Mining solutions provider Outotec has been awarded a contract by First Majestic Silver (TSX: FR) for the delivery of minerals processing technology for First Majestic’s mill optimization projects in Mexico. The order, valued at approximately 15 million euros, has been booked in Outotec’s 2020 first quarter order intake.
Outotec’s scope covers the design and delivery of an autogenous (AG) mill, counter current decantation (CCD) thickener and a tailings filter for the San Dimas silver/gold mine, and thickeners and a tailings filter for the Santa Elena silver/gold mine. The deliveries are expected to take place in 2020 and 2021.
This project follows up on Outotec’s previous delivery of HIGmill high-intensity grinding mills to First Majestic. One of these mills is currently at the Santa Elena operation, where the fine grinding mill has significantly improved the recovery of silver and gold, Outotec said.
“The energy efficient AG mill and environmentally sound thickeners and tailings filters will enable First Majestic to improve plant operations in a sustainable way,” Paul Sohlberg, head of Outotec’s minerals processing unit said.
Back in January, First Majestic president and CEO Keith Neumeyer stated that the company’s focus for 2020 remains on adopting new innovation projects to modernize its processing plants, which would lead to higher recoveries, improved efficiencies and lower operating costs.
He added that having witnessed the benefits of using high-intensity grinding at the Santa Elena operation last year, the company has decided to bring the same technology to San Dimas in 2020.
First Majestic expects the new 3,000 t/d HIGmill circuit and AG grinding mill to be installed in the second half of 2020, while the AG/SAG grinding mill for Santa Elena is expected by the end of the year.