HIGH PROFILE plant and on the conveyor . “ We are looking to , first , put more minimum viable products ( MVPs ) out in the market for beltbased solutions ,” he said . “ While our initial entry into this space was to look at bulk sorting – and we recognise this is still the ‘ big target ’ – [ the ] voice of [ the ] customer research has identified a huge need to provide plant-based systems for applications in managing stockpiles and feed grades .”
These MVPs are likely to be deployed on “ development partner ” sites with existing separation mechanisms downstream of the crusher – ie apron feeders – where diversions can be made based on the HSI and PSD data .
This same voice of the customer research highlighted the need for an in-pit system that could boost productivity , throughput and recovery ahead of the plant , yet the financial amount estimated for a commercial system based on the HSI and PSD sensor combination did not find favour .
“ This has led to our own research into what we feel is a new-to-the-world application or modification of standard HSI ,” Carpenter said . “ We believe this will give us a competitive edge in the market .”
Illumination restrictions and uses have often been touted as the potential drawbacks of using spectral imaging in the ore sorting space , which IM understands is one of the areas of focus for Weir ’ s own R & D and lab-based testing .
But there are also other factors to consider ahead of a commercial Weir proposition – whether that is in the pit or plant – landing on the market .
“ We don ’ t just want to be sensor salespeople ,” Carpenter says . “ The complexity and variety of applications will require a shift to specific solutions for our customers and the need to back that up with the aftermarket service our customers expect becoming their productivity partner .
“ What we are proposing is more than just technology ; it needs to be a solution that validates the value on a regular basis in a continuous loop .”
That same loop comes back to Carpenter ’ s and Lawie ’ s assessment of the industry need to acknowledge the value of such data ahead of adopting the technology .
“ Fortunately , our ‘ Mining technology for a
“ Based on our lab and field evaluations , we are convinced the technology will allow us to quickly and accurately monitor grade , alteration , deportment and deleterious minerals ,” Chris Carpenter says
sustainable future ’ focus at Weir is allowing us to invest the money the industry needs to provide both the value generation and value acknowledgement to make such solutions viable and effective ,” Carpenter concluded . “ This type of work – and orebody knowledge more widely – is critical for the future of mining .” IM
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SEPTEMBER 2024 | International Mining 71