PRE-CONCENTRATION & ORE SORTING
Rados XRF + MODOS plant at Blesberg
forefront of the industry , as we use AI ( artificial intelligence ) sorting algorithms in our processing technologies .”
He added : “ Achieving up to 89 % recovery rates and the capability to process lithium ore with efficiency and precision is a testament to our team and their commitment to innovation , as well as our partners at Rados . These results also support our aim to deliver significant volumes of a saleable high-grade lithium spodumene product this year .”
One of the highlighted features of the Rados XRF + MODOS sorting plant module is its AIdriven algorithm to manage Blesberg ’ s pegmatite ore . This AI system , operational both in the laboratory and on site , effectively adjusted to the mine ’ s spodumene XRF + spectrum patterns , securing high recovery rates and maintaining consistent product quality , the company says .
The Rados XRF + MODOS sorting plant module ’ s performance at Blesberg represents a milestone in the mechanical dry processing of lithium ore , achieving spodumene recoveries consistently exceeding 85 %, it added .
Rados explained : “ The sorter ’ s ability to identify and sort a variety of spodumene , other valuable minerals and waste types , based on unique XRF + characteristics , underscores its contribution to improving grade control and product quality .”
The Rados MODOS plant was delivered within a three-month timeline and required just an additional three weeks for on-site commissioning and training at Blesberg . The plant module was supplied on a turnkey basis , underpinned by performance and cost warranties , with Rados saying the MODOS plant performance continued to comply with the contractual performance warranties .
Rados says its initial future focus for this particle sorting focused solution will be on lithium / tantalum , lead / zinc , silver , copper , cobalt and gold , where significant sorting value propositions have been demonstrated in test work .
On the bulk sorting side , Rados and MMD continue to build on their collaboration , with plans to soon present a new In-pit Bulk Ore Sorting Solution . This , Rados says , shall complement the existing online Bulk Ore Sorting Solution provided by Rados and MMD .
The online Rados and MMD Bulk Ore Sorting Solution integrates feeding , sizing , sorting and conveying equipment from MMD as well as the Rados Conveyor Belt Analyser ( Rapbos CB ) for real-time grade control . This ensures a tailored ore feed for consistent performance and reduced downstream process variations , Rados says .
This approach efficiently eliminates 10-30 % of barren ore upfront , preserving high recovery rates and supplying higher-grade ore directly to the processing plant , according to Rados .
Bunting beefs up overband magnets
In magnetic separation , one of the key solutions used to separate material on a conveyor belt is an overband magnet .
The highest wear part on an overband magnet is the belt that transfers the separated metal away from the conveyor and into a collection area . To reduce such wear , Bunting developed a special lightweight armouring for the rubber belt .
In operation , an overband magnet sits over a conveyor transporting materials such as aggregate , waste , shredded wood or mined ore . The magnetic field of the overband magnet , generated by either a permanent magnet or an electromagnetic block , attracts ferrous metal from the conveyed material up and onto the revolving self-cleaning belt . Rubber upstands on the belt catch the lifted metal , transporting it away from the conveyed material into a separate collection area .
The force of the ferrous metal striking against the self-cleaning rubber belt is significant due to the magnetic attractive energy of the permanent or electromagnetic block increasing as the metal moves closer to the face . This means the metal is accelerating into the belt . The moving belt becomes sandwiched between the lifted metal and the magnetic block momentarily , until the upstand catches and drags the item away and out of the magnetic field .
Applications in which self-cleaning belts experience high levels of wear include : n When there are high amounts of ferrous metal present in the conveyed material ; n When the ferrous metal is large and heavy ; n When there are nails or thin and sharp ferrous metals ; and n When the magnetic block has additional magnetic force , as with the ElectroMax and ElectroMax-Plus models . To combat excessive wear and extend the life of a self-cleaning belt ,
Bunting ’ s engineers have designed a lightweight but heavy-duty
To combat excessive wear and extend the life of a self-cleaning belt , Bunting ’ s engineers have designed a lightweight but heavy-duty armouring for the belt
armouring for the belt . There were other options , including special wearresistant belt coatings and other types of rubber belt , however the armouring provided unrivalled protection , significantly lengthening belt life , according to Bunting .
The armouring on the rubber belt is comprised of high-density polyethylene ( HDPE ) slats . Each slat is 100-mm wide and 10-mm thick , with a length to suit the model of overband magnet . The slats are fastened to the belt using special 304 stainless steel elevator bucket bolts and nyloc nuts .
“ The introduction of this design of armoured belt has proven very popular ,” Adrian Coleman , Bunting ’ s Technical Director , says . “ Other types of belt armouring have proven unsuccessful , but the HDPE has worked exceptionally well .”
62 International Mining | MARCH 2024