Metso's HRC(TM)3000 high-pressure grinding roll wins Mining Magazine award

The HRC(TM)3000 is the largest fully operating high-pressure grinding roll (HPGR) in the world. It is an energy-efficient comminution solution with an impressive range of industry-leading features, aimed at getting more value from every ton of ore.

Mining Magazine has recognized Metso's HRC(TM)3000 high-pressure grinding roll with its annual Minerals Processing award. The awards are given out in 11 categories and the winners are nominated by readers. In 2013, Metso's innovative Megaliner(TM) mill lining concept won the same award.

Demonstrated efficiency

Energy efficiency is the key to success at modern mines and quarries. The most potential for energy and cost savings can be realized in the comminution process, where ore is ground and crushed into smaller particles.

The HRC(TM)3000 started operating at Freeport-McMoRan's Morenci copper mine in Arizona in May 2014, and is the result of a close collaboration between Metso and Freeport-McMoRan Inc. The goal was to develop a highly efficient HPGR crushing circuit for the newly constructed Metcalf concentrator at Morenci. Metso's solution has provided the Morenci mine with several benefits, including an estimated 13.5% increase in energy efficiency over traditional HPGRs based on pilot scale testing.

The HRC(TM)3000 is the first full scale HPGR to incorporate revolutionary design features like the flanged tire design and the patented Arch-frame. Depending on the application, the total capacity of this HPGR can exceed over 5,400 tph of ore.

"In addition to boosting the equipment's energy efficiency, our main goal was to innovate and to push the existing boundaries in order to ensure a valuable solution to our customer. This HPGR is not only a larger scale version of what was currently available to the market, but also applies technological solutions to overcome some inherent concerns typically associated with traditional HPGRs, including skewing and edge effect, " says Victoria Herman, Product Manager, HRC(TM) High Pressure Grinding Rolls.

source: Metso