Aug 7 2015
Glencore Technology’s IsaMill™ technology has been selected by Sumitomo Metal Mining Pogo LLC for their Pogo Mine operation in the US state of Alaska.
IsaMill™ has a proven track record of improving metal recovery and energy efficiency. It will be implemented at the Pogo Mine’s Inline Leach Reactor (ILR) circuit, where it will finely grind the ILR residue from 240 microns to a product (P80) of 25 microns to improve gold recovery in the downstream leaching process.
Glencore Technology’s Process and Business Development Manager – Americas, Greg Rasmussen, said IsaMill™ was developed to be much more energy efficient than alternative grinding technologies providing improved sustainability outcomes for mining operations around the world.
“Our technology has been successfully used commercially in concentrator plants for over two decades,” he said.
To ensure accurate scale-up, the Pogo Mine utilized the IsaMill™ Signature Plot procedure supported by a certified commercial laboratory. IsaMill™ Signature Plot tests are globally recognized in determining the required energy parameters for fine / ultrafine grinding of ores using the technology. They are also used to accurately size and design IsaMill™ grinding circuits across the world.
This, along with a successful operational history of the IsaMill™, gave Pogo Mine personnel confidence that the technology can perform the duty required.
Mr Rasmussen
Pogo Mine is located northwest of Delta Junction, Alaska. The mine is operated by Sumitomo Metal Mining Company and is a Joint Venture between Sumitomo Metal Mining Company and Sumitomo Corporation with 85% and 15% ownership shares respectively. Final Permits and Authorizations were issued for the Pogo Mine Project in December 2003. Mine construction was completed in 2006 and commercial production was achieved in April 2007. The mine produces approximately 330,000 ounces of gold annually and maintains a workforce of more than 300 direct employees and an additional 150 contractors.