WEG, a global manufacturer of motors, geared motors, drives and automation systems, will make its first appearance at SIM 2026, taking place from October 7–9 in Châlons-en-Champagne, France. Exhibiting from stand J12, WEG France will show how its WEGmotion Drives portfolio can support quarrying, mining, extraction, processing and recycling applications where reliability, efficiency and site support are critical.

Organised by the French Society of the Mineral Industry, SIM brings together professionals from across the extractive industries, including mines, quarries, industrial minerals, cement plants and recycling centres. For WEG France, the event provides an opportunity to meet original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), design engineers and site operators directly.

Across quarries and mining operations, geared motors are widely used on conveyors, washing equipment, water-treatment systems, feeders and bulk handling machinery. These applications often operate outdoors, in dusty environments and for long running hours, while handling heavy loads, vibration and shock. Specification therefore cannot be based on power alone; service factor, ambient temperature, dust exposure, shock loading, backstop requirements and maintenance access all need to be considered.

“A breakdown on a conveyor can quickly affect the productivity of the whole site, so reliability is one of the most important considerations for operators.” said Philippe Piotelat, geared motors product manager at WEG France.

At SIM, WEG will highlight its WG20 and WG50 geared motor ranges. WG20 is suited to the many conveyor applications found across quarrying and minerals sites, combining a compact, modular design with high efficiency and durability. Available in helical, parallel shaft, helical bevel and helical worm configurations, the range helps engineers match the drive system to different layouts and installation requirements.

For heavier duties, WG50 is designed for applications such as long conveyors extending several hundred metres, feeding tables and other demanding equipment. Precision-ground helical gearing, robust alloy steel components and modular construction support smooth operation, reliability and simplified maintenance in high-torque applications. Both ranges can be combined with WEG motors, giving customers access to different efficiency classes and operating options from the same supplier.

Safety and maintainability are especially important on inclined conveyors. If power is lost, operators need to prevent material from travelling back down the conveyor. WEG can support this through flexible backstop options, either mounted externally at the back of the motor for easier access or integrated through the IEC adapter between the motor and gearbox.

A key message for WEG France at SIM will be its ability to offer a complete WEGmotion Drives package from a single supplier. Because WEG manufactures gearboxes and motors, and can also supply soft starters, variable speed drives and automation technologies, customers can source the complete system through one point of contact.

“Customers do not want to be passed between different suppliers if there is a problem with the gearbox, motor or drive,” added Piotelat. “By supplying the complete package, WEG can advise on the whole system, from the geared motor through to the control equipment. That gives customers more confidence in the reliability and performance of the final solution.”

Alongside WG20 and WG50, WEG will display its 200 kW W22 Prime motor, part of a high-efficiency asynchronous motor range with power ratings up to 1,000 kW. The range offers IE4 and IE5 efficiency options using familiar motor technology, with the flexibility to run directly from the mains or with an inverter, depending on the application. For quarrying and mining operators, this provides a practical route to improved energy performance without adding unnecessary complexity.

The company will also showcase the CFW900 variable speed drive (VSD) with ratings from 1.1 kW to 440 kW and the SSW900 soft starter covering currents from 10 to 1,400 A.

WEG’s dedicated M Mining motor line further complements the company’s portfolio, offering motors engineered for the demanding conditions of mineral extraction and processing. Although WEG is already well known for its motor technology, SIM 2026 will allow the company to raise awareness of its wider geared motor and WEGmotion Drives offer in France.

Visitors to stand J12 will be able to meet the WEG France team and discuss conveyor reliability, heavy-duty geared motor specification, energy efficiency, motor control and site support.

To find out more about WEG's products for mining and minerals processing, visit the website.