How a Gold Mine increased conveyor productivity by 20,000 tons per month with Movex Mini Loaders

To address these constraints, the mine integrated Movex’s ultra-compact, electric M48 and M27 MINIDOZERs as dedicated tools for industrial cleaning beneath conveyors.

Their compact dimensions and low-profile design allow the machines to operate in spaces that were previously inaccessible to mechanized equipment. The M48’s adjustable clearance was particularly important, enabling it to work under active conveyor belts.

The new approach strips the job down to what actually works in the field:

• A remote operator controls the mini loader beneath the conveyor
• A skid steer assists with material removal
• Cleaning operations are completed in approximately one hour

Most importantly, the work can now be performed without shutting down the conveyor.

The machines are primarily deployed in the crushing area and operate mainly on concrete slabs or flat surfaces to ensure optimal durability. The site installed two charging stations: one inside the mill’s compressor room and another sheltered station near the crushing area.

Maintenance requirements are simple and handled internally by millwrights. Operators perform routine cleaning and greasing, while preventative maintenance is scheduled regularly. The maintenance team also highlighted the quality of Movex’s technical support and training, which helped the team quickly integrate the machines into their daily operations.

Increased production

The primary crusher discharge conveyor processes approximately 4,200 tons of ore per hour. Previously, the monthly cleaning shutdown eliminated several hours of production.

By performing cleaning during active operations, the site now maintains roughly 20,000 additional tons of ore production every month.

Greater productivity

Cleaning that once required four workers and four hours of manual labor is now completed in one hour with:

• One mini loader operator: Handles spillage removal in confined or hard-to-reach areas where a skid steer cannot operate.
• One skid steer operator: Covers larger, open areas efficiently.

The ability to clean more frequently also prevents excessive material buildup, helping extend the lifespan of belts and rollers and improving equipment reliability between scheduled shutdowns.

Improved safety and working conditions

The new process keeps workers out from under the conveyors and away from dust, moving equipment, and the heavy physical work that used to come with hours of shoveling. Instead of working in confined spaces beneath the belt, operators now control the mini dozer remotely, removing much of the fatigue and injury risk that came with the manual method.

The change has also been well received by the crews. Running a remote-controlled machine is a far different job than spending hours clearing ore with a shovel, and operators clearly prefer the new approach. What used to be one of the most physically demanding maintenance tasks on site is now faster, safer, and far easier on the people doing the work.

Strong return on investment

With higher production, reduced labor requirements, and improved equipment reliability, the mini loader delivered a rapid return on investment for the site.

The maintenance supervisor has already shared his experience with other mining operations and says he would confidently recommend the equipment to peers across the industry.