Metso Outotec was voted the winner in the Service and Support category by one of the world’s leading industrial magazines, Mining Magazine, for the center launder upgrade project conducted at Hudbay Minerals Constancia site.
Image Credit: Metso Outotec
In its annual awards, Mining Magazine recognizes the outstanding performance of new technologies, initiatives, and equipment in the mining sector in a variety of categories. Winners are nominated and voted on by Mining Magazine readers around the world.
Metso Outotec and Hudbay collaborated to improve the performance of the rougher flotation at the Constancia mine site located in southern Peru.
"We are proud for this recognition granted by professionals in the mining industry, and at the same time very happy because of the collaborative work and the highlighting of the results achieved with Hudbay," says Eduardo Nilo, President of South America.
"We are very committed to the development of technological solutions that are aligned with the fulfillment of the goals of our clients as well as taking into account the environmental perspective. We aim to continue to improve our capabilities that can be leveraged to support improvements to our customers' operations and help us become a partner for positive change in the challenges they face,” he added.
To optimize froth recovery in a flotation cell, the first step is optimizing the process operation, however, this will only reach the limitations by the design of the existing equipment; the Center Launder upgrade optimizes the flotation cell froth zone to maximize froth collection, resulting in higher metallurgical recovery.
Guillermo Bermúdez, Product Manager, Upgrades, Flotation, Thickening and Automation
The installation of the Center Launders took place in two stages in 2019.
Improved recovery in the flotation circuit is possible through one positive, sustainable, and efficient upgrade.
Customer challenges
- Low froth overflow, especially in the last cells of the flotation row
- Improvement areas in Copper and Molybdenum recovery
- Large froth surface area and froth transport distance in the flotation cells
Solution
- Take advantage of planned maintenance shutdown to retrofit the last three cells of the flotation rows
- Shortened the froth transport distance and optimized froth surface area through Metso Outotec Center Launders
- Consistent improvements to optimize the performance of the upgraded cells through sampling, laboratory testing and statistical data
Results
- A weighted recovery increase of 0.70% for Copper and 1.40% for Molybdenum
- Incremental cash flow resulting in a payback period of less than six months
- Improved operability, stability and process control of the rougher circuit
Find out more about the upgrade case on our web:
Flotation center launder upgrade at Constancia Mine
Webinar: Constancia Flotation Upgrade Panel Discussion