Buenavista del Cobre Mine Increases Production With Optimized Crusher Liners
Mexico's Buenavista del Cobre copper mine has boosted production and reduced downtime with Metso Oyj's optimized primary crusher liners. The lifespan of the wear parts has significantly increased.
The Buenavista del Cobre copper mine in Mexico has achieved a substantial increase in production and a reduction in downtime with optimized primary crusher liners supplied by Metso Oyj. The mine, one of the world's largest copper operations, has extended the lifespan of its primary gyratory crusher liners from 40 million tons to approximately 100 million tons.
The enhancements were applied to Metso Superior™ MKIII 60-89 crushers. Initially, standard manganese steel liners lasted about 40 million tons. Through Metso's optimization efforts, including material upgrades to WX60 alloy steel and design improvements, the liner life now reaches around 100 million tons, equivalent to 13,000 operating hours.
"Metso has greatly assisted us in extending the wear life of our equipment. Currently, the concave segments last for approximately 100 million tons, which equates to 13,000 operating hours. Being able to change the concaves every two years makes a big difference," stated Jorge Alberto Vázquez Villela, Crushing Maintenance Chief at Buenavista del Cobre. The extended lifespan minimizes the need for production interruptions for maintenance.
Metso has also improved the crusher's chamber design and liner construction for easier maintenance. For instance, a previous six-segment design was replaced with a three-segment configuration, speeding up and simplifying component replacement. A three-phase mantle cycle, involving standard, oversize, and double-oversize mantles, has also been implemented to accommodate the extended wear life.