Metso says it is continuing to deliver a significant performance solutions contract at KGHM’s majority-owned Sierra Gorda copper-molybdenum mine, in Chile.
The services provided include preventive maintenance and calibration of Sierra Gorda’s eight on-stream analysers. The particle size analysers and chemical composition analysers, which are a core portion of the mine’s flotation process, play a vital role in controlling and optimising process performance, according to Metso.
As part of this agreement, Metso’s responsibilities include performing maintenance of the sample handling system, as well as the maintenance and calibration of the analysers. The two-year contract, which commenced in February 2019, includes daily, weekly and monthly tasks as well as stringent key performance indicators, it said. In this performance contract, Metso is evaluated on the ability to increase uptime and measurement accuracy.
Sierra Gorda is a joint venture project currently controlled by KGHM Polska Miedź SA (55%), Sumitomo Metal Mining (31.5%) and Sumitomo Corp (13.5%). Mining processes include ore blasting, loading and transport by haul trucks to a processing plant with an average throughout of 110,000 t/d of ore, where it is subjected to crushing and grinding processes. A plant with molybdenum concentrate separation is used for ore flotation.
Edgardo Chiappa, Plant Manager, Sierra Gorda SCM, KGHM Polska Miedz & Sumitomo Joint Venture, said: “The service provided by the Metso team demonstrates true professionalism, collaboration and teamwork. They have delivered high availability and accuracy of our on-stream analysers, consisting of Courier and PSI technology (both Outotec products). This has allowed for more timely operational decisions, aiding us in maximising process performance.
“We are really satisfied with the work Metso has delivered and look forward to our continued partnership.”
Giuseppe Campanelli, President, Minerals Services, Metso, said the company was proud to have had the opportunity to not only continue, but deepen, its partnership with Sierra Gorda.
“We greatly value this relationship as well as the confidence that they have shown in our ability to service such a key piece of their process,” he said.
Metso has been systematically expanding its service offering in the Chile and Pacific Rim mining markets, with the service organisation’s ability to deliver and sustain performance improvements within the mining industry based on this additional focus on maintenance, technology and process expertise.