Innovation in advanced control at Minera Los Pelambres

"This paper addresses the need for advanced control technologies and strategies in the mining industry, its potential and actual impact on mining processes and the best practices for their implementation, operation, and long term sustainability. It is well known that advanced process control (APC) can be a very good source for incremental process improvement for the mining industry, yielding to higher production rates or helping maintain consistent production rates despite ore changes. The application and integration of new technology, process knowledge and innovation are key elements in building such a supporting structure. More specifically, and this cannot be emphasized enough, the correct application and assembly of control tools, the in-time presentation of key data to decision makers and the development of relevant statistics and KPI’s (key performance indicators) can and will make a difference not only in terms of production, but also in plant stability, availability and production costs. In deploying such ideas and aiming at the long-term goal of "Operational Excellence", Minera Los Pelambres (MLP) has developed a number of successful control strategies, best practices and technologies, which are not only the application of state-of-the-art automation and computing tools, but rather the assembly of the above presented structuring factors. This work discusses some of the key tools and ideas implemented for SAG & Ball milling and Flotation areas, their performance results and the roadmap taken for the integration of process knowledge and control tools. Also, cases studies are presented and discussed further to not only show the main areas of improvement, but also to highlight the benefits of such strategy that for the most part, deviate from the traditional mining industry control approach. Also, a word is given on the need for innovating in the design of control strategies and leveraging best practices and process knowledge that ultimately, will contribute to long-term reliable operations, improved mineral processing and, although unmeasured, lead to a superior overall performance and productivity of all mining personnel involved."