Optimum Sorting unveils a new patented mining technology that allows for even more precise sorting of ores based on their composition. This groundbreaking innovation, using UV light and lasers, is uniquely positioned in the market. The technology not only boosts mining profitability but also enhances processing efficiency and minimizes ore waste by diverting low-value material. This new technology was developed for detecting and sorting spodumene, a valuable mineral used in lithium production. In the next article, we’ll delve into the unique features of this innovation and discover how it can enhance your production process.

Breakthrough in spodumene sorting

Optimum Sorting’s patented UV laser technology specifically targets the sorting of spodumene. Spodumene is a lithium-bearing mineral that is typically found in pegmatite, an igneous rock primarily composed of large crystals of quartz, feldspars, and micas. The goal is to separate the rare spodumene as efficiently as possible from other materials.

Spodumene has a significant economic value due to its high concentration of lithia, which is essential for lithium production. Lithium is in high demand, particularly for battery manufacturing. In the past, the hard rock lithium mining industry primarily relied on x-ray technology during the sorting process. However, this method had significant limitations, such as the difficulty in distinguishing between spodumene and quartz. With Optimum Sorting’s new technology, this can be changed. Read on to discover how this innovation works.

How UV light can make a difference

The solution for detecting valuable spodumene lies in the use of UV-LIF (light induced fluorescence) laser sorting. How exactly does this work? By using UV-LIF, the spodumene is ‘charged’ thanks to a specific type of UV light. When spodumene is exposed to the right UV light for a sufficient amount of time, it emits a pink glow (see image below). The laser scanner in Optimum Sorting’s machines can detect the wavelength of this glow and thus distinguish spodumene from other minerals or rocks. This makes UV-LIF the only ore-separation technology that can specifically target spodumene.

With the sorting program’s interface, a threshold value can be set for the ‘accept’ stream. This means a specific purity level can be targeted for each piece of spodumene that goes through the machine. In short, thanks to this patented technology, detecting spodumene is now easier than ever; and in a more efficient and sustainable way.

Key benefits of UV-LIF laser sorting

This innovative approach to detecting ores with UV light comes with several benefits. It enables ore separation to be performed more quickly, efficiently, cost-effectively, and sustainably.

1. Reduced processing costs: crushing and grinding ores are responsible for about 60% of the operational and energy costs of a typical mine. However, by replacing conventional processes with ore separation using UV light, much smaller crushing, screening, and mica removal circuits are required. This leads to lower investment and processing costs.
2. Rapid startup: UV-LIF spodumene ore sorters are modular and container­ised applications, making them quicker to design, construct and commission than fixed plants. Coupled with a contract mobile crushing and screening plant, the opportunity for a lithium project to generate cashflow while still in the construction phase becomes apparent.
3. Lower operational costs: the operational costs associated with conventional installations, such as pumps, cyclones, pipes, and screens, are largely eliminated. Additionally, due to less moving parts, ore sorters experience a lower unplanned failure rate than more complex circuits. Start up and shut downs are comparatively simple.
4. Smaller footprint: Optimum Sorting’s compact installations ensure a significant smaller plant footprint. With less material handling required, it consumes less energy and has a lower carbon footprint.
5. Reduced water consumption: this form of ore separation is a predominantly dry process and does not require the process water and service water infrastructure of a conventional plant. In areas where water is scarce (such as mines in Africa and Australia), this is a major advantage.

Enhancing sustainability in hard rock lithium mining

Optimum Sorting’s UV-LIF laser sorting opens up new possibilities for extracting spodumene in a more sustainable way. This process requires significantly less water and energy, and results in lower CO2 emissions. This technology serves as a highly flexible and compact alternative to traditional ore separation methods, presenting numerous opportunities. Extensively tested at various locations around the globe, this innovative solution is now patented by Optimum Sorting.

Ventus: radically updated for the best results in mining

The Ventus is a free-fall laser sorter, specifically designed for processing and sorting dense objects. With the expertise and knowledge of Optimum Sorting’s team, the original model has been radically revamped with features to achieve the best results in hard rock lithium mining applications. The Ventus is equipped with up to 16 lasers (and 32 laser sensors). Thanks to the high laser scan speed of over 3,333 scans per second, this machine delivers the highest possible resolution. Additionally, all the different laser signals are processed simultaneously by a Multi-Dimensional Laser System (MDL), which surpasses all other systems.

For UV-LIF laser sorting, the Ventus can be equipped with a double-sided lighting system that optimally illuminates the ore from different sides. When the ore is exposed to the right light frequency long enough, the spodumene will ‘charge’. Built-in laser scanners detect this glow and convert the signals into pixels. Once multiple pixels exceed a certain value, the ore is directed to a separate stream. Therefore, air valves direct the ore with a high spodumene concentration onto a separate conveyor belt.

Interested in a demo?

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