P80 the particle size at which 80% of material passes is a critical control parameter in mineral processing that directly impacts grinding performance and downstream recovery. If the grind is too coarse, valuable minerals remain locked within gangue; if too fine, overgrinding increases energy consumption, generates excess slimes, and raises reagent costs(Why P80 Matters, n.d.).
Optimizing P80 is about striking the ideal balance between energy efficiency and mineral liberation. By targeting a grind that is coarse enough to avoid unnecessary overgrinding—yet fine enough to achieve effective recovery—operations can significantly reduce power demand, with improved circuit design and control delivering energy savings of up to 17%.
This precision not only enhances metallurgical performance but also directly lowers Scope 2 emissions by cutting electricity consumption in one of the most energy-intensive areas of the plant. At the same time, minimizing excess fines reduces reagent consumption, stabilizes flotation and leaching performance, and limits waste generation.
The result is a technically sound and economically attractive optimization lever—delivering stronger recoveries, lower operating costs, and measurable ESG gains in a relatively short timeframe.
Reference:
Why P80 Matters: The Science of Grinding Circuit Efficiency | Abdul warith Onibudo posted on the topic | LinkedIn. (n.d.). Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abdul-warith-onibudo-36562a236_grindingoptimization-p80-mineralprocessing-activity-7318897205614903297-XuRm
