Teaching an Old Mill New Tricks: Lessons from the Copper Mountain SAG Conversion

Simonian, Berge; Tsoi, Joseph

Abstract

To increase overall throughput and enhance operational flexibility with a dual SAG (Semi-Autogenous Grinding) mill circuit, Copper Mountain Mine has successfully commissioned Phase 1 of a brownfield project to convert an existing ball mill into a second SAG mill. The scope necessitated the integration of both temporary and permanent material handling systems, alongside significant modifications to the mill's structural supports, internal components, and associated slurry piping. Executed on an accelerated timeline, the project presented numerous engineering, construction, and operational readiness challenges. This presentation details the key project hurdles and critical lessons learned during this complex conversion, concluding with an overview of the ongoing Phase 2 work required to complete the project and decommission the temporary systems.

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Teaching an Old Mill New Tricks: Lessons from the Copper Mountain SAG Conversion

Abstract

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