Sandvik launches VIBROCONE™ - a crusher with grinding performance which changes the rules for comminution and opens the way for major energy savings

Over 10,000 hours of 24/7 commercial operations in copper, gold and iron ore mine sites are proof of the technical and operational reliability of this revolutionary comminution technology.

The product from the Vibrocone crusher opens the possibility for new eco-efficient comminution alternatives. For example, in existing comminution circuits with rod and/or ball milling stages, the Vibrocone crushers can replace the rod mills or act as pre-grinding units for the ball mills. Vibrocone comminution will considerably improve the efficiency and cost of the downstream grinding process.

A greenfield case study of a 10 mtpa copper operation in South America done by Ausenco, has shown that the Vibrocone solution is the lowest cost option, with energy savings in the range of 20% relative to the SAG mill alternative.

"We want to be in the forefront of developing technology and solutions, addressing the challenges that our customers are facing now and in the future. The focus on environment, health and safety (EHS) and increasing costs are impacting every step of the mining process", says Gary Hughes, President of Sandvik Mining. "We will see a transformation in mining processes as new ground breaking technologies in comminution emerge. The revolutionary crusher Vibrocone is the first step towards a more energy and water efficient comminution circuit", adds Hughes.

The Vibrocone™ crusher technology is covered by U.S. Patents 7,815,133 and 7,954,735, as well as additional International patents and pending U.S. and International patent applications owned by Sandvik Intellectual Property AB.

For further information, please contact:

Jonas Olsson
Sandvik Mining
Tel: +46 40 40 68 57
Email: jonas.olsson@sandvik.com