Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

A review of intelligent ore sorting technology and equipment development

  • Invited Review
  • Published:
International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Under the background of increasingly scarce ore worldwide and increasingly fierce market competition, developing the mining industry could be strongly restricted. Intelligent ore sorting equipment not only improves ore use and enhances the economic benefits of enterprises but also increases the ore grade and lessens the grinding cost and tailings production. However, long-term research on intelligent ore sorting equipment found that the factors affecting sorting efficiency mainly include ore information identification technology, equipment sorting actuator, and information processing algorithm. The high precision, strong anti-interference capability, and high speed of these factors guarantee the separation efficiency of intelligent ore sorting equipment. Color ore sorter, X-ray ore transmission sorter, dual-energy X-ray transmission ore sorter, X-ray fluorescence ore sorter, and near-infrared ore sorter have been successfully developed in accordance with the different characteristics of minerals while ensuring the accuracy of equipment sorting and improving the equipment sorting efficiency. With the continuous improvement of mine automation level, the application of online element rapid analysis technology with high speed, high precision, and strong anti-interference capability in intelligent ore sorting equipment will become an inevitable trend of equipment development in the future. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, transient γ neutron activation analysis, online Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques will promote the development of ore sorting equipment. In addition, the improvement and joint application of additional high-speed and high-precision operation algorithms (such as peak area, principal component analysis, artificial neural network, partial least squares, and Monte Carlo library least squares methods) are an essential part of the development of intelligent ore sorting equipment in the future.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. L. Panda, P.K. Banerjee, S.K. Biswal, R. Venugopal, and N.R. Mandre, Artificial neural network approach to assess selective flocculation on hematite and kaolinite, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 21(2014), No. 7, p. 637.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. G. Qian, On the development and utilization of low grade mineral resources, China Met. Bulletin., 2020, No. 1, p. 49.

  3. T. Henckens, Scarce mineral resources: Extraction, consumption and limits of sustainability, Resour. Conserv. Recycl., 169(2021), art. No. 105511.

  4. J. Lessard, J. de Bakker, and L. McHugh, Development of ore sorting and its impact on mineral processing economics, Miner. Eng., 65(2014), p. 88.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. X.P. Luo, X.H. Ning, T. Wang, P.C. Wang, and P.Y. He, Development and application of intelligent picking technology, Met. Mine, 2019, No. 7, p. 113.

  6. B. Sun, J.T. Dai, K.K. Huang, C.H. Yang, and W.H. Gui, Smart manufacturing of nonferrous metallurgical processes: Review and perspectives, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 29(2022), No. 4, p. 611.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. H. Wotruba and C. Robben, Sensor-based ore sorting in 2020, Automatisierungstechnik, 68(2020), No. 4, p. 231.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. J. Lessard, W. Sweetser, K. Bartram, J. Figueroa, and L. McHugh, Bridging the gap: Understanding the economic impact of ore sorting on a mineral processing circuit, Miner. Eng., 91(2016), p. 92.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. F. Zheng, Development of photoelectric sorter abroad, Nonferrous Met. Mineral Process., 1980, No. 2, p. 38.

  10. T. Ding, H.P. Xu, J.S. Wang, D.R. Liu and Z.W. Wang, Research of online ore sorter based on vision recognition technology, Equip. Manuf. Technol., 2014, No. 7, p. 106.

  11. Z.H. Wu, Ore pre concentration and discarding waste technology and selection of intelligent photoelectric beneficiation equipment, World Nonferrous Met., 2020, No. 16, p. 202.

  12. Robben and Wotruba, Sensor-based ore sorting technology in mining—Past, present and future, Minerals, 9(2019), No. 9, art. No. 523.

  13. H. Wotruba and H. Harbeck, Sensor-based sorting, [in] Ull-mann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim, 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  14. A. Cardenas-Vera, M. Hesse, R. Möckel, R. Gerhard Merker, T. Heinig, and Q.V. Phan, Investigation of Sensor-Based sorting and selective comminution for pre-concentration of an unusual parisite-rich REE ore, South Namxe, Vietnam, Miner. Eng., 177(2022), art. No. 107371.

  15. X.S. Wu, W. Zhang, X.K. Zhao, X. Gao and W.B. Huang, New development trend of sensor-based ore pre-concentration technology, China Min. Mag., 31(2022), No. 6, p. 10.

    Google Scholar 

  16. D.Y. Zhu, D.Y. Liang, P.W. Shi, H.X. Ran, and H.L. Shang, Research and development of ore sorting technology and equipments, Min. Process. Equip., 44(2016), No. 7, p. 5.

    Google Scholar 

  17. H.J. Wang, X.P. Liu, G. Wang, and S. Han, Optimization of mobile manipulator sorting path based on improved genetic algorithm, J. Beijing Univ. Posts Telecommun., 43(2020), No. 5, p. 34.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Y.F. Wu, L.R. Gao, B. Zhang, H.N. Zhao, and J. Li, Real-time implementation of optimized maximum noise fraction transform for feature extraction of hyperspectral images, J. Appl. Remote Sensing, 8(2014), No. 1, art. No. 084797.

  19. S.W. Wu, J. Yang, and G.M. Cao, Prediction of the Charpy V-Notch impact energy of low carbon steel using a shallow neural network and deep learning, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 28(2021), No. 8, p. 1309.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. M. Li, A. Caushaj, R. Silva, and D. Lowther, A neural network for electromagnetic based ore sorting, COMPEL Int. J. Comput. Math. Electr. Electron. Eng., 37(2018), No. 2, p. 691.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. C. Bergmann, Developments in Ore Sorting Technologies, Council for Mineral Technology, Randburg, 2009, p. 75.

    Google Scholar 

  22. C.Y. Xu, The application of photoelectric color separator and the optimization in mineral separation process of some mine, World Nonferrous Met., 2016, No. 17, p. 31.

  23. X.X. Shao and X.P. Ji, Separation of talc by photoelectric separation technology, Nonmetallic Min., 1989, No. 5, p. 22.

  24. C. Robben, P. Condori, A. Pinto, R. Machaca, and A. Takala, X-ray-transmission based ore sorting at the San Rafael tin mine, Miner. Eng., 145(2020), art. No. 105870.

  25. X.W. Yu, M. Yang, S.R. Mao, F.T. Yu and T. He, Research on application of X-ray separation technology in beneficiation of phosphate rock, Ind. Miner. Process., 49(2020), No. 9, p. 31.

    Google Scholar 

  26. N. Li, S.H. Zhang, H. Peng, L. Fu, and Y.J. Lu, Application practice and evaluation of photoelectric separation in a phosphate mining industry, Non Met. Mines, 41(2018), No. 2, p. 73.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. N. Jia, Discarding experiment on XRT ray brainpower separator in a scheelite concentrator in Hunan Province, Mod. Min., 34(2018), No. 7, p. 154.

    Google Scholar 

  28. W. Peng and P.Y. He, Pre-selection test and practice of a antimony ore using the X-ray intelligent concentrator, Met. Mine, 2019, No. 9, p. 92.

  29. W.P. Di and Z.H. Wu, Preconcentration and discarding technology of intelligent photoelectric dressing equipment, Nonferrous Met. Miner. Process., 2021, No. 1, p. 117.

  30. H. Gao, J.Y. Wang, X.F. Zhang, and D.S. Zhao, Image processing design of mineral identification system based on dual-energy X-ray transmission, Nonferrous Met. Miner. Process., 2021, No. 1, p. 101.

  31. M.G. Xu and X.D. Bao, Object classification suppressed thickness effect based on pseudo dual-energy X-ray transmission imaging system, Chin. J. Electron Devices, 30(2007), No. 1, p. 219.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. L.N. Cui and X.Q. Peng, Test study on dual energy X-ray transmission pre-concentration of a low-grade lead—zinc mine in Guangxi, Min. Eng., 18(2020), No. 4, p. 30.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Y. Tong, Technical Amenability Study of Laboratory-scale Sensor-based Ore Sorting On a Mississippi Valley Type Lead—Zinc Ore [Dissertation], University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2012, p. 41.

    Google Scholar 

  34. V. Rebuffel and J.M. Dinten, Dual-energy X-ray imaging: Benefits and limits, Insight Non Destr. Test. Cond. Monit., 49(2007), No. 10, p. 589.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. G.Z. Li, B. Klein, C.B. Sun, and J. Kou, Lab-scale error analysis on X-ray fluorecence sensing for bulk ore sorting, Miner. Eng., 164(2021), art. No. 106812.

  36. L.X. Li, G.Z. Li, H.Z. Li, G.Q. Li, D. Zhang, and B. Klein, Bench-scale insight into the amenability of case barren copper ores towards XRF-based bulk sorting, Miner. Eng., 121(2018), p. 129.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. G.Z. Li, B. Klein, C.B. Sun, and J. Kou, Applying Receiver—Operating—Characteristic (ROC) to bulk ore sorting using XRF, Miner. Eng., 146(2020), art. No. 106117.

  38. W.Z. Yin, Y. Wu, Y.X. Han, et al., The theory and application of X-ray separation technology, China Min. Mag., 20(2011), No. 12, p. 88.

    Google Scholar 

  39. M.B. Liu, W.Z. Yin, T.X. Han, and Z.Q. Sun, The study on the X-ray separator and its pre-sorting test of the low grade ore of Mo and Ni, Min. Metall., 21(2012), No. 4, p. 26.

    Google Scholar 

  40. M. Dalm, M.W.N. Buxton, and F.J.A. Ruitenbeek, Ore—waste discrimination in epithermal deposits using near-infrared to short-wavelength infrared (NIR-SWIR) hyperspectral imagery, Math. Geosci., 51(2019), No. 7, p. 849.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. E. Gülcan, A novel approach for sensor based sorting performance determination, Miner. Eng., 146(2020), art. No. 106130.

  42. Y.M. Liu, D. Chen, Q.F. Li, and K.X. Xu, Novel multi-scale modeling method for near infrared spectral measurement, Nanotechnol. Precis. Eng., 12(2014), No. 5, p. 381.

    Google Scholar 

  43. M.R. Robben, H. Wotruba, and J. Heizmann, Sensor-based separation of carbonates, [in] IMPC 2012: XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress, New Delhi, 2012, p. 04496.

  44. S. Iyakwari, H.J. Glass, and P.B. Kowalczuk, Potential for near infrared sensor-based sorting of hydrothermally-formed minerals, J. Infrared Spectrosc., 21(2013), No. 3, p. 223.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. H. Huang, W.H. Ye, T.Z. Xiong, P.L. Hu, and J.S. Huang, Zone division scrap non-ferrous metal recognition algorithm based on dual energy X-ray transmission, Mach. Build. Autom., 48(2019), No. 4, p. 26.

    Google Scholar 

  46. O. Udoudo, Modelling the Efficiency of an Automated Sensor-based Sorter [Dissertation], University of Exeter, Exeter, 2010.

    Google Scholar 

  47. N.G. Cutmore, Y. Liu, and A.G. Middleton, On-line ore characterisation and sorting, Miner. Eng., 11(1998), No. 9, p. 843.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. M. Gaft, R. Reisfeld, and G. Panczer, Minerals radiometric sorting and online process control, [in] Modern Luminescence Spectroscopy of Minerals and Materials, Springer, Cham, 2015, p. 499.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  49. T.F. Wang and J.X. Yang, Online intelligent sorting method of gold ore based on LIBS technology, [in] H. Haeri, ed., Materials in Environmental Engineering, De Gruyter, 2017, p. 753.

  50. R. Noll, H. Bette, A. Brysch, M. Kraushaar, I. Mönch, L. Peter, and V. Sturm, Laser-induced breakdown spectrometry—Applications for production control and quality assurance in the steel industry, Spectrochim. Acta B: At. Spectrosc., 56(2001), No. 6, p. 637.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. J.M. Vadillo, S. Palanco, M.D. Romero, and J.J. Laserna, Applications of laser-induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS) in surface analysis, Fresenius J. Anal. Chem., 355(1996), No. 7–8, p. 909.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. M. Sabsabi and P. Cielo, Quantitative analysis of aluminum alloys by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and plasma characterization, Appl. Spectrosc., 49(1995), No. 4, p. 499.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Q.M. Peng, M.Y. Yao, M.H. Liu, Z.J. Lei, Y. Xu, and T.B. Chen, Analysis of metal element Cr in fresh orange leaf using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Acta Agric. Univ. Jiangxiensis, 34(2012), No. 2, p. 397.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. L.Z. Zahng, B.F. Ni, W.Z. Tian, et al., Status and development of prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis, Atom. Energy Sci. Technol., 2005, No. 3, p. 282.

  55. T.A. Aarhaug, A. Ferber, O. Kjos, and H. Gaertner, Online monitoring of aluminium primary production gas composition by use of Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, [in] Light Metals 2014, Springer, Cham, 2014, p. 647–652.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Y. Qiu, B. Chen, and D.S. Jia, Development of application of infrared spectrometry, Environ. Sci. Surv., 27(2008), No. S1, p. 23.

    Google Scholar 

  57. X.F. Zhang, W. Ni, J.Y. Wu, and L.P. Zhu, Hydration mechanism of a cementitious material prepared with Si-Mn slag, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 18(2011), No. 2, p. 234.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. J. Moros, A. Gredilla, S. Fdez-Ortiz de Vallejuelo, A. de Diego, J.M. Madariaga, S. Garrigues, and M. de la Guardia, Partial least squares X-ray fluorescence determination of trace elements in sediments from the estuary of Nerbioi-Ibaizabal River, Talanta, 82(2010), No. 4, p. 1254.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. L.Q. Luo, G.Z. Ma, A. Ji, C.L. Guo, X.C. Zhan, and G.L. Liang, Neural cluster structure with multiple component prediction based on back error propagation in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, J. Anal. Sci., 14(1998), No. 3, p. 177.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. W.Y. Li, W.H. Ye, and T.Z. Xiong, Metal identification algorithm based on bp neural network for dual energy X-ray transmission, Nonferrous Met. Eng., 10(2020), No. 8, p. 124.

    Google Scholar 

  61. L.Q. Luo, L. Gan, X.J. Wu, A. Ji, and G.L. Liang, Correction of nonlinear matrix effects by using an algorithm of combining neural networks with fundamental parameters, Chin. J. Anal. Lab., 20(2001), No. 1, p. 1.

    Google Scholar 

  62. R.L. Man, X.N. Zhao, and A. Ji, Application of partial least-squares method in multicomponent analysis by portable radioisotope XRFS, Spectrosc. Spectr. Anal., 11(1991), No. 4, p. 50.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. L.Q. Luo, G.Z. Ma, and A. Ji, Study of partial least squares regression and fundamental parameters method in X-ray fluorescence analysis, Chin. J. Anal. Chem., 20(1992), No. 9, p. 1074.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. P. Urbański and E. Kowalska, Application of partial least-squares calibration methods in low-resolution EDXRS, X Ray Spectrom., 24(1995), No. 2, p. 70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. L. Wielopolski and R.P. Gardner, Development of the detector response function approach in the least-squares analysis of X-ray fluorescence spectra, Nucl. Instrum. Methods, 165(1979), No. 2, p. 297.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by the National Science and Technology Support Program of China (No. 2012BAC11B07) and the Jiangxi Science and Technology Innovation Base Plan (No. 20212BCD42017).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jiangxi Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Development and Application of Tungsten Resources, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China

    Xianping Luo

  2. Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Mining & Metallurgy Environmental Pollution Control, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China

    Xianping Luo & Pengyu He

  3. Faculty of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Ganzhou, 341000, China

    Xianping Luo, Kunzhong He, Yan Zhang & Yongbing Zhang

Authors
  1. Xianping Luo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kunzhong He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yan Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Pengyu He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Yongbing Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xianping Luo.

Ethics declarations

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Luo, X., He, K., Zhang, Y. et al. A review of intelligent ore sorting technology and equipment development. Int J Miner Metall Mater 29, 1647–1655 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-022-2477-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-022-2477-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation