Overview
The Huckleberry processing plant in Canada is a high-efficiency copper recovery facility achieving over 90% copper recovery rates. The well-maintained plant features a conventional SAG-ball mill grinding circuit coupled with an advanced flotation system, capable of processing up to 22,000 dry metric tonnes per day (dmtpd).
Key Process Stages
- Crushing Circuit: Ore is fed via apron feeders to a 32′ x 13’8″ Svedala SAG Mill (2x 5500 HP motors), with pebble crushing via Metso HP500 crusher and two 30′ x 16′ ball mills (5500 HP each). Classification through six 26″ hydrocyclones.
- Flotation Circuit: Six 100 m³ Outotec rougher cells, two 10′ diameter columns for cleaning, and six 16 m³ Outotec U-cells for scavenger cleaning.
- Dewatering Circuit: Two 60′ diameter thickeners and an Ingersoll-Rand 40/24 Automatic Filter Press for concentrate handling.
Critical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Copper Recovery Rate | 90.2-91.0% |
| Concentrate Grade | 27.3% Cu |
| Max Throughput Capacity | 22,000 dmtpd |
| Annual Energy Consumption | 182,000,000 kWh |
| Fresh Water Consumption | 784 m³/day (286,000 m³/year) |
| SAG Mill Power | 2x 5500 HP motors |
| Ball Mill Power | 2x 5500 HP motors |
Operational Notes
The plant requires no major modifications to meet future production requirements beyond minor tailings management adjustments. Historical performance data confirms consistent operation with ore from the Main Zone pit yielding predictable throughput and recovery rates.
