How to Select Conveyor Belts for Nickel Mining and Processing?

Nickel Mining: Two Very Different Ore Types

The world's nickel is produced from two fundamentally different ore types —?laterite (oxide) and sulfide —?and they present quite different challenges for conveyor belt selection. Understanding which ore type you are dealing with is the first step in correct specification.

Laterite Nickel Ore Operations

Laterite nickel deposits (dominant in tropical countries: Indonesia, Philippines, New Caledonia, Cuba, Brazil) are weathered oxide ores that are typically soft, wet, and clay-rich:

• Abrasiveness: Moderate (AI 150—?00 g/t) —?Grade W is recommended but Grade M may suffice in some cases
• Moisture content: Very high (30—?0%) —?excellent belt scraper systems are mandatory
• Clay content: High —?severe sticking tendency on belt and return rollers
• Processing: HPAL (High Pressure Acid Leach) or RKEF (Rotary Kiln Electric Furnace) —?both create chemical hazards downstream

Sulfide Nickel Ore Operations

Sulfide nickel deposits (Canada —?Sudbury, Voisey's Bay; Russia —?Norilsk; Australia —?Kambalda, Mt Keith) are hard rock underground or surface mines:

• Abrasiveness: Higher than laterite (AI 200—?50 g/t) —?Grade W mandatory
• Underground operations: FR and antistatic belt required (EN ISO 340 or national equivalent)
• Cover thickness: 8—?4mm top for primary crusher discharge
• Cold climate: Many sulfide operations are in cold climates (Canada, Russia) —?cold-resistant compound may be needed

HPAL Processing Circuit Requirements

High Pressure Acid Leach (HPAL) processing uses concentrated sulfuric acid. Belt conveyors in and around the HPAL plant are exposed to sulfuric acid splash:

• Grade D (NBR) covers mandatory for all belts with direct acid contact
• 316 stainless steel or rubber-lined hardware for all belt support structures
• Increased inspection frequency —?acid attack accelerates rubber degradation if any cover damage exists

Belt Specification by Nickel Mine Type