Gekko Systems has developed an underground pre-concentration plant (Python) to reduce mine operating costs._x000D_
Many ores liberate favourably using either high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) or vertical shaft impactors (VSI). Using these comminution circuits for mineral liberation; rather than for the final recovery process and by utilising a high mass pull, high recovery process route (gravity/flotation), a narrow, low head, compact processing plant was developed that can sensibly be operated underground._x000D_
The Python underground processing plant can provide a number of advantages for narrow vein mines including lower haulage costs, improved mine call factor and lower operating costs. The focus on fine crushing reduces the power requirement of the plant to approximately 8 kWh/tonne._x000D_
The Python underground processing plant has been designed to be towed down the decline or lowered down a shaft, and is capable of being installed in sloping, non-linear drives for placement close to the working face._x000D_
The overall benefit to mining companies of this concept has been estimated to be a saving in mining costs and a significantly smaller environmental footprint.