We are world-leading experts in the integration of ore sorting technology.
STARK has the expertise to implement almost every mining technology in the field to brownfield sites. Dense Media Separation (DMS) plants, RFID tracers, selective milling, magnetic separation; whatever your needs, we can deliver. As we are experts in delivering Greenfield plants from scratch, we can enhance and recalibrate virtually every aspect of your plant, delivering huge cost benefits with a rapid payback time.
However, STARK can also deliver some solutions that no other operator can.
The advantages of implementing ore sorting technology at Tier-1 projects:
- Install integrated modular solutions, which can be ready within two weeks of arrival on site
- Deliver rapid payback time, often of only a few months
- Increase minable tons, reclaim waste dumps, divert ore types to access previously inaccessible revenue, decrease haulage costs and reduce tailings
- Reduce water consumption by up to 100%, and energy consumption by up to 80%
- Minimise reagent use
After initial orebody analysis, our focus is on immediate cash benefits, as all improvements which result in an increased yield from the orebody constitute 100% additional profit.
We are world-leading experts in the integration of ore sorting technology.
STARK has the expertise to implement almost every mining technology in the field to brownfield sites. Dense Media Separation (DMS) plants, RFID tracers, selective milling, magnetic separation; whatever your needs, we can deliver. As we are experts in delivering Greenfield plants from scratch, we can enhance and recalibrate virtually every aspect of your plant, delivering huge cost benefits with a rapid payback time.
However, STARK can also deliver some solutions that no other operator can.
The advantages of implementing ore sorting technology at Tier-1 projects:
- Install integrated modular solutions, which can be ready within two weeks of arrival on site
- Deliver rapid payback time, often of only a few months
- Increase minable tons, reclaim waste dumps, divert ore types to access previously inaccessible revenue, decrease haulage costs and reduce tailings
- Reduce water consumption by up to 100%, and energy consumption by up to 80%
- Minimise reagent use
After initial orebody analysis, our focus is on immediate cash benefits, as all improvements which result in an increased yield from the orebody constitute 100% additional profit.
Our clients and partners say
Lucara's Karowe mine stands alone in the global context of large diamond recovery as the only location to recover 4 diamonds larger than 1,000 carats. As an early adaptor of sensor-based primary diamond recovery from sized run of mine material, the Stark Team over the years has been instrumental in the design, process flow, construction and commissioning of the XRT circuits. The results are a testament to incredible team work, excellent process flow, and an innovative circuit combined with a truly unique diamond deposit.
John Armstrong
Vice President Technical Services
We acquired an updated stand-alone XRT plant and within a very short space of time recovered the 91O ct D-colour Lesotho Legend diamond at Letšeng. This must surely rank as one of the best ROIs that has ever been seen!
Clifford Elphick
Chief Executive Officer
During COVID lockdown the team replaced 5 COMS XRT sorters, washing screens along with XRT building expansion. This was planned remotely with the Karowe Process and Engineering teams, and executed on the ground. At the height of the global pandemic this work was completed safely, on time and on budget, under challenging circumstances - a testament to their ability to plan and execute.
John Armstrong
Vice President Technical Services
Ore sorting technologies that are typically implemented
XRT
X-ray transmission (XRT) is a non-destructive technology that uses X-rays to penetrate materials, identifying differences in density and composition.
XRL
X-ray luminescence detection involves using X-rays to excite materials, causing them to emit visible light. This emitted light is analysed to determine the composition and properties of the material.
XRF
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is used to analyse the elemental composition of ores and minerals.
Colour sorting
Colour sorting uses optical sensors to identify and separate materials based on their colour.
Laser
A laser sensing detection system uses laser beams to detect and measure distances, shapes, or compositions of objects.
Electromagnetic
Eddy current detection uses electromagnetic induction to identify variations in conductive materials.
NIR
NIR (Near-Infrared) sorting uses near-infrared light to identify and separate materials based on their molecular composition.
Sensor-based sorting technologies cover the entirety of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radiometric sorting utilising gamma radiation to electromagnetic sorting in the radio wave spectrum.
Typical application ranges of sorting technologies in relation to dense media separation (DMS) by plant capacity vs. particle size range.
Sensor-based sorting technologies cover the entirety of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radiometric sorting utilising gamma radiation to electromagnetic sorting in the radio wave spectrum.
Typical application ranges of sorting technologies in relation to dense media separation (DMS) by plant capacity vs. particle size range.
Is a single test sufficient for determining ore sorting suitability in an orebody?
You may be under the misconception that ore sorting suitability can be determined with a single test. The sensors and software advancements available with modern technology are continuously evolving, and many assets have only been tested with one type of ore sorter. STARK uses the most advanced orebody analysis techniques to check whether a different approach might yield positive results. We’re able to source ore sorters from the entire market.
Beyond this, assets need to be comprehensively tested, with multiple samples taken from material including a high, low, and average expected feed. Tier 1 miners may think they need more advanced capacities than STARK can provide, but it’s often the case that only a small segment, or a specific size class, of total feed streams needs to be sorted for value add.
Other objections can include fears that original plant designs didn’t include sorting, or that it adds an extra layer of complexity to a simple, already smooth operation. However, this is another misconception — we independently integrate and apply equipment to reduce downstream chemical processing requirements and tailings, which makes the operation easier as well as cheaper.
At the very least, it’s worth a brief call to see whether we can help.
Stages of a process design
Ideation
(definition phase)
Intrinsic sortability testing
+ Heterogeneity analysis
+ Hand sort testing
Concept
design
Ideal sensor sortability
+ Static scanning
+ Dynamic scanning
Front end (FEED)
engineering design
Industrial sensor sortability:
+ Dynamic sorting tests
+ Performance sorting tests
Detailed
Engineering
Industrial sensor sortability (Pilot testing):
+ Pilot plant tests on site
Stages of a process design
Ideation
(definition phase)
Intrinsic sortability testing
+ Heterogeneity analysis
+ Hand sort testing
Concept
design
Ideal sensor sortability
+ Static scanning
+ Dynamic scanning
Front end (FEED)
engineering design
Industrial sensor sortability:
+ Dynamic sorting tests
+ Performance sorting tests
Detailed
Engineering
Industrial sensor sortability (Pilot testing):
+ Pilot plant tests on site
Benefits of working with the STARK team
+
ORE SORTING EXPERTISE
Decades of experience with ore sorting integration in a variety of process flow sheets
+
AGNOSTIC
INSIGHT
Independent / agnostic perspective - independent of other OEMs
+
SCALABLE
DESIGN
Ability to do process design and scale up from lab test work to plant performance.
+
COMPREHENSIVE
GUIDANCE
Can guide the process from PEA and then all the way through to detailed engineering stages.
Benefits of working with the STARK team
+
ORE SORTING EXPERTISE
Decades of experience with ore sorting integration in a variety of process flow sheets
+
AGNOSTIC
INSIGHT
Independent / agnostic perspective - independent of other OEMs.
+
SCALABLE
DESIGN
Ability to do process design and scale up from lab test work to plant performance.
+
COMPREHENSIVE
GUIDANCE
Can guide the process from PEA and then all the way through to detailed engineering stages.
Delivering global project results
During their careers, STARK employees have completed more than 100 projects worldwide, showcasing a comprehensive portfolio of installations, studies, and client-specific test work. Fuelled by a commitment to excellence, we bring a wealth of hands-on experience to every project. We have earned the trust of clients seeking reliable and innovative solutions. Partner with us to benefit from our proven track record in driving success across diverse mining projects on a global scale.
Our dynamic team has extensive global experience in diverse ore bodies and commodities that spans continents, encompassing a wide spectrum of geological formations and mineral resources. With a proven track record, we excel in navigating the complexities of various mining landscapes, ensuring efficient extraction and optimal resource utilisation. STARK is committed to delivering innovative solutions, leveraging our in-depth knowledge to drive success in the ever-evolving mining industry.
Select Sorting Projects We've Worked On
North America, Canada
Capabilities
+ Test work
+ Sorter integration
+ Flowsheet simulation
+ Test work design
South America, Colombia
Capabilities
+ Feasibility study
+ Test work education
+ Preliminary plant design
Africa, Botswana
Capabilities
+ Retrofit sorters into existing operation
+ Expediting commissioning
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
Capabilities
+ Full-scale plant operation integration
Africa, South Africa
Capabilities
+ Economic trade-off studies
+ Expedited XRT plant deployment
Africa, Tanzania
Capabilities
+ Expedited pilot plant deployment
+ Rapid commissioning in remote locations
Our ore-sorting experts
Dian Heinrich Page
GROUP HEAD OF ADVISORY
Pr.Sci.Nat / M.Eng Geo Tech
| Germany | |
| +49 1728 170 726 | |
| dian@stark-resources.com |
Fabian Riedel
CHIEF TECHNICAL OFFICER
Dipl.-Ing. Mining Engineering
| Germany | |
| fabian@stark-resources.com |
Contact us
Any questions?
We are always at your service.
Ryan Szabo
B.Tech Mech Engineering
PROJECT MANAGER
ryan@stark-resources.com
+49 177 242 5901