Cape Town, South Africa – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Mining and Mineral Processing Engineer Darius Wonyen proudly stood among some of the world’s top professionals at the Comminution ’25 Conference, which took place in Cape Town, South Africa from March 31 to April 3. It was a turning point for Darius, AML, and Liberia’s developing voice in mining innovation worldwide.
From college lecture halls to one of the most prominent technical stages in the business, Darius’s career exemplifies what can happen when skill and opportunity are combined, supported by vision, guidance, and conviction.
Mineral Engineering International (MEI UK) conducted the Comminution ’25 Conference, which brought together experts in the discipline of crushing and grinding ores to extract precious minerals. Among them was Darius, the sole Liberian engineer present, speaking for both his nation and his company.
He examined the distinct ore hardness variations throughout AML’s Nimba Western Range Tokadeh, Gangra, and Yuelliton, as well as its effect on mill performance, in his article “Optimization of Semi-Autogenous Grinding for Oxide and Transition Ores Using Comminution Testing and Discrete Element Modeling (DEM).” AML’s 15 Mtpa concentrator project is centered on the theme of realistic, data-driven methods to maximize grinding efficiency while lowering energy consumption.
Darius expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by his mentors at AML. “Our metallurgy manager, Rachel Tlhole, and our global process engineering manager, Pinto Pedro, were very supportive of the work and urged me to submit my abstract. Getting here has been made possible by their mentoring.”
Apart from showcasing his work, Darius gained a lot of knowledge that he said can’t wait to share with his families and friends. From innovative technology to stimulating discussions with world-renowned professionals, the conference was nothing short of revolutionary.
Among the most interesting findings were: Advanced Process Control (APC): New smart control systems for grinding circuits that can dramatically improve energy efficiency, something Darius sees as a game-changer for AML’s future operations.
Longer-Lasting Mill Liners: Innovative liner designs that reduce wear and save costs, key to maintaining high-performance concentrators like the one AML is building.
Faster, Smarter Mill Relining: Fresh techniques that cut downtime and boost safety during reline operations, ensuring smoother production.
Dynamic Simulation Tools: Advanced simulation software that lets engineers “test drive” crusher and SAG mill performance before real-world commissioning. “This could make a huge difference in how we launch our concentrator,” Darius noted.
The networking involved not simply exchanging handshakes but also developing sincere relationships with business titans. Professor Aubrey Mainza of the University of Cape Town, John Russell, the creator of Russell Mineral Equipment, and Barry Wills, the Barry Wills of Wills’ Mineral Processing Technology fame were all introduced to Darius. Additionally, he established connections with prominent equipment suppliers, including CITIC HIC, Derrick Corporation, WEIR, and Magotteaux, many of which have a direct role in AML’s next project.
The quiet discussion behind the scenes, rather than the cheers, was one of Darius’s finest moments. In order to join the Global Comminution Collaborative (GCC), a consortium of top universities promoting the field of mineral processing research, he started setting the foundation for ArcelorMittal Liberia.
“We work together, we create, and we demonstrate to the world that Liberia has the ability and the will to lead. That’s how we develop,” Darius added.
Darius, who is back in Liberia, is still inspired by what he has learnt and is really grateful for the opportunity to represent AML internationally.
“This event confirmed my long-held belief that Liberia is capable of producing top-notch work.” However, he continued, “it requires a team that is committed to pushing the envelope and a firm like AML that is prepared to invest in its employees.”
With an eye toward the future, Darius is already putting his newfound understanding to use by improving the concentrator’s design, incorporating simulation technology, and collaborating with suppliers to put cost-cutting ideas into practice.
Interacting with him, he laughed and said, “It’s not just about the science. Impact is the key. The goal is to make mining more sustainable, intelligent, and something we can all take pride in.”
In addition to being a narrative of professional achievement, Darius Wonyen’s story at Comminution ’25 serves as a reminder of what can happen when passion and purpose are combined. His story is serving as motivation for a new generation of Liberian engineers and a reminder to the mining community around the world, noting that sometimes the best ideas originate from the most unlikely places.
The future of AML in Liberia will undoubtedly be greatly influenced by Darius’s voice and vision as the company works to establish a cutting-edge, environmentally friendly mining operation.
