Vetex Gold Mine Australia overlook shot 2

TOMRA Mining LASER Technology Changes the Way Things Are Done in Gold Processing

Vertex Minerals (ASX: VTX) is revolutionizing gold processing at its Hill End project in New South Wales by integrating TOMRA Mining's advanced LASER ore sorting technology. This strategic move enhances operational efficiency and aligns with Vertex's commitment to environmentally sustainable mining practices.

A Historic Goldfield Meets Modern Innovation

Located approximately 200 km northwest of Sydney, between Bathurst and Mudgee, the Hill End project encompasses a significant portion of the historic Hill End goldfield. This region, part of the Eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, has yielded over 1.6 million ounces of gold historically and is renowned for producing large gold nuggets, including the famous Holtermann Nugget.

The project's geology features gold mineralization associated with quartz veins within the Chesleigh Formation and Crudine Group. These characteristics make the ore amenable to gravity separation techniques, allowing for high recovery rates without the use of chemicals.

The Hill End goldfield is also the site of the discovery of the Holtermann Nugget, the largest single mass of gold ever found. Unearthed in 1872 at the Star of Hope Mine, this specimen weighed approximately 285 kilograms and contained an estimated 93 kilograms of gold. Although commonly referred to as a nugget, it was actually a gold-bearing quartz specimen. This monumental find brought international attention to the region and remains a significant part of Australia's gold mining heritage.

Integrating TOMRA's LASER Technology

In pursuit of enhancing ore processing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, Vertex Minerals has incorporated TOMRA Mining's LASER ore sorting technology into its processing workflow. This sensor-based technology enables precise separation of ore from waste rock, improving feed grade and reducing the volume of material processed downstream.
The integration of LASER sorting complements the existing gravity-based processing plant, which includes crushing, ball milling, and concentration equipment. By pre-concentrating ore before it reaches the mill, Vertex achieves higher throughput and lower energy consumption.

To evaluate the suitability of the Reward Gold Mine's ore for sensor-based sorting, Vertex transported 160 kilograms of material to TOMRA's test facility in Sydney. The testwork involved screening the sample to a 20–60mm size fraction and processing it through TOMRA's LASER sorter, which targets quartz-rich particles associated with gold.

Size Fraction	Category	Au Grade (G/T)	MAss (KG)	Mass (%)
20-60 mm	Feed	3.71	94	100%
20-60 mm	Product	16.2	19.4	21%
20-60 mm	Waste	0.46	74.6	79%

These findings indicate a 337% increase in gold grade and a 79% reduction in mass, with minimal gold loss, demonstrating the technology's effectiveness in upgrading ore prior to processing.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

The adoption of TOMRA's LASER technology aligns with Vertex's vision of producing "green gold." By enhancing ore quality before processing, the company reduces the need for chemical treatments and minimizes tailings. The coarse liberation size of the gold also means less energy is required for crushing and grinding, further decreasing the environmental footprint.

Looking Ahead

With the successful implementation of TOMRA's LASER sorting technology, Vertex Minerals is poised to increase gold production while maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices. The company continues to explore further innovations to optimize its operations and reduce environmental impact.