Throughput improvements at the Capstone Pinto Valley Operation

Erol, Wettstein, Dance

Presented at Comminution '21 - April 2021

ABSTRACT

Over the past few years, Pinto Valley Mine of Capstone Copper has made steady improvements in mill throughput from a combination of blasting, crushing and grinding operational changes. Detailed data collection exercises (including plant surveys) have allowed key operating parameters to be identified and improved upon. The culmination of these efforts were recently marked by record plant production for the 47-year-old operation in Arizona, USA.

This optimization work outlines the sequence of achievements made by both the Mine and Mill as well as plans for further improvements including forecasting future plant production through a program of ore hardness testing. This is an excellent example of how you can ‘teach an old dog new tricks’, with lessons to be gained from every operation looking to do more with what you have.

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