Golden balloons, a team photo, and plenty of smiles marked a proud moment at New Afton this summer. The mill team commissioned a new Jameson Cell, and this one came with extra significance: it was the 500th installed worldwide.
Inside New Afton’s mill, flotation is used during the processing stage to separate valuable minerals from rock by grinding the ore, mixing it with water and reagents, and introducing air bubbles that carry the target minerals to the surface for collection. The Jameson Cell is a self-aspirated pneumatic unit, meaning it uses pressure to move air, create agitation, and produce bubbles rather than mechanical parts. It draws air from the atmosphere using a vacuum effect created by a high-pressure slurry (a mixture of water and finely ground ore) fed through a set of nozzles. This is a significant shift from traditional flotation cells, which use blowers and agitators to generate bubbles. The Jameson Cell is expected to improve metal recovery, reduce energy use, and be easier to maintain over time.
The journey began in 2023 with studies and pilot testing, followed by construction and meticulous coordination across multiple teams. When the unit was safely started up earlier this year, the celebration reflected not only the milestone itself but the effort that went into making it a success.
“This project started a few years ago with an idea, before it became a reality,” said Dario Bilczuk, Senior Operations Metallurgist. “Seeing it come together so smoothly was a highlight for everyone involved. Being part of the 500th installation worldwide made it even more meaningful.”
The Jameson Cell is now running, and the benefits extend well beyond the mine. A more efficient and reliable mill supports stable production, which helps sustain local jobs and strengthen the regional economy. Producing a higher-quality concentrate also makes New Afton more competitive globally, reinforcing the long-term future of the operation.
By adopting proven technology used in 500 installations worldwide, New Afton is demonstrating leadership in modern mining practices.
