Grinding better outcomes through data: A conversation with Molycop applications engineer Luis Moles

Jul 30, 2026

Molycop Mexico Applications Engineer Luis Moles will share practical approaches to evaluating grinding media performance and using operational data to support better decision-making during an upcoming Molycop Insights webinar.

Key Facts

Presented by Luis Moles, Applications Engineer, Molycop Mexico.
Focuses on grinding media performance metrics and data-driven decision-making.
Shares practical insights from real industrial evaluations and customer operations.

As mining operations become increasingly focused on efficiency, cost optimisation and process stability, the ability to make informed, data-driven decisions has never been more important.
For Luis Moles, Applications Engineer at Molycop Mexico, helping customers unlock those insights is all part of the job.

With six years of experience in mineral processing and expertise in grinding and flotation optimisation, Luis works closely with mining operations across Mexico to improve performance through technical support, plant trials, operational analysis and training. His latest contribution to Molycop's knowledge-sharing program is an upcoming Molycop Insights webinar, Keys to Assessing the Industrial Performance of Grinding Media: Metrics and Data-Driven Decision Making, taking place on 30 October 2026.

Ahead of the webinar, we spoke with Luis about his work, the importance of technical support in the mining industry and what attendees can expect from the session.

Q&A with Luis Moles

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Molycop.

Luis Mole: I am an Applications Engineer based in Mexico and have been working in mineral processing for six years. My background is in Metallurgical Engineering, and throughout my career I have focused on grinding and flotation optimisation, operational data analysis, laboratory testing and plant trials.

At Molycop, I work directly with customers to help them understand their processes, identify opportunities for improvement and evaluate solutions that can enhance performance. Every operation is different, so a large part of my role involves analysing data, spending time at site and working collaboratively with customers to solve challenges.

You're presenting an upcoming Molycop Insights webinar. What is the webinar about?

Luis Mole: The webinar focuses on how metallurgists and plant teams can properly evaluate the industrial performance of grinding media.
Grinding media performance has a direct impact on mill efficiency, cost control and overall plant performance. However, understanding whether media is truly performing well requires more than simply measuring consumption.

During the session, we'll look at the key metrics, analytical methods and practical observations that can be used to assess grinding media performance with confidence. We'll also discuss how operational data can support better decision-making and lead to measurable improvements in plant performance.

Why is this topic important for mining operations?

Luis Mole: Grinding is one of the most energy-intensive and costly stages in mineral processing. Small improvements in grinding efficiency can have significant impacts on throughput, recovery and operating costs.

To make good decisions, operations need reliable data and a clear understanding of what that data is telling them. When teams can accurately measure grinding media performance and interpret operational signals, they are in a much stronger position to optimise their process and achieve sustainable results.

What can attendees expect to learn from the webinar?

Luis Mole: Attendees will gain practical knowledge that they can apply directly to their operations.
Some of the key areas we'll cover include:

The fundamentals of grinding media wear and performance.
How to correctly measure grinding media consumption.
Common mistakes that can affect performance evaluations.
Techniques for assessing media performance during product or ball size changes.
Understanding mill dynamics through operational data.
The importance of field audits and plant observations.
How data-driven decision-making can improve grinding outcomes.

The goal is to combine theory with real-world operational experience so attendees leave with practical tools and frameworks they can use immediately.

Much of your work involves technical support. Why is technical support so important to Molycop customers?

Luis Mole: Technical support is essential because success in mining operations is never achieved through products alone.
Customers need partners who understand their challenges and can help them make informed decisions based on operational realities. Technical support provides that connection between products, process performance and measurable outcomes.

Whether it's conducting plant surveys, analysing data, running laboratory tests or evaluating trial results, our role is to help customers understand what is happening inside their circuits and identify opportunities for improvement.

Why is technical support fundamental to how Molycop does business?

Luis Mole: At Molycop, we believe our responsibility goes beyond supplying grinding media.
Our approach has always been focused on helping customers improve their operations through technical expertise, collaboration and innovation. By working closely with customers, we can better understand their goals and provide recommendations that are grounded in operational data and practical experience.

Technical support allows us to build long-term partnerships and deliver value throughout the life of an operation, not just at the point of sale.

What other types of training and knowledge-sharing activities does Molycop provide in Mexico?

Luis Mole: Training and education are an important part of what we do.
In Mexico, we regularly work with customers through technical presentations, site workshops, operational reviews and training sessions that focus on grinding, flotation, process optimisation and best operational practices.

The Molycop Insights webinar series is another example of our commitment to sharing knowledge with the industry. These sessions allow us to bring together practical experience, technical expertise and operational learnings from across the region to help customers continue improving their performance.

What would you say to someone considering attending the webinar?

Luis Mole: If you work in comminution, plant optimisation, metallurgy or operations, this webinar will provide valuable insights into the evaluation of grinding media performance.
The session is based on real industrial evaluations and practical experience from customer operations, so attendees can expect actionable information rather than theory alone.

My goal is for participants to leave with a better understanding of how data, measurements and field observations can be combined to improve decision-making and deliver stronger operational outcomes.

Register for the webinar

Keys to Assessing the Industrial Performance of Grinding Media: Metrics and Data-Driven Decision Making
Date & Time: 10:00am Friday, 30 October 2026
Language: Spanish

Join Luis Moles and the Molycop Mexico Technical Applications team as they explore practical approaches to evaluating grinding media performance and using operational data to drive better outcomes.