In normal economic times we typically use KSX to try to optimize (increase) production. With the big economic downturn and the corresponding dip in commodities prices, increasing production is no longer the right approach. In fact many of our clients are cutting production, either by closing plants, or by reducing operating hours. So what kind of optimization can we do that is effective in this economic climate?

The name of the game now is efficiency, or doing more with less. In grinding control, we can make the mills run more efficiently, reducing the kWhrs/ton (the energy per ton required for grinding) to get the same production while requiring less energy. We can reduce the product grind size, to more effectively liberate the the desired mineral. In flotation, we can increase recovery of the product, and we can decrease utilization of reagents, thus cutting costs.

KnowledgeScape has been around for a long time, I cut my teeth in expert control when copper was approaching $0.60 per pound. We have the strategies and experience to do more with less when low prices dictate this kind of approach. I hope that prices rebound soon, but until then we can focus on efficiency, and still be profitable.