Author: J.O.C. Imrie
Abstract
Mine operations are being squeezed to do more with less. This is not new. But, where do mine operators turn for the next stage of improvement? Many have waged strong wars on the cost reduction front and cut back staff to the bone, yet need more improvement to remain competitive. Leading mine operators have identified a few critical cause – effect relationships allowing rigorous optimization of a number of variables for mill feed. A few of these variables are: blasting versus crushing and grinding, SAG mill material feed size, balancing metallurgical properties in the ore feed and tracking the flow from stope to refined metal, thereby facilitating improved recovery, reduced consumable and power costs. This paper will outline some of the findings which a few leading operators have discovered. Summaries of implemented approaches and the impact which is being felt on the bottom line will be given.
