Opportunities and challenges in dry comminution

High-pressure grinding rolls and vertical roller mills offer several potential benefits to mineral processing operations. by Jonathan Rowland Comminution circuit design has traditionally focused on reliability, ease of operation, CAPEX, and OPEX, with AG/SAG and ball mills the longstanding workhorses in mineral grinding applications. “AG/SAG mills played a crucial role in the evolution of mineral processing, as a single mill…

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Notes on underground mine safety

North American Mining takes a short walk through some recent topics in underground mine safety. By Jonathan Rowland Recent mining fatalities in the U.S. mining industry have involved vehicle collisions, electrocutions, falls, equipment rollovers, and drowning. Although fewer in number thus far this year compared to the same time last year, “fatalities, injuries, and illnesses are preventable, and one fatality…

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AUTONOMY NOW?

North American Mining discusses the current state of autonomous mining and its part in unlocking the industry’s future. by Jonathan Rowland Most – if not all – mining companies recognize the potential benefits of automated and autonomous mining systems for safety, operational efficiency, cost reduction, the ability to work in remote and harsh environments, and the reduction of emissions and…

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The future of mining

North American Mining asked technology and equipment suppliers for their views on the future of mining and how they are supporting mining companies in achieving that vision. By Jonathan Rowland There is “much speculation about the future of mining, especially with the increased demand for greener energies,” said Scott Holub, manager of OTR Technical Services at BKT Tires. However, what…

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Innovations in load and haul

Three companies talk to North American Mining about recent developments to improve load-and-haul operations. By Jonathan Rowland Trucks, loaders, shovels, dozers: this is the equipment – the Big Iron – that has come to define our view of opencast mining operations. Yet traditional load and haul operations are coming under increasing and competing pressures. Strip volumes rise as mining companies…

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The Path to Improvement

In the daily dash to hit production targets, mines can often overlook the value of reconciliation. Yet when done well and integrated into day-to-day operations, this technically challenging task will highlight key opportunities to deliver operating, financial, and sustainability improvements. North American Mining took a deep dive into this critical topic, guided by a group of the world’s leading experts.…

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State of the REE industry

North American Mining reviews the current state and recent developments in the North American rare earth elements industry, highlighting its potential for growth and innovation. By Jonathan Rowland Rare earth elements (REEs) are a set of 17 metallic elements that are essential components in more than 200 products across a wide range of applications, especially in high-tech consumer products, such…

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The future of SAG mills

SAG mills are well established in the mining industry with several possible flowsheets featuring them. But these circuits consume significant amounts of energy and water. With alternative grinding options providing a means to decrease energy and water use, North American Mining asked a group of leading experts for their opinion of the future of these workhorses of the mineral processing…

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To IPCC or not to IPCC?

We live in a mining industry of ever deepening pits, rising waste-to-ore ratios, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. Although by no means suitable for every mine, in-pit crushing and conveying offers a solution to all of these issues and, where it makes sense, the economic and environmental benefits can be significant. By Jonathan Rowland…

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Making the link: mining chains

What makes a reliable mining chain and chain supplier? They may not be questions you often think about. But choose wrong and the implications can be severe. North American Mining spoke to two mining chain manufacturers about chain selection, operation, and maintenance. By Jonathan Rowland Chains are a crucial part of various underground mining equipment, with each application requiring chains…

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