The mining industry stands on the brink of a transformative era, driven by innovations that promise to reshape how we extract value from the earth. NextOre, a player in this space since its inception in 2017, is making waves with its cutting-edge Magnetic Resonance Technology (MRA), which is revolutionizing large-scale ore sorting. According to Rod Tayler, the sales head at NextOre, this advanced sensor system is not just about increasing metal recovery; it’s about fundamentally changing the economics of mining while enhancing environmental stewardship.
NextOre was born from a collaboration between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), RFC Ambrian, and Worley, pooling expertise from scientific research, investment advisement, and engineering consultancy. Their mission is clear: unlock the full economic value of ore bodies while minimizing the environmental footprint of mining operations. Tayler emphasizes that their technology is a game-changer, especially in an era where declining ore grades pose significant challenges. “Our technology improves mining efficiency and helps tackle declining ore grades by making sure no metal is left behind and reducing the waste, maximizing the economic value of that body,” he states.
The MRA operates on principles akin to those found in medical MRI technology. It provides real-time measurements of ore parcels, automatically sorting high-grade ore from the low-grade material before processing begins. This preemptive sorting is crucial, as it boosts ore head grades, extends the life of mines, and ultimately enhances metal production while slashing processing costs. Tayler notes that the MRA can deliver precision ore grading for copper in just two to four seconds, with potential feed rates soaring up to 12,000 tons per hour. This capability is particularly impressive given its ability to handle significant variations in feed particle size without requiring ongoing calibration.
What sets NextOre apart is its commitment to safety and efficiency. The MRA relies on very high frequency (VHF) radio frequencies, steering clear of radiation-based methods that come with heavy occupational health and safety regulations. This choice not only simplifies operational processes but also broadens the technology’s applicability in regions where radiation methods may be restricted.
The implications are profound. By identifying valuable ore within pit shells that might otherwise be discarded, NextOre’s technology opens the door to substantial fiscal gains without the need for scaling up mining operations. Tayler explains, “The mineralogy of copper is such that the orebody will have a dominant mineral, such as chalcopyrite, that is highly sensing to the VHF frequency that the MRA produces.” This specificity allows for effective grading and bulk ore sorting, maximizing the potential of the ore body.
NextOre’s MRA technology has already made its mark across various global mine sites, with notable success at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi mine in Zambia, now recognized as the largest on-conveyor ore sorter in the world. Pilot trials at Capstone Mining’s Cozamin mine in Mexico also yielded impressive results, with a reported 7.5% increase in copper production achieved without any additional mining efforts.
As the mining sector grapples with sustainability challenges and fluctuating resource availability, innovations like NextOre’s MRA are not just welcome; they are essential. The ability to recover more metal while reducing waste and conserving water positions the industry to meet future demands responsibly. As we look ahead, the adoption of such technologies could very well define the next chapter in mining, where profitability and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. The question remains: how quickly will the industry embrace these advancements, and what will that mean for the future of mining?
