Metso Outotec’s Premier horizontal grinding mill. Image: Metso Outotec.
Metso Outotec has been chosen to supply its Premier SAG Mill for Northern Star Resources’ Thunderbox gold mine expansion, north of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
The value of the mill in a typical application is usually around €15 million ($24.15 million) depending on the final scope of the installation.
The expansion should double the throughput of the Thunderbox operation, according to Northern Star general manager for processing Simon Tyrrell.
“The Thunderbox expansion increases the operation’s hard rock processing capacity to 6Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) from the current 3Mtpa and decreases processing costs as outlined in our 2021 Investor Day presentation,” Tyrell said.
“Northern Star’s selection of Metso Outotec for the mill supply is supported by their locally based expertise, large mill supply history and ongoing collaboration with Northern Star.”
Metso Outotec’s Premier SAG Mill is a customisable horizontal grinding mill, capable of meeting a wide range of processing needs.
Metso Outotec head of grinding business line Christoph Hoetzel said the mill would surpass Northern Star’s requirements.
“We are pleased to be chosen as a supplier for the Thunderbox expansion. The gear-driven Premier SAG Mill to be delivered will feature 18 megawatts of motor power,” Hoetzel said.
“With the Premier mill range, we advance our unrivalled innovation legacy providing our customers with the most reliable technology, engineered to exceed their specific requirements.”
Hoetzel also echoed Tyrell’s sentiment around the strong relationship between the two respected companies.
“We are looking forward to continue the collaboration with Northern Star Resources and to be part of their success story,” Hoetzel said.
Using Metso Outotec’s Polymer Hydrostatic Shoe Bearing (HSB) and an online mill control system, the Premier mill can benefit a range of mining applications and can be capably integrated with existing infrastructure.