ANALYSIS AND SORTING
introduction of a new Epsilon 1 X- ray fluorescence( XRF) spectrometer. This new member of the Epsilon 1 family has been designed for small spot analysis, and is the most powerful benchtop spectrometer in its class. It provides a compact and costeffective‘ out-of-the-box’ solution, ready for the analysis of small inclusions in rocks, as an example. The instrument can handle a large variety of sample types, from small objects to larger final products. They can all be placed directly in the spectrometer without the need of any sample preparation. The integrated colour camera allows straightforward positioning of the sample directly in front of the small measurement spot. The small footprint and self-contained design make the Epsilon 1 an ideal solution for elemental analysis and can be placed close to the sample location, like exploration sites.
Steinert success in Australian gold sorting
Mining company Pantoro Ltd recently advised that it has completed extensive sorting test work on ore from the Nicolsons gold mine in Western Australia. As a result of the testing and financial
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In Australia, Pantoro has placed an order for and committed to installation of a STEINERT KSS Multi-Sensor Ore Sorter
analysis, Pantoro has placed an order for and committed to installation of a STEINERT Multi- Sensor Ore Sorter: n Ore sorting trials conducted with multiple suppliers, all demonstrating outstanding results n A STEINERT multi-sensor ore sorter has been ordered and detailed engineering is nearing completion n Site works have commenced, and the ore sorter is planned to be fully operational in April 2018 n Overall gold recovery of 95 to 98 % in test samples depending on ore type n Once installed, ore sorting is expected to result in a 30 to 60 % reduction in material reporting to the mill, resulting in mill feed grades of 1.5 to 2.5 times the mined grade based on test samples completed to date n Ore sorting is expected to facilitate planned gold production increases with only minor additional works required in
the processing plant. Pantoro intends to complete the upgrade out of cash flow and existing cash reserves. Delivery of the ore sorter from Germany to Fremantle Port took place during December 2017. Commenting on the ore sorting developments, Managing Director Paul Cmrlec said:“ Ore sorting has been a major consideration for increasing capacity of the Nicolsons processing plant for some time and we are thankful to STEINERT for their assistance and flexibility in expediting the purchase and delivery of the machine. We are confident that the highly advanced ore sorting technology will return excellent recovery of ore, while substantially increasing feed grade to the mill.”
“ The installation of the ore sorter will enable us to immediately process the large low grade stockpiles which have been building since mining commenced at Nicolsons as part of the ROM feed. These stockpiles would otherwise remain dormant until the end of mine life. In addition, Pantoro remains focussed on continuing to increase ore production from Nicolsons underground mine in the immediate term, and to commencement of underground mining beneath the Wagtail and Rowdies open pits during the first half of next year.”
“ We are continuing our strategy of aggressive underground and surface drilling campaigns aimed at substantially increasing Ore Reserves by the middle of 2018, ahead of ramping up to our targeted production rates of 80,000-100,000 ounces per annum. The installation of the ore sorter simplifies and substantially reduces the time and cost of the required processing plant upgrade to achieve our goal. We intend to complete the installation of the ore sorter and other upgrades out of cashflow from the operation.”
Gold Fields is also using STEINERT ore sorting equipment at Agnew mine in Western Australia. Agnew is working with STEINERT to improve sorting of underground stope material. This will sort underground stope material based on quartz content, helping to remove diluting material with no quartz and retain lower tonnage, and maintain a higher grade mill feed. This has reduced processing costs by not processing diluting material; increased available capacity in the CIL plant; reduced underground cutoff grades through reduced processing costs; and opened up new
16 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2018