The company's new Open-Ended Discharge Grinding Mill (OED Mill) discharges material directly through the grates instead of using pulp lifters.

This solves the throughput bottleneck problem associated with comminution circuits, said Outotec.

The mill is fitted with outboard mounted grate panels that can be removed from the outside of the mill using a jib or overhead crane. The grate-supporting spider maximises slurry transport and minimises slurry pooling.

"The OED Mill takes high capacity discharge systems to the next level, enabling novel circuit designs with reduced CAPEX and OPEX," said Damon Bordi, mechanical engineer, Grinding business line.

"The completely open discharge end results in the lowest possible slurry pool level while simultaneously optimising serviceability and maximising availability," said Bordi.