Hunchun Zijin improves production efficiency with Metso equipment

Hunchun Zijin Mining Co., Ltd. in China has significantly enhanced its process equipment and personnel skills, resulting in an 18% increase in production efficiency. This improvement was achieved through the use of Metso's crushers, screen media, and a Metso Life Cycle Services (LCS) contract. Over the last ten years, the company has evolved from a local state-owned entity into an international mining group.

The company, located in Hunchun City, faced operational challenges and declining copper prices before being acquired by Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. in December 2002. Since then, Hunchun Zijin has invested approximately EUR 142 million in three major reconstruction and expansion projects. These investments have boosted the production capacity from 850 tons per day to 25,000 tons per day, while continuously improving resource recovery and utilization.

Metso's equipment has played a crucial role in this transformation. Specifically, the Metso HP6 cone crushers have proven highly reliable. Previously, the mine struggled to reach a design capacity of 540 tons per hour with equipment from other brands. After switching to Metso HP6 crushers, the crushing capacity now consistently ranges from 570-580 tons per hour, with peaks exceeding 600 tons per hour. This has also reduced the daily operating hours and workload at the crushing plant.

Furthermore, the adoption of Metso LS rubber screen media has addressed issues with clogging and frequent replacements previously experienced with domestic polyurethane screen media. The transition to rubber media has reduced downtime and labor costs associated with screen maintenance, contributing to the overall operational efficiency and cost savings.