Optimising mill performance is essential for maximising mine profits. Mill design for the expected materials and grades is a big factor in ensuring the potential of the mine is realised. But once in place the mill will require the tons, grade and quality inputs in order for it to perform consistently and optimally – as was designed to do.

The single biggest determinant of performance, and challenge for the majority of mines is the ability to blend from the available materials to achieve the optimal mill feed. Doing so requires a system that tracks the tonnes, grades and qualities for the materials in each location and stockpile. Stockpile tons, grade and quality are constantly changing.

MPX tracks movements, grade and any quality and contaminant factors that are associated with the ore body to provide the geology and metallurgy teams up to date, single source of truth information regarding the available materials for the purpose of feeding the mill. Accurate information leads to a successful, sustainable blending strategy to optimise performance and maximise profits.

A consistently high performing mill is the ultimate goal, but the processes whereby the tonnes and grade of available materials are accurately know, and visible to the mill feed managers is absolutely essential for them to achieve their goals.

Accurate balances of Stockpile Tonnes and Grade are the key. Each commodity and mine has its own nuances, but in general higher then expected grade leads to product pumped into the tailings dam. Lower than expected grade means higher than necessary cost of mill consumables. Both leading to lower profits, sometimes putting the viability of the project at risk.