Published: May 9, 2026 | Last Updated: May 9, 2026
Author: SUHMAN Technical Team |
Reviewed By: Chief Engineer, SUHMAN Crusher Verified: This guide is based on field data from 100+ small-scale mining and quarry installations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Introduction
Small scale mining — whether it’s gold, copper, limestone, or construction aggregate — is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the mining industry. Independent contractors and small mine owners are moving away from massive, fixed processing plants and opting for compact, mobile crushing solutions.
Why? Because traditional plants require expensive concrete foundations, months of installation, and high capital investment. For a small operation (50–150 TPH), that overhead simply doesn’t make financial sense.
This guide covers everything you need to know about setting up a small scale mining equipment line in 2026 — from selecting the right crushers to understanding power requirements and calculating ROI.
What Equipment Do You Need?
A complete small scale crushing circuit typically consists of four stages:
1. Feeding
A vibrating feeder regulates the flow of material from the excavator or dump truck into the crusher. It also pre-screens fines (soil/sand) that don’t need crushing.
2. Primary Crushing
The first stage breaks large run-of-mine (ROM) ore (up to 500–700mm) into medium sizes.
- Recommended: A compact Mobile Jaw Crusher.
- Why: High reduction ratio, handles large feed, durable.
3. Secondary Crushing
The second stage reduces medium ore into fine aggregate (5–50mm) suitable for sale or further processing (like ball milling).
- Recommended: A Mobile Cone Crusher (for hard rock) or Mobile Impact Crusher (for soft rock).
4. Screening
A mobile screening plant separates the crushed material into different sizes (e.g., 0–5mm, 5–10mm, 10–20mm). Oversize material is recirculated back to the secondary crusher.
Mobile vs. Stationary: Which is Best for Small Scale?
For operations under 200 TPH, Mobile (Tracked) Equipment is almost always the better choice.
| Factor | Mobile Setup (Tracked) | Stationary Setup (Fixed) |
| Initial Investment | Lower (No concrete/foundation) | Higher (Civil work required) |
| Setup Time | 30 mins – 2 hours | 2–4 weeks |
| Flexibility | Move with the mine face | Fixed location |
| Resale Value | High (Complete machine) | Low (Installed equipment) |
| Labor | Minimal (Remote control) | Higher (More operators needed) |
Field Experience:
“We worked with a gold mine in Ghana that started with a stationary plant. After 6 months, they realized they needed to move closer to the new ore body. Dismantling and rebuilding the stationary plant cost them $15,000 and 3 weeks of downtime. If they had started with a mobile setup, they could have just driven the crushers to the new location.”
Recommended Configurations for Small Scale Mining
Configuration A: Hard Rock (Gold, Copper, Iron, Granite)
Best for: Hard, abrasive materials requiring compression crushing.
- Primary:SE-650D Mini Mobile Jaw Crusher
- Capacity: 50–130 TPH
- Max Feed: 500mm
- Secondary:SY-HP200 Mini Mobile Cone Crusher
- Capacity: 50–100 TPH
- Output: 5–30mm
- Screening:SS-7018 Mobile Inclined Screener
- Capacity: 200–300 TPH
Total Estimated Cost: $80,000 – $120,000 (depending on options)
Configuration B: Soft Rock (Limestone, Dolomite, Gypsum)
Best for: Medium-hard to soft materials where particle shape matters.
- Primary:SE-650D Mini Mobile Jaw Crusher
- Capacity: 50–130 TPH
- Secondary:SF-380D Mobile Impact Crusher
- Capacity: 100–180 TPH
- Output: Excellent cubic shape
- Screening:SS-7018 Mobile Inclined Screener
Total Estimated Cost: $70,000 – $100,000
Power Supply: Diesel vs. Electric
One of the biggest challenges in small scale mining is power. Many remote sites do not have access to the electrical grid.
1. Diesel-Only (Single Power)
- Pros: Fully independent, no external power needed.
- Cons: Higher fuel cost per hour.
- Best For: Remote sites with no electricity.
2. Diesel-Electric (Dual Power) — Recommended
- Pros: Flexibility. Use electricity when available (cheaper), switch to diesel when needed.
- Cons: Slightly higher initial cost.
- Best For: Sites with intermittent power or future grid connection plans.
SUHMAN Advantage: All SUHMAN tracked crushers (SE-650D, SF-380D, SY-HP200) are available in Dual Power versions, giving you maximum flexibility.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Step 1: Site Survey
- Determine the material type (hard/soft rock).
- Calculate daily production target (tons per day).
- Check power availability and terrain.
Step 2: Equipment Selection
- Choose the configuration (A or B above).
- Decide on Single Power or Dual Power.
- Confirm delivery timeline (SUHMAN: 20–25 days).
Step 3: Shipping & Customs
- SUHMAN crushers are designed to fit in standard 40HQ containers (for mini models) or flat racks (for larger models).
- We provide all documentation for customs clearance.
Step 4: On-Site Setup
- Mobile Setup: Drive crushers into position. Connect hydraulic hoses. Start feeding. Total time: Under 2 hours.
- Stationary Setup: Pour concrete, install steel structures, wire electricals. Total time: 2–4 weeks.
Step 5: Operation & Commissioning
- SUHMAN engineers can travel to your site for commissioning and operator training.
- Remote video support is available 24/7.
Profitability Analysis (Small Scale Gold Mine Example)
Based on a 100 TPH mobile crushing circuit processing gold ore:
| Item | Value |
| Daily Processing | 800 tons (8 hours) |
| Annual Processing | 240,000 tons (300 days) |
| Gold Recovery Rate | 2.5 g/ton (conservative) |
| Gold Produced | 600 kg/year |
| Gold Price | $70,000/kg (approx) |
| Total Revenue | $42,000,000/year |
| Equipment Cost | ~$100,000 (Mobile Setup) |
| Operating Cost | $5/ton (Fuel, Labor, Wear) |
| Net Profit | High ROI |
Note: This is a simplified example. Actual profitability depends on ore grade, recovery method, and local regulations.
FAQ
Q: What is the cheapest small scale mining setup?
A: The most cost-effective setup is a single SE-650D Mini Mobile Jaw Crusher. It can produce 50–130 TPH of aggregate in a single pass, eliminating the need for secondary crushing.
Q: Can I use mobile crushers for gold ore?
A: Yes. Mobile jaw and cone crushers are ideal for gold ore. They provide the necessary reduction ratio and can be moved as the mine face advances.
Q: How do I power the equipment in a remote area?
A: Choose a Dual Power model. It has a built-in diesel generator for off-grid operation but can also plug into the electrical grid when available to save fuel costs.
Q: Do you ship to Africa and South America?
A: Yes. SUHMAN exports to over 30 countries, including Ghana, Tanzania, Peru, Colombia, and Indonesia. We handle container loading and provide all necessary export documentation.
Conclusion
Starting a small scale mining operation doesn’t require a massive fixed plant. With the right mobile crushing equipment, you can achieve high production, low operating costs, and maximum flexibility.
Whether you’re processing hard rock gold ore or soft limestone, SUHMAN’s compact tracked crushers provide the reliability and speed you need to start generating revenue quickly.
Get a free consultation & quote: Contact us at +86 13856971828 or email ahsuhman@163.com
Explore our small scale mining equipment:https://ahsuhman.com/
