Modern mining depends on reliable conveyor and drive systems to keep material moving safely and efficiently. With 150 years of engineering expertise and local Australian support, RUD designs customised conveyor solutions that improve reliability, reduce maintenance and support emerging lower-emission mining and steelmaking technologies. The successful Vale briquette plant project demonstrates how engineered materials handling systems can help mining companies increase productivity while supporting decarbonisation initiatives.

For 150 years, RUD has been developing engineered chain technology and materials handling solutions that help mining companies maximise productivity, improve reliability and reduce maintenance. From open-cut mines to mineral processing plants, RUD's conveyor and drive systems are engineered to perform reliably in high load and abrasive environments where continuous operation is critical.

Beyond conveyor and drive technology, RUD supports the mining industry with lifting and lashing solutions, tyre protection and traction chains, engineered lifting solutions, heavy vehicle hoists and Australian engineering services. Together, these capabilities enable RUD to support customers across the entire mining lifecycle.

While RUD supports mining across many applications, efficient bulk material handling remains at the heart of modern mining operations. Every stage of the process depends on conveyor and drive systems that keep production moving safely and continuously.

Conveyor & Drive Systems Built for Mining

Every mining operation presents unique challenges. Material characteristics, production volumes, environmental conditions and site layouts all influence the type of conveying solution required.

RUD designs and manufactures conveyor and drive systems for horizontal, vertical and inclined conveying applications. RUD’s products include apron feeders, drag chain conveyors, bucket elevators, round steel chains and drive technologies such as TECDOS®, PI-GAMMA and OMEGA systems. Each system is developed to suit the specific material characteristics, throughput requirements and operating conditions of the site, helping maximise availability while reducing maintenance.

Every application is developed in collaboration with the customer instead of relying on standard designs. Backed by RUD's Brisbane engineering team, advanced manufacturing capabilities and in-house testing facilities, each solution is tailored to meet the operational demands of the site.

Supporting Lower-Emission Steel Production

As mining companies invest in lower-emission processing technologies, the performance and reliability of materials handling systems become even more critical. Conveyor systems must operate continuously under demanding conditions to keep production moving and protect the efficiency gains these new technologies are designed to deliver.

A recent example is Vale's innovative iron ore briquette plant in Vitória, Brazil. The new briquetting process eliminates the need for traditional sintering, one of the most energy-intensive stages of steel production. According to Vale, the technology has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during steelmaking by up to 10%, while also lowering emissions of sulphur dioxide (SOX) and nitrogen oxides (NOX).

Supporting a plant of this scale requires more than innovative processing technology. It also depends on robust conveyor systems capable of moving large volumes of material safely and reliably throughout the production process. Working closely with the project team, RUD designed and manufactured six enclosed conveyors with capacities of 265 t/h and 485 t/h, engineered to withstand demanding operating conditions while delivering efficient, continuous material flow. Built using high-strength materials for maximum durability, the conveyor systems play an important role in maintaining reliable plant performance.

The Vale project demonstrates how advanced conveyor technology supports more than efficient material handling. It enables the successful implementation of next-generation processing technologies, helping mining and steel producers improve operational performance while reducing the environmental impact of steel production.

Engineering Expertise Backed by Local Support

Mining companies increasingly want partners who understand the complete materials handling process, from design and manufacture through to installation, maintenance and ongoing support.

With more than 40 years in Australia and 150 years of global engineering experience, RUD combines international expertise with local support. Its Brisbane based facility provides engineering, manufacturing, testing and technical services that help mining companies solve complex conveyor, drive and bulk materials handling challenges.

This integrated approach enables mining companies to improve safety, increase equipment availability and extend the service life of critical assets.

Keeping Mining Operations Moving

As mining companies continue to invest in automation, productivity and decarbonisation, the importance of reliable materials handling systems will only continue to grow.

RUD’s partnership with Vale highlights how engineered conveyor and drive solutions contribute to the success of innovative mining projects. The project demonstrates how engineering partnerships can help mining companies adopt new technologies while maintaining the reliability expected in demanding operating environments.

Whether transporting bulk materials through crushing circuits, processing plants or stockpiling operations, RUD's engineered conveyor and drive systems help mining companies improve reliability, maximise equipment availability and support the adoption of new processing technologies. Backed by Australian engineering expertise and 150 years of global innovation, RUD continues to deliver conveyor solutions built for the demands of modern mining.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conveyor and drive solutions does RUD provide for mining?
RUD designs and manufactures customised conveyor and drive systems, including apron feeders, drag chain conveyors, bucket elevators, round steel chains and TECDOS®, PI-GAMMA and OMEGA drive technologies. Each solution is engineered to suit the site's material characteristics and operating conditions.

How do RUD conveyor systems improve mining operations?
RUD conveyor systems help improve equipment reliability, maximise plant availability, reduce maintenance requirements and ensure the continuous movement of bulk materials through mining and mineral processing operations.

How is RUD supporting lower emission mining and steel production?
RUD supported Vale's iron ore briquette plant in Brazil by designing enclosed conveyor systems that enable reliable material handling for an innovative steelmaking process with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10%.

For more details on our conveyor and drive solutions, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300. 

This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.