ORE SORTING
well represented at this surface level , we can measure what is coming back at great speed and with great accuracy ,” he told IM .
Most bulk sorting exercises start with an assessment of grade-based information coming off the sensor or sensors being applied to the material in question . Following this analysis , an assessment of whether the material is deemed ore or waste is made .
SpectraFlow is looking to take a different route .
“ We have found the most power in NIR is its ability to measure waste minerals ,” Dutton said . “ This is where we differ from all the other solutions on the market .
“ By measuring both your waste minerals and your ore-containing minerals through lithological analysis , you have a full suite of minerals . This allows you to not only identify and characterise rock type with the analyser , but also make an assessment of the grade of that material based on the ratio of ore-containing rock types and waste-containing rock types .”
Dutton has convinced two operations – one in copper and one in the PGM space – to carry out analysis based on this strategy .
“ In the platinum environment , we are sorting based on a suite of minerals they use for modelling flotation ,” he explained . “ You have various minerals that are key for that flotation process , and we can provide the data to place values on that graph to allow a decision to be made based on where it falls on the X / Y axis .
“ The operation can then take a view on how it may perform in flotation based on the characteristics and its in-house grade recovery model .”
SpectraFlow is arguably ahead of some of its rivals in taking such a ‘ whole of flowsheet ’ and lithological approach to ore sorting , yet it is of similar thinking to others in the bulk sorting space when it comes to where the analysis should happen .
“ You want to sort material early in a bulk sorting application ,” Dutton said . “ This should be as close to the primary crusher as possible .”
The company is also working on projects where its system could be used on mobile conveyors situated in the pit , where heterogeneity could be even higher . An overhead gantry-type system is another in-pit option , too , while SpectraFlow has previously installed a unit on an MMD surge loader in a “ waterfall-type ” application , according to Dutton .
“ All you need for our solution to work is a steel frame and some kind of cover for the analyser to protect it from stray light ,” he said . “ We don ’ t require a lot of energy – we are only powering halogen lamps – so there are plenty of options here .”
Dutton is excited by developments within the bulk ore sorting space and applying NIR on more projects in the future , knowing its success could change the supply dynamic in many commodities .
“ If bulk ore sorting is taken into account for the exploration and discovery of new deposits that would be significant ,” he said . “ Should infrastructure and mines be built around such analysis , you could start opening up a whole range of orebodies that weren ’ t previously viable .
“ This requires a massive mentality shift and some risk taking , but now – with commodity demand rising – is the right time to make this move .”
Rados promotes the best of both
Rados says it is the only pre-concentration technology company able to provide the full suite of sorting solutions , including bulk sorting , particle sorting and integrated sorting .
All of the company ’ s sorting solutions incorporate Rados XRF +, a highly differentiated and enhanced proprietary XRF technology that integrates sophisticated software and algorithms , advance AI and machine-learning functionality , together with proprietary hardware , “ enabling delivery of strong sorting value propositions for clients ”, it says .
In the bulk sorting field , Rados is collaborating with MMD Group , a supplier of proprietary materials handling equipment to the mining industry , for the provision of bulk sorting solutions .
Rados is also collaborating with Stark Resources for the provision of what it says is unique particle sorting solutions . Stark is a leader in sensor-based sorting and integrating the technology into upstream and downstream beneficiation processes .
“ These collaborations have an international
footprint , with the capability and capacity to facilitate accelerated market penetration for Rados XRF + sorting solutions , on a worldwide
Example of an MMD Rados Bulk Sorting Plant
basis ,” the company said , adding that provision of these solutions is underpinned by performance and cost warranties to mitigate client risk .
At the very start of the mining process , Rados can help mining companies with their plans to factor ore sorting into the equation .
Leveraging the Rados XRF + drill core analyser ( DCA ), Rados says it can fast-track the evaluation of the amenability of the client ’ s orebody to sorting . At the same time , it can provide the associated sorting value proposition , helping mitigate the risks in decision making and ultimate implementation of the XRF + sorting solution .
The DCA is a small and highly mobile unit , and undertakes on-site , direct ( no handling or manipulation of the drill core ), non-destructive analysis of drill cores in existing trays . It provides real time , accurate elemental grade data from a highly representative ore sample to facilitate the aforementioned sorting amenability and value proposition evaluation .
The DCA unit utilises a low energy X-ray generator , and is simple and safe to operate , according to the company .
The MMD Rados collaboration in bulk sorting enables the provision of strongly differentiated bulk sorting solutions to clients on a worldwide basis , according to Rados . It has two components for brownfield operations , being the Rados XRF + conveyor analyser and housing , and the MMD actuation system , both installed on the feed conveyor . For greenfield operations , the MMD Sizer and Feeder module can also be provided .
“ The unique ability of the Rados XRF + analyser to accurately measure ore grade in less than 10 second intervals , complemented by the unique ability of the MMD actuation system to actuate in less than 10 second intervals , ensures the outcome of optimal sorting value propositions for
48 International Mining | MARCH 2023