Malcolm Powell

An H index 27 with about 150 article downloads per week.

Malcolm places a strong emphasis on presenting at conferences, as a pathway to connecting research outcomes to other researchers, and importantly to encourage industry uptake of the latest technology arising from research.

Recent process reviews: In 2019 demonstrated and provided the technical pathway to increase production by between 10 and 20% on three mines (Las Bambas, Peru; New gold and Voisey’s bay, Canada). At Barrick Cortez demonstrated a 16% increase in mill throughput capacity (Powell et al. AusIMM mill operators conference 2018 and SAG conference 2019), and again in 2020 for a new ore body. Anglo American Platinum Mogalakwena crushing circuit: capacity increased by 20% based on recommendations of a GCC review and simulations, worth about $100M per annum (Powell et al, SAG conference 2011). Increased mill throughput at Cadia of 10% over a period of liner life, translating to 3% over liner life, a value of over $20M per annum (Bird et al., SAG conference, 2011). Navachab Ball scats removal: a step change of 9% in mill throughput (Powell and Smit, SAG conference 2001), which drove an industry-wide upgrade to grinding ball quality in Southern Africa.

Liner design: Increases in liner life of over 50% on many mills, worth $0.3-1.5M per annum on single mills. Liner redesign Pustynnoye mine, Kahzakstahn: increased liner life by 50% and mill throughput by 20% (Powell et al, AusIMM.MillOps, 2018).

MillTraj liner design software: with over 200 licences with half the world liner suppliers the use of this software has propagated liner life and mill performance improvement worldwide.