Ore Sorting Services

Ore sorting is the process of separating valuable minerals from waste rock (gangue) before further processing, improving efficiency and reducing costs in mining operations. This is typically done using sensor-based technologies that detect differences in colour, density, magnetic properties, or X-ray response between ore and waste material.

The main goal of ore sorting is to increase the concentration of valuable minerals, reduce the amount of material sent to processing plants, and lower energy and chemical usage. It is commonly applied in mineral processing, quarrying, and mining for metals like gold, copper, iron, and rare earths.

The cost of ore sorting depends on factors such as the type of mineral, the sorting technology used, plant capacity, and project scale. Small-scale or portable sorting systems may cost tens of thousands of dollars, while large industrial installations can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions for high-capacity, sensor-based systems.

Operating costs include energy, maintenance, labour, and consumables, and are influenced by the ore grade, feed volume, and desired recovery rate. Mining companies typically assess cost per tonne of processed ore to determine the economic viability of implementing ore sorting technology.

Ore sorting uses sensor-based technologies to separate valuable minerals from waste rock. Common technologies include:

• X-ray transmission (XRT) – detects differences in atomic density to distinguish ore from gangue.
• Near-infrared (NIR) or visible light sensors – identify minerals based on colour or chemical composition.
• Electromagnetic or induction sensors – detect magnetic properties of certain ores.
• Laser or optical imaging – analyses shape, size, and surface characteristics for sorting.
• Density-based separation – uses air, water, or gravity to separate heavier ore particles from lighter waste.

These technologies allow precise, high-speed sorting, improving recovery rates, reducing processing costs, and minimising environmental impact.

Yes, ore sorting can significantly improve mining efficiency by separating valuable minerals from waste rock before processing. By removing low-grade or waste material early, it reduces the volume of ore sent to mills or crushers, lowering energy, water, and chemical usage.

This leads to higher-grade feed for processing plants, improved recovery rates, reduced operating costs, and smaller environmental footprints. Ore sorting also allows mines to focus on higher-value material, optimise logistics, and increase overall productivity.

Ore sorting can be applied to a wide range of minerals and ores, depending on their physical and chemical properties. Commonly sorted materials include:

• Gold and silver – to concentrate precious metals from low-grade ore.
• Copper, nickel, and zinc – base metals for industrial use.
• Iron ore – separating high-grade iron from waste rock.
• Tin, tungsten, and rare earth elements – for specialised industrial applications.
• Diamonds and industrial minerals – including phosphate, lithium, and quartz.

The effectiveness of sorting depends on differences in density, colour, magnetic properties, or X-ray response between the ore and waste material.