Case Study: Magotteaux‘s HighChromium technology outperforms the competition
Customer: A tier one Australian Gold Miner
Background
Magotteaux and the customer have collaborated for over a decade, working together at seven sites. Six of these operations were successfully converted from steel-forged (SF) to high chromium (HiCr) grinding balls based on wear tests that demonstrated HiCr‘s superior performance. In 2020, Magotteaux lost supply contracts based on unit price alone. However, when Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and performance were considered, all sites returned to 100% Magotteaux supply.
Solution
Magotteaux conducted a marked ball test (MBT) at the customer‘s flagship operation in Kalgoorlie. The test compared the performance of Magotteaux’s HiCr grinding media against various competitors. Results showed that Magotteaux’s HiCr balls performed at least 15% better, demonstrating superior wear performance and leading to a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for the same chemical specification balls.
Results
The MBT highlighted a 15% performance improvement of Magotteaux’s HiCr balls, demonstrating significant long-term cost benefits. This, combined with Magotteaux’s value-added services, led the customer to shift their six Western Australian operations back to Magotteaux, reaffirming the importance of considering total cost of ownership and operational efficiency over unit price alone.
Technical engagement
Persistance and integrity
