As mining operators face declining ore grades, rising energy costs and increasing pressure to reduce resource consumption, the economics of grinding have become a growing focus across the minerals processing industry.
To help address these challenges, Weir has launched the ENDURON® Optimil vertical stirred mill, designed to improve the economics of modern grinding circuits.
"Mining companies are under increasing pressure to improve productivity while reducing energy consumption, water use and operating costs," said Ralf Hesemann, Weir Managing Director, Vertical Stirred Mills.
"By taking a fresh approach to vertical stirred mill design, we've created a solution focused on the practical demands of modern processing operations, from media consumption and maintenance requirements to long-term cost of ownership."
At the heart of the technology is a proprietary grinding mechanism and media solution designed to improve energy efficiency and extend wear life. The use of ceramic grinding media also provides the potential to reduce grinding media costs.
Developed for a wide range of grinding applications, the ENDURON® Optimil vertical stirred mill is designed to reduce planned maintenance frequency and downtime, improve plant availability and integrate effectively within modern comminution circuits.
Beyond the direct operational benefits, the ENDURON® Optimil vertical stirred mill can support broader sustainability objectives by helping reduce the energy and resource intensity of grinding.
"The launch of the ENDURON Optimil vertical stirred mill marks an important step for Weir, bringing our stirred milling expertise together with our broader comminution capability. We developed the mill from first principles, drawing on the expertise of world-class stirred milling resources and using customer needs and feedback to shape the design," said Stuart Hayton, Weir Vice President, Comminution.
"When combined with ENDURON HPGR technology, the ENDURON Optimil vertical stirred mill can deliver energy savings of more than 40% compared with traditional grinding technologies, demonstrating the potential to fundamentally improve the economics of mineral processing."
"The response from customers has been extremely encouraging. Within the first 12 months of development and market introduction, we secured orders for 10 ENDURON Optimil vertical stirred mills across the product range."
"Equipment performance is only part of the equation. Customers also need a partner that can support them throughout the life of their operation. With local service centres, global comminution expertise and a strong aftermarket support network, Weir works closely with customers to optimise performance, reduce downtime and maximise long-term value."
The launch further expands Weir's ENDURON® comminution portfolio and reinforces the company's commitment to developing technologies that help customers improve productivity, reduce resource intensity and enhance long-term operating performance.
Weir is a global leader in mining technology with a clear purpose to enable smart, efficient and sustainable mining.
With more than 150 years of innovation, Weir develops highly engineered mining equipment and digital solutions that help customers improve productivity by moving less rock, using less energy, using water wisely and creating less waste while lowering their total cost of ownership.
The company is well positioned to benefit from long-term structural trends that support demand for its technologies, including the growing need for critical minerals to support economic development and the transition to renewable energy, as well as the drive to decarbonise resource extraction.
Weir has a presence in every major mining region of the world, with around 12,000 employees operating in more than 50 countries.
