SAG Grinding Operational Analysis Masterclass

This Masterclass is a specialised training program designed for metallurgists, process engineers, operations supervisors, and plant managers seeking to improve the performance, stability, and efficiency of SAG grinding circuits.

When

11-13 August 2026

Where

Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada

Language

English


Overview

Time: 11-13 August 2026 (13 August concludes with a half-day session)
Location: Sun Peaks Centre, Sun Peaks, British Columbia, Canada

This masterclass combines comminution fundamentals, practical operating strategies, industrial case studies, process analytics, and simulation methodologies to help participants maximise throughput, reduce energy consumption, and minimise operational variability. The primary focus of the session is SAG circuit optimisation, providing attendees with practical tools and strategies that can be immediately applied to industrial operations.


Additional activities include:

  • Molycop Kamloops Plant Visit on 10 August and the afternoon of 13 August
  • Customer Networking Dinner on 12 August
  • Molycop Technology Presentation and technology showcase during the event

Program

SAG Grinding Fundamentals
  • Comminution principles and grinding mechanisms
  • SAG mill design and operation
  • Circuit configurations: AG, SAG, SAB, DSAG, and SABC
  • Energy consumption and grinding efficiency concepts
Operational Variables & Ore Characteristics
  • Impact of ore competency and feed particle size
  • Throughput optimisation strategies
  • Effects of water addition, pebble crushing, and operating practices
  • Managing ore variability and performance fluctuations
Mill Discharge & Transport Systems
  • Grate and pulp lifter design
  • Slurry transport mechanisms
  • Pooling, flow-back, and carry-over phenomena
  • Grate opening optimisation and troubleshooting
Power, Speed & Charge Optimization
  • Mill power modeling and power draw analysis
  • Charge level (Jc) and ball load (Jb) optimisation
  • Mill speed optimisation
  • Throughput versus energy relationships
Liners & Grinding Media
  • Liner design and wear management
  • Ball size selection and optimisation
  • Impact energy and grinding efficiency
  • Availability improvement and downtime reduction strategies
Process Analytics & Optimization
  • Multivariable operational analysis
  • Advanced monitoring techniques
  • Overload and underload event analysis
  • Determination of optimal operating conditions
  • Real-time performance improvement strategies
Modeling, Simulation & Circuit Design
  • Phenomenological SAG milling models
  • Pilot testing and scale-up methodologies
  • SABC circuit simulation
  • "What-if" scenario analysis and circuit optimisation studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:
  • Diagnose SAG mill performance limitations
  • Improve throughput and process stability
  • Optimise mill speed, charge level, liner design, and ball sizing
  • Reduce specific energy consumption
  • Apply advanced analytical and simulation tools for decision-making
  • Develop practical optimisation strategies for industrial grinding circuits

Who Should Attend

This masterclass is designed for professionals involved in grinding circuit performance, optimisation, and operational improvement, including:
  • Metallurgists
  • Process Engineers
  • Plant Managers
  • Operations Supervisors
  • Technical Services Personnel
  • Concentrator and Processing Plant Engineers
  • Reliability and Continuous Improvement Specialists
  • Mining and Mineral Processing Professionals seeking advanced SAG optimisation knowledge

Presenters

Levi Guzman
Presenter
Levi Guzman
Technical Director – Applications Services
Levi Guzman, Molycop's Peru-based Technical Director, specialises in Geometallurgy, Mining Innovation and Mineral Processing, optimising operations through innovative strategies. Levi’s leadership in applying cutting-edge technology enhances efficiency and sustainability, making him pivotal to Molycop's commitment to innovation in mineral processing.

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