Particle sorting is ideal for low-throughput operations processing high-value ores. It involves scanning individual rocks, typically 1–3 inches in size, and using a customized algorithm to separate them at throughputs of 10 to 100 tonnes per hour per machine. This method offers highly selective pre-concentration, effectively discarding waste while maintaining high recovery rates, and has been successfully applied in both base and precious metal mining operations(Increasing Project Value With Ore Sorting | Ausenco, n.d.).
Bulk ore sorting systems represent a major advancement in mining performance for large-scale operations and have become commercially viable due to modern technological developments. While particle sorting has a proven track record, it has mostly been used in lower-capacity operations like diamond and tin mining(Understanding the Operation of Grinding Mills in the Mining and Mineral Processing Industry – NEWS – SMMVIK Machinery, n.d.).
Various sensors are used in ore sorting technologies, including X-ray Transmission (XRT) for density differences and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis. Near-Infrared (NIR), infrared, color cameras, lasers, and hyperspectral imaging detect optical and mineralogical properties, while electromagnetic and magnetic resonance tools assess conductivity and mineral content. Additionally, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) provides detailed elemental composition data(Sensor-Based Sorting | Saskatchewan Research Council, n.d.).
From separating diamonds to upgrading low-grade feeds, ore sorting technologies are incredibly diverse. What specific type of sensor technology would you choose for a fine-particle, high-tonnage application, and why? Let’s discuss!
Reference:
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Increasing Project Value With Ore Sorting | Ausenco. (n.d.). Ausenco English. Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://ausenco.com/insights/increasing-project-value-with-ore-sorting/
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Sensor-Based Sorting | Saskatchewan Research Council. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2025, from https://www.src.sk.ca/services/sensor-based-sorting
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Understanding the operation of grinding mills in the mining and mineral processing industry—NEWS – SMMVIK Machinery. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from https://www.millvik.com/news/understanding-the-operation-of-grinding.html
