TAILINGS
as a result and of course Diemme Filtration is sending the mine a monthly findings report including recommendations about the management of certain components . “ With AIDA last year we were doing a lot of preparation of sensors and software as well as rollout itself and now it is fully operational at a number of sites – we expect it to be connected at 14 sites by end 2024 . It is a very strategic and fundamental part of our plan and expected growth and a great efficiency tool for customers .” The majority to date involves the larger units like the GHT5000F and GHT2500 .
Beyond the GHT5000F , demand for the GHT2500 continues to be high . The unit for Pan American Silver ’ s Huaron silver-zinc-copper-lead mine in Peru is now in final installation and will soon be commissioned . Pezzi said there are also a number of other contracts being finalised in both Peru and Chile . Another growing market is Indian iron ore ; recently there was a commissioning of a Diemme GHT2500F filter press for iron ore concentrate at an operation in Odisha . Diemme Filtration sees this market as having major potential for growth .
Diemme Filtration is also positioning itself globally for growth with a focus on ‘ customer proximity ’ - opening or expanding business units in strategic areas to offer enhanced levels of sales and equipment service , parts warehouse storage and also testing . These hubs will also be a first point of contact so the customers in that region do not have to contact the headquarters to have issues resolved . A good example is the new facility it opened in Nova Lima , Brazil last September which now has seven permanent staff . In India , the sales and service facility in Ahmedabad , Gujarat , is being expanded and in Australia where its office is currently focused on sales , Diemme Filtration is looking for new sites where it can have a better service and parts
presence . In some regions there is also the opportunity to grow through the network of sister companies within parent company Aqseptance Group . This includes the US where Diemme Filtration will be able to expand its presence at the Johnson Screens site in New Brighton , Minnesota .
The last point Pezzi stressed was its developing ESG strategy , which he is heading up . “ For us its a very important step and we are proceeding with actions as well as just words . Plus of course this ESG focus is coming from our customers as well who are focused on ensuring compliance from their key suppliers . I am leading the carbon footprint calculation work across Diemme Filtration for Scope 1 , 2 and 3 emissions . Of course our filtration products and solutions , through their role in enabling safer tailings dams and water recovery are helping our customers on their sustainability journey as well .”
ANDRITZ ’ s tailings assessment
IM spoke to Mario Gerards , Industry Director Mining & Minerals at ANDRITZ Separation , about his views on tailings processing evolution and how it is well placed the deliver comprehensive solutions
Q Mining is facing a real challenge as it moves away from wet tailings storage solutions towards other solutions like filtered and thickened tailings - how is ANDRITZ helping miners on that journey ? A Whether the challenge is to increase water recovery with lower energy consumption or achieve optimal yield - efficient separation is a crucial competitive advantage in the mining and minerals business . After a century of experiences , we at ANDRITZ know how to tailor our range of state-of-the-art technologies to meet the strict standards of our customers and find the best processing solutions . With stateof-the-art technologies , including decanters or horizontal vacuum belt filters , heavy-duty belt presses or hyperbaric disc filters and filter presses we ensure a uniquely configured tailings line to customers . Thanks to continuous systems for upgrades of existing processes , automation and maintenancefriendly design , our process audits support to identify the best opportunities for enhancing productivity , safety , and capacity for practically any tailings stream .
Q Thickeners and filters have been around a long time - how is digitalisation enabling better optimisation and efficiency of this equipment ? A The global minerals and mining industry is increasingly embracing digitalisation and electrification across multiple locations , driven
Mario Gerards
by the trend towards greater efficiency and control . These advancements not only simplify operation and enhance process efficiency but also align with the proactive efforts of many users to meet the impending strict environmental and sustainability standards . An example of the advancement of our products in tune with today ’ s state-of-the-art technologies is the ANDRITZ intelligent filter press . Our proven filter press automation solution combined with Industrial Internet of Things ( IIoT ) technologies allows the creation of new mechanisms and features that promise higher product quality combined with lower operating costs .
Q Every tailings operation is different - how are you able to bring customised solutions to mining customisation based on differences in throughput plus in the nature of the material being thickened or dewatered in terms of particle size ?
A This is correct ; there is no one-fits-it-allsolution . ANDRITZ provides various individual technologies , which enable us to respond on special product requirements . From new equipment and systems to upgrades of existing processes , our ANDRITZ experts help to identify the ideal mining and minerals processes to ensure excellent throughput rates of tailings streams all with low operating costs and maximum reliability . Our broad portfolio of dewatering solutions supported by our unique process simulation tools enable us to configure a processing line for tailings that is tailored to meet our customers specific needs . By investigating new and innovative methods for the safe management of tailings , as well as the automation and monitoring of remote facilities , we make sure that our customers are wellprepared for future advancements .
Q Some mining houses are also looking at how to recover valuable minerals contained in previously disposed tailings - what solutions can ANDRITZ offer in this area ? A Yes , we can also confirm this trend . In times when the proportion of valuable minerals within a newly explored deposit is becoming ever decreasing , this type of processing is gaining in importance . Whether it is a question of eliminating old historical tailings ponds or extracting valuable minerals , we are equally concerned . Together with industry partners , we develop smart solutions that enable the industry to get a different impression by historical tailings . Our dewatering equipment remains largely unchanged compared to conventional ‘ online ’ tailings applications . The main differences are in the upstream area , primarily in the ( re ) recovery and processing of the products .
56 International Mining | APRIL 2024