Comparative study of costs of belts and trucks for the transportation of mineral in surface mining [Estudio comparativo de costos de fajas y camiones para el transporte de mineral en minera superficial]

Abstract

This study focuses on making a detailed description of the unit costs associated with the transportation of minerals in mining operations. The hypothesis proposed suggests that, when carrying out an economic evaluation, conveyor belts exhibit a lower present value compared to the use of trucks. The research is characterized by being applied, non-experimental and descriptive. The conclusion drawn indicates that, when contrasting these two options through an economic analysis, the conveyor belt has a reduced present value of 119 million dollars, which represents an advantage over trucks that have a present value of 164 million dollars. reflecting a difference of 39% indicating that the conveyor belt is positioned as the most beneficial option for its construction. To carry out this project, it would be necessary to have 13 trucks, as well as a stacker, a front loader and a material crusher. In contrast, an option to use trucks would require a quantity of 22 units, with a demand of 50% in present value terms compared to the conveyor belt approach.