Iron Ore
Mobile handling for iron ore, lump and fines across mines, beneficiation and export ports.
SANTO supplies mobile conveying, stacking and loading equipment engineered for iron ore — from receiving and stockpiling to reclaim and load-out. The notes below cover the properties that matter, the problems that typically appear on site and the machines we recommend.
Why Mobile Conveying Suits Iron Ore
Iron ore is a very dense (2.5–3.5 t/m³), abrasive mineral whose fines are dusty and prone to liquefaction when wet. The feeder track stacker buffers the run-of-mine and meters a steady feed to the crusher and screen.
- Feeder buffering protects crusher and screen from surge
- Abrasion-resistant belts and idlers resist extreme wear
- Tracked mobility follows the advancing mine and stockyard
- Enclosed transfer controls fine ore dust
- High-tonnage radial stacking maximizes yard density
Physical Properties and Handling Behaviour
The table below summarises the properties that decide belt specification, chute geometry and stacking method for this material. Values are typical ranges — actual figures vary with source and moisture content, so we test your sample before finalising a design.
| Property | Typical Value / Handling Impact |
|---|---|
| Bulk density | 2.5–3.5 t/m³ (extremely dense) |
| Particle size | Lump to < 0.1 mm fines |
| Abrasiveness | Extreme — rapid belt wear |
| Angle of repose | 35–45°; fines liquefy when wet |
| Handling note | Heavy-duty wear packs; manage wet-fine liquefaction |
Handling Challenges with Iron Ore — and How SANTO Solves Them
Iron ore is among the densest, most abrasive bulk solids, destroying standard belts, while wet fines liquefy and flush uncontrollably. Blast surges stall processing if feed is uneven.
SANTO feeder track stackers and tracked stackers use abrasion-resistant belts, impact beds and sealed bearings for the ore, with enclosed transfer for fines. Feeder buffering smooths the plant feed as the operation advances.
- Specify abrasion-resistant belt and impact beds
- Manage wet fines to avoid liquefaction flush
- Use feeder buffering to steady plant feed
Recommended SANTO Equipment
For iron ore we most often supply the machines listed below. Each can be configured with the belt width, boom length and drive power your tonnage requires, and each is available on wheeled, tracked or crawler chassis.
- Feeder Track Stacker — configured for iron ore duty
- Tracked Stockpiler — configured for iron ore duty
- Tracked Radial Stacker — configured for iron ore duty
- Grasshopper Conveyor — configured for iron ore duty
Typical Stockpiling and Loading Setups
A well-planned iron ore yard keeps receiving, stacking and reclaiming on separate paths so trucks never queue behind a loader. In the most common layout, a mobile conveyor receives from the tipper or hopper and feeds a radial telescopic stacker that builds a layered stockpile, while a second conveyor reclaims to the loading point.
- Receiving: hopper or direct truck discharge into a mobile conveyor
- Stacking: radial or telescopic stacking to build layered, drainable stockpiles
- Reclaim: front-end loader feeding a mobile conveyor, or direct reclaim conveyor
- Load-out: conveyor to truck, wagon, barge or vessel hold
Frequently Asked Questions
How is extreme abrasion handled?
Abrasion-resistant belt covers, impact beds and heavy-duty sealed idlers survive the dense, hard iron ore.
What about wet iron-ore fines?
Controlled, low-turbulence feed and enclosure stop the liquefying fines from flushing and dusting.
Can the equipment follow the mine?
Yes. Tracked stackers and grasshopper conveyors relocate with the face and stockyard as the plan advances.
Need the right machine for your site?
Send us your material, required capacity and site layout. SANTO engineers will size the equipment and return a configuration proposal within 12 hours — no obligation.