Innovation is a catalyst for global transformation
CMIC’s intention and goal towards zero waste mining began with an innovative strategy to decrease the world’s footprint on energy consumption.
When it comes to mineral processing, comminution is a highly energy-intensive process that accounts for a large part of the global capital and operating cost for mineral production.
It has been estimated that approximately 4% of the electric energy produced globally and around 50% of the energy at mine sites is consumed by comminution. So, what is the solution?
The innovative technologies behind CAHM are here to revolutionize the mining industry. CAHM is a platform technology with two variants being developed, in parallel. The CAHM machine is a more efficient alternative to High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) and Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mills.
The MonoRoll, the focus of the Crush It Challenge, is designed to replace conventional Ball Mills as its goal is to produce finer grinds. Both machines, in combination, are projected to reduce the energy consumed by comminution by 65% and will replace the grossly inefficient grinding equipment that has been generating noise and heat, instead of breaking rock.
To rethink mining and the technologies at the core of the processes is to create a significant impact on the world.
Co-development of new technology
CMIC is here to foster and facilitate collaboration within the mining industry to co-develop new technologies.
The combined knowledge and expertise of mining companies and suppliers can provide solutions to some of the most pressing problems of the mining industry.
Working together on a clearly defined set of goals has achieved better environmental, operational, and financial results for the industry, as has been proven by the CAHM project.
Collaborative approaches offer a competitive advantage, allow for faster innovation, provide better integration, and protect intellectual property.
CAHM has pulled together an expert team of people to accomplish feats in a short time span that weren’t thought of as possible.
Without co-development and collaboration from CMIC’s partners, the speed and grandeur of these achievements would not have been possible.
Simplified Circuits
Comminution circuits were an ideal place to start to create efficiency and reduce energy. With higher reduction ratios and sharper product size distributions, the CAHM Platform technology not only reduces energy but simplifies comminution circuits as less recycling and fewer unit operations will be required.
Energy and GHG Reduction
Because CAHM has been optimized for energy efficiency, throughput, and wear, the 50 TPH Prototype is anticipated to achieve up to 72% energy reduction compared to the HPGR.
Reducing the Energy needed for comminution invariably reduces GHG production. The added advantage of both the CAHM and MonoRoll is that these technologies do not use conventional grinding media. It is well known that ~1 kg of grinding media is needed to produce 1 ton of ore. The GHGs generated through the production and shipment of steel balls are significant.
Modeling and Simulation
The modeling & simulation of these innovative technologies mimics the approach used in the aerospace industry.
Aerospace companies undergo a virtual fly test upon designing and building the machines. The pilots test for performance, identifying any potential issues early on.
The CAHM project employed a similar approach by designing and simulating the machines virtually, fine tuning the design prior to the construction phase.
The Team
Innovation happens at the speed of trust.
CAHM has come a long way thanks to a dedicated team helping to guide the efforts.
The team & technology behind CAHM offers an opportunity to fundamentally change existing comminution circuits and disrupt the mining industry to expand beyond what was once deemed the norm.
CMIC would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the 6 major mining companies, Agnico Eagle Mines, Glencore Canada, Kinross, Newmont, Teck Resources, and Vale who have provided significant financial and technical support. CMIC would also like to acknowledge, CTTI, world leaders in DEM modelling, and the inventors and engineers behind the CAHM technology, along with its industry collaborators including, Corem, Rockwell Automation, Molycop, and Optimize Group.
It takes a consortium and significant government support to develop equipment that can really transform our industry.
The Future of CAHM
The CAHM project has demonstrated the innovation and value of working together to deliver complex projects and solve the most gnarly challenges in the mining industry.
The future of CAHM is set to grow and expand with rapid development thanks to partner and Canadian and Provincial funding support.
This game-changing technology is on route towards zero waste mining milestones, with the possibility of 65% energy reduction.
We invite you to join the consortium as we set out to expand the CAHM project and transform the mining industry.
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