OREANDA-NEWS. Changing ore processing scheme will significantly reduce the cost of the finished product. Previously the ore was crushed down to 200 mm fraction at the first preparation stage. Then it was divided into rich and poor ore, and rich ore was grinded in two stages to 0.1 mm fraction before entering the hydrometallurgical plant. "Now, after the recrushing unit has been launched, we can eliminate one grinding stage. In addition, now organization of three ore flows is possible: minus 10 mm fraction is sent to the ball mill, 10–40 mm fraction - to heap leaching, and 40–200 mm fraction – to X-ray radiometric separation. As a result, the cost of ore processing in the finished product will be reduced. Replacement of the first grinding stage with crushing will make the process more efficient and less costly. Some auxiliary equipment will be excluded from the process, which will result in savings in repair, maintenance, reduced energy consumption," says the director of PIMCU Hydrometallurgical Plant Viktor Gorbunov.

The basic equipment of the new unit consists of a jaw and cone crushers and four conveyors. The equipment in existing plants has been modernized. Conveyor galleries have been installed between the buildings.

Construction of the new shop was carried out as a part of the project "Modernization of ore preparation circuit before processing." Its total area is 360 sq. m. The modern facility has been built using prefabricated wall panels filled with insulation. Outside the frame is sheathed with green profiled sheets, double-glazed windows provide natural light.

The production capacity of the new unit will be up to 1.5 million tons of ore per year. Basic installation and construction works were completed by Production Support Directorate of PIMCU.