The following thesis considers developing a theoretical and practical comparative study of transport system applied to a hard rock mine exploited in open pit. Transport methods considered for comparison are, the conventional shovel-truck system versus the system for conveyor belts. The first part of this study describes the main characteristics of both transport systems and a diagnosis of the current situation that is facing mining with respect to increased mining costs and how it affects the key variable "materials transport system" to the profitability of this business. Subsequently a theoretical comparative analysis is performed to show the advantages and disadvantages of each one for a specific transport configuration, taking into account technical and economic aspects to consider. Within the technical aspects are include the type of material to be transported, used equipment, considerations of land, mining and planning. Within the economics aspects are highlighted, the number of equipment, labor, energy consumption, maintenance and automation. Finally, a comparison of the transport system is carried out in a practical case. The deposit of iron in Chile called Pleito Cristales is considered, taking into account the material movement program that are considered in the mining plan, in order to determine the best possible application to this deposit, highlighting technical and economic aspects that may affect the decision making on the transport system to be implemented in both for the ore as for the waste.