Technology review and cost analysis of light gauge rail-based bulk material handling systems

<p dir="ltr">The need for energy efficient long distance high capacity bulk material transportation has seen the development of a range of new light gauge rail-based transportation systems. These include both continuous and batch systems that can provide significant CAPEX and OPEX savings due to energy benefits attributed to lower rolling friction than traditional belt conveyors.</p><p dir="ltr">The aim of this paper is twofold. Firstly, a technology review of new light gauge rail based systems will be presented to provide a current state-of-the-art. Rail and track considerations will be discussed in relation to light gauge rail. Secondly, a detailed economic comparison between a continuous rail-running belt conveyor and traditional belt conveyor will be presented for a range of iron ore and coal case studies in Australia, Canada and South Africa. The economic study will identify particular characteristics of rail-running conveyors that have the greatest impact on both CAPEX and OPEX.</p>