Abstract:
Artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) is a significant source of income for many communities
around the world. However, the process of crushing and processing ore can be hazardous and
inefficient. This project aimed to design and fabricate a jaw crusher that can crush 37.5 kg of rocks
with an efficiency of 83.55% for ASM operations.
The design of the jaw crusher was based on the principle of compression, where the rock is crushed
between two plates. The crusher was designed with a feed size of 15.2 cm, product size of 2.5 cm,
and a reduction ratio of 6.08. The crusher components, including the frame, jaws, and toggle plate,
were selected and fabricated using steel and other durable materials.
The fabrication process involved cutting, drilling, and assembling the various components. The
crusher was assembled and tested to ensure optimal performance. The testing process involved
crushing rocks of different sizes and shapes to evaluate the crusher's efficiency and productivity.
The results showed that the crusher achieved an efficiency of 83.55% based on the reduction ratio
and product size. The crusher was able to crush 37.5 kg of rocks per hour, making it suitable for
ASM operations. The crusher's simple and robust design makes it easy to maintain and operate,
reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
The design and fabrication of this jaw crusher demonstrates the potential for innovative and
efficient solutions for ASM operations. The crusher's efficiency and productivity make it a viable
option for small-scale miners, improving their livelihoods and reducing the environmental impact
of their operations.
Overall, this project highlights the importance of innovative design and fabrication in improving
the efficiency and productivity of ASM operations. The crusher's simple and robust design makes
it a suitable option for small-scale miners, and its efficiency and productivity make it a viable
alternative to traditional crushing methods.
