Conveyor belts play a crucial role in the mining industry, whether transporting ore from one processing point to another or facilitating material movement across vast sites.
This dependence carries risks that can lead to production downtime or property loss if not properly understood and managed.
Understanding conveyor belt risk
In a recent 10-year analysis, FM Global identified nearly 200 instances of property loss related to conveyor systems.
Fires emerged as the leading cause of these losses, followed by wind damage and mechanical breakdowns. Contrary to common belief, combustible materials aren’t the primary driver of these incidents. It’s the conveyor belts themselves that pose the greatest fire risk due to the heat feedback between them.
FM Global has accumulated a wealth of experience and expertise in property loss prevention – with a global team of approximately 1900 engineers focused on helping our clients identify risks and find solutions across a range of industries, including mining.
FM Global’s research, including collaborative efforts with other organisations, has delved into the fire resistance and burning characteristics of conveyor belts.
These studies aim to develop reliable fire tests and discern between materials with varying levels of fire resistance. The findings showed little significant difference in fire testing results when it came to conveyor materials, underlining the critical importance of operating standards, particularly concerning the materials used in conveyor belt construction.
Further information on these findings and resulting recommendations can be found in FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 7-11 Conveyors.
Five steps to mitigate these risks
It’s imperative to adopt proactive measures to effectively mitigate risks associated with conveyor belts in mining sites. FM Global’s industry knowledge, research and loss experience has informed a suite of recommendations tailored to different aspects and types of conveyor systems across various environments.
Understanding and effectively managing the risks associated with conveyor belts is essential for mining operators.
FM Global’s proactive mitigation measures help enhance safety, protect assets, and prevent disruptions, helping operators focus on smoother day-to-day operations and maximise their sites’ efficiency and productivity year round.
This editorial was developed in partnership with FM Global advanced research scientist Stephanie Thomas.
You can find more information on the ways FM Global supports operators in the mining sector on its website.
2013 JCB JS290LC
$83,000
Gracemere, QLD
2016 KOMATSU PC88MR-8
$78,000
Mooloolaba, QLD
2020 CATERPILLAR 307.5 NEXT GEN 07A
$83,930
Glenvale, QLD
SHANTUI SE245LC
$217,800
Archerfield, QLD
2016 KOBELCO SK210LC -10
$149,000
Smeaton Grange, NSW
2014 JCB JS290LC
$88,000
Gracemere, QLD
2016 CATERPILLAR 329EL
$145,000
Trafalgar, VIC
2017 KOBELCO SK135SR-3
$110,000
Trafalgar, VIC
2020 KOMATSU PC360LCI_11
$357,500
Welshpool, WA
2007 KOMATSU PC300-8
$126,500
Canning Vale, WA
2019 JCB 86C-1 ECO
$93,489
Griffith, NSW
2021 KOMATSU PC300LC_8M0
$313,500
Welshpool, WA
2013 JCB JS290LC
$83,000
Gracemere, QLD
2016 KOMATSU PC88MR-8
$78,000
Mooloolaba, QLD
2020 CATERPILLAR 307.5 NEXT GEN 07A
$83,930
Glenvale, QLD
SHANTUI SE245LC
$217,800
Archerfield, QLD
2016 KOBELCO SK210LC -10
$149,000
Smeaton Grange, NSW
2014 JCB JS290LC
$88,000
Gracemere, QLD
2016 CATERPILLAR 329EL
$145,000
Trafalgar, VIC
2017 KOBELCO SK135SR-3
$110,000
Trafalgar, VIC
2020 KOMATSU PC360LCI_11
$357,500
Welshpool, WA
2007 KOMATSU PC300-8
$126,500
Canning Vale, WA
2019 JCB 86C-1 ECO
$93,489
Griffith, NSW
2021 KOMATSU PC300LC_8M0
$313,500
Welshpool, WA
Since 1908, Australian Mining has informed the industry on the latest news and technologies from across the mining sector. Comprising of a monthly print magazine, website and e-newsletter, Australian Mining is a leading resource showcasing the latest in mining innovation.
