Here’s a breakdown of using jaw crushers (both large and small) in small-scale gold crushing plants, along with key considerations:
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1. Jaw Crusher Selection for Small-Scale Gold Plants
– Small Jaw Crushers (for 1-5 TPH capacity):
– Models: PE-150×250, PE-250×400, or diesel-powered mobile mini crushers.
– Input Size: ≤150mm (ideal for hand-fed ore).
– Output Size: 10–20mm (adjustable for further grinding).
– Power: 5–15 kW electric motor or diesel engine.
– Large Jaw Crushers (for 10–50 TPH capacity):
– Models: PE-400×600, PE-500×750.
– Use Case: For higher throughput or harder ores.
– Power: 30–55 kW.
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2. Key Considerations for Small-Scale Gold Crushing
# A. Ore Characteristics
– Hardness: Soft to medium-hard ores (e.g., quartz veins) work best with jaw crushers. For very hard rock, consider a secondary cone crusher or hammer mill.
– Gold Liberation: Crush to ≤20mm to free gold particles for gravity separation (e.g., shaker tables, centrifugal concentrators).
# B. Plant Design
1. Primary Crushing: Jaw crusher → Feed with a hopper/vibrating grizzly to remove oversize.
2. Secondary Crushing/Option: Hammer mill or roller crusher for finer grinding (if needed).
3. Gold Recovery: Combine with:
– Sluice boxes (for coarse gold).
– Ball mill + cyanidation/CIL (for fine gold).
# C. Cost & Practicality
– Small-Scale Focus: Opt for portable jaw crushers to reduce infrastructure costs.
– Fuel/Power: Diesel units suit remote sites; electric motors are cheaper if grid power is available.
– Maintenance: Simple jaw crushers are easier to service than complex circuits.
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3. Example Setup for 2 TPH Plant
1. Feeding: Manual or small conveyor belt.
2. Crushing: PE-250×400 jaw crusher → Output ~20mm.
3. Grinding (optional): Hammer mill to