Transfer points in mining are increasingly seen as critical to plant performance, prompting a shift toward custom engineered solutions that prioritise controlled material flow, reduced dust and extended wear life, notes Weba Chute Systems MD Mark Baller.

“Transfer points are no longer treated as secondary or generic elements of a plant,” Baller says. “We are pleased to see that in many instances chute systems are now being recognised as strategic assets that influence uptime, wear rates, energy use and even compliance with environmental standards.”

The company says it has noticed an increasing demand for custom-engineered chute systems that are designed not only to move material, but to do so in a controlled and predictable manner. Baller explains that uncontrolled flow, free falling material and high impact zones at transfer points are key contributors to excessive dust, spillage and equipment wear - all of which can reduce productivity and increase operational risk.

“Increasingly, mines are asking for solutions that go beyond simply transferring material from one conveyor to another,” he says. “They want reduced dust emissions, longer wear life, easier maintenance access and ultimately, a safer and cleaner plant environment. These outcomes are only achievable through tailored designs based on site-specific conditions.”

To meet these expectations, Weba Chute Systems explains that it relies on Discrete Element Modelling, or DEM, to simulate material flow and optimise performance before a chute is manufactured. This digital approach not only predicts how material will behave but allows the company’s engineers to pinpoint high wear zones and ensure the correct liners are placed for maximum protection. The result is said to be a solution that extends wear life, reduces the need for unplanned maintenance and cuts down on associated downtime.

“Mining operations are increasingly aware that variations in material type, particle size, flow rate and plant layout require a design that is purpose-built and not off the shelf,” Baller says. “Our approach begins with an on-site assessment and consultation, ensuring that each chute integrates seamlessly into the surrounding infrastructure, whether feeding a crusher, a screen or another conveyor.”

He adds that effective chute design also plays a vital role in safety performance and environmental compliance. By eliminating uncontrolled discharge and managing flow paths, custom engineered chutes reduce spillage, limit dust clouds and improve visibility in areas that are often congested and high risk.