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In mining leach operations, particularly heap leach and SX/EW systems, process efficiency is often evaluated through recovery rates, chemical consumption, and throughput. While factors like ore chemistry and irrigation design are typically the focus, one critical variable is often overlooked: conveyor performance. Conveyors are not just a means of moving material from point A to […]

Leaching environments in mining—especially heap leach and SX/EW operations—are some of the harshest conditions for conveyor systems. Constant exposure to corrosive chemicals, saturated materials, abrasive fines, and extreme weather quickly breaks down standard equipment. To maintain uptime and avoid premature failures, conveyors in these applications must be engineered specifically for long-term durability in aggressive, high-exposure […]

In mining operations, conveyor systems are built to move massive volumes of material efficiently and reliably. Yet even the most robust conveyor can suffer chronic downtime, accelerated wear, and safety concerns if one area is overlooked: the transfer point. Mining conveyor transfer points are among the most failure-prone areas in a conveying system. These locations—where […]

In mining operations, conveyor transfer chutes operate in some of the harshest conditions in the plant. They absorb high-impact loads, guide abrasive material, and endure constant wear, all while supporting system uptime and safety. When chutes fail prematurely, the result is not just liner replacement, but increased downtime, maintenance labor, and long-term operating costs. Designing […]

Leaching is often discussed in terms of chemistry—solutions, reactions, and recovery rates. But behind every successful operation is a material handling system that keeps everything moving at the right pace. Understanding the role of conveyors in the leaching process starts with recognizing that leaching is not a single step. It’s a sequence. Material must move […]

When a conveyor system isn’t performing as expected, the first instinct is often to look at belt speed, capacity, or wear components. But in many cases, the issue starts upstream—inside the transfer chute. Understanding how chute geometry affects mining conveyor performance is critical because even small dimensional mismatches can disrupt material flow. A chute that […]

In mining, conveyor performance isn’t just about steel and belting—it’s about how well the electrical and controls systems work with the mechanical design. Poor integration leads to hard starts, unnecessary wear, inconsistent operation, and avoidable downtime. Proper integration, on the other hand, creates smoother operation, longer equipment life, and better production consistency. That’s why electrical […]

Maintaining proper belt tension is essential for efficient, safe, and reliable conveyor operation. In mining applications where conveyors must handle heavy loads over long distances, a well-designed tensioning system—commonly referred to as a take-up unit—can make the difference between consistent uptime and costly maintenance. This technical guide explores how conveyor tensioning systems work, the different […]

As 2025 comes to a close, mining and bulk-materials handling operations are navigating evolving market conditions, cost pressures, and shifting demand. These changes are driving new investments while also creating new challenges across the coal, aggregates, and industrial minerals sectors. At West River Conveyors, we’re closely tracking these changes and planning accordingly. Here’s a forward-looking […]

When it comes to designing or troubleshooting a mining conveyor system, one of the most common questions engineers ask is: How much material can my conveyor actually handle? The answer depends on several interrelated factors—most notably, belt width, but also belt speed, troughing angle, material density, and overall system design. Understanding how these factors influence […]