Mining Magazine > Panorama > Siemens mill drives for Caserones mine

Panorama

Minera Lumina Copper has ordered three Simine Mill GD gearless mill drives and associated electrical equipment from Siemens for development of the Caserones copper mine in Atacama, Chile. The total value of the order exceeds US$38.5 million.

Siemens is supplying a gearless drive system for a 12m, 23MW SAG mill and two 20MW systems which will drive 8m ball mills. The continuously variable speeds enable the mills to adapt quickly to changes in the properties of the grinding stock. The elimination of mechanical components between motor and mill not only reduces wear and maintenance but also considerably increases plant availability. In addition, Siemens will supply the equipment for the main power substation of the mine, including three 100MVA-transformers, 245kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) as well as the control and protection systems for the entire substation.

Minera Lumina Copper recently began building the Caserones ore processing plant which is scheduled to start producing refined copper in the spring of 2013, and copper and molybdenum concentrates in the fall of the same year. The plant has estimated annual capacities of 180,000t of copper and 3,000t of molybdenum.