Evaluation of a novel energy efficient high pressure grinding rolls-vertical power mill grinding circuit

Comminution is the most energy intensive process in mining operations, which represents a major operating cost and contributes the carbon footprint of mining activities. In recent years, high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and high speed stirred mills technologies have been attractive due to their energy efficiency comparing to conventional tumbling mills (including autogenous/semi-autogenous grinding mills and ball mills). This research is aimed at evaluating the energy efficiency of a novel HPGR and a new high speed stirred coarse milling technology, the Vertical Power Mill (VPM), through partnership between the University of British Columbia, Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. and Swiss Tower Mill Minerals AG. The research will benefit the partner organizations with the unique opportunity to investigate the novel HPGR-VPM comminution circuit for improved comminution energy efficiency.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bern Klein

Student:

Partner:

Spanish Mountain;Swiss Tower Mills Minerals AG

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Mining

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: