What to Look for in a Reliable Mineral Processing Equipment ...

Selecting the right mineral processing equipment manufacturer is one of the most important decisions a mining operation can make—whether developing a new project, expanding capacity, or upgrading aging infrastructure. Poorly designed or unsupported equipment can lead to costly inefficiencies, downtime, and missed production goals. In contrast, the right partner can bring not just reliable machines, but deep process knowledge, long-term support, and the ability to adapt to evolving needs.

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As demand for critical minerals and ESG-compliant operations accelerates globally, mining producers face increasing pressure to invest in equipment that maximizes uptime, efficiency, and environmental performance. With decades of experience supporting the mining sector, FEECO International understands the long-term implications of selecting the right original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The following covers key qualities to look for in a mineral processing equipment supplier.

The Hidden Costs of Poor Quality Equipment

When evaluating equipment for a mining or mineral processing operation, the sticker price is often the most visible factor—but it’s rarely the most important. While low-cost equipment may appear to offer short-term savings, it often brings with it a host of hidden costs that can significantly erode profitability and reliability over the long term. This might include:

• Higher maintenance costs and spare parts consumption
• Increased unplanned downtime
• Lost revenue
• Increased labor costs
• Higher fuel and energy costs
• Liability risks

When these are factored into total cost of ownership, the apparent short-term savings quickly become revealed for what they are: a compromise in quality. This may be due to the manufacturer selecting sub-par materials of construction, lacking a quality control program, following poor fabrication techniques, or otherwise. 

For these reasons, those looking to buy equipment must go beyond the initial sticker price and evaluate the manufacturer from a variety of angles. 

Requirements for Mineral Processing Equipment

A solid mineral processing equipment manufacturer should offer:

Customized Options for Material & Process Demands

No two ores are exactly alike, and off-the-shelf solutions rarely address the full scope of a project’s technical requirements. A qualified manufacturer should offer custom equipment tailored to the material’s unique physical, chemical, and thermal properties, as well as the processing goals of the operation.

The importance of this has become doubly important given the mining industry’s ongoing efforts to extract metals and minerals from wastes and non-traditional sources in the push toward a circular economy; beneficiation equipment is constantly advancing to meet the evolving needs of processors. 

Manufacturers must thoroughly evaluate the material, understanding characteristics such as abrasiveness, friability, corrosiveness, and specific heat – among others – to develop an optimized system that will offer performance, efficiency, and reliability.

FEECO Mineral Dryer

Mine-Duty Equipment

In addition to tailoring equipment to the material’s specific properties, OEMs must also manufacture their equipment to the rigorous level of duty required by the mining industry. The harsh processing conditions, 24/7 production, and remote locations characteristic of the industry demand heavy-duty equipment that will be reliable in the long-term, promoting minimal downtime. 

Equipment must also meet relevant safety and environmental regulations, such as MSHA standards in the U.S., without compromising performance. From requirements for belt conveyors in mining to self-supporting elevators for potash, OEMs must engineer and fabricate their equipment according to the unique challenges associated with mining and mineral processing plants. 

In-House Process Development Capabilities

Process uncertainties—such as binder selection, ideal moisture content, or thermal behavior—can derail projects if not addressed through process development testing. A manufacturer with in-house testing capabilities can de-risk equipment decisions and optimize performance from the outset, illustrating proof of concept and proof of process.

The FEECO Innovation Center provides both batch and pilot-scale testing services to simulate agglomeration, drying, and thermal processes under controlled conditions. The data gathered during testing is then used to engineer commercial-scale equipment. 

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Indirect batch kiln testing in progress in the FEECO Innovation Center

Parts and Service Support

The harsh operating conditions of the mining industry mean even the best equipment can experience issues, making proactive maintenance and long-term support essential. Look for a manufacturer that offers not only parts supply, but also field services, such as tire and trunnion grinding, laser alignment, and equipment audits. 

A collaborative service partner not only streamlines preventive maintenance, but can be a lifeline when something goes wrong, especially in remote or high-volume operations. 

FEECO supports clients well beyond commissioning, with services ranging from routine inspections and training to full-scale drum tire remounts and field retrofits.

A FEECO Customer Service Engineer performs a rotary dryer inspection at a sand mine

Proven Experience in the Mining Sector

Consider the manufacturer’s track record with similar projects and materials. Familiarity with mining regulations, material nuances, and processing constraints can make a major difference in how well equipment performs once in operation.

FEECO has been working with the mining industry for over 75 years, providing solutions for a diverse range of materials throughout their lifecycle, including: 

• Aluminum
• Phosphate
• Potash
• Uranium
• Lithium
• Copper
• Tailings

FEECO Potash coarse conditioning drum

Expertise Across Unit Operations

Many mineral processors need a combination of thermal treatment, agglomeration, and material handling. And while not required, a manufacturer with experience across these unit operations can often deliver a more cohesive, integrated solution. 

Experience in how processes and equipment interface with each other can help to reduce headaches in fitting process components together. Having a partner with process oversight can help to avoid surprises during commissioning. 

Conclusion

In today’s rapidly evolving mining landscape, selecting the right equipment partner is critical to meeting production goals, minimizing risk, and ensuring long-term success. From rising demand for critical minerals to the increasing complexity of ore bodies and environmental standards, operations need more than just equipment—they need a manufacturer with the expertise, infrastructure, and commitment to support them every step of the way.

With decades of experience, robust testing capabilities, and a deep understanding of mining processes and materials, FEECO is a trusted partner to some of the most demanding mineral processing operations around the world. Whether you’re building a new plant or upgrading existing infrastructure, our team is here to deliver tailored solutions that stand up to the demands of mining.

To learn how FEECO can support your mineral processing project with custom equipment, process development, and long-term service, contact us today!

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