Commissioning of a Digital Computer Based Wet Mineral Grinding Circuit Control System

Abstract A digital computer based wet mineral grinding circuit control system was installed in Mount Isa Mines Limited lead-zinc concentrator. Plant simulation studies and previous digital computer control systems application at Mount Isa had indicated a 5% increase in treatment rate was available. Upgrading of grinding plant equipment was required in addition to major instrument installation to provide the necessary primary measurements required for digital computer installation. Centralization of all grinding plant control was implemented. Basic stabilising control functions were completed using vendor supplied software. Systems integration and optimising control to achieve the required objective was provided by in-house development. Control systems planning and implementation and the gains from increased metallurgical performance in the grinding process are discussed.