COMMINUTION
and real-time data analysis capabilities have
resulted in new applications. However, the main
challenge has been in the feed preparation and
complexity and cost of the separation technique.
“The main drawback of sorting equipment used to
be the relatively low capacities and high operating
cost, which is being resolved. I would expect, in the
medium to long run, technology to improve even
further and become capable of handling larger
throughputs required for bigger operations.”
Digitalisation
Fortunately, the ever-increasing capabilities of
digitalisation has made designing new energy-
efficient equipment – and ensuring it works to its
potential – that much easier.
Outotec said digitalisation is seen to play a
major role in mitigating climate change and its
investments in the sector show it is backing that
view.
Sandvik has looked to bring “digital
transformation” to mines and quarries by
connecting its CH800i series of cone crushers
to its My Sandvik portal
“We are continuously investing in ICT to utilise
the opportunities of digitalisation,” the company
said. “In 2018, our investments amounted to €21
million ($23.6 million), consisting mainly of IT
programmes and intellectual property rights.”
Metso, too, has been backing the digitalisation
trend, with CEO Pekka Vauramo telling IM
recently that the company reserved more than
€10 million for digital investments in 2018.
Weir Minerals has also prioritised digital
initiatives, having recently commercialised its
Synertrex ® platform, which can monitor the
condition and performance of key pieces of
equipment in the comminution process.
FLSmidth, meanwhile, said in its 2018 annual
report: “Digitalisation is a major driver for
change and disruption in many industries,
including within cement and mining.
“While our customers’ final products, basic
materials and the machinery required to produce
them are at a low risk of being completely
‘digitalised’, there will be radical changes to all
parts of the business.”
Sandvik has also looked to bring “digital
transformation” to mines and quarries by
connecting its CH800i series of cone crushers to
My Sandvik.
This series of connected cone crushers is the
first to offer intelligent crushing based on
actionable information via the My Sandvik portal,
according to the company, “enabling managers
and operators to make decisions based on facts,
and see areas for improvement directly,
increasing uptime and availability”, the company
said.
Mats Dahlberg, Vice President Lifecycle
Service Stationary Crushing and Screening,
Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology, said: “New
digital technologies will transform the way mines
and quarries work. My Sandvik is the first major
step in gaining insights into productivity and
predictive maintenance that will drive our
industry forward.”
Despite these examples, Moly-Cop’s Dr
Shelley said the comminution sector is lagging
74 International Mining | APRIL 2019