How to avoid critical downtime caused by flammability risks in underground mining

In underground mining, a conveyor belt does more than move mineral or coal: it operates in an environment where a breakdown, friction, or an ignition source can quickly escalate into a critical emergency.

The problem: flammability risk in underground installations

Working conditions in mine galleries and tunnels concentrate multiple risk factors: confined spaces, complex evacuation routes, combustible dust, and, in certain coal operations, the presence of methane. In this context, a conventional belt exposed to friction, heat, or mechanical failure can generate sparks, embers, or even propagate a flame.

The result can jeopardize operational continuity, installation assets, and above all, people’s safety.

One incident can stop the entire operation

A fire on a conveyor line can cause:

• Unplanned shutdowns and lost production.
• Damage to equipment, infrastructure, and tunnels.
• Risk to workers and more difficult evacuations.
• Repair, investigation, and restart costs.
• Regulatory non-compliance and a loss of operational confidence.

In underground mining, preventing ignition is not an optional improvement: it is a matter of industrial safety.

The solution: building prevention into the belt

Effective protection starts with choosing a belt specifically designed to minimize flammability risks. A flame-retardant solution must prevent ignition, avoid ember formation, and limit flame propagation under friction or heat.

It must also prove its performance through demanding tests and recognized certifications, not just a technical statement.

KAUMAN has developed KAUTEX® NoFlame Antillama, the pioneering multic-layer flame-retardant conveyor belt homologated in Spain, designed for underground mining and tunneling applications.

Its structure combines a textile carcass and rubber covers adapted to each installation’s requirements. Thanks to its formulation, the belt:

• Does not generate sparks or embers.
• Does not melt.
• Reduces the risk of flame propagation.
• Is especially recommended for underground installations with methane presence.

KAUTEX® NoFlame Antillama has been homologated by the Laboratorio Oficial Madariaga, a center accredited in Spain to test this type of belt under the European standard UNE-EN 14973:2006+A1:2008. It has passed tests for surface electrical resistance, drum friction, flame propagation, and flammability.

We are proud to have been pioneers, and at the time media outlets such as El Mundo highlighted this achievement. https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2015/06/02/556c9c6de2704e7e3e8b458a.html

With more than years of experience in rubber transformation and innovation applied to demanding industrial environments, KAUMAN helps mining operations move forward with greater protection, reliability, and peace of mind.

Because underground, the safety of the belt can be the safety of the entire operation.