The First Quantum Minerals (FQM) mining company is expecting to produce approximately 280,000 to 300,000 tons of copper per year and relies on Siemens drive systems for its grinding mills. Up to 300,000 tons of copper will be mined at Sentinel, one of FQM's flagship plants. In the challenging commodities market the need for reliable, cost-effective and efficient processing solutions is essential. The mills at Sentinel are amongst the world's biggest. For copper mines of this size, reliable, high efficiency mills are top priority.

"What we need from a technology provider is a robust product and a skilled team with the ability to transfer knowledge to our local and expert teams"
 - Nevin Scagliotta, Commissioning Manager, FQM

The First Quantum Minerals (FQM) mining company is expecting to produce approximately 280,000 to 300,000 tons of copper per year and relies on Siemens drive systems for its grinding mills. Up to 300,000 tons of copper will be mined at Sentinel, one of FQM's flagship plants

FQM has opted for Siemens Gearless Mill Drives to be used in the two SAG (Semi-Autogenous Grinding) mills having a diameter of 40 ft with an output of 28 MW and the two ball mills with a diameter of 28 ft and an output of 22 MW. With these mill drive systems there is no wear in the drive train since all forces are transferred touch-free via a magnetic field. To control the speed of these mills, the SINAMICS SL150 cycloconverter was chosen. It has been designed to operate with high torques at low speeds and is suited for high altitudes and environments with high dust or humidity loads. Therefore it is perfect for the Zambian savannah. Together with the mill drives, Siemens also supplied the PCS7 process control system which was easily integrated into FQM's distributed control system.