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Highlights
NextOre unveils OG3, a magnetic resonance ore analyzer developed for underground copper mines, improving efficiency and sustainability.
The OG3 system reduces operational costs and resource use by enabling early separation of ore from waste material.
Designed for harsh mining environments, the OG3 integrates with mobile equipment for rapid and accurate ore assessment.
NextOre, an Australian technology company, has introduced OG3, the first magnetic resonance-enabled bulk ore sorting system designed specifically for underground copper mining. Developed in collaboration with CSIRO, the OG3 operates on haul trucks, providing real-time ore analysis to enhance efficiency and sustainability in mining operations.
Addressing Challenges in Copper Extraction
Copper plays a critical role in the production of clean energy systems and communication devices. With increasing demand expected in the coming decades, mining companies face challenges related to declining ore grades. NextOre's OG3 technology offers a practical solution by optimizing ore recovery and streamlining processing, helping mining operations adapt to evolving industry requirements.
Advanced Magnetic Resonance Technology
The OG3 employs the same magnetic resonance technology used in medical MRIs to assess ore quality rapidly. By enabling early separation of valuable minerals from non-valuable material, this system reduces the need for excessive transportation, water usage, and chemical processing. This approach also minimizes the production of wet tailings, contributing to improved environmental sustainability and cost management.
Expansion of the OGX Product Line
NextOre’s introduction of the OG3 strengthens its OGX product range, which integrates advanced ore sorting capabilities into mobile mining equipment such as trucks and loaders. Initially developed by CSIRO, the OG3 features a three-meter-wide scanning unit designed for underground haul trucks, incorporating durable enhancements to withstand harsh operational conditions.
Operational Benefits and Industry Applications
The OG3 delivers multiple operational advantages, including optimized ore blending, reduced haulage of non-valuable material, and improved material flow efficiency from underground sites to processing plants. This development provides mining operators with a flexible, cost-effective solution for maximizing ore recovery without requiring large-scale capital expansions.
Continuous Innovation and Deployment
NextOre’s technology originated from a CSIRO research initiative aimed at conveyor belt applications. The OG3 represents an evolution of this effort, utilizing non-ionizing scanning techniques to refine industry standards. The first deployment of the OG3 is scheduled for an underground mine in New South Wales, marking the beginning of broader scalability across different mining operations. With a commitment to technological advancements, NextOre continues to drive efficiency in underground copper mining and beyond.
