example, a 5 MW plant, can be sized for 4 hours continuous operation resulting in 20 MWh storage capacity or for 8 hours resulting in 40 MWh, by simply changing the stockpile capacity. Similarly, a 10 MW configuration can reach approximately 120 MWh over a period of 12 hours at rated power. Furthermore, the technical feasibility of multi-MW conveyors is substantiated by mining practice since conveying systems commonly transport 5,000–15,000 t/h, and individual regenerative conveyors have demonstrated generation capacity of 5–10 MW. Real-world examples further corroborate this scale, including the Los Pelambres downhill conveyor in Chile (~5.97 km length, ~535.8 m drop) reportedly generating about 9 MW. The results of the study indicate that CB-GES should be interpreted as a site-coupled infrastructure reuse pathway rather than a uniform ready-to-use energy storage solution. The most favourable outcomes occur in areas where steep topography, suitable geotechnical conditions and adequate stockpile areas coexist, conditions which are typical of large open-pit mines and their associated waste dumps. In this context, CB-GES provides a reliable technical route for converting dormant mining assets into grid-supporting infrastructure, while simultaneously contributing to post-mining land rehabilitation strategies through productive reuse of disturbed landscapes. 6. CONCLUSIONS CB-GES represents a site-specific, infrastructure-reuse pathway for long-duration storage in post-mining regions, particularly where steep topography and existing conveying systems are available. While efficiency is lower than batteries and pumped hydro, CB-GES offers advantages in mechanical simplicity, long lifetime, and independence from critical materials. Key limitations include dependence on favourable site geometry, sensitivity to frictional losses, and uncertainties related to material handling efficiency and long-term mechanical wear. This study demonstrates modelling-based feasibility and comparative techno-economic potential but does not yet include pilot-scale validation. Future work should focus on pilot demonstrations, dynamic system modelling, and integration with real mine geometries and operational constraints. ACKNOWLEDGMENT This study was conducted as part of the GrEnMine research project (Project No 101157790), cofunded by the European Union (Research Fund for Coal and Steel). The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. REFERENCES Bajda, M., & Hardygóra, M. (2021). Analysis of the influence of the type of belt on the energy consumption of transport processes in a belt conveyor. Energies, 14(19), 6180. Cai, K., Han, Y., Xia, R., Wu, J., Wang, J., & Lund, P. D. (2024). Gravity energy storage: A review on system types, techno-economic assessment and integration with renewable energy. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Energy and Environment, 13(6), e543. Chelopo, D., & Gupta, K. (2025). Exploring the Economic Hypothetical for Downhill Belt Conveyors Equipped with Three-Phase Active Front-End Load Converters. Technologies, 13(5), 185.
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