High pressure grinding roll (HPGR) technology has been traditionally used for cement grinding and diamond applications, but is increasingly also being used in hard rock applications such as copper, gold and platinum processing.

Weir Minerals asserts that its HPGR technology is fast becoming the staple for an increasingly diverse range of hard rock mining applications. While iron-ore accounts for the majority of its Enduron installed base, HPGR technology is also increasingly being adopted for copper and gold applications.

“We have seen a massive uptake of our Enduron HPGR range in iron-ore, where we have the largest installed base,” says Weir Minerals Africa senior process engineer: Trio/Enduron Comminution products Nathi Mtsweni.

The company notes that HPGR technology’s strong presence in hematite and magnetite greenfield and brownfield projects has firmly established Enduron HPGR as part of the ‘blueprint’ flow sheet for sustainable iron-ore processing.

Commenting on the growing uptake, Weir Minerals Africa: Comminution product manager Theo Hendricks explains that the abrasiveness and density of iron-ore makes it difficult to process, but that Enduron HPGR technology’s unique bearing arrangement enables durable skew – designed to guard against premature failure and reduce the number of peak loads transferrable to the bearings. He adds that the technology delivers a long bearing life of well above 10 years in these rogue applications.

“With our unique bearing assembly that reduces the risk of failure, coupled with the wear reduction capabilities associated with skewing, our Enduron HPGR is expertly engineered to last longer whilst performing effectively regardless of the feeding conditions,” says Hendricks.

The longevity of roll life is critical to the overall performance of the processing plant, both in terms of availability and operating costs, and Weir Minerals notes that is has paid particular attention to the surface of the rolls, which incorporates tailored tungsten carbide studs to ensure strong autogenous wear protection. As a result, the Enduron HPGR technology offers up to 20% more roll life than the competition.

“With its ability to reduce grinding energy by as much as 40% without the need for process water and extending its low-impact benefits when combined with dry air classification, Enduron HPGR technology revolutionises traditional iron-ore processing towards an effective and sustainable fine grinding solution,” concludes Hendricks.