Xinhai Mining has successfully delivered an EPC project for a 1,200 t/d galena–fluorite concentrator on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The project marks Xinhai’s first full EPC+M+O (Engineering, Procurement, Construction + Mine Management + Operation) contract completed in a developed European market, as well as the company’s 101st export destination worldwide.
More importantly, the project establishes Xinhai’s first fully CE-compliant EPC delivery framework, enabling the company to execute mineral processing projects in Europe in strict accordance with EU regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements. It represents a critical milestone in Xinhai Mining’s global expansion and long-term commitment to high-standard international markets.
Use the table of contents below to navigate through the guide:
01Process Design Tailored to Complex Galena–Fluorite Ore
The Sardinian deposit contains galena (PbS) and fluorite (CaF₂), with head grades of 1–3% PbS and 30–32% CaF₂. The concentrator is designed for a nominal capacity of 1,200 t/d, with 900 t/d allocated to grinding and flotation.
Given the high fluorite content and relatively low lead grade, the process was designed to recover coarse fluorite early through gravity pre-concentration, followed by preferential galena flotation and subsequent fluorite flotation. This approach maximizes overall recovery while maintaining high concentrate grades and stable operation.
Based on detailed metallurgical test work and Xinhai’s extensive experience in fluorite concentrator design, the final flowsheet comprises:
Crushing & Screening → Gravity Pre-Concentration → Desliming → Grinding & Classification → Lead Flotation → Fluorite Flotation → Concentrate Dewatering → Dry Tailings Disposal & Backfill
Key process features include:
Direct grinding of high-grade ore following crushing
Gravity separation to pre-concentrate coarse fluorite
Preferential galena flotation prior to fluorite recovery
Regrinding and multi-stage cleaning to ensure concentrate quality
Closed-circuit water system and dry tailings backfill to minimize environmental impact
02Stable Performance and Strong Technical Indicators
The plant has demonstrated stable operation and strong metallurgical performance, achieving the following key indicators:
Plant throughput | 1,200 t/d |
Grinding & flotation capacity | 900 t/d |
Head grade | CaF₂ 30–32%; PbS 1–3% |
Crushed product size | 0–8 mm |
Grinding fineness | 60% −200 mesh |
Regrinding fineness | 93.5% −200 mesh |
Concentrate grades | CaF₂ 98.06%; PbS 63.58% |
Overall recovery | CaF₂ 68.3%; PbS 96.4% |
Concentrate yield | Fluorite 21.59%; Galena 3.03% |
With a lead recovery of 96.4% and a fluorite concentrate grade exceeding 98% CaF₂, the project significantly enhances the economic value of the ore while ensuring consistent product quality.
The adoption of dry stack tailings with underground backfill and 100% process water recycling enables near-zero discharge operation, fully aligned with EU environmental and sustainability expectations.
03CE Conformity: A Foundation for European EPC Delivery
A defining achievement of this project is Xinhai Mining’s first comprehensive implementation of CE conformity. CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is the EU’s mandatory regulatory framework governing safety, health, and environmental protection and is a prerequisite for market access across Europe.
For the Italian project, Xinhai conducted a complete CE assessment covering major processing equipment, structural components, and operating platforms. Particular emphasis was placed on safety-critical elements, including machine guarding, handrails, access systems, and protective structures. The process involved extensive technical documentation, risk assessment, and on-site verification in Italy.
The CE framework established through this project is fully documented and reusable, forming a standardized compliance pathway for future EU contracts. By completing on-site validation and regulatory alignment in Europe, Xinhai has effectively reduced technical and compliance barriers for subsequent projects in the region.
Compared with certification systems such as FCC in the United States, the CE system combines manufacturer self-declaration with third-party involvement for higher-risk products. Successful delivery under this framework demonstrates Xinhai Mining’s capability to integrate global compliance requirements into practical EPC execution.
04Strengthening Xinhai Mining’s Position in the European Market
The Sardinian galena–fluorite project represents more than a single successful delivery. It marks Xinhai Mining’s transition from an equipment and engineering exporter to a fully compliant EPC+M+O solution provider capable of operating within Europe’s regulatory and environmental framework.
With a proven CE-compliant EPC model, validated processes, and on-site execution experience in Europe, Xinhai Mining is now positioned to deliver future mineral processing projects with greater regulatory certainty, reduced delivery risk, and shorter implementation timelines.
Xinhai Mining remains committed to providing integrated, end-to-end solutions worldwide—from metallurgical testing and process design to equipment supply, construction, commissioning, and long-term operation—supporting clients across the full lifecycle of their mining projects.
Xinhai Mining — your global partner for mineral processing and mine solutions.
marketing@ytxinhai.com 
0086 13810327080 
CHAT
MESSAGE
