In its simply launched Q2 2025 outcomes, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) confirmed that its Sentinel copper operations in Zambia, a part of the FQM Trident advanced, have begun set up of the modern low-energy consumption Rail Working Conveyor (RRC) from FLSmidth to interchange conventional conveyor belts with idlers. The FLS RRC system, anticipated to be accomplished in late 2025, will draw probably 50-70% much less energy than conventional conveying.
Earlier this 12 months, Martin Lurie, FLS World Product Line Supervisor for Rail-Working Conveyors acknowledged: “Designed to dramatically scale back vitality consumption, enhance security and lower capital and working expenditure, Rail-Working Conveyors are a gamechanger for mines which should depend on prolonged conveying distances to maneuver materials.”
FLS says any mine that carries substantial tonnages over greater than 500 to 1,000 m can obtain far greater efficiencies utilizing this know-how. The Sentinel set up is designed to hold 5,000 t/h of copper ore over a 3.25 km run.
Between the conveyor head and tail on the RRC, the belt rests on wheeled carts, that are carried alongside by their interface with the belt. This lowers friction and thus belt stress, permitting for lighter weight belts and smaller drives. That is notable globally as it is going to be the primary mining-scale RRC reference.
Sentinel reported copper manufacturing of 43,108 t within the quarter, 3,253 t decrease than the earlier quarter because of the mining of decrease grades from Stage 3. Complete throughput improved quarter-over-quarter regardless of deliberate stoppages to handle Practice 2 Ball Mill flange bolt fatigue points.
FQM Trident’s close by Enterprise nickel mine produced 4,018 t of nickel in Q2 2025, a 14% lower over the earlier quarter as a consequence of decrease throughput and grades. Grades continued to be impacted by a change within the mining sequence and deployment of everlasting ramps to widen the footprint. 2025 manufacturing steering stays unchanged at 15,000 to 25,000 contained tonnes of nickel. The main focus for 2025 continues to be on maximising ore provide and comminution effectivity to extend throughput and scale back working value per unit. In response to the difficult financial situations for the nickel market, the mining technique for the 12 months has been revised to minimise waste stripping whereas sustaining nickel manufacturing inside steering.
