“Our latest multi-million dollar capital improvement program is almost complete— starting this month, we are on track to produce more high-quality barite,” says BarCan CEO Mike Rose.
New Processing Equipment
Derrick screens were installed last month to prevent oversized sands from infiltrating the milling process. The screening system integrates seamlessly with the dry feed system installed as part of 2020’s capital improvements. The powerful, newly-acquired amphibious excavator will provide a constant feed to the screens.
Mike Rose spoke about other capital improvements in the hopper for this year. “A major construction project by itself, we are installing a new thickener system to meet our production targets, which are significantly higher this year. To maximize production, we will reconfigure the regrind mill in the flotation circuit and retrofit our internal conveyor systems. It’s going to be a busy year!”
New Digital Technologies
BarCan embraced a digital automation strategy in 2020 and our employees are seeing the benefits.
Our EPCM consultant (Halyard) and processing advisors (Promet101) have designed a fiberoptic cable link between the mill and tailings pond, adding Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens at key locations inside the mill, as well as communications wiring and micro controllers. As Gordana Slepcev, BarCan’s COO noted, “Digitization increases employee safety and delivers feedback in the key processes needed to produce high-quality barite.”
Research & Development
During 2021, BarCan is expanding its R&D program to create new barium-based derivatives for industrial uses in North American and European export markets. These new products will further expand BarCan’s global reach.