WORLD PROSPECTS
Metso Outotec and Malvern Panalytical to collaborate on bulk ore sorting
Metso Outotec and Malvern Panalytical have signed a collaboration agreement to , the OEM says , provide sensor-based bulk ore sorting solutions to the mining industry .
The combination of the companies ’ expertise in crushing and bulk material handling solutions , and ore analysers enables the parties to offer an industry-leading portfolio of solutions for bulk ore sorting , Metso Outotec said .
“ With this offering , mining customers can substantially improve the head grade by preconcentrating the ore at the crushing stage and , thereby , reduce their energy consumption and related environmental footprint in the comminution stage ,” Metso Outotec said . The agreemeent will see Metso Outotec ’ s crushing and bulk material handing solutions integrated with Malvern Panalytical ’ s cross-belt analysers . The latest generation of cross-belt analysers , CNA ³, has been designed for tough environments such as underground mines , and features the Sodern neutron solution , which is
About 1.2 million litres of diesel per year is what is consumed on average by a large mining truck , which causes the emission of 3,500 t of greenhouse gases ( GHG ), for which it is essential to look for clean alternatives , if the industry wants to meet its decarbonisation goals . In this context , a Mining Trolley System Webinar was held on May 12 , organised by the GIZ Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program , together with the Chilean Ministry of Energy and Energy Sustainability Agency plus was sponsored by SONAMI . It was attended by more than 120 people .
Edgardo Pabst , Head of Autonomy and Electromobility at Antofagasta Minerals ’ Minera Los Pelambres copper mine , outlined a project planned by the operation , which consists of implementing a trolley system , first of all on the truck ’ s uphill ramps , since in those sections approximately 70 % of diesel consumption is produced . It will consist of one lane of a two lane ramp , which will allow for trucks coming behind to leave the trolley and overtake a stopped truck still powered by Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation ( PFTNA ) technology . The technology has been used by Anglo American , among others .
Rashmi Kasat , Vice President , Digital technologies at Metso Outotec , said : “ Sustainability is a top priority for our entire industry . Collaboration with partners like Malvern Panalytical will allow us to meet the industry ’ s increasing sustainability and resource efficiency needs in an enhanced way in the early comminution stage . Sensor-based bulk ore sorting and data-driven analysis upgrades low grade or waste stockpiles making them economical and far less energy-intensive to treat .”
Jarmo Lohilahti , Sales Manager at Malvern Panalytical , said : “ Malvern Panalytical ’ s crossbelt analysers provide high-frequency online data for cost-efficient bulk material analysis of major commodities . This collaboration enables customers to benefit from the in-depth knowhow from both companies .” Renato Verdejo , Business Development Lead for Bulk Ore Sorting
Los Pelambres trolley plans outlined
BHP CEO Mike Henry led the opening of Spence ’ s new copper concentrator plant on May 13 . The project required an investment of $ 2.46 billion and has a throughput of 95,000 t / d to produce copper concentrate and molybdenum concentrate . The inauguration of the concentrator is part of a global plan by BHP that seeks to reinforce the copper portfolio , strengthening the company ’ s on the line using conventional diesel power if needed , though this is considered unlikely . The costs of widening ramps and having two conventional lanes and one trolley lane on the ramp are considered too high .
Pabst highlighted the advantages of this system , such as the use of electricity from renewable sources , which would make it possible to decarbonise transport , taking advantage of all the power available in the truck ’ s electric traction motors . Plus the increase in speed , and the maximising of productivity . In addition , he pointed out that a cost reduction of up to 50 % is expected , which would allow the investment to be recovered in 3 or 4 years . He also commented that on a loaded climb , it should be possible to increase speed from 10 km / h to 18 km / h .
Specifically when asked about costs he commented : “ The cost of retrofitting the trucks will likely decrease as the number of retrofits increases . Today it is reasonable to consider $ 1 million for each retrofit . Regarding the line , the
BHP Spence concentrator opened
operations in Chile to respond to a global demand for the metal that will double in the coming decades .
The new concentrator will enable the expansion of the life of the mine and for it to be part of the community in Chile for additional 50 years .
On a technical level , water for the new concentrator is supplied by a desalination plant located in Mejillones , which allows Spence to at Metso Outotec , concluded : “ Bulk ore sorting allows waste rock elimination early in the process and , when combined with Metso Outotec ’ s complementary crushing and bulk material handing solutions portfolio , it provides more sustainable flowsheets for our customers . Enhanced bulk ore sorting will contribute to Metso Outotec ’ s Planet Positive portfolio .”
On the particle sorting side of the business , Metso Outotec and TOMRA have a non-exclusive cooperation in place to supply particle ore sorting solutions for the mining and metallurgical industries . www . mogroup . com ; www . malvernpanalytical . com
most expensive component is the electrical substation , which we could estimate with an approximate cost of $ 2 million for each one . It is probable that one substation will be required for every 2-3 trucks , based on a plan to complete a 2 km trolley ramp where there could be up to 6 connected trucks . Simultaneously , it will probably be necessary to have 2 or 3 substations . This is key when establishing the project planning . Civil works , depending on the construction method should add $ 1 million per km built .” The costs equate to about $ 5 milllion per km of trolley line built , just for the line not including the truck conversion . As regards the retrofit , the main mine fleet consists of diesel-electric drive Komatsu 930E-4 models . www . aminerals . cl
operate exclusively with desalinated seawater today , and power for the concentrator is supplied exclusively from renewable sources . Added to this is the implementation of new flotation technology , which uses 60 % less energy and occupies 50 % less space than conventional plants . This will generate lower energy consumption and reduced emission of greenhouse gases . www . bhp . com
4 International Mining | JUNE 2022