Molycop will present two technical papers at MMH 2026, showcasing innovations in grinding media performance evaluation and data-driven SAG mill optimisation.
Key Facts
- Molycop will present two technical papers at MMH 2026 in Seville, Spain.
- The presentations will be delivered by Dr. Paul Shelley, VP Innovation, and María José Astudillo, R&D Data Analyst.
- The research highlights Molycop's expertise in both materials innovation and advanced data analytics.
- The papers focus on improving grinding media performance assessment and enhancing SAG mill energy consumption prediction through practical, industry-focused approaches.
Advancing Grinding Media Evaluation Through Industrial Innovation
In his presentation, Dr. Paul Shelley will discuss the industrial deployment of the Ball Mill Abrasion Test (BMAT), a technology developed through collaboration between Molycop and The University of Queensland. The presentation examines how the BMAT provides a practical and accelerated method for evaluating grinding media wear performance while maintaining strong relevance to real operating conditions.For decades, grinding media consumption has represented a significant operating cost for mineral processing plants. While the Marked Ball Wear Test (MBWT) remains the accepted industry benchmark for evaluating media performance, the method can be time-consuming and presents challenges for modern product development programs.
The BMAT was developed to address these limitations by replicating the key conditions governing industrial wear while providing faster and more consistent insights for research and development initiatives. The presentation will share lessons learned from the successful industrial deployment of the technology and demonstrate how laboratory-based testing can be effectively translated into practical industry applications.
The work reflects Molycop's ongoing investment in research partnerships and its commitment to developing innovative solutions that help mining operations better understand and manage grinding media performance.
Unlocking New Insights Through Data-Driven Modelling
A second presentation by María José Astudillo will focus on the prediction of energy consumption in SAG mills using advanced data-driven modelling techniques. The study addresses one of the mining industry's most persistent operational challenges: accurately understanding and predicting mill power demand under changing operating conditions.SAG mill energy consumption is influenced by a complex combination of ore characteristics, operating conditions, and process dynamics. Traditional prediction models often rely on fixed assumptions that may not fully capture the variability encountered in industrial environments.
The research demonstrates how advanced analytics can complement existing process knowledge by leveraging historical operating data to identify hidden patterns and improve prediction accuracy. Through a structured methodology that includes data validation, operational state identification, and comparison of different modelling approaches, the study shows how incorporating process dynamics and operating regimes can significantly improve prediction reliability.
The findings highlight the growing role of data science and machine learning in supporting operational decision-making, improving energy efficiency, and helping mining companies achieve more sustainable outcomes.
Showcasing the Future of Mining Innovation
Together, these presentations demonstrate Molycop's unique ability to combine deep metallurgical knowledge, industrial experience, and digital innovation to solve real-world mining challenges. From advancing grinding media testing methodologies to applying predictive analytics for improved operational performance, the work reflects the company's broader strategy of partnering with industry and academia to deliver practical solutions that create measurable value.MMH 2026 provides an opportunity to share these developments with the global mining community while contributing to discussions around the future of mineral processing, sustainability, and technological innovation.
As the mining industry continues to evolve, Molycop remains committed to developing technologies and insights that help customers improve performance, increase efficiency, and make more informed decisions across their operations.
