Define consumption, period, and comparable throughput
Before investigating a cause, the team should agree on how consumption is calculated, which inventory movements are included, and which throughput is used as the denominator. Consumption and production dates must cover the same period.
A time series helps distinguish a sustained change from a one-off variation and identify events that require review.
Review mineralogy, size, hardness, and impact
The investigation should record changes in ore, feed, size distribution, and conditions that alter abrasion or impact. The objective is to separate useful correlations from premature explanations.
- Ore and blend changes
- Operating and maintenance events
Separate product, equipment, and operating variables
Organize hypotheses into three groups: grinding media and product handling; mill and component condition; and operating practice. Changing several variables at once reduces what can be learned from the trial.
Breakage, deformation, rejection, and wear should be documented as separate observations and technically reviewed before assigning a cause.
Compare alternatives using agreed criteria
A useful comparison preserves equivalent conditions, defines how downtime and exceptional events are handled, and evaluates consumption alongside throughput, stability, and total cost. No universal reduction can be promised without that validation.