What's Happening?
EDM Resources Inc. has announced positive results from ore sorting testwork conducted by SGS Canada Inc. and Steinert USA laboratories on mineralized material from its 100% owned Scotia Mine in Nova Scotia. The testwork aimed to evaluate the potential
of XRF sensor-based ore sorting with AI-assisted programming to reject waste material before downstream mineral processing, while retaining a high proportion of zinc and lead. The results indicate that this method can significantly reduce the mass of material sent for processing, thereby upgrading the zinc and lead grades of the retained material. Specifically, the testwork showed a 26.1% increase in zinc grade to 20.7% and a 27.9% increase in lead grade to 19.4%. The ore sorting process achieved 93.2% zinc recovery and 94.8% lead recovery, while rejecting 25.2% of the original feed mass. This technology is estimated to have a 57% lower capital cost compared to Dense Media Separation (DMS), potentially saving approximately $2 million.
Why It's Important?
These positive ore sorting results are significant for EDM Resources Inc. and the mining industry, particularly in the context of optimizing mineral processing efficiency and reducing operational costs. The ability to pre-concentrate ore by rejecting waste material before it enters the main processing circuits can lead to substantial economic and environmental benefits. For EDM Resources Inc., this means potentially increasing the effective capacity of its existing 2,700 tonne-per-day mill concentrator at the Scotia Mine, reducing energy and reagent consumption, and minimizing the amount of waste material requiring management. The improved grades of zinc and lead entering the grinding and flotation circuits could also lead to higher concentrate production per tonne of material processed. This technological advancement offers a more adaptable and cost-effective pre-concentration solution compared to traditional methods like DMS, which could set a new standard for efficiency in mineral extraction.
What's Next?
EDM Resources Inc. plans to incorporate these ore sorting testwork results into its ongoing evaluation of processing alternatives for the Scotia Mine. The company intends to determine the most appropriate configuration for assessment in an updated Pre-Feasibility Study. This will involve further engineering, metallurgical assessment, and economic evaluation to fully understand the benefits and integration of this technology. The President and CEO, Mr. Mark Haywood, stated that these results represent an encouraging step towards optimizing the future processing configuration for the Scotia Mine using the latest available technology. The company will continue to explore how the combination of its existing processing infrastructure with modern ore sorting and pre-concentration technologies can improve the efficiency and economics of a future Scotia Mine operation.
Beyond the Headlines
The successful implementation of XRF sensor-based ore sorting with AI-assisted programming at the Scotia Mine could have broader implications for the mining sector. This technology represents a shift towards more intelligent and sustainable mining practices. By precisely identifying and separating valuable minerals from waste at an early stage, it reduces the overall environmental footprint of mining operations, including lower energy consumption and reduced waste generation. Ethically, this approach aligns with principles of resource efficiency and responsible mining. The significant reduction in capital costs compared to traditional methods like DMS could also make mining projects more financially viable, encouraging investment in new technologies and potentially extending the lifespan of existing mines by making lower-grade ores economically extractable. This development highlights the growing role of advanced sensor technology and artificial intelligence in transforming industrial processes.
