In a bold stride towards revolutionising underground mining, NextOre has unveiled its OG3 sensor system, a technology that promises to redefine how copper miners approach ore sorting and resource management. This isn’t just another incremental improvement; it’s a world-first that could significantly alter the landscape of underground mining operations.
The OG3 sensor system leverages magnetic resonance (MR) analysis to determine ore grade swiftly and cost-effectively. This capability allows miners to sort valuable minerals from waste, leading to substantial reductions in fuel, water, electricity, and chemical consumption. Moreover, it curtails the production of wet tailings per tonne of copper, addressing both economic and environmental concerns.
The first deployment of the OG3 sensor is slated for an underground mine in New South Wales this year. Initially, it will be used for 30 to 50-tonne mine trucks, but the potential doesn’t stop there. NextOre envisions expanding its application to load-haul-dump bucket loads, further boosting underground efficiency. By enabling real-time ore grade measurement, the sensor empowers operators to reduce unnecessary haulage, improve ore blending, enhance downstream processing efficiency, and optimise material movement.
Chris Beal, CEO of NextOre, underscores the significance of this technology in the current mining climate. “With traditional large-scale capital expansion projects becoming less viable, operators are seeking smarter, lower-risk solutions that deliver value,” Beal states. The OG3 sensor fits this bill perfectly, designed to be easy to install, simple to operate, and capable of providing fast, actionable insights. The higher the grade of the material, the quicker the analysis, making it a highly efficient tool for underground mining.
NextOre’s journey to this point has been marked by innovation and adaptation. The technology behind the OG3 sensor was initially commercialised for conveyor belt applications and has since been refined over decades of research and development by the CSIRO. Its adaptation for analysing ore transported by underground copper trucks represents a significant leap forward.
The global footprint of NextOre continues to expand, with MR analyser installations in high-capacity operations such as First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Copper Mine in Zambia and a 6,500 tonnes per hour conveyor application in Chile. These deployments highlight the versatility and scalability of NextOre’s technology, positioning it as a key player in the future of mining.
The introduction of the OG3 sensor system is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a call to action for the mining industry. It challenges the status quo, pushing miners to adopt smarter, more sustainable practices. As the sector grapples with the need for increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact, technologies like the OG3 sensor offer a path forward. They enable miners to do more with less, to extract value more intelligently, and to operate in a manner that is both economically viable and environmentally responsible.
The deployment of the OG3 sensor in New South Wales will be a critical test case. If successful, it could set a new standard for underground mining, driving a wave of innovation and transformation across the sector. The mining industry is at a crossroads, and technologies like the OG3 sensor could very well shape the path it takes. The question now is, will miners embrace this change, or will they cling to the old ways, risking obsolescence in an increasingly competitive and environmentally conscious world? The future of underground mining hangs in the balance, and the OG3 sensor could be the catalyst for a new era of efficiency and sustainability.