Introduction
With over 108 successful Weba Chute System installations in the chrome ore mining industry, we have proved that our scientific approach to the dynamics of bulk materials handling can eliminate the problems associated with conventional transfer chutes.
We consider a holistic, custom-design solution that focuses on the entry and exit points and incorporates control of material flow, volume and velocity during the transfer process. The result is a transfer point that substantially reduces maintenance expenditure in the chrome ore mining industry.
Overview
Our custom-designed chutes have successfully found applications under various operating conditions in chrome ore mines in South Africa, including at Kroondal, which has been in operation since 1999 with progressive expansions over its history.
Kroondal is a shallow, mechanised mining operation, comprising five operating decline shafts and one shaft under care and maintenance. The orebody comprises two chromite-rich mineralised seams, an upper UG2 Leader and a UG2 Main, separated by a one-meter pyroxenite zone. The two seams are mined together in a wide-reef underground operation. Mining takes place at depths between 250m and 500m below surface, utilising the bord-and-pillar mining method.
| Client | Mine | Number of Chutes Installed |
Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sibanye Stillwater | Kroondal Chrome | 35 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Lion SMelter | 6 | South Africa |
| Samancor | Middelburg Ferrochrome |
17 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Magareng | 4 | South Africa |
| Tharisa | Tharisa | 1 | South Africa |
| Samancor | Samancor Mooinooi |
6 | South Africa |
| Assore | Dwarsrivier | 2 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Lydenburg Smelter |
20 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Boshoek Smelter |
8 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Thorncliff | 1 | South Africa |
| Glencore Xstrata | Helena | 1 | South Africa |
