Crushing Basalt with Fewer Machines and Better Results
How El Camino in Paraguay optimized its basalt processing using the RM 120GO!
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Crushing Basalt with Fewer Machines and Better Results
How El Camino in Paraguay optimized its basalt processing using the RM 120GO!
watch video
A Complex Process Simplified
In Paraguay’s eastern region, around 80% of quarries deal with noble basalt – a hard, tough, yet non-abrasive rock. Traditionally, processing this type of material involved a complex setup: three crushing stages – a jaw, two cone crushers plus a screen. It meant high investment, more maintenance, and complicated logistics. That all changed when El Camino decided to rethink its approach.
How El Camino Uses Just Two Machines
Juan Carlos Fischer, CEO of El Camino, explains:
“We found a great solution with the RM 120GO! (previous model, now 120X) by combining a jaw crusher and the RM 120GO! impactor — which includes an attached screen — we produce base and subbase materials that meet grading requirements.”
Before, the process required three crushers plus a screen. Now, El Camino achieves better quality with just two machines.
A Perfect Fit for Paraguay: Base and Subbase in a Single Pass
With its mobility, the RM 120GO! is ideal for Paraguay’s basalt-rich geography. Instead of hauling material long distances, El Camino now brings the plant directly to the material – saving time, transport costs, and emissions. Thanks to this setup, they process material directly on-site in a single pass. The result: high-quality base and subbase materials with ideal grading, fewer processing steps, and major cost savings.
Can Impact Crushers Handle Hard Rock?
One of the most common concerns in the region is whether impact crushers can handle hard rock. Juan Carlos Fischer sets the record straight:
“Fifteen or twenty years ago, people talked about impact crushers, but we were hesitant because we thought they were only for soft stone like limestone. But the RM 120GO! worked very well on basalt. That completely changed our mindset.”
Today, many other companies in Paraguay have followed suit. According to Fischer, at least 6 to 8 companies now use the same machine for the same purpose – a clear indication that the approach has proven effective in practice.
At a Glance
El Camino’s optimized basalt crushing process demonstrates how fewer machines — combined with smart technology like the RM 120GO! — can deliver superior results, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This success story is reshaping basalt processing in Paraguay and beyond.
RUBBLE MASTER mobile impact crushers can process basalt rock as a primary or secondary crusher after a jaw crusher.
High Reduction Ratio
Ideal for primary and secondary basalt crushing applications.
Quality Aggregates
Consistent cubical rock shape, adjustable aggregate gradation.
High Mobility
“In Buenos Aires, Argentina, for instance, stones are transported about 300 km from Olavarría. In such cases, fixed plants may make sense, but in Paraguay, the mobile concept proves to be excellent!”
RM 120X Specs
| Capacity | up to 350 tph up to 385 TPH |
| Inlet opening | 1,160 x 820 mm 46" x 32" |
| Ideal feed size | 660 mm 26 " |
| Crusher unit | 4-bar rotor 4-bar rotor |
| Feed unit | 4 m³ 5.2 yd³ |
| Feed unit (extended) | 5 m³ 6.5 yd³ |
| Prescreen Grizzly (standard) | 1,560 x 910 mm 5.3 x 3 ft |
| Active Prescreen (optional) | 2,000 x 1,050 mm 6.5 x 3.5 ft |
| Screen-box | 1,480 x 3,708 mm 5 x 12 ft |
| Drive | diesel-electric diesel-electric |
| Transport dimension | 16,180 x 2,990 x 3,600 mm 52‘10” x 9‘11” x 10‘6“ |
| Weight (no options) | 39,000 kg 85,980 lbs |
| Weight incl screen attachment | 45,600 kg 100,530 lbs |
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