Trucks are the primary means of bulk material transport in Open Pit hard rock mines worldwide. They are considered to be the most- flexible system available. The large number of trucks used in some mines provides flexibility._x000D_
Spare units allow for the reduced availability of the single units. Trucks have however very poor energy efficiency. Only 40% of the consumed energy is for transport of the payload, the remaining energy is required to move the dead load of the trucks. With the increase in cost, pressure, mine operators are now looking for alternative methods to make their operation more economical. Energy conservation and increasing haulage distances and uphill haulage are major factors in many well established operations._x000D_
New methods have already proven themselves as more economical alternatives. Belt conveyors are an alternative means of transport with much higher energy efficiency. They use up to 80% of the consumed energy for transportation of the payload._x000D_
Energy costs for conveyors are 30% of the energy costs for trucks on level transport and as little as 15% for elevating payloads. Belt conveyors require much fear spare parts and wear components than trucks. A factor of one to two times applies for level transport and ten to twenty times for uphill transport.