200TPH PE Jaw Crusher & HP Cone Crusher for Copper-Molybdenum Ore Mining in Chile

Project Background

Minera Andina Cobre SpA, a Chilean copper-molybdenum mining company operating an open-pit mine in the Atacama Region, required a complete primary and secondary crushing plant to process ore from a newly developed pit area. The company's project engineer, Mr. Carlos Gutierrez, began evaluating crushing equipment suppliers in mid-2022. He found Xianglong Machinery through a Google search for "jaw crusher and cone crusher manufacturer for copper ore" and also found XLM's listing on Alibaba International Station. He submitted inquiries through both channels and received responses within 24 hours.

Channel Communication and Needs Assessment

XLM's Latin America sales manager, Mr. Kevin Liu, responded to both inquiries and established ongoing communication via WhatsApp and email. Mr. Gutierrez described the ore characteristics: a copper-molybdenum porphyry ore with a Bond Work Index of 15-17 kWh/t, a maximum feed size of 800 mm from blasting, and a target output of minus 25 mm at 200TPH for feed to the ball mill circuit. The Atacama site was at an altitude of 3,200 metres above sea level, which required derating of motor power outputs.

Technical Solution and Engineering Alignment

XLM's application engineer, Mr. David Chen, designed a two-stage crushing circuit. The primary stage used a PE-1200x1500 Jaw Crusher, selected for its large feed opening and robust construction suitable for the hard porphyry ore. The secondary stage used an HP400 Multi-cylinder Hydraulic Cone Crusher in a closed circuit with a 3YK2460 Circular Vibrating Screen. David provided motor derating calculations for the 3,200-metre altitude, specifying higher-rated motors to achieve the target throughput under high-altitude conditions. The system also included a ZSW-600x130 Vibrating Feeder and a series of Belt Conveyors.

Technical discussions proceeded over five weeks via WhatsApp video calls and email. David provided detailed liner selection guidance for the abrasive porphyry ore (high-chromium manganese steel liners for extended wear life), a spare-parts recommendation for 12 months of operation, and foundation drawings designed for the Atacama site's Seismic Zone 4 classification (Chilean NCh433 seismic code, 8-degree seismic fortification). Critical high-altitude adaptations were engineered for the 3,200m elevation: all electric motors were uprated by 25% to compensate for power derating at altitude (approximately 8% power loss per 1,000m above sea level), lubrication systems were specified with high-altitude formulations to prevent oil foaming and ensure proper film strength in thin air, cooling systems were oversized to handle reduced convective heat transfer, and UV-resistant component coatings were applied for the intense solar radiation at altitude. Foundation drawings also incorporated thermal insulation to protect against the extreme diurnal temperature swings (+30°C daytime, -10°C nighttime). Spanish-language operation and maintenance manuals were provided. The contract was signed in September 2022, with a delivery period of 90 days.

Delivery, Installation, and Commissioning

Equipment was shipped from Qingdao to Antofagasta port and transported by road to the Atacama site. XLM dispatched commissioning engineer Mr. David Chen and mechanical specialist Mr. Zhang Wei to Chile for a 20-day on-site commissioning programme. The crushing circuit achieved 205TPH at minus 25 mm during the acceptance test, with all altitude-derated motor outputs performing as specified.

Results and Client Feedback

Within three months of commissioning, Minera Andina Cobre was operating the new crushing circuit continuously at design capacity, enabling the mine to meet its ore delivery targets to the concentrator. Mr. Carlos Gutierrez stated: "XLM's PE Jaw Crusher and HP Cone Crusher have delivered excellent performance in our demanding high-altitude environment. The altitude derating work done by XLM's engineers was thorough and accurate -- we have experienced no power shortfalls. We are planning to expand the crushing circuit to 300TPH in 2024 and will be sourcing the additional equipment from Xianglong Machinery."