Fire Resistant Conveyor Belts for Mining and Hazardous Environments

Conveyor belts are essential for transporting materials in mining operations. Can standard, general-purpose conveyor belts be safely used in mines? At first glance, they may seem adequate. But mines pose unique safety and regulatory challenges. When it comes to underground mining, safety is non-negotiable. This brings up an important question: Can general-purpose conveyor belts be used in mines? And if so, is it actually safe?

Let’s dig deeper.

What is General-Purpose Conveyor Belts?

General‑purpose belts are designed to meet basic industrial standards, for applications in agriculture, recycling, cement, or handling non‑hazardous bulk materials.

They’re not engineered for mining. Their fire resistance, durability, and anti-static properties do not satisfy the demanding conditions inside mines.

What Exactly Is a Fire-Resistant Conveyor Belt?

A fire-resistant conveyor belt—also referred to as a flame-retardant conveyor belt—is specially engineered to resist ignition and self-extinguish quickly in the event of a fire. It is typically made with flame-retardant rubber compounds and anti-static properties, making it suitable for use in underground mines, coal handling, and flammable environments.

These belts are rigorously tested for flame propagation, burning time, surface resistivity, and smoke toxicity to ensure they won’t contribute to fire spread.

Can General Purpose Conveyor Belts Be Used in Mines?

Technically, yes—you can install a general-purpose belt in a mine. But that doesn’t mean you should.

General-purpose conveyor belts are made for surface-level material transport where there are minimal fire or explosion risks. They lack built-in flame retardance, and they may also produce toxic smoke or excessive heat when ignited.

So while possible, it’s not safe nor compliant with mining safety standards.

Why General Purpose Conveyor Belts Are Generally Not Recommended for Use in Mines?

Mines, especially underground ones, are high-risk environments due to the potential presence of flammable gases (like methane) and dust particles. Using a standard conveyor belt increases the chance of:

• Ignition from frictional heat

• Rapid flame spread

• Harmful gas emission

• Electrical static buildup

That’s why regulatory authorities strictly require flame-retardant belts for such operations.

The Potential Dangers of Applying General-Purpose Conveyor Belts to Mines

Using a non-fire-resistant belt in a mine may result in:

• Fires that quickly spiral out of control

• Fatal smoke inhalation from toxic materials like PVC or untreated rubber

• Explosion risks due to accumulated combustible gases

• Legal liabilities and compliance failures with mining authorities

• Equipment damage and production downtime

Put simply: the cost of using the wrong belt can be catastrophic.

Mining Environments: Why They’re Different

High Fire & Explosion Risk

• Underground mines, especially coal or dust‑handling sites, often contain flammable atmospheres. Standard belts may propagate fire or spark from static build‑up or friction.

• Tests like DIN EN 22109 or EN 14973 classes C1/C2 are mandatory for flame propagation and drum friction resistance   .

• General belts lack those rigorous fire‑resistant qualities.

Static Electricity Hazards

• Mines can accumulate static charges, which may ignite dust or gas.

• Mining belts must meet strict surface resistance limits (e.g. < 300 MΩ), ensuring static safely discharges into the metal frame—not present in basic belts.

Mechanical Demands

• Mining belts endure extreme abrasion, heavy loads, and long distances.

• They must also navigate steep angles, heavy impact, moisture, or corrosive environments. Standard belts are not reinforced for such use.

What Standards Should Fire-Resistant Conveyor Belts for Mining Meet?

Fire-resistant belts must comply with international safety standards, depending on the country and mining operation type:

• ISO 340 / ISO 284 – Flame retardancy and anti-static properties

• EN 14973 – For underground use in Europe (C1 and C2 classifications)

• AS 4606 – For underground coal mining in Australia

• SANS 968 – South African flame-retardant requirements

• MSHA Part 14 – U.S. flame resistance standard for underground mines

These standards specify acceptable limits for flame propagation, surface resistance, and other safety parameters.

Fire-Resistant Conveyor Belt-Key Test Methods

Fire-resistant belts undergo several strict tests before they are certified for mining use:

1. Single Belt Vertical Flame Test (ISO 340 / EN 12881-1)

• Measures the burning time and length of a vertically suspended belt sample.

2. Electrical Surface Resistance Test (ISO 284)

• Assesses anti-static performance to prevent ignition from static discharge.

3. Drum Friction Test (EN 12881-2)

• Simulates friction heat buildup and tests whether the belt ignites when running over a steel drum.

4. Gallery Test (EN 12881-3)

• Full-scale test to simulate a conveyor belt fire in a mine-like tunnel.

5. Smoke Density and Toxicity Tests

• Evaluates the level of visibility and toxicity of gases released when burning.

Conclusion:

So, can general-purpose conveyor belts be used in mines?

Not safely.

General-purpose belts lack the fire-resistant and anti-static features required for hazardous mining environments. Their use can endanger lives, destroy property, and violate regulatory requirements.

If you’re sourcing belts for underground mining or flammable material transport, invest in certified fire-resistant conveyor belts. They may cost more upfront—but they pay off in peace of mind, safety, and compliance.