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.

RUD’s vertically integrated German manufacturing process combines precision engineering, advanced production technology and full traceability to deliver safer, high-performance lifting and lashing equipment for demanding industries. From the RUD VWBG load ring through to digitally traceable lifting solutions, RUD continues to support the Australian industry with reliable engineered lifting solutions built for long-term durability.

Made in Germany remains a globally recognised benchmark for engineering quality, reliability and technical expertise. In industries such as mining, transport, manufacturing, defence and infrastructure, companies prioritise safety, durability and long-term performance when selecting equipment and industrial lifting equipment.

At RUD, German manufacturing remains central to the production of lifting and lashing equipment, conveyor and drive technologies and tyre protection chains. Despite ongoing global manufacturing pressures, including rising operating costs, labour shortages and low-cost competition, RUD continues to invest in local manufacturing and engineering expertise at its headquarters in Aalen, Germany. This commitment supports the production of German-engineered lifting equipment designed for demanding industrial environments.

A Manufacturing Process Built Around Quality Control

German manufacturing is recognised worldwide for precision engineering, structured processes and consistent product performance. RUD supports these standards through a high level of vertical integration manufacturing, controlling key production stages internally rather than outsourcing them across multiple suppliers. Approved German manufacturers supply semi-finished components, which RUD then machines, assembles, tests and coats within its own facilities.

This approach maintains close control over material quality, machining accuracy and full product traceability throughout the supply chain. In lifting applications exposed to high dynamic loads and harsh operating conditions, this level of control is critical for engineered lifting solutions used across mining, infrastructure and heavy industry.

Engineering Expertise and Skilled Manufacturing

RUD combines advanced manufacturing technology with highly skilled engineering and production teams. Automated CNC machining, forging and heat treatment systems work alongside hands-on technical expertise, with specialists overseeing every stage of production.

This combination of modern equipment and practical knowledge supports tight tolerances, repeatable output and reliable product performance to meet strict operational standards across a range of industrial environments. The result is German engineered lifting equipment built for reliability, durability and long service life.

VWBG Load Rings - An Example of German Manufacturing Standards

The production of a RUD VWBG load ring demonstrates the precision and manufacturing control used throughout the entire process. The RUD VWBG load ring supports the safe lifting, rotating and turning of loads while reducing shock loading during operation, making it a trusted solution for heavy lifting safety equipment applications.

Production begins with high-grade steel sourced from approved German suppliers, including forged blanks manufactured in-house. RUD applies strict material specifications to achieve the required strength, fatigue resistance and durability before machining starts.

After forging, CNC turning and milling processes create the final threads, bearing surfaces and functional interfaces. Throughout machining, technicians conduct inspections to verify compliance with tight tolerance requirements.

RUD then forms the suspension link from a heated steel bar using induction heating and hydraulic forming equipment. Resistance and flash butt welding join the ends, producing strong and consistent welds capable of withstanding repeated load cycles in demanding environments.

Heat Treatment, Testing and Surface Protection

After forming and welding, components undergo heat treatment to achieve the required mechanical properties and Working Load Limit (WLL). RUD proof tests each suspension link at loads exceeding its rated WLL before conducting detailed inspections for defects and surface discontinuities.

Once approved, the components receive RUD’s distinctive pink powder coating through an electrostatic coating process and controlled oven curing. The coating provides long-term corrosion resistance and wear protection in demanding industrial environments where lifting and lashing equipment must perform consistently under harsh conditions.

Digital Traceability and Final Assembly

Final assembly of the VWBG includes integration of all mechanical components, including an RFID transponder that provides each load ring with a unique digital identity. Users can access product data, inspection records and lifting equipment traceability information using RUD apps such as the BUDDYtron.

This system simplifies product identification, inspection tracking and asset traceability, helping improve maintenance planning and operational safety.

Supporting Australian Industry with Proven Manufacturing Standards

For Australian industries operating in mining, heavy transport, defence and infrastructure, product reliability is a critical factor in safe and efficient operations. Equipment manufactured under strict engineering control supports reduced operational risk, improved service life and compliance with relevant Australian standards.

RUD Australia continues this German manufacturing legacy through its state-of-the-art production facility in Brisbane, supplying industrial lifting equipment Australia industries rely on for safety, durability and operational performance.

Summary

Made in Germany continues to represent precision engineering, controlled manufacturing processes and long-term reliability. At RUD, these principles guide every stage of production, from steel selection and forging through to machining, heat treatment, coating and digital traceability.

The result is lifting and lashing equipment designed to deliver consistent performance, safety and durability in demanding industrial environments. Through advanced manufacturing, vertical integration manufacturing and proven engineering expertise, RUD continues to deliver engineered lifting solutions trusted across the global industry.

In 2026, RUD Germany was recognised as “Company of the Year” in the metal industry category.

If you want more details of our German-made solutions, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.

Article rewritten from RUD Germany, which can be read here. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.