As the mining sector increasingly relies on Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) firms for new builds, expansions and plant optimisation, the strategic integration of transfer points in the early stages of project planning is gaining recognition. Mark Baller, CEO of Weba Chute Systems, emphasises that engaging transfer point specialists at the feasibility stage can significantly enhance plant performance and cost efficiency.
“EPCMs play a crucial role in ensuring projects are executed efficiently, but to truly maximise value they need to involve transfer point specialists at the earliest phases,” says Baller. “Too often, transfer points are considered late in the process, leading to costly design alterations and operational inefficiencies.”
He notes that in the past, transfer chutes were often regarded as minor components in plant layouts with more focus placed on high-capital items. However, the industry is now recognising the substantial impact that poorly designed chutes can have on plant performance.
“When transfer points are not optimally positioned or engineered, mines experience a range of issues from material choking and excessive wear to belt misalignment and spillage,” Baller explains. “These problems translate directly into increased downtime, higher maintenance costs and disruptions to the entire process.”
