How does Magotteaux serve Québec and Atlantic Canada?

Magotteaux operates a global network of foundries with a strong local presence, a model exemplified by our Québec facility, active since the 1970s. The Québec foundry produces grinding media for major mining companies across Canada, supplying grinding balls designed to improve mineral recovery through favorable chemical interactions. This provides a measurable benefit to clients by enhancing extraction efficiency.

How does Magotteaux tailor its solutions to each client?

Magotteaux’s role extends beyond supplying grinding media – it begins a broader collaboration with customers. The company brings specialized expertise to improve grinding efficiency, a critical factor in reducing energy consumption and increasing throughput in mining operations. This includes selecting the optimal media type, size, and mill liners. Magotteaux also advises on pulp chemistry, helping clients understand how grinding media influence recovery processes and overall metallurgical performance.

We begin by assessing the customer’s grinding circuits to identify areas for improvement. This is followed by laboratory testing at its technical center, where smaller-scale mills are used to evaluate different grinding media on the client's specific ore. 

Each mine presents unique challenges. For example, in Québec’s iron ore sector – where we have a significant customer base – the focus is on fine grinding and optimizing ball size. In contrast, gold mines typically use a SAG mill followed by a ball mill, so we tailor the grinding media accordingly and select the appropriate measurement tools to match the specific milling process.

Could you introduce us to Magotteaux’s key products for the mining sector?

Magotteaux offers an integrated suite of smart tools to optimize grinding and flotation performance. A key innovation is the MagoSense system, which provides real-time insights into mill conditions without requiring physical access. It measures critical parameters such as filling degree, pulp density, and ball trajectory during operation. When integrated with Magotteaux’s automatic ball loading system, MagoLoad, the solution ensures continuous, precise ball addition and maintains consistent grinding conditions – enhancing both efficiency and process control. Further to this, MagoPulp monitors key flotation parameters – pH, Eh, and dissolved oxygen – downstream of the grinding circuit. Finally, MagoBulk provides real-time inventory tracking, helping ensure timely deliveries and uninterrupted operations for customers. We continue to work with strategic partners to advance automation, minimizing the need for manual intervention.

How has MagoSense evolved over time, and what gains can it offer operators?

The original MagoSense system was designed for ball mills, offering valuable insights into grinding conditions. However, it could not be used in SAG or AG mills – where visibility is even more critical. To address this, Magotteaux developed a new version that uses acoustic technology to “listen” to the mill, enabling real-time monitoring in SAG and AG mills and providing a more complete understanding of grinding dynamics across the entire circuit.

By maintaining optimal ball levels in the mill, thanks to MagoLoad integration, operators can increase throughput by up to 10%. 

How is Magotteaux enhancing sustainability at mining operations?

Magotteaux leverages several sustainability levers. First is the product itself: grinding balls manufactured in Québec using 100% hydroelectric power and locally sourced scrap metal. This results in significantly lower CO₂ emissions during production. Second, by optimizing the grinding process, customers can increase metal recovery – such as gold or copper – while reducing energy consumption, enhancing both environmental and operational performance.

At an operation in Chile, we recently implemented a full circularity solution in partnership with Codelco. Used grinding balls gradually reduce in size during processing until they become too small and are removed from the mill. These used balls are then returned to us, and we recycle the metal to produce new grinding balls. Unlike other manufacturing methods, our cast balls can effectively reuse scrap metal, making the process highly sustainable.

What are Magotteaux’s priority areas for growth in Québec and Atlantic Canada?

We see significant growth potential in Québec’s iron ore sector, particularly with high-purity iron ore, which is a unique regional opportunity. Supporting customers through this development is a strategic priority. Additionally, with gold prices at an all-time high, we aim to help clients maximize milling efficiency and throughput. These two factors are key drivers for Magotteaux’s growth in the region.