1. Introduction to SAG Mill
Semi-Autogenous Grinding Mill (SAG Mill) is a grinding equipment widely used in the mining industry. It combines two technologies: autogenous grinding (the ore itself is used as the grinding medium) and ball milling (adding a small amount of steel balls to assist in crushing). It is mainly used for coarse and fine crushing of ore. Compared with traditional ball mills, it has the advantages of low energy consumption, high processing capacity, and low steel ball consumption. It is one of the core equipment of modern ore dressing plants.
2. Working principle of SAG Mill
The operation mode of SAG Mill is as follows:
• Autogenous grinding of ore: After large pieces of ore enter the mill, they collide and rub against each other under the rotation of the cylinder to achieve preliminary crushing.
• Steel ball assisted grinding: Add a small amount of steel balls (usually accounting for 8%-15% of the mill volume) to enhance the crushing effect and increase the output rate of fine particles.
• Classification and discharge: The ground slurry is discharged through the discharge end, and the ore that does not meet the fineness requirement continues to be circulated and ground.
3. The main uses of semi-autogenous mills
Semi-autogenous mills are widely used in the crushing and grinding of metal ores such as gold, copper, iron, lead and zinc, and some non-metallic ores. The main uses include:
✔ Coarse crushing stage: Replace the traditional jaw crusher + cone crusher combination to simplify the process flow.
✔ Fine crushing stage: Provide ore with suitable particle size for subsequent flotation, leaching and other mineral processing processes.
✔ Energy saving and consumption reduction: Compared with traditional ball mills, it can reduce the consumption of steel balls and electricity, and reduce operating costs.
4. SAG Mill vs Ball Mill: Key Differences
| Comparison Items | SAG Mill | Traditional Ball Mill |
| Grinding Media | Ore itself + a small amount of steel balls | Mainly rely on steel balls |
| Energy Consumption | Low (20%-30% energy saving) | High |
| Applicable Stage | Coarse Crushing + Fine Crushing | Mainly used for fine grinding |
| Investment Cost | High (but better overall benefits) | Low |
5. Advantages of SAG Mill
✔ High Efficiency and Energy Saving: Reduce steel ball consumption, reduce power consumption, and improve processing capacity.
✔ Simplified Process: Can replace multi-stage crushing, reduce equipment investment and floor space.
✔ Strong Adaptability: Suitable for ores of different hardness, such as high-hardness gold and copper ores.
SAG Mill has become a key equipment in modern mining crushing process with its high efficiency, energy saving and strong adaptability. Whether it is gold, copper or other metal mines, the use of SAG mills can significantly improve production efficiency and reduce operating costs.
If you are planning a mineral processing plant or selecting equipment, SAG mills are undoubtedly an efficient solution worth considering!
