Leach Pad Spreader Systems
The Zaldivar Mine copper mine, located in Northern Chile, utilizes heap
leaching technology to extract copper from ore. ThyssenKrupp provided
the system used to form the large pad for the sulphide-based ore. The
unique design of the stacking bridge was developed by combining current
technology from several related applications.
The stacker is free-supported and connected to the bridge structure
through a large slew bearing. At 70 meters in length, the bridge allows
the operator to deposit a large amount of ore on the pad before having
to relocate the feed conveyor system. The stacker is PLC-controlled and
can be operated remotely.
The traveling bridge stacker is supported on two sets of large
crawlers. Considering the immense size of the bridge, the crawlers
enable the machine to maneuver very efficiently. The low ground
pressure exerted by the crawlers neither compacts the surface nor
reduces the efficiency of the leaching process in subsequent layers.
The bridge stacker is fed by a series of portable "grasshopper"
conveyors, which are relocated periodically during the stacking
operation.