A KwaZulu-Natal-based quarry that had been battling discrepancies in monitoring production, sales and inventory, introduced a belt scale solution that it says has led to improvements in management and operations.

AfriSam’s Coedmore quarry identified issues with its existing belt scale between the intermediate stockpile and the secondary crusher. Despite several interventions, including regular calibrations by the supplier and even the installation of a second belt scale, the challenge persisted.

“Traditionally, we conduct quarterly stockpile surveys though an independent third-party to gauge the levels of stock on the ground. It was during these surveys that we would always encounter huge discrepancies between what we had produced, what would have been sold and what should have been on the floor,” explains AfriSam works manager at Coedmore quarry Lloyd Maringa.

Quarry maintenance superintendent Dustin Naidoo says that Tru-Trac installed its belt scale on a trial basis for a month and showed impressive results, with static calibration accuracy error levels of between 0.06% and 0.17%, ensuring reliable data that enables sound decision-making.

The belt scale has also reduced stock management and evaluation problems, says Maringa, adding that the operation has reverted to quarterly stockpile surveys, which helps to save time and money.

The Tru-Trac TTR FI-4 belt scale system installed at the quarry uses a fully floating pivotless weigh frame supported by four load cells, making it suitable for high-precision applications. It is described as a simple and accurate system engineered to produce precise data and, with a proven accuracy margin under 0.1%, it is said to have set industry standards in metallurgical accounting.