In a major engineering breakthrough, Bunting’s Redditch facility in the UK has developed and installed the world's largest Electro Crossbelt (Overband) Magnet. Weighing an impressive 13 tons, this powerful device is now operating in a gold mine located in Northern Finland. Over the next year, it will process approximately 2.7 million tons of ore, effectively removing dangerous tramp metal to protect critical equipment like crushers and screens.

The Electro Crossbelt Magnet uses strong magnetic forces to detect and remove ferrous metals from the ore stream. Suspended across the non-magnetic head pulley of a conveyor belt, it creates a powerful field that attracts any stray metal. The metal is then lifted onto a self-cleaning rubber belt, which efficiently removes it and directs it into a collection area, ensuring continuous operation without interruptions.

This advanced system is part of a major expansion at the Kittila Gold Mine, showcasing Bunting’s commitment to innovation and reliability.

Bunting engineers worked closely with the mine team to design a tailored solution. They considered factors such as conveyor dimensions, ore volume, and the types of tramp metal present. Using their own specialized selection program, they calculated the ideal magnetic strength needed for optimal performance.

The result is the model 205 OCW50 Electro Crossbelt Magnet, equipped with a 17 kW electromagnetic coil cooled by recirculated oil. This cooling system ensures consistent performance by preventing overheating, which can reduce magnetic efficiency. The magnet, measuring 4.2m long, 3m wide, and 2.2m tall, was built at Bunting’s Redditch factory and transported to Finland for installation.

“This project was one of our most complex to date,” says Adrian Coleman, General Manager at Bunting’s Redditch plant. “While we have over 40 years of experience in designing large Electro Crossbelt Magnets, this was the biggest one we’ve ever made. We faced several challenges during the manufacturing process, especially during the pandemic, but we managed to deliver on time and to the highest standards.”

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