BHP Mineral's Groote Eylandt Mining Co. (GEMCO) in the Gulf of Carpentaria in Northern Australia has experienced severe carry back problems when using conventional dump bodies to haul their sticky clay based overburden.

Up to 15 tons (10%) could be left in the bodies after dumping, requiring the trays to be cleaned out every second day. In some periods, this was done daily.

GEMCO have used SDB's in their operation since 1992 with excellent results. The bodies have not had to be cleaned once. The material build up is completely eliminated. With extra payload, plus the fact that the entire load can be unloaded, every time, the productivity is said to be up some 30%.

"As we do not intend to run the steel bodies in sticky materials any more, it will be unlikely that the opportunity will arise to photograph the performance of steel vs the Duratray bodies. Should the situation present itself, I would be happy to take some photos to show the difference."

"However, I would be pleased to discuss the performance of the bodies with any interested parties as they are certainly performing to our expectations."

Murray Fox
MINING MANAGER
BHP Minerals, (GEMCO)