Our technology offerings are supplied through a battery of tests, including bench-scale characterization drying assays to determine the thermal capability of your materials and pilot-scale tests with a fully automated, operational 250-mm SBD-MIR unit in our laboratory.

Competitive Advantage

Optimized wavelength

The SBD-MIR technology efficiently removes moisture from minerals using negative pressure on a steel belt. Airflow aids quick evaporation, while Medium Wave Infrared Radiation (MIR) targets surface and interstitial moisture effectively.

Energy efficient

Test results from using both systems together demonstrate a coefficient of performance surpassing unity at lower costs. By avoiding the need for bulk fuel transport, storage and consumption, this solution is far less energy and carbon intensive than traditional drying technologies.

Steel belt performance

Stainless-steel woven mesh belts remain unaffected by temperature fluctuations up to 800ºC, unlike traditional plastic or rubber belts that stretch or deform under high temps. We manufacture belts with a range of aperture sizes to target maximum air permeability, while ensuring retention of fines.

Moisture reduction

The steel belt dryer processes materials with high feed moistures, ensuring even discharge on a horizontal surface. It's used for achieving transportable-moisture-limits (TML) in base metal concentrate drying and can off-gas deleterious elements and convert sulphides through oxidation at higher temps.

Efficient drying

Different arrangements of filter-cake conditioning devices ensure uniform distribution across the belt to achieve the desired bed height. The product moves along the heated length of the dryer without vibration or rotation to prevent fines/dust generation and mitigate particle degradation/abrasion.

Modular Deployment

Each unit is custom-tailored for each project, with adjustable module height, width, and length to fit brownfield environments. They're designed for easy expansion or addition of cooling zones to ensure compatibility with downstream bulk-handling processes.

Technology Highlights

Simple to operate, energy-efficient, and cost-effective to maintain
Stop/start under full load, with instant shut down
Can accept a wide range of feed process conditions
Self-contained, safe, and environmentally friendly
Low manpower requirement
No product breakage or movement

Our Process

Our projects evolve, enhancing our understanding, engineering precision, and cost accuracy. We guide clients through this journey, ensuring timely achievement of investment targets. Unlike traditional OEMs, we provide a dedicated contact for comprehensive support from start to finish.

1

CEC Icon Project Benchmarking

Utilizing a decade's worth of data from labs and operations, coupled with observational analysis, we've created an AI model. It rapidly evaluates material "filterability" by examining their physical, chemical, and mineralogical traits. This assists in predicting costs for different filtration methods, aiding early decision-making and validating engineering feasibility.

2

CEC Icon Bench-Scale Testwork

To optimize testwork accuracy and quality control, we've launched our subsidiary, Canadian Critical Minerals Research, conducting all bench-scale tests for clients. Our process involves collaboration between technicians and engineering staff to integrate learning outcomes into project stages. Unlike other OEMs divesting in-house labs, we're heavily investing in our 3,000 sq. ft. facility in Kamloops, BC, ensuring comprehensive services.

3

CEC Icon Conceptual Engineering and Process Flowsheet Development

We offer conceptual engineering services alongside initial testwork results to merge data into practical outcomes. Our process integrates sample data, mineral processing principles, and a mix of proprietary and standard equipment. These studies finalize major process elements, enabling estimation discipline.

4

CEC Icon Pilot-Plant Testwork

For complex projects, longer-term pilot-plant testwork may be necessary to validate data over time due to sample variability. Our facilities can handle large sample volumes and equipment for onsite pilot studies. We also provide containerized and mobile test rigs for global deployment to customer sites.

5

CEC Icon Front-End Engineering (FEED) and Detailed Engineering

Once the process flowsheet design is confirmed, we advance the project into a FEED study to improve estimate accuracy. This includes finalizing piping and instrumentation diagrams, equipment lists, and specifications for vendor engagement and procurement. With in-house engineering expertise, we also collaborate with trusted third-party consultants as needed.

6

CEC Icon Project Execution & Construction

With vast experience in managing large-scale capital projects across remote areas, our team has successfully built plants in numerous countries. We handle all project execution functions, including procurement, logistics, quality assurance, and more. Our personalized project management services add significant value, with our team often acting as owner’s

7

CEC Icon Operational Readiness (OR)

Operational Readiness is crucial for seamless handover of information from engineering to operations. Our OR phase includes thorough HAZID/HAZOP analysis and collaboration with vendors, ensuring a well-prepared workforce for day-to-day operations.

8

CEC Icon Commissioning

Upon delivery, we inspect facilities for compliance and authorize equipment installation. We oversee construction verification and assist with assembly as per specs. The commissioning team supervises dry commissioning to detect issues. Wet commissioning follows, transitioning to live operations with slurry feed for filtration.

9

CEC Icon Operations

After reaching steady-state operations, we support clients through the post-commissioning phase, known as the "valley of death." Our commissioning team remains in operational support roles for the critical first hundred days, ensuring a smooth transition with maximum impact on return of capital.

Why Choose CEC Mining Systems?

Single Point of Contact

A single point of contact to supply full scope solutions through the project life-cycle.

Testing & Design Competency

Competency in the testing, design, and applications of traditional and novel technologies.

Strong Vendor Relationships

Effective working relationships with a diverse mix of vendors and sub-contractors to assemble the best project team.

Team Integration and Support

Integration within the end-user personnel and processes to ensure unified understanding of scope and responsibilities.

Agile Responsiveness

Highly agile responsiveness to end-user requirements.

Boutique Approach

A boutique approach to project delivery.

Startup and Commissioning

Extensive start-up and commissioning capabilities and experience in remote jurisdictions.