The Wet Pan Mill, also known as a Wet Grinding Mill, Gold Grinding Machine, or Chilean Mill, is one of the most traditional yet highly efficient grinding machines used in small and medium-scale mining operations. Its simplicity, low investment cost, and excellent gold recovery make it especially popular across Africa, South America, and Asia.

This article explains what the wet pan mill is, how it works, its core advantages, and why it continues to be widely used today in gold processing and ore grinding.

1. What Is a Wet Pan Mill?

A Wet Pan Mill is a grinding machine that uses heavy steel rollers to crush, grind, and mix mineral ores with water. The purpose is to grind the material into fine particles so that valuable minerals—particularly gold—can be released for recovery.

It is widely used for:

• Gold ore grinding & amalgamation
• Grinding for iron, copper, lead, zinc, and molybdenum ore
• Material mixing in mineral processing
• Small-scale gold mining operations

Because of its high grinding efficiency and low cost, it is considered one of the most economical grinding solutions in small mining projects.

2. How Does a Wet Pan Mill Work?

The working principle is simple yet extremely effective:

• Raw ore, water, and sometimes chemicals are added into the grinding basin.
• Two or more heavy steel rollers rotate around the basin.
• The ore is repeatedly crushed and ground under the weight and movement of the rollers.
• The grinding and mixing processes happen simultaneously.
• The final slurry—containing finely released gold—is collected for further separation.

Working Highlights

• Wet grinding achieves finer output than dry grinding.

• Strong pressure and uniform mixing ensure gold particles are fully released.

• Low-speed, high-torque grinding handles even hard ores.

• Grinding + mixing makes it ideal for gold amalgamation or gravity separation. 

3. Advantages of Wet Pan Mill

✔ Low Investment, High Efficiency

Compared with ball mills, wet pan mills require a much lower initial cost while still achieving excellent grinding performance.

✔ High Gold Recovery Rate

Gold particles are thoroughly ground and mixed, often reaching a recovery rate of 85–95%, especially in small mines.

✔ Easy Operation & Maintenance

The structure is simple—motor, gearbox, rollers, and basin.
Local operators can easily learn how to run the machine without complex training.

✔ Low Energy Consumption

It can be powered by electric motors or small diesel engines and uses significantly less electricity than ball mills.

✔ Durable and Strong Build

Rollers and basin liners are made from thick, wear-resistant steel to withstand heavy grinding pressure.

4. Applications of Wet Pan Mill

Wet pan mills are commonly used in:

① Small-scale gold mining projects

Especially helpful in Africa and South America, where low investment and high return are essential.

② Re-grinding and fine crushing of various ores

Iron, copper, lead, zinc, molybdenum—ideal for secondary or fine grinding.

③ Gold tailings recycling

Old mine tailings can be re-ground to extract remaining gold.

④ Material mixing and preparation

Some users use wet pan mills to blend materials evenly before processing.

5. Wet Pan Mill vs. Ball Mill—Which to Choose?

Conclusion:
For small mining projects (usually under 3 tons/hr), the wet pan mill is more economical and practical.
For larger mineral processing plants, ball mills are recommended.

6. Why the Wet Pan Mill Remains Popular Worldwide

Despite the development of modern grinding equipment, wet pan mills still hold a strong position due to:

• Low investment & high return
• Reliable performance
• Easy repairs with local materials
• Stable grinding results
• High gold recovery rate

For small and medium miners, it remains one of the most cost-effective solutions.

7. Conclusion

The Wet Pan Mill is a classic machine with modern usefulness. Its ability to grind, mix, and release gold efficiently—combined with low cost, simple operation, and high output quality—makes it essential in small-scale mining. From gold ore processing to material mixing, the wet pan mill remains one of the most trusted and widely used grinding machines worldwide.

If you're involved in mining projects or need a reliable grinding solution, the wet pan mill is an excellent choice.
Feel free to contact us anytime for complete mining solutions, machine specifications, or turnkey processing lines.