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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Cyberattacks and engineering-grade defenses
As fleets get newer and offer more advanced technology, the portion of these machines that are made of and operated by computers is growing exponentially. And this makes the entire unit susceptible to infiltration. How can mines make sense of it all – and protect themselves? by Andrew Ginter Mining machinery is increasingly automated; simple pick-up trucks contain over 300…
Read MoreTechnological advancements in mining conveyors boost performance and profitability
by David Almanza Conveyors are complex systems critical to the success of mining operations when it comes to moving everything from machines to materials. While industrial belting might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of innovation, advancements in conveyor belts continue to drive gains in productivity, efficiency and safety for mines. To minimize conveyor…
Read MoreAll in the family
NAM talks with the family behind Cincinnati Mine Machinery about its history, operations, staying power and future outlook. Read more about the Stenger family, their commitment to remain American made, and CMM’s role in mining’s resilience moving forward. Edited by Donna Schmidt It’s an enviable milestone to reach 100 years in business. Cincinnati Mine Machinery did just that in 2024.…
Read MoreExamining mental health connections in mining
An important discussion of mental health and well-being with mining and construction workers. By Joe McGuire, PhD, Emily J. Haas, PhD, Lucas Simpson, MS, Vince Hafeli, DBA Mining and construction are often cited as inherently hazardous and stressful occupations and can pose risks to workers’ mental health and well-being.1,2 Psychosocial risk factors that can increase the occurrence of mental health…
Read MoreCauses and prevention of conveyor fires
An enormous part of worker safety is the prevention of hazardous situations at the mine site – especially those areas where risks are highest. There is always room to improve that level of safety, and behind that is understanding more about risk mitigation. To create a fire there must be three elements: oxygen, heat and fuel (also known as “the…
Read MoreNotes 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…
Read MoreHow Valve Solutions Improve Tailings Disposal and Water Management
By Steve Brewer & Mark Nymeyer, Emerson This is the second article in a two-part series explaining how innovative valve solutions can be used to improve mining operations. The first article, “How advanced control valves, regulators and relief valves improve mining operations,” covered valve solutions for crushing/grinding/ball mills, digestion/autoclaves, flotation/thickening, and leaching/solvent extraction processes. This article will focus on tailings…
Read MoreAUTONOMY 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…
Read MoreLow profile, high impact
The complexity of narrow vein mining and the inherent dangers associated with it make it a unique endeavor for any operation. More, and new, choices are always welcome news. Recently, global manufacturer Paus unveiled the newest product in its LVM line-up: the PScale 10-T LP, which was designed specifically for tight spaces. “In the challenging world of mining and tunneling,…
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