A SUMMARY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RED CHRIS COMMINUTION CIRCUITS

Abstract

A comprehensive energy study was carried out for the Red Chris mill, which processes copper-gold ore at a rate of 30,000 tonnes per day (t/d) and is located in Northern British Columbia. The study focused on identifying opportunities for energy conservation in the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG)-ball mill and regrind circuits. Mill surveys were carried out to calibrate mill models, such as those in JKSimMet, for simulation of alternative operating scenarios. Energy benchmarking methods were used for all circuits, including a Vertimill regrind circuit, to evaluate nominal energy performance and compare circuit configurations. For the SAG and ball mill circuits, considerable flexibility in the material handling system allowed alternative flowsheets to be assessed. Evaluated energy conservation measures included implementation of SAG mill charge monitoring technologies to allow for mill speed reduction, diversion of pebble crusher product to the ball mill circuit, sensor-based sorting of pebble crusher feed, and modification of media sizes. The regrinding circuit consists of a grate-discharge ball mill and a Vertimill, which is operated with a separating tank. Circuit surveys and energy benchmarking through use of an Eliason laboratory stirred mill test showed that the Vertimill separating tank was ineffective as a size classifier. Overall, the paper presents a summary of energy benchmarking efforts and evaluation of identified energy conservation opportunities.

Full text

A SUMMARY OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE RED CHRIS
COMMINUTION CIRCUITS
*Stefan Nadolski1, Russ Haycock2, Kevin Li2, Santiago Seiler1, & Amit Kumar1
1 Minpraxis Solutions Ltd.
Vancouver, BC, Canada
2 Red Chris Development Co. Ltd.
Iskut, BC, Canada
(*Corresponding author: snadolski@minpraxis.com)
Abstract
A comprehensive energy study was carried out for the Red Chris mill, which processes copper-gold ore at a rate
of 30,000 tonnes per day (t/d) and is located in Northern British Columbia. The study focused on identifying
opportunities for energy conservation in the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG)-ball mill and regrind circuits. Mill
surveys were carried out to calibrate mill models, such as those in JKSimMet, for simulation of alternative
operating scenarios. Energy benchmarking methods were used for all circuits, including a Vertimill regrind circuit,
to evaluate nominal energy performance and compare circuit configurations.
For the SAG and ball mill circuits, considerable flexibility in the material handling system allowed alternative
flowsheets to be assessed. Evaluated energy conservation measures included implementation of SAG mill charge
monitoring technologies to allow for mill speed reduction, diversion of pebble crusher product to the ball mill
circuit, sensor-based sorting of pebble crusher feed, and modification of media sizes.
The regrinding circuit consists of a grate-discharge ball mill and a Vertimill, which is operated with a separating
tank. Circuit surveys and energy benchmarking through use of an Eliason laboratory stirred mill test showed that
the Vertimill separating tank was ineffective as a size classifier. Overall, the paper presents a summary of energy
benchmarking efforts and evaluation of identified energy conservation opportunities.
Keywords
Crushing, grinding, SAG mill, ore sorting, Vertimill, MillSlicerTM, separating tank

1 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Introduction
The Red Chris copper/gold mine is located in northwest British Columbia and has been operating since 2012.
Energy studies for the SAG-ball mill circuit and regrind/flotation circuits were carried out in 2018/2019 to identify
opportunities for energy conservation and improving production performance. A summary of the key findings is
presented in this paper.
The SAG and ball mill circuits are responsible for 59% of mine-wide electrical energy consumption, equating to
195 GWh of annual consumption. The regrind and flotation circuits account for 16% of mine-wide electrical
energy consumption. Overall, the two studies addressed the majority of Red Chris mine electrical use. A
breakdown of energy consumption for each processing area is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1 – Proportion of Electrical Energy Used by Main Equipment in the
Primary/Secondary and Regrind Circuits
The Red Chris deposit displays characteristics of both alkalic and calc-alkalic porphyry copper deposits (Imperial
Metals, 2012). The deposit is mined using conventional open-pit mining methods. At the time of the study,
open-pit activities were focused on the Main Zone. Metallurgical tests indicated an average Bond ball mill work
index of 14.8 kWh/t for Main Zone material, with a range of 11.5 to 16.6 kWh/t (Imperial Metals, 2012).
DESCRIPTION OF THE SAG AND BALL MILL CIRCUITS
A conventional SAG and ball mill circuit (SABC) is used to treat material at a production rate of 30,000 t/d. The
primary crusher product, having an 80% passing size of ~90 mm, is crushed and ground by the circuit to an 80%
passing size of ~150 µm, after which it reports to rougher flotation. A diagram of the SAG and ball mill circuit is
shown in Figure 2.

2 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Figure 2 – SAG and Ball Mill Grinding Flowsheet
The SAG mill grinding circuit includes a 34 ft x 15.25 ft SAG mill operated with a 10.5 MW variable speed drivetrain.
SAG mill product is screened at ~12 mm; oversize is conveyed to the pebble crushing circuit operating with one
HP800 cone crusher. Screen undersize is pumped to the downstream ball mill grinding circuit. Ball mill cyclone
overflow is sent to the first stage of rougher flotation.
The 24 ft x 42 ft overflow ball mill is operated with a variable speed drive and has a rated capacity of 13.4 MW.
Based on fresh feed and cyclone feed rates from distributed control system (DCS) instrumentation, it is typically
operated at circulating load of ~480%. The top size of ball mill make-up media is 3" and typical media loading is
36% by mill volume.
The material handling system provides for considerable flexibility in the circuit. Alternative processing options can
be engaged within a 30-minute period and includes diversion of pebble crusher product to the ball mill feed stream.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REGRIND CIRCUITS
The two-stage flowsheet configuration typically used at Red Chris is shown in Figure 3. The first stage of
regrinding is carried out by a grate-discharge ball mill, which is charged with 1" grinding media. It is driven by a
2.2 MW fixed-speed drivetrain at 14.6 rpm (69% of critical speed).
The second stage of regrinding is carried out by a VTM-1500 Vertimill, which is top-fed and operates with a
separating tank (serves as a size classifier). Tank sinks (coarse particles) are fed to the bottom of the Vertimill
and the tank floats (fines) float out of the top of the tank and are pumped back to the Vertimill cyclopac. The
screw agitator is driven by a 1.1 MW fixed-speed drivetrain. A dart valve on the separating tank allows for level
control and tank isolation.
[7]
[2]
[6]
[9]
[12]
RUN OF MINE
ORE
[1]
SAG Mill
Ball Mill
[3]
Ball Mill
Cyclopac
Primary Gyratory
Crusher
Primary Stockpile
Pebble
Crusher
SAG Discharge
Screen
Column 1
Feed Pump
Box
[11]
TO
FLOTATION
[15]
[14]
W2 [10]
W1 [4]
[13]
[5]
W4
[17]
[8]
Optional Diversion to Ball Mill
W3

3 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Figure 3 – Flotation and Regrind Flowsheet
Circuit Performance
SAG CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE
Results from the mill survey and metallurgical testing were used to assess energy utilization of the Red Chris SAG
and ball mill circuit. The “Morrell method for determining comminution circuit specific energy and assessing
energy utilization efficiency of existing circuits,” published by the Global Mining Guidelines Group (2016), was
applied. The calculations, presented in Table 1, showed that the expected specific energy consumption for the
circuit was 13.5 kWh/t, based on the measured ore hardness, feed size, and product size. A specific energy
consumption of 14.9 kWh/t was measured for crushing and grinding equipment while accounting for drivetrain
losses (as described by the method).
[1]
[14]
[26]
[24]
[27]
[23]
[29]
Column Flotatio n 2
Secondary Re-grinding
Pumpbox
[18]
Column Flotation 1
Column 1 Feed
Pump box
Column 2 Con.
To FINAL CON
[31]
[16]
Column 2 Feed
Pump box
[28]
[32]
[21]
Scavenger Cells
Rougher Cells
Primary Re-grinding
Pumpbox
[12]
[13]
[15]
Sulphide Cells
Rougher Con.
Pump box
[4]
[8]
[5]
PAG Tails
NAG Tails
[10]
[9]
PAG Tails
[20]
[19]
Primary Re-grinding
Ball Mill
Secondary
Re-grinding
VertiMill
Separation
Tank
Secondary
Re-grinding
Cyclopac
Primary
Re-grinding
Cyclopac
W3 [11]
W1 [2]
W2 [6]
W4
[17]
W5
[30]
W6 [22]
Thickener
O/F (2) [7]
Thickener
O/F (1) [3]
Primary Grinding
Cyclones O/F
[25]

4 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Table 1 – Morrell Calculations for Assessing Energy Utilization
Morrell Method for Determining
Comminution Circuit Specific Energy
Unit
Value
Ore Properties
Fresh feed rate (solids)
t/h
1,358
Fresh feed size, F80
Mm
89
Final product size, P80
µm
168
A x b
66.7 x 0.72 (48)
DWi
kWh/m3
5.80
BBWi (150 µm closing screen)
kWh/mt
13.55
BBWi, net product
g/revolution
1.70
SAG Mill
Measured power draw at VFD input
kW
9,001
Power draw at pinion
kW
8,214
Pebble Crusher
Throughput, dry
t/h
204.3
Pebble crusher feed, F80
mm
60.2
Pebble crusher product, P80
mm
18.6
Survey power draw
kW
167
No load power
kW
~75
Ball Mill
Survey power draw at VFD input
kW
13,055
Power draw at pinion
kW
11,914
SMC Calculations
Coarse particle tumbling specific energy, Wa
kWh/t
8.21
Fine particle tumbling specific energy, Wb
kWh/t
5.15
Pebble crushing specific energy, Wc
kWh/t of fresh feed
0.12
Total Predicted Specific Energy
kWh/t
13.48
Red Chris Performance
Red Chris Specific Energy
kWh/t
14.89
BALL MILL CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE
The efficiency of the ball mill circuit was evaluated using a method published as “Determining the Bond Efficiency
of industrial grinding circuits” by the Global Mining Guidelines Group (2016). Results presented in Table 2 show
that the Red Chris ball mill circuit was operating at 88% of the energy efficiency of a standard Bond circuit. It is
important to note that cases have been reported where the Wi efficiency ratio exceeds 100%, i.e., circuit
performance has a higher efficiency than the Bond standard. The Wi efficiency ratio is a useful metric that can
be referenced when carrying out future surveys to gauge changes in circuit performance.

5 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Table 2 – Bond Efficiency Calculations for Assessing Ball Mill Circuit Efficiency
Parameter
Unit
Value
Fresh feed rate (solids)
t/h
1,358
Screen undersize, F80
µm
2,453
Final product size, P80
µm
168
Measured power draw
kW
13055
Assumed drivetrain efficiency at VFD input
kW
0.913
Power draw at pinion
kW
11914
Bond ball mill work index, Wi
kWh/t
13.55
Operating work index, WioACT
kWh/t
15.40
Wi Efficiency Ratio
%
88.0
REGRIND CIRCUIT PERFORMANCE
The Eliason test mill at ALS Metallurgy was used to benchmark the grinding performance of the regrind ball mill
and Vertimill. The Eliason mill measures an internal diameter of 4" and a height of 6" and has an impeller with a
series of rings at various positions down a central shaft (similar to an engine camshaft) (Johnston, 2014). The
impellor is mounted in a drill press that runs at 1,700 rpm. A power meter is used to measure the power draw
during testing and when the mill is empty so that the net specific energy consumption can be determined for
each test run.
Rougher flotation concentrate samples, representing the fresh feed to the regrind circuits, was used for Eliason
testing with 2.2 mm diameter media. Splits of 100 grams (solids) were processed at different processing times
to determine the specific energy versus product size (P80) curve for each sample (also referred to as a signature
plot). The Eliason test proved to be a useful benchmark for gauging the performance of the regrind circuits, as
it incorporated feed size, product size, and the hardness associated with each grinding duty.
The Vertimill specific energy consumption was 1.5 to 2.2 times more than the Eliason mill for the same grinding
duty, depending on the grinding configuration used. Table 3 shows the Vertimill circuit survey results for the
different configurations operated.
Pease (2010) published a summary of tower mill operations showing that for P80 product sizes of approximately
30 µm to 33 µm, operations were reporting operating work indices of ~25 to ~42 kWh/t. This is in line with the
Red Chris Vertimill operating work indices of 31 to 43 kWh/t.
The Vertimill media load was measured to confirm that the Vertimill draw was appropriate. Based on the media
bulk density and charge height (measured using a sinker and line being fed through the media filling pipe), the
load was estimated at 123 tonnes. The power draw at the time of measurement was 1019 kW. This is consistent
with a power curve from Hasan (2016) showing that Vertimill power draw (kW) is approximately equal to the
media load in tonnes divided by 0.122, which would predict a power draw of 1008 kW for the media load used.

6 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Table 3 – Comparison of Regrind Performance for Two-stage Operation
Configuration and Survey ID
Unit
Two-Stage #2
(Base-case)
Two-Stage
#1
Two-Stage #3,
No-Sep. Tank
Feed Properties
Specific gravity
3.52
3.71
3.47
Rougher mass pull
t/h
128
135
115
Vertimill fresh feed
t/h
157
166
140
Vertimill circuit fresh feed
F80 µm
41
39
41
Vertimill circuit final product
P80 µm
33
33
30
Vertimill power draw
kW
917
956
1,119
Vertimill specific energy
kW/t
5.8
5.8
8.0
Operating work index
kW/t
32.5
43.0
31.3
Required lab mill (Eliason) energy
kW/t
3.7
3.22
5.0
Ratio of Vertimill to Eliason mill energy*
%
146
167
151
Note: *Lab mill specific energy was calculated for the equivalent circuit product size using the Eliason test. Actual rougher
concentrate from each survey was used as test feed
Energy Efficiency Opportunities
MILLSLICERTM
In 2017, Minpraxis Solutions carried out an initial study for the SAG mill. Review of operational data showed that
the variable speed system on the SAG mill was rarely used due to operators being concerned about the SAG mill
overloading. A recommendation of the study was to implement a system for online monitoring of mill charge
levels. The MillSlicerTM system, developed by Digital Control Lab, was chosen for implementation. It uses
vibration sensors mounted on the mill shell and both inlet and discharge bearing housing. The system was
installed and commissioned in July 2018. A screenshot of MillSlicerTM outputs being observed by operators is
shown in Figure 4.
Key outputs of the MillSlicerTM system are:
• The angle of mill charge (red line in the rotational energy plot)
• Impact energy on the shell (blue line in the rotational energy plot)
• Liner damage level (LDL) – a metric that represents the total energy absorbed by the shell liners
• Inlet, shell, and outlet fill levels. Changes in these values can be used to infer a mill filling or mill
emptying condition. Reported fill levels are relative to the fill level used during calibration.

7 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Figure 4 – Operator Display of MillSlicerTM Outputs
Soon after commissioning, mill operators reported at least one instance where the MillSlicerTM system had
prevented a mill overload. By observing the vibration levels and toe angle at the shell, it is clear whether media
is impacting the charge or shell liners. To improve operator confidence in adjusting mill speed, fragmentation
cameras are being considered for the mill feed conveyor.
DIVERSION OF CRUSHED PEBBLES TO THE BALL MILL CIRCUIT
The impact of diverting crushed pebbles from the SAG circuit to the ball mill circuit using the existing material
handling system was investigated using fitted JKSimMet models.
A similar circuit configuration, where crushed pebbles were sent to the ball mill, was used at the Edna May
configuration (Dance et al., 2014). Trials following modification of the material handling system (for diversion of
crushed-pebbles to the ball mill) showed that approximately 10% improvements in throughput were achieved at
the expense of a coarser ball mill cyclone overflow size and ball mill circuit stability (which was later resolved).
For the Red Chris simulations, the influence of ore hardness was also incorporated by simulating circuit
performance with ore that was 30% softer and 30% harder than the material sampled during the survey and
treated as nominal ore. For SAG milling, A and b numbers were modified proportionally to provide Drop Weight
Index (DWi ) values, an additive parameter, that were ±30% of the nominal ore. A similar approach was used for
the Bond ball mill work index. For all simulations, the target P80 grind size of 168 µm was maintained.
Results from simulations were consistent for all three hardness scenarios. Improvements in fresh feed throughput
and overall circuit power were negligible (<2%); Full diversion of pebbles reduced pebble circulation by 14%.

8 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
The existing diverter in the material handling system can be engaged within 30 minutes. Upgrading to fast acting
(~30 seconds) diverter was estimated to cost approximately $100,000. A fast-acting system would allow for
additional control over the SAG-ball mill circuit. Engagement/disengagement would occur when the SAG mill
volume is increasing (as indicated by MillSlicerTM) and the pebble circuit is close to its maximum 350 t/h
throughput rate.
PEBBLE SORTING
A scoping level pebble-sorting study was carried out using a static X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) unit. Assay results
did not indicate a difference in grade between pebbles and fresh feed. Results showed that 50% of pebbles could
be rejected while achieving 80% copper recovery. The preliminary cost calculations showed that losses in copper
and gold in the sorting plant would outweigh the throughput and operating expenditure (OPEX) benefits of the
rejected pebble stream.
BALL MILL MEDIA SIZE
The greatest improvement in energy performance was associated with reducing the size of ball mill make-up
media from 3" to 2.5". By changing the size of make-up media, ball mill power draw was estimated to reduce by
approximately 21% through slowing down of the mill (with the existing variable-frequency drive [VFD]) while
maintaining grind size. The improvement is greater than the error of ±10% associated with the simulation
method. Similar improvements in energy performance were found when simulating ores that were 30% softer
and 30% harder than the nominal ore that was collected during the survey. The reduction in media size is also
supported by media sizing guidelines of Bond (1958) and Azzaroni/Molycop (Giblett and Putland, 2019). Both
equations refer to mill speed, mill hardness, mill diameter, feed size, and the specific gravity of feed.
The results of the full circuit simulations for 30% softer and 30% harder ore were used to compare the current
media size to the recommended sizes resulting from the equations of Bond and Azzaroni/Molycop. Figure 5
shows that for all cases, the current media size of 3" is larger than the recommended size of both equations. As
a third method, ball mill media size was varied within the JKSimMet package to identify the media size that
provided the best ball mill energy performance. Within JKSimMet, 2" media provided the best results for the
three ore types simulated.
Based on the comparison shown in Figure 5, trials using a make-up ball size of 2.5" were recommended. Currently,
~20% of ball mill media is composed of recycled SAG mill media. It is expected that ball mill energy performance
will still improve if newly sourced media is switched to a size of 2" or 2.5" and use of recovered 3" media
continues.

9 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Figure 5 – Recommended Make-Up Ball Sizes Based on Methods Used for Three Different Ore Hardnesses
To compare ball milling efficiency for different media sizes, the ball mill performance of five different operations
was compared to the ratio of the media size used and the recommended media size from the Azzaroni calculation
method (see Figure 6). Additional survey data would help clarify the usefulness of the media sizing method. The
comparison does show that there is potential for improving Red Chris ball mill performance by more than 10%
(in terms of operating work index).
Figure 6 – Work Index Efficiency Ratio (BBWi/OWi) and the Actual Ball Mill Media Size Divided by the
Recommended Media Size Based on Azzaroni’s Equation
Bond
Azzaroni /
MolyCop
JKSimMet
Actual
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Soft (9.5 kWh/t)
Nominal (13.6 kWh/t)
Hard (17.6 kWh/t)
Makeup Ball Size, (in)

10 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
VERTIMILL
Surveys of the Vertimill circuit indicated that the separating tank was not working effectively as a size classifier;
size distributions of the coarse and fines streams were almost identical for three circuit surveys. Similar results
were found at another Canadian copper-gold regrind application. Napier-Munn (1996) reported that the
separating tank installed with most tower mills is unnecessary and can be removed, with a consequent savings
in pumping costs. Figure 7 shows the VTM-1500 Vertimill and the separating tank.
Figure 7 – Vertimill and Separating Tank
Classification within the separating tank is assumed to rely on an adequate slurry flow speed to send larger (and
faster settling particles )to the sides of the tank while finer (and slower settling particles) report to the inlet of
the fine discharge pipe, which is located at the upper-centre section of the tank (shown in Figure 7, right picture).
During mill surveys it was found that material was building up at the edges of the separating tank and reducing
its effective volume. This was reported as an ongoing issue by mill operations. Similar material build-up was
found for the other mentioned regrind applications.
An additional Vertimill survey was carried out with the separating tank isolated (through the closure of a dart
valve). To compare the energy performance of the circuit with and without the separating tank, the actual
Vertimill specific energy consumption was divided by the specific energy required by the Eliason stirred mill to
generate the same product size (using the rougher concentrate that was sampled for each survey). Without the
separating tank engaged, the ratio of Vertimill to lab mill specific energy was 151%, while 146 and 167% were
observed for the two other surveys where the separating tank was operating. The results confirmed that the
separating tank can be switched off without affecting circuit operation.

11 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Since completion of the study, the Vertimill has been operated with the separating tank isolated. No adverse
consequences in circuit performance have been observed by operators. This has also freed up maintenance time
associated with cleaning of the separating tank and servicing of the recirculation pump.
Seeing as the Vertimill is currently operated in top-fed configuration, the grinding of coarser components now
relies on coarser particles settling into the grinding zone of the Vertimill. Further improvements in Vertimill
grinding efficiency are expected by changing to a bottom-fed configuration. Palianandy et al. (2019) carried out
a similar modification at the Karara mill, where a top-fed tower mill operating with a separating tank was
switched to a bottom feed configuration with the disengagement of the separating tank. Palaniandy et al. (2019)
reported that the operating work index and size specific energy consumption improved as a result of the
modification.
Trials with smaller media (than the current ¾" media) may also yield improvements in circuit efficiency. Metso,
the Vertimill supplier, advised that finer media can be used; however, the percent solids of mill feed (cyclone
underflow) may need to be lowered to a range of 50% to 60% to avoid the loss of media to the discharge. Survey
results showed that the percent solids of cyclone underflow ranged from 64% to 67% solids when the regrind
circuit was operated in a two-stage configuration. During trials, the ejection of media would need to be
monitored and water addition to the cyclone feed pump box adjusted if necessary.
Discussion and Conclusions
The Red Chris energy performance studies were successful in identifying opportunities for improving both energy
and operational performance of the Red Chris mill. In particular, the MillSlicerTM system has been useful for
averting SAG mill overload incidents and could be tied into the control system for mill speed control.
The Morrell method for determining comminution circuit specific energy was found to be an effective tool for
energy benchmarking of the SAG and ball mill circuit. Bond efficiency calculations were convenient for tracking
improvements in ball mill circuit performance. It is envisaged that both methods will be used in the future for
gauging improvements in mill performance.
The performance of the Vertimill circuit was successfully measured using the Eliason stirred mill test for a range
of configurations. Results of the regrind benchmarking method provided operators with the confidence to isolate
the separating tank. Should the Vertimill be converted from a top-fed to a bottom-fed configuration, energy
evaluation with the Eliason test can be used to evaluate the change in circuit performance.
The greatest improvements in energy performance were associated with a reduction of the ball mill media size
from 3" to 2.5". Simulations indicated that ball mill power draw can be reduced by approximately 21% if the
media change is carried out and the ball mill is slowed down to maintain the current grind size. Alternatively,
improvements in energy performance can be utilized in the form of increasing production rates and/or improving
final grind sizes. A comparison of ball mill performance for Red Chris and other operations confirmed that there
is scope for improving ball mill energy performance.
Simulations for the case where crushed pebbles are diverted to the ball mill circuit did not indicate that overall
energy performance can be improved.
The current regrind product size targets are attainable with current Vertimill configuration. However, should
Red Chris be looking to expand the cleaning circuit and increase mass pulls, improvements in regrind efficiency
will be particularly important for maintaining target grind sizes.

12 | SAG CONFERENCE 2019 VANCOUVER | SEPTEMBER 22–26, 2019
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Red Chris Development Company for allowing this paper to be published.
BC Hydro’s support of the energy studies is also acknowledged.
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