common mining process in th philippines
The Common Mining Process in the Philippines and the Role of Crushing & Sand-Making Equipment
The Philippines is rich in mineral resources, including limestone, basalt, andesite, and gold, making mining a vital sector for its economy. Among these, aggregates (sand and gravel) are extensively used in construction, infrastructure, and road projects. The mining process typically involves drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, crushing, screening, and sand-making. Crushing and sand-making equipment plays a crucial role in transforming raw materials into high-quality aggregates for commercial use.
Key Stages in Aggregate Production
1. Primary Crushing: Large rocks extracted from quarries are fed into jaw crushers or gyratory crushers to reduce them to manageable sizes (150–300 mm).
2. Secondary Crushing: Cone crushers or impact crushers further break down the material into smaller pieces (20–50 mm).
3. Tertiary Crushing & Sand-Making: For fine aggregates (0–5 mm), vertical shaft impactors (VSI) or sand makers are employed to produce well-graded sand suitable for concrete and asphalt mixes.
4. Screening & Washing: Vibrating screens separate particles by size, while sand washers remove impurities like clay and silt.
Popular Equipment Choices
- Jaw Crushers: Ideal for hard rocks like basalt and granite.
- Cone Crushers: Efficient for medium-hardness materials with low wear costs.
- VSI Crushers: Produce cubical-shaped sand with high fines content for premium concrete mixes.
Common Challenges & Solutions
1. High Moisture Content: Wet processing with log washers or attrition scrubbers improves material quality.
2. Dust Control: Enclosed crushing chambers and water spray systems minimize airborne particles.
3. Wear & Tear: High-chrome blow bars and manganese liners extend equipment lifespan in abrasive conditions.
FAQ Section
Q: What type of crusher is best for limestone?
A: A combination of jaw crusher (primary) + impact crusher (secondary) offers high efficiency with low oversize rates.
Q: How to improve sand quality for construction?
A: Use a VSI crusher combined with a fine sand recovery system to enhance particle shape and gradation.
Case Example: Luzon Aggregate Plant
A quarry in Luzon upgraded its setup with a 200 tph cone crusher + VSI configuration, increasing sand yield by 30% while reducing waste sludge disposal costs through advanced water recycling systems.
By selecting the right crushing and sand-making solutions tailored to local geology, Philippine miners can optimize productivity while meeting strict construction standards sustainably.