If you’re looking for a small-scale ore grinder for processing minerals or ores, here are some options and considerations:
Types of Small-Scale Ore Grinders
1. Jaw Crusher (Coarse Crushing)
– Good for initial crushing of hard rocks.
– Example: Small 2″x3″ or 4″x6″ jaw crushers.
2. Hammer Mill (Medium to Fine Grinding)
– Works well for brittle materials like quartz, gold ore, etc.
– Can produce fine to coarse powder depending on screen size.
3. Ball Mill (Fine Grinding)
– Best for grinding ores into fine powder (e.g., for gold liberation).
– Small DIY versions can be made from a drum and steel balls.
4. Rod Mill (Alternative to Ball Mill)
– Uses rods instead of balls for grinding, good for softer ores.
5. Impact Crusher / Vertical Shaft Impact (VSI) Crusher
– For finer crushing of softer materials like limestone or coal.
6. DIY Options (Mortar & Pestle, Rocker Crusher)
– For very small-scale or manual processing (e.g., prospecting).
Factors to Consider
– Ore Type: Hard rocks (granite, quartz) need jaw/ball mills; softer ores may work with hammer mills.
– Desired Output Size: Coarse (~1-5mm), medium (~0.1-1mm), or fine (<0.1mm).
– Power Source: Electric motor (most common), diesel engine, or manual for ultra-small scale.
– Budget: DIY setups can be cheap; commercial units range from $500–$5,000+.
Recommended Small-Scale Models
– Portable Jaw Crusher (e.g., 3"x4" from 911 Metallurgist) – ~$3,000+
– Small Ball Mill (e.g., 1’ x 2’ lab ball mill) – ~$2,500+
– DIY Hammer Mill – Can be built with a motor and hammers (~$500–$1,000)
Where to Buy?
– [911 Metallurgist](https://www.911metallurgist.com/) –