Gyratory Roller Solutions Pty Ltd (GRolls), an Australian company, is at the forefront of an energy-efficient revolution in the mining sector.Their innovative crushing technology could transform the processing of copper and gold ores, offering a low-carbon alternative to conventional methods that have long been energy-intensive and costly.According to GRolls Director Mark Drechsler, who is also a PhD candidate at Adelaide University, this new technology significantly reduces the need for grinding and milling—processes collectively known as comminution—thereby cutting operational costs and the industry's carbon footprint at the same time.
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newswise.comadelaide.edu.auTraditionally, ore crushing and grinding account for over 1% of global energy use and consume up to 80% of a mine's site power supply.
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newswise.comGRolls’ technology utilizes a unique method that combines pulsed compression, tension, and shear forces to break down ore.This innovative approach can reduce more than 40% of particles to below 425 microns in one pass, while generating less than 14% of fine particles smaller than 75 microns.
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adelaide.edu.auThe technology has shown exceptional performance with finer ore feeds under 2.36mm.Testing has demonstrated that GRolls can efficiently process hard porphyry copper-gold ores using considerably less energy and without grinding, thus making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for miners.
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newswise.comWhen compared to a conventional grinding operation at a copper-gold site in New South Wales, the GRolls circuit exhibited a 20% reduction in energy consumption and nearly halved the total comminution costs.
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newswise.comDrechsler emphasized that these savings not only lower power usage, but also eliminate grinding costs, offering potential reductions in water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
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adelaide.edu.auAs global ore grades decline and deposits become more complex and remote, GRolls’ innovative technology presents a viable solution for the mining industry's pressing challenges.
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newswise.comFII metallurgist Dr George Abaka-Wood noted the team's commitment to demonstrating the downstream benefits of using dry crushing technology alongside other innovative methods to enhance energy efficiency and processing effectiveness.
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adelaide.edu.auProfessor Bill Skinner, a co-author of the study and Research Leader in Minerals and Resource Engineering at the Future Industries Institute, described the GRolls technology as a "game changer" for mineral processing.He highlighted its compact, scalable design, which can be utilized as standalone units or integrated into existing circuits, enhancing sustainability across the board.
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adelaide.edu.auGRolls is poised to commercialize this cutting-edge technology within the next 12 months, backed by a $300,000 Seed-Start grant from the South Australian Government.
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newswise.comThe research supporting this initiative is also backed by the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, further validating its potential impact on the industry.
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adelaide.edu.auDrechsler is set to present these findings at the upcoming MetPlant conference in Adelaide, scheduled for March 23-25, where industry stakeholders will have the opportunity to explore the implications of this breakthrough technology.
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adelaide.edu.auIn conclusion, GRolls is leading the charge towards a more energy-efficient and sustainable future in mining.By reducing reliance on traditional grinding methods, this innovative technology not only promises significant cost savings for mining operations but also addresses critical environmental concerns related to carbon emissions and resource consumption.
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newswise.comadelaide.edu.auWith the increasing demand for greener practices in all industries, GRolls’ advancements could herald a new era of mining operations that prioritize both economic and environmental sustainability.
