There are two key themes that will accelerate the attraction of flexible and modular processing over the next decade. These are the commitment to low emissions mining, including renewable-only operations, and the exhaustion of large higher-grade deposits, with satellite deposits becoming the next targets for new mines or mine extensions.
Smaller satellite deposits do not lend themselves to the economy of scale considerations that drive current large mining plans. Instead, targeting higher grade small deposits economically may be better served by relocatable equipment and flexible fleets. In addition, flexible equipment able to manage energy supply disruption may also become attractive as on-site fossil fuel generation is disrupted and energy storage costs for high reliability 24/7 operation remain high in many regions.
The ability to adjust fleet scale and processing scale and relocate between deposits can also be viewed as a paradigm shift for community engagement. A fixed long-term mine plan is difficult to adjust based on shifting demands from local stakeholders. The owner of a mine that can manage disruption and can retain value from sunk capital by relocating equipment to adjacent deposits, is better able to listen and respond to needs of local stakeholders, whilst managing shareholder returns.
The authors have been involved in an industry collaboration project that seeks to simulate the value of this flexibility. As a steppingstone to this end, this paper explores how alternate emerging milling technologies and minerals processing design can support a more flexible mine.
Alternate comminution and flotation circuit technologies and configurations will be compared which focus on flexible applications. The paper aims to give additional considerations for shifting power use towards renewables and day-time use as well as design for intermittency, including solar-powered remote pumping, compressed air services, recirculation, and milled ore storage.