Analyser slashes processing costs
A CSIRO-developed copper ore sorting analyser identifies waste before it enters the plant, minimising the significant costs associated with processing waste rock from low grade ore.
Using magnetic resonance technology to penetrate through copper, gold and iron bearing ore – much like a medical MRI – the analyser rejects large volumes of waste rock earlier in the process.
This results in up to a 20 per cent reduction in costs, including a reduction in energy and water required for processing.
CSIRO said the technology will be available to the international copper market through NextOre, a company it has established with RFC Ambrian and Advisan Digital.
In the next 12 months, NextOre will engage primarily with the South American and Canadian markets, with contracts already secured with two top-tier producers.
CSIRO research director Nick Cutmore said bringing the analyser to market through NextOre “opened up the opportunity to transform the global copper industry and reduce its environmental footprint”.
“NextOre has identified 59 mature copper mine sites where the analyser could be applied to extend their life, capturing 35 per cent of global copper production,” Mr Cutmore said.
“The solution could also enable undeveloped, low grade mines to be brought into production, so the economic benefits are huge.”
“NextOre has identified 59 mature copper mine sites where the analyser could be applied to extend their life, capturing 35 per cent of global copper production.”