As mining operations push for greater efficiency, safety and sustainability, the role of transfer points has moved from the periphery to the forefront of materials handling strategy. Mark Baller, Managing Director of Weba Chute Systems, says the company is seeing a significant shift in how the industry views and manages these critical components.
“Transfer points are no longer treated as secondary or generic elements of a plant,” Baller says. “We are pleased to see that in many instances chute systems are now being recognised as strategic assets that influence uptime, wear rates, energy use and even compliance with environmental standards.”
This changing mindset is driving demand for custom-engineered chute systems that are designed not only to move material, but to do so in a controlled and predictable manner. Baller explains that uncontrolled flow, free falling material and high impact zones at transfer points are key contributors to excessive dust, spillage and equipment wear - all of which erode productivity and increase operational risk.
Weba Chute Systems addresses this by focusing on flow control and energy dissipation in every chute it designs. “Increasingly, mines are asking for solutions that go beyond simply transferring material from one conveyor to another,” he says. “They want reduced dust emissions, longer wear life, easier maintenance access and ultimately, a safer and cleaner plant environment. These outcomes are only achievable through tailored designs based on site-specific conditions.”
To meet these expectations, Weba Chute Systems relies heavily on Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) to simulate material flow and optimise performance before a chute is manufactured. This digital approach not only predicts how material will behave but allows the company’s skilled engineers to pinpoint high wear zones and ensure the correct liners are placed for maximum protection. The result is a solution that extends wear life, reduces the need for unplanned maintenance and cuts down on associated downtime.
Baller notes that there is a growing preference for bespoke chute systems rather than standardised units, and this is exactly where Weba Chute Systems has achieved its mark in the mining and materials handling industry globally.
“Mining operations are increasingly aware that variations in material type, particle size, flow rate and plant layout require a design that is purpose-built and not off the shelf,” Baller says. “Our approach begins with an on-site assessment and consultation, ensuring that each chute integrates seamlessly into the surrounding infrastructure, whether feeding a crusher, a screen or another conveyor.”
He adds that effective chute design also plays a vital role in safety performance and environmental compliance. By eliminating uncontrolled discharge and managing flow paths with precision, custom engineered Weba chutes reduce spillage, limit dust clouds and improve visibility in areas that are often congested and high risk.
“What we are seeing is a deeper appreciation for what happens at transfer points, and a recognition that investing in smarter design upfront has long term benefits,” says Baller. “Our systems are not just engineered to move material. They are engineered to protect assets, people and productivity.”
With over 5 000 Weba chutes operating in mines and materials handling facilities around the world, the company’s reputation is built on a foundation of innovation, reliability and application-specific performance. As the industry continues to evolve, Weba Chute Systems remains committed to leading the way in transforming transfer points into enablers of efficient, safe and sustainable mining.