Mineral processing equipment supplier Metso has secured a €9-million contract from First Majestic Silver Corporation to supply dry grinding technology and associated auxiliary equipment for the restart of the Jerritt Canyon gold mine in Nevada, US.
The contract includes Metso Loesche Vertical Roller Mill (VRM) dry grinding technology, marking an important step in introducing the solution to the mining industry and expanding access to more energy-efficient comminution processes.
In addition to supplying the equipment, Metso will provide engineering support to ensure the safe and reliable installation and implementation of the system at the mine.
Metso Vice-President of Dry Grinding and High-Pressure Grinding Rolls Bjorn Nielsen said the order brings together nearly a century of vertical roller mill expertise from Loesche with Metso’s extensive mineral processing knowledge and service capabilities.
He highlighted the technology’s energy efficiency and compact design, which allows it to be integrated into existing processing facilities. Nielsen added that Metso looks forward to building a long-term relationship with First Majestic Silver while supporting the restart and future development of Jerritt Canyon.
Loesche Australia Managing Director Stefan Baaken described the VRM as a suitable solution for the project, citing its energy efficiency, drying performance and compact footprint as key advantages over competing technologies.
Launched earlier this year, the Metso Loesche VRM dry grinding solution forms part of the company’s Metso Plus offering. The technology can replace high-pressure grinding rolls, horizontal mills in primary and secondary grinding applications, as well as tertiary stirred mills.
By simplifying processing circuits, the solution can reduce energy consumption and operating costs while improving overall plant efficiency.
The technology also offers downstream processing benefits through improved mineral liberation and a steeper particle size distribution. In addition, it can support advanced flowsheets incorporating coarse particle flotation, magnetic separation and other coarse beneficiation technologies.
Where fully dry processing is technically feasible, these capabilities can significantly reduce or eliminate water consumption, offering mining operations an opportunity to improve resource efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint.