Tata Steel, an Indian steel-making company, said that it has installed a long pipe conveyor (LPC) at its opencast coal mines at West Bokaro Division in the Indian state of Jharkhand.

The four-km long pipe conveyor project replaces a 61-year-old mono cable and bi-cable ropeway system at the West Bokaro Division.

It will transport coal and by-products from the washeries to the Chainpur railway siding having replaced the existing ropeway transportation system.

According to Tata Steel, the new conveyor is driven by controlled start transmission drives, made up of a steel cord belt that has fire resistant properties.

The single unit can handle coal and also by-product grades, while carrying 1200 tonnes per hour. This makes it a lot cheaper and safer than road transport and ropeway transport, said Tata Steel.

Besides, the enclosed structure will make sure there is no degradation of materials along the route.

The Indian steel-making company said that maintenance staff and all the required equipment will be borne by a couple of maintenance trolleys placed on top of the conveyor.

The long pipe conveyor will have zero spillage besides being noiseless, while enhancing productivity in the West Bokaro Division, said Tata Steel.

TV Narendran – CEO and MD of Tata Steel said: “Implementation of best-in-class technologies and sustainable practices are critical success factors for mining operations. The Long Pipe Conveyor would improve the productivity and help in reducing the environmental footprint in coal logistics, significantly.”

  India, Jharkhand, Tata Steel, TV Narendran, West Bokaro