The Case: AllScan | Elemental Analyser, Nickel Ore, Ore Grade Control & Sorting.
Introduction.
Efficient ore sorting can be a valuable tool for maximizing yield and minimising waste in mining operations. This case study showcases how a South American nickel mine could utilise advanced real-time analysis algorithms to enhance their ore sorting process, employing the AllScan technology to manage the challenge of highly variable material.
The Challenge.
The client faced significant short-term variability in the grade of the mined material, creating difficulty in effectively sorting the ore using the status quo analysis methods. To address this, they required a solution capable of providing high-speed analysis whilst maintaining high precision close to cut off grade to determine if specific periods of mined material should be correctly removed through ore sorting.
The Solution.
Real Time Instruments trialed a novel analysis technique designed to balance the speed of analysis with precision, to provide the necessary information for optimal ore sorting. The data from the installed AllScan elemental sensor was processed to determine real-time analysis of the nickel content of the mined material on a very rapid update rate of 20 seconds. The data was analysed using the known precision of the data and decision made based using a confidence interval around the cutoff grade. This novel approach was tested against the normal analysis method and showed a marked improvement in the quality of the sort that could be achieved.
The Result.
The implementation of the AllScan and the novel analysis technique led to significant improvements in the sorting outcomes:
- Better Recovery: The recovery rate was better for the new analysis method against the status quo for all grade uplifts.
- Optimised Sorting: Greatly reduced the blocks of material that were incorrectly characterised as waste or ore.
By providing a tailored solution that integrated high-speed, precise analysis, RTI proved that this technology could allow the nickel mine to improve their sorting efficiency, resulting in better utilisation of resources and enhanced operational performance.
Other Potential Commodity Applications.
This technology has application in the context of ore grade control and stockpiling, where short-term material variability is high, making ore sorting using status quo analysis methods different.
