Vertex Minerals has taken an exciting step by starting the commissioning of a brand-new ore sorter and pre-concentrator at its Hill End Gold plant, specifically within the Reward gold mine in Australia.
This advanced sorter leverages TOMRA’s LASER technology, aiming to enhance the rate at which gold can be recovered and processed.
By incorporating this cutting-edge sorting system, Vertex anticipates significant improvements not only in the plant’s efficiency but also in its environmental sustainability.
Commenting on the development, Roger Jackson, Vertex’s executive chairman, expressed enthusiasm: “The introduction and commissioning of the ore sorter is a thrilling milestone for us. This brings remarkable commercial and environmental advantages to Vertex. The Reward Gold ore aligns perfectly with this innovative technology.”
He further explained, “Upgrading the high-grade ore from Reward to an even superior grade will drastically cut down processing expenses and boost the returns per ton.”
Vertex attributes the success of its sorting process at Reward Gold to the TOMRA LASER system’s precision. This system excels at discerning and separating quartz from less valuable host rock. This accuracy is crucial because, in this ore, gold tends to be associated closely with quartz.
Moreover, TOMRA’s LASER sorting technology efficiently distinguishes gold-bearing quartz ore from waste materials—like slate and greywacke—before they reach the processing plant.
Vertex is confident that embracing this ore sorting technology will positively influence both the sustainability and profitability of its Reward operations.
Reports from the Reward gold mine indicate a dramatic 79% reduction in mass and a remarkable 337.2% increase in grade for ore particles ranging in size from 8mm to 50mm.
The benefits of processing higher-grade ore after sorting and reducing the volume of feed transported to the plant are clear: less operating time is needed, and there’s a reduction in operator hours, as well as energy and water consumption.
These efficiencies are projected to lower operating costs and decrease the carbon footprint.
Additionally, there will be a reduction in the volume of tailings material, mainly sand, which translates to further environmental, social, and governance advantages, alongside cost savings.
This week, TOMRA’s technicians are on-site to implement the laser sorter and seamlessly integrate it into the Hill End Gold plant’s workflow.
This commissioning period runs parallel with the ongoing commissioning and processing activities of gold ore using the gravity concentrator.
The original article, titled “Vertex commissions laser ore sorter at Reward gold mine in Australia,” was published by Mining Technology, a brand owned by GlobalData.
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