GREENER GAINS

MCLANAHAN IS HELPING MINING OPERATIONS REDUCE DUST AND DOWNTIME WITH SMARTER, GREENER SOLUTIONS.

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Australian mining operations are under increasing pressure to improve sustainability across the board, and that starts with the basics: how rocks are crushed.

For McLanahan global sales director - mining Lee Hillyer, reducing energy use, dust, noise and waste in crushing is a critical opportunity for greener, more efficient operations.

From selecting the most suitable equipment to leveraging smart technology, Hillyer outlined practical ways operations can lower their environmental impact without compromising output. He broke down the environmental advantages and drawbacks of five common types of primary crushers: gyratory, jaw, sizer, feeder breaker and impact crushers.

Gyratory crushers are high-capacity machines capable of handling large feed sizes and hard rock. However, they come with high capital costs, a large footprint and elevated energy consumption.

Jaw crushers are a proven and widely-used option, offering durability and cost-effectiveness. But they can struggle with sticky or wet material and produce excessive fines.

Sizers, Hillyer said, present one of the greener options as their compact design and low-speed, high-torque action deliver significant reductions in dust, energy use and wear.