GRINDING MEDIA KNOWLEDGE
How to Calculate Grinding Media Consumption in kg/t
A practical method to measure steel ball consumption, normalize the data and compare suppliers fairly.
Use one consistent formula
Grinding media consumption (kg/t) equals the net mass of balls added during the measurement period divided by the dry tonnes of ore processed. Use dry tonnes—not wet slurry tonnes—and exclude inventory transfers that never entered the mill.
Set a reliable measurement window
Begin and end with comparable mill charge levels. A full production campaign or at least several stable operating days is more reliable than one shift. Record opening inventory, deliveries, additions, closing inventory and any balls removed from service.
Normalize before comparing results
Feed size, ore hardness, mill speed, pulp density, liner condition and target product size all affect consumption. Compare suppliers only in the same mill and under similar operating conditions, or document the differences and adjust the interpretation.
Connect wear rate to total grinding cost
A lower kg/t is valuable only if throughput, recovery, product fineness and power draw remain acceptable. Multiply kg/t by delivered media price, then include downtime, broken-ball handling and liner impact to compare true cost per tonne.