8,000 tph
stacker-reclaimer transported
Upgrade
of existing conveyors
5 new
conveyors installed
Challenges
- ArcelorMittal wanted to increase the iron-ore handling and shipping capacity at its Port Cartier operation from 16 million tons per annum (Mtpa) to 24 Mtpa.
- The ore-handling equipment was to be debottlenecked and the flexibility of the system increased by adding a new stacker-reclaimer to help store, reclaim, and ship iron-ore concentrate or pellet-plant feed at a rate of 8,000 tons per hour (tph).
- The plant had to be fully operational during the execution phase.
- A new ship loader was to be installed as back-up to the existing one.
Solutions
- The existing conveyor route was modified by constructing two new drive houses to add flexibility.
- The existing 2,000 tph stacker-reclaimer and associated conveyor were dismantled and replaced with an 8,000 tph stacker-reclaimer and a 1,700-foot-long, 72-inch-wide feed-and-reclaim conveyor.
- A second ship loader, capable of handling 8,000 tph of iron ore or iron pellet, was added to the existing wharf.
- The ship loader feed conveyor was also upgraded by replacing the drive system and pulleys.
Highlights
- The execution strategy minimized the impact on production, keeping the plant fully operational during that phase of the project.
- By coordinating with the maintenance and operation departments and other ongoing projects at the site, smooth execution was strengthened.
- The assembly of the stacker-reclaimer was done off-site at Belle Dune, New Brunswick, Canada, and the partially assembled equipment was transported and tested at site.
- The ship loader was assembled and partially tested in Germany, transported to Port Cartier, and off-loaded on the existing rails.
Project numbers
C$135 million capital cost5 new conveyors installed