St Barbara has successfully commissioned a MMD Sizer at its Simberi operations in Papua New Guinea, an essential part of the site’s pre-expansion growth capital.
The company said the crusher exceeded all commissioning targets with product size testing achieving P100 passing 150 mm, compared to the objective of P80 passing 150 mm. It was then handed over to operations and has achieved practical completion, along with more than 6,000 tonnes crushed in the first two shifts.
“The installation of the new MMD Sizer is [a] key component of the crushing circuit and will enable the delivery of a consistent ore feed to the SAG mill circuit and improve overall availability and throughput rate,” said St Barbara Managing Director and CEO Andrew Strelein.
St Barbara also announced the appointment of Phil Stephenson to consultant operations advisor, reporting directly to Strelein. In this role, Stephenson will monitor operating performance and provide recommendations on strategic and tactical actions toward achieving Simberi’s operating objectives.
“Phil has extensive and very relevant mining experience, particularly in PNG, and he will provide invaluable input and advice for both the current oxide operation and as we move towards a final investment decision on the Sulphide Expansion,” said Strelein.
Stephenson was most recently chief operating officer for Newcrest Mining, which included responsibility for the Lihir gold mine in PNG.
Source: St Barbara