Metso Upgrades Conveyor System at Harmony Gold Mine in PNG

Metso Oyj has delivered upgrades to the conveyor system at Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited's Hidden Valley mine in Papua New Guinea. The project is designed to improve the safety and efficiency of the mine's transport operations.

The Hidden Valley mine is located in the Morobe Province, at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters above sea level. The mine is one of Harmony Gold's three largest operations. Ore is transported from the mine to the processing plant, situated about 5 kilometers away.

Traditionally, ore transport relied on heavy haul trucks navigating the mountainous terrain and often wet conditions, a process prone to delays and risks. Following recommendations, Harmony Gold decided to invest in a pipe conveyor system to manage the site's topography and elevation changes.

The upgraded system can handle 14,000–15,000 tonnes of ore per day, significantly reducing the reliance on haul trucks. The system's advantages also include improved safety and operational reliability in challenging conditions.