FLSmidth has received an order to supply a large package of process equipment for the construction of what was described as “a new concentrator as part of an expansion of a major Polyus gold mine.” The order, which is valued at approximately DKK350 million, was booked in Q4 2021 and has already become effective. Polyus separately confirmed to IM that the order relates to the new Blagodatnoye Mill 5 concentrator which will commence operations in 2025. Post the ramp-up, Mill-5 is expected to provide 390,000 oz of incremental gold volumes.
FLSmidth will supply a range of key mineral processing equipment for the new concentrator, which will deliver a total capacity increase of 8 Mt per year. The order comprises solutions across the entire process flowsheet, including a ball mill, flotation technology, thickening, gravity gold concentrators, CIL (carbon-in-leach) circuit, acid wash and detox, screens, pumps and cyclones. A digital automation package is also included. FLSmidth Moscow will provide site services as part of the agreement.
“We are delighted to receive this order for gold processing equipment from a prominent miner. It shows our strength in delivering key, state-of-the-art technologies across the gold flowsheet,” comments Mikko Keto, Mining President at FLSmidth. “This is the latest in a series of successful collaborations between FLSmidth and Polyus – and there is no bigger compliment than a returning customer. This order is a clear indication of the customer’s satisfaction with FLSmidth’s partnership and equipment performance and our dedication to delivering the highest productivity.” Equipment delivery is expected to be complete in 2023.
In its latest October 2021 presentation, Polyus said that the Mill 5 project involves the application of gravity and flotation technology, similar to that used in Mill 4. Mill 5 will process a mix of in-situ ore and low grade stockpiled material. An in-pit crushing and conveying system will deliver ore from the mine to both Mill 4 and 5. The pit itself will be deepened by 70 m to supply sufficient ore feed. Mill 4 already processes 9 Mt/y so with the 8 Mt/y Mill 5 the whole Blagodatnoye will process up to 17 Mt/y. Other suppliers involved in the project include Sever Minerals, Metso Outotec, thyssenkrupp and Glencore Technology. The whole project is costing $600 million including procurement of additional mining fleet units. Polyus says there will be “maximum synergy” between Mill 5 and the existing Mill 4 in terms of facilities and utilities including maintenance shop, tailings storage facility, auxiliary facilities, power plant and pit infrastructure.
