We spoke with Molycop Applications Engineer Michael Hahn about why strong customer relationships and data-backed decision-making lend themselves to optimal grinding media solutions.
Key Facts
- Michael Hahn brings over 20 years of mineral processing experience to his role, helping customers improve efficiency and solve milling challenges.
- Michael partners directly with mine sites to deliver tailored grinding media strategies that drive measurable performance gains.
- Passionate about innovation, he champions Molycop’s MillSlicer and other mineral processing technologies for their ability to improve grinding efficiency.
Michael joined Molycop in October 2023 having occupied site-based roles within Technical Services, Mill Operations and Maintenance teams. He was no stranger to Molycop before joining, having interacted with the company as a customer and long admiring its products and professionalism.
“I was always impressed by how professionally Molycop was represented, especially through their Molycop Tools workshops,” Michael says. “And when a close and trusted colleague told me about the strong culture and growth opportunities at Molycop, it felt like the right move.”
Michael Hahn (far left) on a site visit.
Supporting customer success, every day
Michael’s role is all about helping Molycop customers get the most from their grinding circuit. He partners with mine site teams to evaluate performance, troubleshoot application issues and recommend the best media strategy to meet each plant’s unique needs.I support the sales team by working directly with customers to determine the optimal grinding media solution for their process. It starts with understanding their circuit and their goals, then working back to a media choice that enables efficiency, throughput and cost control.
While no two days are alike, Michael’s work is consistently grounded in strong customer relationships and data-backed decision-making.
“The most rewarding part is building positive working relationships focused on solutions. Helping a customer overcome an issue or make a measurable improvement – that’s what I enjoy most.”
Applying fundamentals for better outcomes
With his background in mill operations, Michael is a strong believer in first principles and objective analysis.There’s a lot of noise and conflicting opinions in this space. My approach is to return to the fundamentals and let the data speak for itself. That’s where the truth is – not in guesswork.
It’s this philosophy that underpins his approach to complex challenges, enabling customers to navigate uncertainty and make informed operational decisions. Michael has quickly become a trusted advisor for Molycop customers in Canada — someone who can cut through complexity and find pragmatic, workable solutions.
“What drives me is being someone people can turn to when they need technically sound, practical advice that adds real value.”
Embracing innovation, driving efficiency
Michael is particularly excited about how new technologies are transforming mineral processing. One standout is Molycop’s MillSlicer, a powerful tool that gives operators real-time insight into mill performance.It’s amazing how MillSlicer has enabled sites to operate more efficiently and consistently. You see huge improvements in grinding efficiency and reductions in energy intensity. That’s the kind of innovation that changes how a plant operates.
Looking ahead
As Michael looks to the future, he’s focused on continuing to deliver measurable value to customers, helping them adapt to evolving market pressures and technological change.“My goal is to remain someone customers rely on – not just for advice, but for solutions that work and improve performance.”
He also wants to continue mentoring and supporting others in the industry. His advice for young professionals?
“Stick to the fundamentals. Trust the data. Stay humble, stay curious and always listen before you speak.”
What makes Molycop different?
For Michael, it’s Molycop’s deep grounding in comminution science that sets it apart.“Molycop has always stood out to me because it's built on technical integrity. We’re not just selling a product – we’re applying the ‘15 directives’ of comminution to solve real-world problems. That’s rare, and that’s powerful.”
Whether he’s on-site with a customer or analysing performance data from afar, Michael is making a clear impact across Molycop’s Canadian operations – one solution at a time.
