Grasshopper Conveyor
Modular wheel mounted transfer conveyor for rapid pad coverage and easy redeployment.
Carmaky’s Grasshopper Conveyor extends conveying reach across heap leach pads and can be relocated as cells and stacking requirements change. Multiple units can be connected to create a flexible conveying route between the upstream feed point and the downstream stacking equipment.
Modular Conveyor Reach Where the Operation Needs It
The Grasshopper Conveyor is a modular mobile transfer conveyor designed to extend material flow without permanent conveyor infrastructure. Wheel mounted units can be connected in a string and repositioned as the operating area changes. Within a heap leach stacking system, the grasshopper string transfers material between the upstream feed arrangement and the equipment used for final distribution and ore placement.
Specifications
| Standard length | 35 m modules |
|---|---|
| Belt widths | 600–1500 mm |
| Capacity | Approximately 300–2,000 tph, dependent on ore and configuration |
Final equipment selection and configuration remain project specific.
Key Benefits on Site
- Rapid Relocation
Reposition conveyor modules during cell changes and changes to the conveying route.
- Modular Reach
Connect multiple units to extend the system across the required operating area.
- Reduced Fixed Infrastructure
Create flexible transfer routes without relying only on permanent conveyor structures.
- System Compatibility
Integrate with Carmaky Ramp, Transverse, Horizontal Index and Radial Stacker equipment as part of a complete stacking train.
- Practical Maintenance
Common equipment philosophy supports access, maintenance and spare-parts planning across the conveyor string.
System Role: Where It Fits
The Grasshopper Conveyor forms the mobile transfer string within the Carmaky Heap Leach Stacking System. Depending on the site arrangement, the string receives material from the upstream process or Ramp Conveyor and transfers it towards the Transverse Conveyor, Horizontal Index Conveyor and Radial Stacker. The number and arrangement of units depend on the required reach, pad layout and stacking strategy.
Typical flow:
Feed source → Grasshopper string → Transverse Conveyor → Horizontal Index Conveyor → Radial Stacker
Common Applications
- Heap Leach Stacking
Mobile transfer in advance or retreat stacking arrangements.
- Dry Stack Tailings Rehandling
Relocatable transfer for suitable dry material rehandling duties.
- Temporary Bypass and Surge Control
Temporary conveying arrangements where flexibility is required.
- Emergency Ore Stockpiling
Mobile transfer into an emergency or temporary stockpile arrangement.
- Stockyards and Ports
Flexible conveying routes for suitable stockyard and port bulk material handling applications.
Standard Features
- Wheel mounted with loader, dozer or telehandler towing point
- Mine duty frame for rough terrain
- Spillage control at transfers
- Fast setup and compatibility with Carmaky conveyors
- Local support from South Africa
Options & Integrations
- Quick-connect power and control umbilicals
- Chute variations
- Walkways
- Belt covers
Final options and integration requirements must be confirmed against the project duty and site arrangement.
Heap Leach Resource Centre
Explore practical guides, operational insights and technical articles covering heap leach material handling, equipment selection and stacking system operation.
Industry Guides
Clear introductions to heap leach methods, terminology and stacking approaches.
Operations Guides
Practical guidance for moving, configuring and operating mobile equipment.
Technical Articles
Deeper explanations of material behaviour and system design considerations.
Download the Grasshopper Conveyor Brochure
Download the Grasshopper Conveyor brochure for the equipment overview, typical specifications, features, applications and integration options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get asked at Carmaky.
What is a grasshopper conveyor?
A grasshopper conveyor is a modular mobile transfer conveyor used to extend conveying routes across a heap leach pad. Multiple units can be connected together to transport ore between the upstream feed point and the stacking equipment while allowing the system to be relocated as operations progress.
Why are grasshopper conveyors used in heap leach operations?
Grasshopper conveyors provide a flexible method of transferring ore across the heap leach pad without relying on permanent conveyor structures. Their modular design allows the conveying route to be adjusted as cells advance and stacking requirements change.
Can grasshopper conveyors be relocated as the heap develops?
Yes. Grasshopper conveyors are designed for relocation as heap leach operations progress. Individual modules can be repositioned to maintain the conveying route as the stacking face moves across the pad.
Can grasshopper conveyors operate as standalone units?
Yes. Grasshopper conveyors may be used as individual transfer conveyors or integrated into a larger heap leach stacking system. The final configuration depends on the site layout, tonnage requirements and the overall material handling strategy.
What equipment typically works with a grasshopper conveyor?
Grasshopper conveyors are commonly used together with Ramp Conveyors, Transverse Conveyors, Horizontal Index Conveyors and Radial Stackers as part of a complete heap leach stacking system.
Are grasshopper conveyors only used for heap leaching?
No. Although grasshopper conveyors are widely used in heap leach stacking systems, they can also support temporary stockpiling, dry material rehandling, emergency stockpiling and bypass duties. Grasshopper conveyors are also used in stockyards and ports where mobile, adjustable conveying routes are required.
Need a Grasshopper Conveyor for Your Operation?
Provide the required duty, material, capacity, layout and operating conditions so Carmaky can review the application and recommend a suitable Grasshopper Conveyor configuration.
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