In a major engineering milestone, Bunting has installed the world’s largest Electro Crossbelt (Overband) Magnet at a gold mine in Northern Finland. This massive unit, weighing 13 tons, is set to protect critical processing equipment by removing harmful tramp metal from over 2.7 million tons of ore annually.

The magnet operates by creating a powerful magnetic field across the conveyor system. As the ore moves along the belt, any ferrous metal present is attracted and lifted onto a self-cleaning rubber belt, where it is efficiently removed and directed into a collection area. This ensures that expensive machinery like crushers and screens remain free from damage caused by foreign objects.

This advanced magnet is part of a major expansion project at the Kittila Gold Mine.

Bunting engineers worked closely with mine operators to develop a tailored solution. Factors such as conveyor size, material flow, and the type of tramp metal were all taken into account. Using an in-house design tool, they calculated the optimal magnetic strength needed for efficient separation.

The final product is the model 205 OCW50 Electro Crossbelt Magnet, equipped with a 17 kW electromagnetic coil cooled by recirculated oil. This cooling system is essential for maintaining consistent performance, as heat can reduce magnetic efficiency. The unit was built in Bunting's Redditch facility and measures 4.2m in length, 3m in width, and 2.2m in height.

The magnet is positioned above a 1600mm-wide conveyor that runs at a 12° incline and a speed of 0.75m/sec. It handles ore particles ranging from 70mm to 400mm, with capacities between 450 and 765 tons per hour. The system is designed to capture various types of tramp metal, including steel rebar, cable bolts, and broken drill bits, even when the material layer is up to 500mm thick.

“This was one of our most challenging projects,” says Adrian Coleman, General Manager at Bunting’s Redditch plant. “Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, we managed to deliver a custom-built solution that meets the highest standards of performance and reliability.”

Whether you're looking for a custom magnet solution or want to learn more about how this technology can benefit your operation, contact us today to discuss your needs and get a tailored quote.