ESS said the first installation delivered such favourable results that the company decided to standardise on these conveyor skirting systems and there are now 768m in use at the mine.

Dave Fawkner, from the ESS Maitland branch, said the secret to the conveyor skirting success lies in the low-cost and efficiency of the new system.

"It's heavy duty as well as efficient, and very easy to install either as retrofit or new," Fawkner said. "In addition, this 2000 Series is also compact and cost-effective."

Because of the low overall height (only 150mm) it is easily fitted to locations where other skirting systems simply can't function. Very easy installation and even easier maintenance add to the product's appeal, according to ESS.

Construction can be in stainless steel (any grade to suit the application) or plated mild steel.

In addition, seal material choice is available - either 16mm thick rubber or Superthane R17. The company claims both seals, which are only 75mm high, are less than half the normal cost to replace, and culminate in less wastage.

ESS also offers an apron seal for dusty applications. Its unique dual seal ensures dust-proof sealing when used in conjunction with good belt support and material retaining plates as wear liners.