In the gold mining industry, evaluating the economic efficiency of processing equipment is a critical step that determines project profitability. For many small and medium-sized gold mines, choosing a cost-effective and efficient Gold Grinding Mill (Wet Pan Mill) can make a big difference in overall recovery and investment return.
So, how can miners scientifically assess the economic value of a gold grinding mill—from laboratory testing to full-scale production?
Start with Mineral Testing: Verify Recovery Rate and Adaptability
Before large-scale production, it’s essential to conduct ore beneficiation tests to evaluate how the gold grinding mill performs with your specific ore.
Key evaluation aspects include:
Grinding fineness and gold particle liberation
Gold recovery rate (%) under different grinding times
Processing capacity (t/h) and energy consumption (kWh/t)
The goal of the testing phase is to confirm that the wet pan mill can achieve efficient grinding and high gold recovery without damaging fine gold particles—a decisive factor for economic feasibility.
Economic Evaluation During Production: Balancing Cost and Output
Once testing results are positive, the next step is evaluating economic performance under real production conditions.
Key indicators include:
Capital Cost – machine purchase, transportation, and installation.
Operating Cost – electricity, spare parts, labor, and maintenance.
Cost per Gram of Gold – the ultimate indicator of profitability.
Thanks to its simple structure, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance, the gold grinding mill offers a short payback period, especially for small-scale processing plants.
Comparing Gold Grinding Mill with Other Concentration Equipment
When compared with a centrifugal concentrator or shaking table, the gold grinding mill shows strong economic advantages:
Lower initial investment – ideal for small-scale miners or limited budgets.
Easy operation and maintenance – no complex technical setup required.
Versatile performance – suitable for oxide gold ore, placer gold, and tailing reprocessing.
These advantages explain why wet pan mills are widely used in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia for artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Building a Complete Economic Evaluation Model
A comprehensive economic analysis should include:
Payback Period (PBP)
Annual Gold Output (kg/year)
Total Operating Cost (USD/year)
Return on Investment (ROI) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR)
By assessing these financial indicators, investors can clearly understand the profit potential and operational risks of their gold processing plant.
Conclusion
The Gold Grinding Mill (Wet Pan Mill) remains one of the most practical and affordable choices for small and medium gold mines. Its combination of low investment, high recovery rate, and reliable performance makes it a solid foundation for long-term profitability.
With proper testing and careful economic evaluation, miners can confidently move from experimental stages to stable mass production, ensuring both operational success and financial sustainability.