Key Factors to Consider When Selecting Conveyor Belts for Mining Applications
2026-01-12 09:33In the mining industry, conveyor belts are far more than consumable items. They play a critical role in continuous production, operational safety, and long-term cost control.
As Hengyi, a supplier that has long served coal and metal mining operations, we have found through real projects that many operating issues are caused not by product quality itself, but by improper matching between belt selection and actual working conditions in the conveyor belt mining industry.
Based on practical experience from mining sites, below are the key points that should be carefully evaluated when selecting conveyor belts for mining applications.
Clearly define the conveyed material and operating environment:
Mining conditions vary significantly, and different materials place very different demands on conveyor belt performance. Before selecting a belt, the following factors should be clearly identified:
Material type: coal, iron ore, crushed stone, clinker, etc.
Material characteristics: particle size and whether large-impact loading is present.
Operating environment: underground or open-pit, wet conditions, heavy dust.
Temperature: ambient materials or high-temperature materials.
Match belt structure and strength rating to the conveyor system:
One of the most common mistakes in belt selection is focusing only on thickness while overlooking how the belt structure interacts with the overall conveyor system. In practice, the following parameters deserve close attention:
Carcass type: steel cord (ST) or EP multi-ply fabric.
Tensile strength rating: directly related to conveying distance and lift height.
Cover thickness: determines impact resistance and abrasion resistance.
Typical Reference for Mining Conveyor Belt Selection:
| Operating Condition | Recommended Belt Type | Common Strength Range | Top/Bottom Cover (mm) |
| Underground coal mine main haulage | Steel cord (FR) | ST800–ST2000 | 6+3 / 8+4 |
| Open-pit metal mine, long distance | Steel cord (AR) | ST1000–ST3150 | 6+3 / 8+4 |
| Short to medium ore conveying | EP fabric belt | EP200–EP800 | 4+2 / 5+3 |
| High-abrasion crushed stone | EP or ST (AR) | EP400–EP1000 | ≥6+3 |
The above ranges reflect common industry practice. Final selection should always be confirmed based on site-specific conditions.
Pay attention to special performance requirements:
In mining applications, special belt properties have a direct impact on service life and maintenance frequency:
Abrasion Resistant (AR): suitable for crushed stone and iron ore.
Fire Resistant (FR): mandatory for underground coal mines, compliant with ISO and MSHA standards.
Heat Resistant (HR): typically withstands temperatures of 150–200°C for hot material conveying.
Conveyor layout, installation, and maintenance also matter:
Beyond the belt itself, system design and maintenance practices play a major role in belt performance and lifespan, including:
Reasonable conveyor length and inclination.
Proper installation accuracy of idlers and pulleys.
Stable splice strength and reliable vulcanization quality.
A routine inspection and maintenance program.
We focus on the production of mining conveyor belts and supply abrasion-resistant and fire-resistant products that comply with multiple international standards, supporting reliable operation across a wide range of applications in the conveyor belt mining industry.