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Views: 0 Author: fcminingequipment.com Publish Time: 2026-01-21 Origin: fcminingequipment.com
When investors or mine owners approach me for the first time, one question almost always comes up early: what is the typical throughput capacity of a small-scale diamond washing plant?
After nearly 20 years working as engineer in mineral processing equipment—especially in diamond washing plant design, manufacturing, and field commissioning—we have learned that capacity is not just a number. It reflects ore characteristics, equipment configuration, water availability, and operational discipline.
Understanding throughput capacity is often the first step toward building a profitable diamond mining operation.
A small-scale diamond washing plant typically has a throughput capacity ranging from 5 to 50 tons per hour, depending on ore conditions, equipment design, and recovery objectives.
While brochures may list headline capacities, real-world diamond washing plant performance is determined by engineering choices. From our experience, the most popular small-scale plants today are not the largest—but the most efficient and stable.
In diamond mining, a small-scale diamond washing plant is usually designed for artisanal or semi-mechanized operations.Most small-scale diamond washing plants are modular, skid-mounted, and easy to transport.
From an engineering standpoint, these plants prioritize simplicity and reliability. Unlike large commercial mines, small-scale diamond washing plants often operate in remote regions with limited infrastructure. This reality strongly influences both throughput capacity and equipment selection.
So, returning to the core question: what is the typical throughput capacity of a small-scale diamond washing plant?
Throughput Capacity Table
Plant Type | Typical Capacity | Application |
Entry-level | 5–10 TPH | Artisanal mining |
Standard small-scale | 10–30 TPH | Semi-mechanized |
Upper small-scale | 30–50 TPH | Commercial trial mining |
In our field projects across Africa and South America, 10–30 TPH is the most common and commercially viable range for a small-scale diamond washing plant. This capacity allows operators to maintain high recovery rates without excessive capital or operating pressure.
Throughput capacity is never defined by equipment alone. Ore characteristics and operating conditions play a decisive role.
Key factors influencing diamond washing plant capacity include:
Clay content and ore hardness
Feed size distribution
Water supply and pressur
Scrubber efficiency
Operator skill and maintenance discipline
From an engineering perspective, oversizing a plant without addressing these factors often reduces recovery rather than improving results.
Based on current market demand and on-site feedback, equipment preferences are very clear.
Popular Equipment Table
Equipment | Function | Reason for Popularity |
Trommel Scrubber | Washing & screening | High clay removal |
Rotary Scrubber | Intensive cleaning | Stable throughput |
Jig Concentrator | Diamond recovery | High reliability |
Grease Table | Final separation | Diamond-specific |
Today’s most popular diamond washing plant configurations emphasize robust washing capability over raw capacity, ensuring diamonds are liberated without damage or loss.
In my experience, optimization begins long before installation.
We optimize diamond washing plants by:
Matching capacity to realistic feed conditions
Designing flexible screening circuits
Prioritizing washing efficiency over speed
Allowing modular expansion as production grows
This approach consistently delivers higher diamond recovery per ton processed, even at moderate throughput capacities.
So, what is the typical throughput capacity of a small-scale diamond washing plant?
In practical terms, it is not the maximum the equipment can handle, but the maximum it can process efficiently and consistently.
With nearly 20 years of experience in mineral processing equipment R&D, manufacturing, and global supply, our team has supported diamond washing plant projects across multiple continents. We firmly believe that the right capacity choice is the foundation of long-term profitability—not just short-term output.
If you are planning a small-scale diamond mining project, selecting the right diamond washing plant today will determine your operational success tomorrow.
