Apr 17, 2023

Sustainable and high-performing mill liners – 3 tips on how to make it happen

Håkan Ståhlbröst

Global Application Support Manager

Mill linings play an important role in any mining operation. It protects the equipment and has a large impact on mill performance. Grinding is a tough process that results in heavy wear and tear on the equipment and parts. It is also one the most energy consuming processes in a mineral processing plant. This makes grinding and mill linings an important area to focus on when trying to make performance and sustainability improvements. But is it possible to select a mill lining that is both sustainable and efficient?

Mill lining design

A high-performing mill lining goes hand in hand with economical and environmental benefits, as it leads to a more efficient operation. When understanding the customer’s operating conditions, targets, and challenges, it is almost always possible to make improvements in performance, safety, and sustainability. For instance, liners can be designed to last longer and to use less material. This reduces waste and means less production, transportation, and replacement of products. The liners, or even the entire grinding circuit, can be optimized for increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

With over 32 years of experience, Håkan Ståhlbröst, responsible for global mill lining technical support at Metso, is one of the most experienced mill lining experts globally.

Watch the video where Håkan further explores sustainable mill liner design:

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Sustainable mill lining solutions. Part 1: liner design.

Sustainable manufacturing

How and where the liners are manufactured has a large influence on their environmental impact. Using renewable energy sources, minimizing waste, using recycled materials, avoiding harmful substances, delivering the liners unpainted, and having production and support close to the customer are examples of things that make a big difference. It is also important to consider what happens to the worn liners.

Håkan talks about sustainable manufacturing and the recycling of worn liners:

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Sustainable mill lining solutions. Part 2: manufacturing and recycling.

What happens to your liners once they are worn out?

Learn more about our latest circularity innovation, a separation line that can process worn rubber, Poly-Met™, and Megaliner™ liners of all sizes.

Together for better results

The key to good results is to think long term and truly understand the customer. Long-term cooperation with joint targets allows further optimization, which leads to efficiency improvements in production and a safer and more sustainable process. It also helps to drive development forward and find new and innovative ways of operating.