516 Figure 33 Integrating Grinding Circuit Opportunities with Flotation Circuit However, the flotation circuit analysis identified both operational and capital intensive opportunities to manage the impacts of increased throughput. Integrated simulations were conducted to evaluate the benefits of these strategies (Figure 34). Quick-win operational changes, including circuit reconfiguration, improved cell utilization, and full use of installed regrind and flotation capacity, could increase overall copper recovery by approximately 1.5% while maintaining concentrate grade. Thus, more than compensating for the expected loss from increased throughput and coarser grinding product size. Additional recovery gains could be achieved through major CAPEX initiatives, including expansion of cleaner circuit capacity and installation of more efficient flotation technology upstream of the existing cleaner banks. These options were shown to improve recovery under higher throughput scenarios, providing resilience against ore variability and future production increases. Figure 34 Simulation Summary for ‘Quick-win’ Opportunities and Major CAPEX Options In addition, Hatch used data collected during the optimization project to develop a power-based throughput forecast model for the Toromocho comminution circuit. The model calculates the total circuit specific-energy and SAG mill specific-energy, based on ore hardness properties and the calculated SAG mill feed F80 (linked to the alteration domains). The specific energy is used to determine plant throughput for a given SAG milling and ball milling power. The throughput forecast model was calibrated and then validated using historical production data (March 2019 – September 2019 for calibration September 2019 –February 2020 for validation) and was supported by the mathematical process models developed during the
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