Without it, mining operations would face unstable pH levels, reduced mineral recovery, accelerated equipment corrosion, and greater environmental risk.

That’s why lime preparation plants are so important. These facilities handle, store, and process lime products to ensure they are safely and efficiently converted into usable forms for pH control, neutralisation, and other chemical processes.

What are lime preparation plants?

A lime preparation plant (also known as a lime processing plant) is designed to manage the full lime production process, from receiving raw lime to preparing consistent, controlled mixtures for use in downstream processes. Depending on the application, systems can range from simple hydrated lime mixing setups to fully integrated quicklime slaking plants with control and storage systems.

Hydrated lime mixing facilities

These facilities support the hydrated lime production process and provide a straightforward and cost-effective method for producing lime slurries. Hydrated lime mixing facilities typically receive lime via pressurised tankers or bulk bags and use accurate dosing equipment to mix lime with water in controlled proportions. The result is a consistent slurry that can be readily used across industrial processes such as water treatment or mineral recovery.

Full lime slaking plants

Full lime slaking plants are used where higher lime throughput or continuous production is required. Quicklime is received in bulk, stored in silos, and fed automatically into ball mills where it is combined with water under precise conditions. This produces milk of lime (MOL), a slurry that can be stored, agitated, and distributed as needed. Closed or open-loop grinding configurations may be used depending on site requirements, and automated controls maintain optimal reaction temperatures and feed rates for efficient slaking.

Other applications

Lime preparation plants can be adapted for a variety of uses beyond traditional slaking or mixing, including:

• Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems
• pH control in heap leaching and mill feed operations
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Limestone grinding, feeding, and blending systems

Benefits of lime preparation plants

Improved process efficiency

Modern lime preparation systems are designed to optimise every stage of the process, from storage to slaking. Automated control systems, roller-mounted ball mills, and precise dosing mechanisms improve the consistency of the milk of lime produced, reduce waste, and maximise utilisation of raw materials.

Streamlined receival

Plants can accept lime from a range of delivery methods (e.g., bulk bags, pressurised vehicles, or hoppers), allowing flexible integration into existing operations. This versatility helps reduce manual handling and improves efficiency in plant logistics.

Optimised storage

Storage systems are tailored to site needs, often using single or multiple silos with automated transfer systems. Properly designed storage helps maintain product quality and ensures a reliable supply of lime for continuous production.

Dust control via wetting

Pre-wetting units play a key role in controlling dust and improving the efficiency of the slaking process. By adding moisture before grinding or mixing, these systems enhance safety and promote a cleaner working environment.

Integrated limestone handling

Dedicated limestone grinding systems can be incorporated within a lime preparation plant, allowing operations to manage both raw limestone and processed lime products on site. This integration supports flexibility in production and greater control over raw material use.

Consistent milk of lime quality

Milk of lime storage tanks are equipped with agitation, level control, and monitoring systems to maintain a consistent slurry. These tanks can be constructed on-site or delivered as prefabricated units, depending on project requirements.

Reduced maintenance

Design simplicity and robust engineering reduce the need for frequent maintenance. Components such as roller-mounted ball mills and trunnion-drive systems are built for reliability and ease of servicing, helping minimise operational downtime.

Safety and reliability

Enclosed transfer systems, dust suppression equipment, and fume extraction scrubbers all contribute to a safer working environment. Automated process control limits manual intervention, reducing operator exposure to caustic materials while ensuring consistent plant performance.

Flexible applications

Lime preparation plants can be customised to suit various industry needs, from small-scale water treatment systems to large-scale mining operations. Their modular design enables easy adaptation to various materials, capacities, and environmental standards.

Transmin lime preparation plants

Lime preparation plants are essential for industries that rely on consistent and efficient lime processing.

At Transmin, we offer comprehensive, turnkey lime preparation and processing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Speak to our expert team today.

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The mining industry needs smarter, more compact and more efficient feeding systems. The answer is the Low Profile Feeder (LPF). This transformative innovation combines the benefits of both belt and apron feeders, making it a game-changer for mining operations.

In this blog, we will explore what a Low Profile Feeder is, the key advantages it brings and how Transmin leads the way.

What is a Low Profile Feeder?

The Low Profile Feeder is a hybrid feeder system that merges the strengths of belt and apron feeders. It is designed with a bulk-loading hopper that allows direct feeding by front-end loaders and other bucket machinery.

Its unique hybrid design eliminates the need for multiple conveyors and transfer points. With a built-in bend transition, the LPF can change material direction from horizontal to inclined using a single machine. This reduces footprint, lowers civil and steelwork costs and provides greater flexibility for plant layouts.

Because the LPF can move material on an incline, it also minimises the number of transfer points required in a plant, improving flow and reducing complexity.

The post Why the low profile feeder (LPF) is a game-changer in mining operations appeared first on Transmin.

With its <1m low height advantage, the LPF acts as both an extraction feeder and conveyor in one, with the added ability to reverse direction and incline within a single machine – eliminating the need for additional transition points. 

The LPF can be used in a multitude of applications, including truck or rail wagon unloading, front end loader reclaim, screen feeding, stockpile tunnel reclaim, dozer traps and filter press discharge that delivers a range of benefits including safety, efficiency and operational cost savings.

Looking for more information on our LPF…

Read the case studies:

• Reduced maintenance downtime and increased safety
• Two Identical ‘Swan Neck’ Low Profile Feeders
• Two Identical D9, 46m Long
• Five Identical Feeders – Widest on the market

Download the brochure LPF Brochure or contact our friendly team to find out more information.

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