In mining operations, maximizing mill yield is critical for optimizing resource utilization, enhancing productivity, and reducing costs. However, achieving high yield and throughput is often hindered by various operational challenges. Here are five common reasons mills experience lower yield and actionable strategies to improve these outcomes using GroundHog’s ROM Loader Software.
1. Inconsistent Ore Blending
One of the most common reasons mills suffer from lower yield is inconsistent ore blending. When the blend of materials fed into the crusher is not optimal, the mill’s output quality is compromised. Inconsistent ore grades can lead to inefficiencies in crushing and milling processes, ultimately lowering yield.
The ROM Loader Software ensures accurate ore blending by guiding operators to follow the planned blend sequence. Real-time instructions direct the loaders to extract precise amounts from different blocks, maintaining a consistent blend. This results in higher ore quality, leading to improved throughput and yield at the mill.
2. Deviation from Blend Plan
Operators may deviate from the blend plan due to human error or miscommunication. Even minor deviations can result in the wrong material mix being fed into the mill, causing inefficiencies in processing and lower yield.
GroundHog’s ROM Loader Software detects deviations from the blend plan in real time and immediately alerts operators to correct the issue. This automatic error detection ensures the correct material mix is maintained, preventing costly mistakes and improving mill output.
3. Inaccurate Material Tracking
Traditional methods of tracking material flow are often manual and error-prone. Inaccurate tracking of material loaded into the crusher can lead to discrepancies between what is processed and what is expected. This can cause inefficiencies that reduce mill yield and throughput.
With precise payload tracking, the ROM Loader Software measures and logs the exact amount of material being loaded into the crusher. This accurate tracking ensures that the correct quantity of material is processed, minimizing waste and enhancing mill throughput.
4. Stockpile Mismanagement
Improper stockpile management is another factor that contributes to lower mill yield. When material is taken from stockpiles without proper accounting, it can lead to imbalances in the feed material, ultimately impacting mill performance.
The ROM Loader Software automates stockpile balance management, deducting material from the stockpile in real-time as it is moved to the crusher. This real-time updating of stockpile data ensures that the mill always receives the correct material, improving resource utilization and yield.
5. Operational Downtime and Delays
Mills often experience downtime or delays due to issues like breakdowns, inefficient time utilization, or unexpected changes in the blend plan. These disruptions directly impact the mill’s throughput and overall yield.
The ROM Loader Software includes a Time Utilization Model (TAM) that tracks operator activity, machine downtime, and other non-productive time. This comprehensive tracking allows managers to identify inefficiencies, optimize operator schedules, and reduce downtime, thereby boosting throughput and improving yield.
Improving mill yield and throughput requires a focus on accuracy, consistency, and real-time management of the material flow from the ROM pad to the crusher. GroundHog’s ROM Loader Software provides the necessary tools to address key challenges such as inconsistent blending, operator errors, inaccurate tracking, stockpile mismanagement, and downtime. By leveraging this software, mining operations can enhance resource utilization, reduce costs, and achieve higher yields in mill operations.
For more information on how GroundHog’s ROM Loader Software can improve your operations, contact us today!
Read how you can maximize blending compliance here.
