TOMRA Mining is shaking things up in the lithium extraction game with its advanced sorting technology, and the impact is already being felt at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilangoora operation in Western Australia. This cutting-edge installation, part of the ambitious P680 Expansion Project, boasts an impressive capacity of over 1,000 tonnes per hour. It’s not just about moving rock; it’s about transforming how we think about ore recovery and energy consumption in the mining sector.
Last year, Pilbara Minerals hit a milestone by commissioning the world’s largest lithium ore sorting plant, a feat that TOMRA had already hinted at back in 2023. What makes this facility stand out is its ability to enhance lithium recovery while simultaneously boosting the quality of the final product. The cherry on top? It significantly cuts down on energy use by eliminating waste early in the process. This is a game-changer in hard-rock lithium processing, as it tackles one of the industry’s biggest challenges: sifting through spodumene ore mixed with barren host rock.
Gavin Rech, TOMRA Mining’s Area Sales and Technical Manager for Australia, nailed it when he said, “The success of this project is a testament to TOMRA Mining’s collaborative approach and capacity to deliver innovative, large-scale, high-capacity sorting solutions tailored to the unique demands of our clients.” This isn’t just about tech; it’s about teamwork and a shared vision for a more efficient future in mining.
The heart of the operation lies in TOMRA’s high-precision sensor-based sorting technology, which employs ten sorters strategically placed throughout the circuit. These include four TOMRA XRT COM TER for fines, three TOMRA XRT COM2.0 for mid-sized particles, and three TOMRA PRO Primary Color for coarse-sized particles. By removing barren material upstream, this technology enhances the efficiency of downstream processes, trimming energy consumption by a whopping 8-15 GWh annually. That’s not just a number; it’s a tangible reduction in operational costs and environmental impact.
Rech elaborated on the significance of this upstream sorting: “The ore sorters enable a better utilisation of the resource as they remove contamination from the ore upstream.” This means that the wet plant doesn’t waste energy, water, and reagents on barren ore, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient process. The result? Consistent product quality and maximized recovery rates.
TOMRA’s journey with Pilbara Minerals began back in 2017 with extensive geological assessments and bulk testing at their Sydney Test Center. These tests validated the sorting equipment’s performance under real-world conditions, laying the groundwork for the sorting plant’s design. The collaboration didn’t stop there; TOMRA partnered closely with Pilbara Minerals and engineering partner DRA Global to ensure every detail of the project was meticulously planned and executed.
With a global team of specialists mobilized from Australia, South Africa, Germany, and beyond, TOMRA ensured that the project met its deadlines and ramped up to full operation seamlessly. This commitment doesn’t end with installation; TOMRA has signed on for a 24-month service contract, offering on-site support every single day of the year to optimize sorter performance and tackle any operational hiccups.
As the mining industry grapples with rising energy costs and environmental scrutiny, TOMRA’s advanced sorting technology stands as a beacon of innovation. It’s clear that the future of lithium mining is not just about extracting more; it’s about extracting smarter. The ripple effects of this project could very well set a new standard in the sector, pushing others to rethink their strategies and invest in technologies that prioritize efficiency and sustainability. The question now is: who’s going to take the next leap?
