Analysis of process of grinding efficiency in ball and rod mills with various feed parameters

The article presents the results of laboratory-scale research on the determination of the impact of ball mill parameters and the feed directed to grinding on its effectiveness and comparing it with the efficiency of grinding in a rod mill. The research was carried out for grinding copper ore processed in O/ZWR KGHM PM S.A. The aim of the research was to evaluate the efficiency of grinding in a drum mill dependably on the grinding media used (balls, rods) for various feed parameters - i.e. particle size distribution, mix of lithological type generating different susceptibility to grinding. Determination of the influence of the grinding media type on the efficiency of material grinding is of great practical importance in the designing of optimal grinding circuit. Furthermore, thanks to the acquired knowledge in this area it allows to improve the technological and economic indicators of the copper ore enrichment process. The paper presents guidelines and recommendations for conducting the grinding process of mineral raw material (copper ore) enabling the achievement of optimal technological indicators. An important practical part of the recommendation is determination of the conditions for using a given type of grinding media, such as rods or balls.