ABSTRACT
The most widely used form of mechanical conveyor today is the belt conveyor. The first true modern belt conveyor dates back to 1891 in New Jersey at the Ogden Iron Ore Mine. The belt conveyor is best suited for conveying medium to large amounts of bulk materials. Since belt conveyors are electrically driven, mine operators have the option of using the cheapest power source available. This may be the local utility or a fuel-driven generator. Belt conveyors offer a variety of loading and unloading possibilities. Belts can be loaded from one or more points on the belt through loading chutes. Material carried by a belt conveyor can be discharged off the belt in three ways: Over the End Pulley; Belt Plow; and Belt Tripper. Belt conveyors are extensively used in underground mines as a quick and efficient method of moving large volumes of ore and waste rock. Belt conveyors used in mines are specially designed to be highly mobile.
