en.Wedoany.com Reported - Pan American Silver Brasil has achieved significant results at its Jacobina (BA) mine by optimizing compacted underflow production. This initiative is part of its "Full Asset Potential" program, which drove 52 continuous improvement projects in 2025, saving $3 million. The project is one of the winners of the "2026 Mining and Metallurgy Industry Excellence Award" (Prêmio de Excelência da Indústria Minero-Metalúrgica 2026) presented by Revista Minérios & Minerales during the 17th Opex Seminar.
Compacted underflow production directly impacts the operational stability of the tailings dam and the continuity of the beneficiation process. In recent years, monthly production has been close to the necessary minimum, posing risks to the mine's water balance. The team used the Six Sigma methodology to diagnose that 95% of initial results did not meet the ideal specifications. The technical target was set at 107,106 tons per month to ensure stable tailings dam operation.
On-site analysis revealed that transport distance is a key factor. When the transport distance is less than 1,283 meters and the fleet maintains more than 8.5 trucks, operations can achieve 212 trips per day, representing a 30% increase in volume compared to periods with longer routes and fewer equipment units.
The mining company immediately implemented structural and operational measures: adding three trucks to the fleet and increasing daily overtime by two hours at the start of the schedule; installing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) chutes to guide a daily flow of 9,000 tons, reducing discharge losses. Management replaced 22-ton class excavators with 36-ton class models, installed the SeeFlex telemetry system to monitor non-productive time, and changed the work schedule to a 4×4 shift system to enable continuous weekend production, reducing losses caused by rainfall exceeding 30 mm.
The combined results saw the monthly average jump from 73,033 tons to 101,783 tons. The proportion of non-conforming samples dropped from 95% to 34%, reducing process inconsistency by 64%. The new operating procedures bring greater predictability to ore beneficiation at the Bahia mine. With the consolidation of the new shift system and the implementation of physical improvements, the projected monthly production capacity is 133,837 tons.
Jacobina Mineração, located in the city of Jacobina, Bahia, is part of the Pan American Silver Group and operates five underground gold mines: Canavieiras, João Belo, Morro do Cuscuz, Morro do Vento, and Serra do Córrego. In 2024, the mine achieved its highest historical gold production of 197,000 ounces. Thanks to the sale of the La Arena mine in Peru and gold production, the company's cash position increased significantly.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
