Scout to assist in measuring the recovery of gold real-time in gold processing plants , Nigel Grigg ,

General Manager – Global Sales & Solutions , Gekko Systems , says .

“ We are really excited about these new design elements which will improve value and returns for our clients as well as improve ease of operation ,” he said . “ Now gold grades can be measured in real time compared with the traditional assay-based process which can often result in two-day delays . Operating management will be able to respond immediately if there is a gold excursion or if the data provides other insights into plant trends . This is a breakthrough technology which is now even more affordable and will deliver higher yields in processing plants .”

The OLGA has at its heart the world-first proprietary “ Golden Eye ” lens technology developed and designed in Australia ’ s government-funded CSIRO research laboratories . This component measures gold grade in slurries and solutions combined including low grade slurry streams down to as low 0.1 parts per million . Other elements are also measured including copper , silver , platinum

and nickel . The multiplexing feature will allow for up to four streams within a processing plant to be assessed for gold grades , according to Gekko .

The OLGA is the only realtime online measurement system purpose built for gold ,

Gekko claims . The unit is typically installed to measure the cyclone overflow stream in CIL leach circuits , around the electrowinning circuit and on flotation feed , tails and concentrate . With the multiplexing function , the

OLGA can switch measurement of grade from stream to stream .

“ The technology represents a significant step forward in the potential to automate gold leaching circuits ,” Grigg says . Another key feature of OLGA is the dedicated sample feed line , facilitating continuous sampling of large volumes with no potential for crosscontamination . The system also offers additional sample points for ad-hoc samples , providing flexibility and adaptability to changing operational needs . Furthermore , the ad-hoc samples can be analysed as batch samples , minimising sampling errors and substituting the need for other sampling systems .

The OLGA Mk3 has undergone rigorous

testing and refinement to ensure its robustness , reliability and accuracy in various operational conditions , while offering low maintenance requirements , Gekko says .

Gekko says OLGA ’ s development was supported by collaboration partners who assisted and provided critical feedback to improve an earlier OLGA technology design . That collaboration included the management and technical teams at Gold Fields , CSIRO , Orway IQ ,

Core to the assessment was an OLGA

Curtin University , METS Ignited and Gekko Systems . installation at Gruyere Gold Mine ( a JV between

Gold Fields and Gold Road Resources ) where the

OLGA achieved excellent results indicating a strong correlation between the automated OLGA and manual assay data and giving the Gekko team the confidence to further develop the OLGA ,

Gekko concluded . https :// www . gekkos . com

the front-mounted operator cabin features threeperson seating , climate-controlled air conditioning , ergonomic central driving position

with air management and electronic control lead to high productivity and exceptional service life . An optional full-flow DPF may be fitted in place of

profile E15 it says is a welcome addition to the

with a clear 180-degree view , and dial controller

the standard muffler and catalytic converter on

existing range of E10 ( formerly WR810 ) support

for the retarder , speed and implement controls .

Tier 3 models .

vehicles , with both base platforms sharing a high

Operator comfort and convenience is further

All engine and machine isolation functions are

level of interchangeability of parts and

enhanced with an air-cooled compartment for

conveniently located on one panel accessible

components .

lunch box storage , cupholders and smartphone

from ground level on the left-hand side . All

The significance of the model number is the

charging ports .

service points such as tanks , filters , lubrication

letter ‘ E ’ represents Elphinstone , and the

The combination of the A-frame front axle

points and compartment drains are conveniently

numeral ’ 15 ’ indicates the nominal capacity in

suspension , oscillating hitch and air-suspended

located at ground level for servicing .

metric tonnes ( depending on the configuration ).

seats , deliver a high level of machine comfort to

The monitoring system and alarm strategy

The first machines to be released include the

the operator and passengers . The oscillating

provides a 3-tier warning and shutdown

E15 Agitator 7m 3 ( pictured ), E15 Delivery

hitch ensures 4-wheel ground contact and

functionality alerting the operator of any

( nominal 15 t capacity and 8.8 tm crane ), E15 Flat

reduced wear on the hitch and steering

abnormalities and automatically limits the

Deck ( nominal 16 t capacity ), E15 Water Tank

components . Nitrogen charged hydraulic

machine ’ s functions . Onboard advanced machine

( nominal 13,000 L capacity ), and E15 Fuel & Lube

suspension cylinders and A-frame provide

diagnostics provide the operator and

( diesel , lubricants , grease , coolant , DEF , water &

superior front axle ride quality over rough terrain .

maintenance staff valuable information which

air ). Additional models will be released in the

Common to both the E15 and E10 range , the

simplifies machine servicing . All the application

future .

engine front frame can accommodate optional

modules pin and or bolt to the common rear

Headlining the E15 series is the Agitator 7 m3 ,

Cat C7.1 Tier 3 or Tier 4 Final engine

frame , including the 7 m 3 agitator bowl . With

built to thrive in harsh underground hard rock

arrangements featuring Caterpillar ’ s

16.00 R20 tyres , heavy-duty axles and different

mining conditions , providing outstanding ride

breakthrough ACERT™ Technology to meet

weight distribution , the machine has greater

and handling with excellent manoeuvrability and

exhaust emission reduction standards .

carrying capacity .

turning circle , says Elphinstone . At 2.4 m high ,

The engine ’ s efficient fuel delivery combined

An optional feature of the E15 are the front and

s

6 International Mining | MARCH 2024