Case Study: Optimizing grinding processes with high chrome grinding media
Customer: Lubumbe mine (Zambia)
Background
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Between 2016 and 2018, an extensive plant trial was carried out, focusing on the utilisation of high chrome media in the ball mill. The results showed that grinding with high chrome grinding media:
- Reduced the wear rate by 25%.
- Reduced NaHS consumption by 17%.
- Increased copper recovery by 1.3±0.5%.
Solution
Between 2016 and 2018, an extensive plant trial was carried out, focusing on the utilisation of high chrome media in the ball mill. The results showed that grinding with high chrome grinding media:
- Reduced the wear rate by 25%.
- Reduced NaHS consumption by 17%.
- Increased copper recovery by 1.3±0.5%.
Results
After obtaining encouraging laboratory results, a plant trial was carried out in late 2009 at the Cadia concentrators’ ball mill, using the Magotteaux mining grinding media, One Cast High Chrome.The outcome demonstrated a remarkable improvement, with copper and gold recoveries increasing by 1% and 2.1% respectively. Despite the excellent outcome, a subsequent economic decision led the mine to revert back to forged steel in 2012.
25% Reduction
in wear with Magotteaux mining grinding media One Cast High Chrome
