Molycop expert Eduardo Nunez delivered a technical presentation at IMPC 2024 on how advanced instrumentation and analytics can transform AG, SAG and Ball Mill grinding for Real-time Operational Excellence.
Key Facts
- Eduardo’s presentation 'Unlocking Real-Time Grinding Optimisation' focused on integrating advanced technologies and operational efficiencies to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance.
- Eduardo is leading efforts to move the mining sector towards circular economy models, minimising waste and reusing resources whenever possible.
- The IMPC conference is held every four years and brings together newcomers to the sector and some of the industry’s most respected minds.
Q&A with Eduardo Nunez
Eduardo Nunez, one of Molycop's leading experts, delivered a a technical presentation at the recent International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) in Washington, DC.
Eduardo, who has spent years at the forefront of operational excellence, innovation and sustainability in the mining industry, shared valuable insights that resonated with professionals and colleagues from across the globe. His participation showcased Molycop’s dedication to driving sustainable innovation in the mining sector.
We sat down with Eduardo post-event to reflect on his experience, thoughts on the presentation, and how it felt to represent Molycop on such a prestigious stage.
Congratulations on your speech. How do you feel it went?
Thank you! I felt great as soon as I arrived at the event; reconnecting with friends and colleagues to share personal and professional experiences is always rewarding. Many of us view the IMPC conference as the ‘Olympics’ of mineral processing. It’s held every four years, bringing together a mix of new professionals eager to learn alongside some of the industry’s most respected minds, several of whom were in attendance at the presentation.
After the talk, I felt both excited and energised by the discussions it sparked and the insightful questions from the experienced professionals in the room. Overall, I believe that we at Molycop play a significant role in the industry, and sharing our contributions at events like these is essential.
What was the key message of your presentation?
It focused on how advanced instrumentation and cutting-edge analytics can transform AG, SAG and Ball Mill grinding for Real-time Operational Excellence, including examples from our clients’ plants. At Molycop, one of our primary products is grinding balls, and we now have the technology to monitor their performance inside the mills in real-time. For instance, we’re helping customers optimise energy consumption – typically around 50% of the total operational costs. This example underscores our commitment to sustainability in mineral processing and showcases how Molycop is driving innovation in the field.
We highlighted the importance of integrating advanced technologies and operational efficiencies to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive – many attendees appreciated the practical applications we shared, particularly how Molycop’s solutions can adapt to diverse mining environments and operational needs. This interest sparked valuable discussions throughout the event, with many attendees eager to learn more.
What brought you to this field and what keeps you passionate about it?
My professional goal is to support the mineral processing industry to achieve Real-time Operational Excellence through process automation, control and optimisation. I believe that an optimised process not only increases economic benefits but also maximises the responsible use of resources like ore bodies, water and energy, while safeguarding both people and equipment.
What keeps me passionate are the advancements in technologies that enable us to capture, store and process vast amounts of data. Early in my career, real-time processing was a challenge. Today, even a personal computer can handle complex algorithms, like advanced process control, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, in real time. Working at Molycop has given me the opportunity to apply my skills and passion to advance the mineral processing industry globally.
Minerals are essential to modern life and it’s our responsibility to make mining sustainable. Real-time Operational Excellence is a vital part of that mission.
What are your goals and ambitions moving forward?
Our teams are innovating and developing technologies that make mining more sustainable and efficient. I aim to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable mining practices.
With emerging technologies, I believe we have even more potential to advance in this area. Personally, I want to lead efforts that move the industry towards circular economy models, minimising waste and reusing resources whenever possible. My ambition is to help make mining more environmentally responsible while ensuring profitability and operational efficiency.
How did the IMPC event contribute to your professional growth?
The IMPC was an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas with some of the brightest minds in the industry and engage with the next generation of professionals. Being part of it encourages our teams to think more critically about our approach to challenges in mineral processing and to collaborate on a global scale. Presenting at the conference also provided a platform to showcase how Molycop is leading the way, a cause that I am deeply passionate about both personally and professionally. It was an enriching experience that strengthened my commitment to advancing sustainable practices in mining.
Molycop – Progress Together
