NextOre: “Bulk Ore Sorting”

We had the opportunity to speak with, Latin American Director for Nextore, a growing technology company with its proven “Bulk Ore Sorting” solutions for the mining industry.

Jesus Caro is an Electronic Engineer from the Universidad Católica del Norte, with more than 30 years of experience in providing technological solutions to improve the profitability of operations in the Mining, Cement and Coal sectors.

Ax Legal: Can you tell us about Nextore and the solution?

Jesus Caro: NextOre was formed in 2017 to supply bulk sorting equipment as well as to provide technical and commercial expertise to guide companies through all stages of bulk sorting implementation. The co-founders of NextOre are Autralia’s national science agency the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO); leading resource industry corporate advisory firm, RFC Ambrian, and global engineering experts, Worley.

NextOre’s solution is based on the operation of its disruptive online magnetic resonance analyzer technology. The magnetic resonance technology is the culmination of decades of research and development by CSIRO. The MRA analyzer, which uses tuned radio waves to detect bulk mineral composition, has proven to be unmatched for accuracy and speed in grade measurement in mining applications.

Ax Legal: What is the main advantage that the Nextore solution has over other types of solution?

Jesus Caro: The MR detection technology sets it apart from competitors.

MR measures 100% of the material on a conveyor belt. MR delivers a direct mineralogical measurement, with only the target mineral responding to radio pulses. In this way it is not necessary to develop mathematical regressions for changing host rock types or trace elements. This eliminates the requirement for continuous recalibration, which is a major advantage over competing technologies. MR also benefits from very high precision and speed, with measurements in as little as one or two second intervals in copper and iron ore applications. It is particularly well suited for very high tonnages, with deep penetration. Full penetration of particle sizes of 350mm on conveyor are easily achievable and the technology is even being applied on run of mine ore, before crushing with NextOre’s mining products, which will be released to the market soon.

MR is a safe technology for use around workers, being similar in frequency to VHF radio.

NextOre’s solution is comprehensive and focuses on the selectivity and classification of materials as a major objective. We offer a technological solution only when it is certain that it will bring economic benefits for the client.

Ax Legal: Are there any limitations to MR technology?

Jesus Caro: Yes. There are limitations and they are related to its physical detection principle since not all minerals respond with the same intensity to MR excitation. It is for this reason that our markets are focused on handling materials associated with Copper, Iron and Gold mines where there is strong response from economically significant minerals. In these commodities the MR measures species such as Chalcopyrite, Chalcocite, Covellite, Cubanite, Magnetite, Hematite, Pyrrhotite and Arsenopyrite to name a few the main ones.

Ax Legal: Why is this type of technology important for the future of mining in Latin America?

Jesus Caro: This technology can help solve the current challenges of most mining companies in Latin America, such as –

• Declining ore grades – Grade is critical issue in the profitability of a mining operation. As global grades decline, and new high-grade discoveries become increasingly rare, operating mines and development projects are facing mounting pressure to materially improve the efficiency of mining systems. In the face of this challenge, bulk sorting technologies are a widely proven and expanding alternative. NextOre can treat materials from the mine (ROM), stockpiles and wet materials from tailings
• Sustainability – Along with declining profitability, another bi-product of declining grade is a vast and increasing volume of waste produced from mining and processing. As grades decline, each unit of metal production represents a larger tailings storage burden. Tailings management, as demonstrated by notable recent disasters, represents an aspect of mining that is becoming increasingly problematic.
• Energy and Water Consumption – Lower grades also correspond to higher consumption of electricity and water from mining operations. Companies are continuously looking for methods to improve efficiency and water recycling to reduce these figures, but if more tonnes of feed are required per unit of metal production, overall consumption will continue to increase.
• Savings in the Transportation of Materials – Bulk ore sorting is an effective method to reduce fuel and transportation costs when you have ore bodies away from the main or satellite front, it is possible to implement quick solutions using mobile sorting systems designed by NextOre.

Ax Legal: What are the challenges companies face when introducing new technologies and how do they overcome them?

Jesus Caro: In mining companies in operation, innovation and the incorporation of new technologies usually generate reactions and internal questions at all levels of the organization, mainly on topics related to the possible benefits and impacts of their implementation. As a first step, NextOre’s proposal is to confirm technical suitability and determine whether bulk sorting will deliver an economic benefit for the project. If the results are favorable, it is possible to proceed with the development of pilot tests with materials at the client’s mine. NextOre can provide fully modular and mobile bulk sorting pilot plants to certify the results obtained in previous studies. This allows the customer to more easily become familiar with the technology, and at a low cost, before proceeding with the business agreement and final implementation.

Ax Legal: Throughout your career introducing new technologies, what are some tips for other foreign companies that you think are important for their success in Latin America?

Jesus Caro: My suggestion is that they understand that these processes of commercialization and introduction of technologies require time, perseverance and clarity in the message. It is important to have good references with proven results. Customers value and appreciate sharing their challenges and experiences with vendors with innovative and easy-to-implement solutions.

These companies must have local personnel with experience and skills to discover and generate business in a highly competitive market. A good work environment is vital to meet the objectives.

For more information on Nextore – https://nextore.com.au/

Ax Legal helps foreign companies to enter and operate in the Latin America. Our team of legal and commercial advisors have a distinguished track record of helping foreign technology and services companies at each stage of their growth. Over the years, we have worked with starts up, mid-size businesses, and publicly listed companies. The one common factor that connects are clients is that they are leaders in their field, providing innovative technologies and services to the industrial sectors.

To better understand how we can support you in the Region, please contact Cody Mcfarlane at cmm@ax.legal