In the gold ore beneficiation process, crushers are a crucial piece of primary processing equipment, primarily used to crush and reduce the mined raw ore (gold ore) to a smaller size, enabling more efficient grinding, sorting, and other processes.

The following is a detailed introduction to the main functions, common types, and workflow of crushers in the gold ore beneficiation process:

1. The Main Role of a Crusher in Gold Ore Beneficiation

• Reducing Ore Particle Size

Ore typically exists in large chunks (such as several-ton ore); crushing is required to reduce it to a size suitable for processing in a grinding mill (generally less than 10-25 mm).

• Improving Subsequent Processing Efficiency

The smaller ore particle size after crushing facilitates more complete separation of gold minerals from gangue during subsequent grinding, thereby increasing gold recovery.

• Reducing Energy Consumption and Equipment Wear

Directly feeding large chunks of ore into a grinding mill not only consumes more energy but also causes significant wear on mill components such as the mill liner and steel balls. Crushing before grinding can significantly reduce overall costs.

• Creating Conditions for Separation Operations

Gold in gold ore is often embedded in the gangue as fine or micro-particles. Only by separating the gold minerals from the gangue through crushing and grinding can gold be effectively extracted through separation methods such as flotation, gravity separation, and cyanidation.

2. Common Crusher Types
Common crushers used in gold ore processing plants include the following:

• Jaw Crusher

Purpose: Primary crushing (coarse crushing)

Features: Simple structure, durable, and high throughput, suitable for coarse crushing of large ores.

Discharge size: Generally 100-300 mm reduced to 10-40 mm.

• Cone Crusher

Purpose: Medium-to-fine crushing

Features: Used for secondary or tertiary crushing, with a high crushing ratio and high efficiency, suitable for ores with a medium or higher hardness (such as gold ore).

Types: Includes spring cone crushers, hydraulic cone crushers, and others.

• Impact Crusher

Purpose: Medium or fine crushing (depending on the model)

Features: Suitable for medium-hardness ores, producing a fine-grained product. However, it is generally not suitable for fine crushing of hard gold ores.

• Hammer Crusher

Purpose: Medium and fine crushing, sometimes used in small concentrators.

Features: High crushing ratio, but prone to wear. Suitable for brittle ores.