--Full-Scene Conveying Coverage for Chile's Mining Needs: From Underground to Vertical Shaft, Short to Long Distance
From June 8 to 12, EXPONOR 2026 (International Mining & Equipment Exhibition for Northern Chile) was held in Antofagasta – the "heart of mining." Qingdao Best Friend Rubber & Plastic Co., Ltd. made a major appearance with its full range of mining conveyor belts, including vertical lifting sidewall conveyor belts for mines, steel cord conveyor belts for mining, long-distance energy-saving conveyor belts, and conveyor maintenance accessories. Targeting the extreme conditions of high altitude, long transport distance, and severe impact in Chile, QBF rubber provides a one-stop solution from lifting to transportation, and from main equipment to maintenance – covering the entire mining conveyor ecosystem.
Focus on the "Heart of Mining": Opportunities and Pain Points in Antofagasta
The Antofagasta region contributes nearly 50% of Chile's mining GDP and is one of the world's most concentrated areas for copper mining investment. However, mines here face three major pressures:
Declining ore grade → rising material flow – conveying systems endure higher loads.
Complex terrain → difficult lifting – traditional multi-stage transfer occupies significant land and increases energy consumption.
Decarbonization goals → strict energy-saving targets – Chile's mining industry is accelerating electrification, urgently needing to reduce energy consumption per ton-kilometer.
On-Site Insights: Four Real Pain Points of Chilean Mining Customers
During the first two days of the exhibition, QBF rubber gathered direct feedback highlighting four recurring issues:
- Short service life of standard sidewall conveyor belts
- Insufficient impact resistance of steel cord conveyor belts
- High energy consumption in long-distance transportation
- Poor compatibility of maintenance accessories
QBF rubber Solutions: Targeted Products for Real Mining Challenges
In response to these pain points, QBF rubber showcased three core product categories at EXPONOR 2026, each designed for specific mining applications.
1. Vertical Lifting Sidewall Conveyor Belts for Mines – No More Detours in Steep Mining Areas
Application scenarios: Mine shaft lifting, vertical or steep-angle conveying in mountainous mining areas.
Key advantages: Designed for heavy-duty continuous climbing, capable of achieving vertical conveying of up to 500 meters – improving conveying efficiency by more than 10 times.
Value for Chilean mines: Particularly suitable for steep-terrain mining areas such as Coquimbo and Antofagasta, replacing outdated "multi-stage horizontal + transfer" systems.
2. Steel Cord Conveyor Belts for Mining – Impact-Resistant, Tear-Resistant, Safer
Application scenarios: Underground or open-pit main haulage lines with high drop angles and frequent impact from large lump materials.
Key advantages: High-strength, high-toughness steel cord carcass combined with a transverse tear-resistant reinforcement layer; cover rubber is wear-resistant and cut-resistant – specially formulated for hard materials such as copper ore and iron ore.
Value for Chilean mines: Significantly reduces the risk of production line shutdowns caused by belt tearing – the safety of the main haulage line equals the efficiency of the entire mine.
3. Long-Distance Energy-Saving Conveyor Belts – Saving Money Every Kilometer
Application scenarios: Ore haulage lines, tailings conveying, cross-site connecting lines.
Key advantages: Low rolling resistance design – reduces energy consumption by 10–15% compared to conventional conveyor belts; lightweight structure reduces drive power requirements.
Value for Chilean mines: Directly supports Chile's mining decarbonization targets – reduces both electricity cost per ton of ore and carbon emissions.
QBF rubber's Differentiation: Not Just Products – A "Lowest Cost Per Ton" Approach
At EXPORON 2026, QBF rubber attracted mining customers not only with product specifications but with a complete value proposition:
Full-scene coverage: From vertical lifting → underground main haulage → surface long-distance → maintenance accessories – all conveying needs across one single line can be met by QBF rubber.
Energy-saving orientation: Long-distance energy-saving belts + low-resistance structural design directly reduce operating electricity costs.
