The first phase of the “Yoshlik I” deposit development project, implemented to expand the production of non-ferrous and precious metals based on the Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex (AMMC) deposits, plays an important role in strengthening Uzbekistan’s industrial potential. Within this phase, the Copper Concentrator Plant-3 was constructed — one of the largest technologically equipped facilities not only in Uzbekistan but across the region. Notably, the installation of the modern NCF-72724712-FL3 recirculating water-cooling tower system stands out as a crucial solution for enhancing production efficiency and resource savings.

This cooling facility, which has not been used in other plants of its kind, is designed to improve the performance of equipment operating under high thermal loads. It serves to cool the lubrication systems of:

• 6 HPGR 24/19-9 high-pressure grinding rolls in the crushing section,
• 8 KSD 3000/1500 crushers in the secondary crushing building, and
• 12 МShTs 13000/7300 ball mills in the grinding and flotation section.

The system consists of three cooling towers — two in operation and one on standby. Each tower has a capacity of 700 m³/hour, delivering a total cooling efficiency of 1,400 m³/hour.

During the process, heat from the lubrication systems is transferred to the water. The water heated to 40 °C is sprayed into fine droplets (2–3 mm) and cooled to 30 °C through evaporation assisted by fans. Water lost through evaporation — around 31 m³/hour — is replenished automatically.

According to available data, traditional cooling systems require 100–120 m³/hour of water to cool just one large crusher or mill’s lubrication system. Thanks to the new cooling tower, the Copper Concentrator Plant-3 reduces overall water consumption by 30–35%, saving up to 12–13 million m³ of water annually. For comparison, this amount is equivalent to several months of water use by a major industrial enterprise. Additionally, due to full automation, human involvement is reduced by 70–80%, improving operational safety and lowering maintenance costs.

The introduction of this cooling facility delivers both environmental and economic advantages. Reducing water usage by 1,400 m³ per hour not only lowers production costs but also supports environmental sustainability. From an international perspective, the recirculating water-cooling tower can be recognized as a high-efficiency, resource-saving solution aligned with global best practices.

Ultimately, the installation of this cooling system at the Copper Concentrator Plant-3 contributes significantly to the “Yoshlik I” project’s development into a modern, globally recognized mining and metallurgical complex. It ensures greater production stability and economic efficiency.

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