MAKING MORE WITH LESS

SANDVIK'S BOUNDARY-PUSHING SOLUTIONS ARE INSPIRING A MORE EFFICIENT MINERAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY.

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The mining sector has been a cornerstone of the world's development for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.

As the world's population continues to grow and we move towards carbon neutrality, society's need for minerals, especially those critical to decarbonisation, is growing rapidly.

The mining industry is highly energy intensive. According to Sandvik, the industry's direct consumption represents between six and seven per cent of the world's total energy usage. Almost half of this energy is consumed in the comminution process – crushing, screening, feeding and milling.

The combination of a growing demand for minerals and falling ore grades is driving the industry to process more and more rock to produce the minerals that the world needs. Considering the energy consumed in comminution and the increasing energy per tonne of final product produced, the need for process efficiency has never been more important.

Innovative technology

Sandvik leverages digitalisation as a cornerstone of its innovation and cutting-edge technologies, which can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing operations.

"Not only is our latest equipment easy to operate, manage, maintain and service, but it also contributes to our industry's need to reduce its environmental impact," Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions president Richard Harris said.

"Through our close partnerships with customers and our unwavering focus on innovation, we are shaping a future where rock processing is eco-efficient, safe, productive and sustainable."

Advanced crushing solutions

According to Sandvik experts, about 40 per cent of the mining industry's total energy consumption can be attributed to the grinding process.