>>20354290Replacing local, short truck trips with a surface or even underground conveyor, as is mentioned in the link, sounds a lot more efficient for moving materials. I know some coal mines have debated whether to run a miles-long belt to a nearby power plant or to truck or train the coal to the plant. The belt of course is way more efficient, but is a bigger initial investment.
I really like how this conveyor system looks and wonder if it can handle more weight in these steel semi-tubes than a rubber belt can.
https://www.railveyor.com/case-studies/ 