Increased processing capacity for copper ore

Since January 2010, Chile´s Minera Los Pelambres Ltda. is operating a new SAG mill and a new ball mill equipped with gearless drives systems by Siemens. The mills are intended to increase processing capacity for copper ores. Siemens already equipped two mills for Los Pelambres in 1999 and has been responsible for maintenance of the conveyor belt equipment for more than 10 years. In 2009, Minera Los Pelambres, an operation of Antofagasta Minerals plc., produced 311 600 t of copper concentrate and 7 800 t of molybdenum. The new ore-grinding mills were built as part of an expansion program which is aimed at increasing copper production by approximately 100 000 t. For this purpose, Siemens supplied the gearless drives for a 36’ SAG (Semi Autogenous Grinding) mill with a rated power of 15 MW and a 26’ feet ball mill with 15.5 MW of rated power (Fig.). The order was worth around 16 million €.

Siemens AG, Industry Sector – Industry Solutions Division, Erlangen (D), Tel.: +49 9131 7-0, www.siemens.com