Known for high-intensity kinetics and a compact footprint, the Jameson Cell is quickly expanding into rougher flotation duties. Glencore Technology says it is reshaping both brownfield and greenfield projects by delivering higher throughput and recovery with less floor space.
Unlike conventional cells, the Jameson Cell uses a downcomer to create an intense mixing zone that maximises particle–bubble contact. It achieves fast flotation without mechanical agitation, improving energy efficiency and significantly reducing operating costs versus traditional alternatives.
Traditionally used in cleaner applications, the Jameson Cell is now being adopted for rougher duties following recent design upgrades, the company says. In particular, larger downcomer sizes have broadened capacity and applicability, supporting throughputs up to 3,500 t/h and making the technology competitive with mechanical cells in rougher and rougher-scalper roles.
“One of the strongest benefits of the Jameson Cell in rougher duty is high throughput in a much smaller footprint,” says Adam Price, Manager of Jameson Cell Technology. “It can treat feed volumes comparable to the largest mechanical cells, but with far fewer units. This can also simplify the circuit—for example, a two-cell rougher–scalper plus scavenger set-up can replace the five to eight cells typically required in mechanical trains.”
Glencore Technology says these gains can be especially valuable for greenfield developments, lowering capital spend and reducing operational complexity.
“The flexibility also offers real advantages in brownfields,” Price adds. “Its compact footprint suits space-constrained plants, helping lift throughput and remove bottlenecks without major expansion.”
One example is the Fruta del Norte (FDN) underground gold mine in Ecuador, which aimed to raise flotation throughput while maintaining recovery and concentrate grade. After lab work and Z500 pilot testing confirmed suitability, the site installed three industrial Jameson Cells, including two B5400/18 units. One operates as a rougher-scalper at the head of the circuit, and the other as a scavenger at the end of the rougher–scavenger train.
Glencore Technology says the installation improved performance across the circuit. Throughput increased from 4,500 t/d to 5,000 t/d, and gold recovery rose by 4.4% (from 86% to 90.4%). Final concentrate grade reached 199 g/t Au, while improved fines recovery reduced valuable losses to tailings.
Speaking with Glencore Technology, Andrew Molloy, Metallurgical Supervisor at FDN, also pointed to the Jameson Cell’s impact on operating costs: “The improved fines recovery delivered by the Jameson Cells not only boosts our flotation recovery but also reduces the sulphur grade fed to the carbon-in-leach circuit. This is a major contributing factor behind the drop in cyanide consumption; a substantial contributor to plant operating costs.”
Glencore Technology says the Jameson Cell’s success in rougher duties carries wider implications for mining. With declining ore grades, rising sustainability expectations and accelerating demand, operators are looking for technologies that deliver more with less. The Jameson Cell, the company says, provides strong metallurgical performance with less space and infrastructure, supporting a shift to flexible, scalable and lower-impact operations.