 40–60% of the total costs. The objective of this study was to carry out a comparison between two ore transportation methods: conveyors and haul road trucks. A state-of-the-art assessment was carried out, as well as a case study applied to a large iron ore mine located in Brazil. The main advantages identified in the use of conveyor belts were the lower exposure to the risk of accidents and the ability to overcome high angles. On the other hand, trucks had high operating flexibility and lower Capex. Also, with this study, it was possible to conclude that the conveyor belt system has lower CO2 emission levels, has lower operating costs, and consumes less inputs than the system with trucks, which, on the other hand, generates less solid waste.