Reclaimer: An Efficient Bulk Material Handling Solution for Modern Industries

Steel Structure

9/23/20251 min read

Behind the smooth operations of industries such as power plants, ports, and cement factories, there’s a heavy-duty machine working tirelessly — the reclaimer. Its function may sound simple, but it’s absolutely crucial: to retrieve bulk materials from stockpiles and deliver them to the next stage of the process automatically and consistently.

What Is a Reclaimer?

A reclaimer is an industrial machine used to recover bulk materials from large stockpiles. These materials can include:

  • Coal

  • Iron ore

  • Cement

  • Sand

  • Limestone

  • Fertilizer and other raw materials

Once reclaimed, the material is transferred via belt conveyors to the next process — whether that’s production, combustion, or shipment.

Read also: Steel Structures – A Strong and Efficient Solution for Modern Construction

Where Are Reclaimers Used?

Reclaimers play a key role in various industrial sectors, particularly:

  • Power plants (PLTU) – retrieving coal from stockpiles and feeding it into boilers

  • Cement plants – handling raw materials such as limestone and clay

  • Ports and terminals – managing large-scale bulk material loading and unloading

  • Fertilizer and chemical industries – ensuring a controlled, efficient flow of materials

Why Are Reclaimers Important?

Reclaimers offer numerous advantages that make them indispensable in bulk material management:

  • Automated and Consistent – Maintain steady material flow with minimal human intervention

  • Efficient – Speed up material handling and processing

  • Cost-Effective – Reduce the need for other heavy equipment

  • Safe – Minimize manual work and risk in stockpile areas

Conclusion

Although often unseen by the public, reclaimers are vital components in modern industrial systems. With robust steel construction and automated technology, these machines ensure the smooth and efficient movement of bulk materials — keeping industries running seamlessly every single day.