Tailings have long been a global environmental challenge, involving the management and treatment of mining waste. Tailings not only occupy a large amount of land, but may also contain harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals and acidic substances, which, if not properly treated, can cause long-term environmental pollution. The safe management of tailings ponds is also an important issue, as they may fail or leak, causing casualties and property losses.     Today we will briefly talk about the treatment of tailings and some specific solutions.   The tailings problem has far-reaching impacts on the environment, society and economy. Environmentally, tailings may cause water pollution, soil degradation and ecosystem damage. Socially, the safety hazards of tailings ponds threaten the health and safety of local communities. Economically, the long-term storage of tailings limits other uses of land and affects sustainable development.   Globally, countries and international organizations are taking measures to address the tailings problem. For example, the development of the Global Tailings Review (GTR) standard aims to improve the way the mining industry manages tailings and move towards the goal of "zero harm" to people and the environment. In addition, governments and international organizations are promoting the implementation of tailings management standards to improve the safety and environmental protection of tailings facilities.   The environmental problems caused by tailings are mainly concentrated in several aspects: 1) Water pollution: Tailings often contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals. If these substances enter the water body without treatment, they will seriously pollute the water quality and endanger aquatic ecosystems and human health. 2) Soil pollution: Tailings piled on the surface will come into contact with the soil, causing heavy metals and harmful substances to penetrate into the soil, destroying the soil structure and fertility, and affecting the agricultural use and ecological function of the land. 3) Biodiversity threats: Tailings pollution leads to the destruction of natural habitats, forcing species to migrate or become extinct, and destroying the ecological balance.     Therefore, the storage of tailings ponds is a key link in tailings treatment, which involves the final disposal of tailings and environmental safety. However, the storage of tailings ponds is also accompanied by a series of potential environmental risks, mainly including: 1. Tailings dam breach risk: If the tailings pond is improperly designed or poorly maintained, it may fail, resulting in the sudden release of a large amount of tailings, causing serious downstream flooding and environmental damage. 2. Pollution of groundwater and surface water: Harmful chemicals in tailings ponds may penetrate into groundwater through leachate, or enter rivers and lakes with surface runoff, polluting water resources. 3. Air pollution: Tailings ponds may produce dust during weathering and drying, affecting the surrounding air quality. 4. Ecological damage: Tailings ponds occupy a large area of ​​land, change the original topography, and may destroy the local ecological balance and biodiversity. 5. Geological disasters: The stability of tailings ponds may also induce geological disasters such as landslides and mudslides, posing a threat to surrounding communities. 6. Pollution of environmentally sensitive points: If the tailings pond is close to environmentally sensitive points such as drinking water sources, its environmental risks are particularly prominent. Once a pollution incident occurs, it will directly affect human health and quality of life.     7. Long-term environmental impact: Even if the tailings pond is no longer in use, its residual pollutants may exist for a long time, causing continuous impact on the environment.   In order to reduce these risks, a series of environmental management and risk prevention measures need to be taken, including strengthening the design, construction and maintenance of tailings ponds, implementing environmental monitoring and risk assessment of tailings ponds, and formulating emergency plans to deal with possible environmental accidents. In addition, promoting the closure and reclamation of tailings ponds and reducing their long-term impact on the environment is also an important environmental management strategy.   Among them, tailings dry discharge technology has significant advantages in improving tailings treatment efficiency, reducing environmental risks, reducing economic costs and promoting sustainable resource utilization. Compared with traditional tailings ponds, tailings dry discharge technology has the following advantages: 1. Small footprint: The tailings dry discharge process treats tailings through efficient dehydration equipment to form slag with low water content, thereby reducing dependence on tailings ponds and saving land resources. 2. High safety: Tailings dry discharge avoids safety accidents such as dam break, dam overflow and dam collapse that may occur in tailings ponds, reducing environmental pollution and safety risks. 3. Low investment cost: Although the initial equipment investment of tailings dry discharge may be slightly higher than that of traditional tailings ponds, in the long run, tailings dry discharge can reduce the construction and maintenance costs of tailings ponds, as well as the reclamation and management costs after the tailings pond is closed. 4. Environmentally friendly: Tailings dry discharge helps reduce the negative impact of tailings ponds on the surrounding environment, because the tailings after dry discharge are easier to close and revegetate. 5. Tailings reuse: The tailings after dry discharge have low water content and are easier to recover and utilize, which meets the requirements of green mine construction and is conducive to the comprehensive recovery and recycling of resources. 6. Economic benefits: Tailings dry discharge can reduce water consumption and allow tailings to be sold as products such as building materials, creating additional income for enterprises.   Overall, improving the comprehensive utilization of tailings is always the best way to deal with tailings. The following are several specific measures for the comprehensive utilization of tailings: 1. Tailings re-mineralization technology: Through advanced mineral processing technology, residual valuable metals are recovered from tailings to improve resource utilization. 2. Tailings for building materials: Use silicon, aluminum, iron and other elements in tailings to prepare cement, bricks, concrete and other building materials.     3. Tailings for ceramic materials: Use mineral components in tailings to produce ceramic bricks, ceramic tiles and other products.     4. Tailings for mineral fertilizers: Through chemical treatment, tailings are converted into mineral fertilizers containing elements required for plant growth. 5. Ecological restoration of tailings ponds: Improve the ecological environment of tailings ponds and reduce pollution through measures such as vegetation restoration and soil improvement. 6. Tailings high-value disposal and utilization technology: Develop new technical means to achieve the preparation of high-value-added products from tailings. 7. International cooperation in the comprehensive utilization of tailings resources: Utilize domestic and foreign policies, technologies, funds and other advantages to jointly develop tailings resources. 8. Mine filling new cementitious material technology: Use tailings for mine backfilling to reduce new tailings emissions and land occupation. 9. Key technologies and industrial applications of iron ore mining and sand making: Use tailings for sand making to increase its economic value. 10. Grinding and sorting fine-grained wet tailings for full resource utilization and cascade utilization technology and equipment: further processing of tailings to extract more useful components.   These measures are aimed at maximizing the utilization of tailings resources, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting the sustainable development of the mining industry. Through these comprehensive utilization measures, tailings are no longer simply waste, but can be transformed into valuable resources.     With the continuous advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the technology and application of tailings resource utilization will become more diversified and efficient.   Hefei Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the research and production of photoelectric sorting equipment. The photoelectric sorting machine introduced AI and big digital technology, which can extract various surface features of ores, accurately sort various ores, obtain granular raw ores, realize pre-disposal of ores, facilitate dry discharge of tailings, and waste rocks and low-grade ores with no economic value can be used as ore backfill and construction aggregates.   AI SORTING MACHINE On the other hand, our ore sorting machines can perform secondary sorting of tailings, enrich the valuable ores, and reduce the subsequent flotation processing volume while improving the overall recovery rate of resources, so as to achieve cost reduction and efficiency improvement.   Overall, tailings treatment is not only a requirement for corporate environmental management, but also an important means to enhance social image and maintain public relations. Through active tailings management and public communication, companies can win broad recognition and support from society while ensuring environmental sustainability.

The ore color sorter uses the principle of photoelectric sorting and the difference in the optical properties of the material for fine sorting. It can process a large amount of material in a short time, and has high sorting accuracy, which helps to improve the grade of the ore. CCD Sensor Based Ore Color Sorter   The color sorting process does not require the addition of chemical agents, which reduces environmental pollution and energy consumption, and meets the environmental protection requirements of modern mining. The ore color sorter with a high degree of intelligence can adapt to the changing properties of the ore, realize remote control and automatic operation, and reduce labor costs and downtime. With the development of science and technology, the technical performance of ore color sorters has been continuously improved, and more sensing technologies have been integrated, such as near-infrared spectroscopy analysis and thermal imaging, to achieve a more comprehensive and in-depth ore quality judgment. Since the ore color sorter has so many advantages, how should we choose a suitable color sorter? Generally speaking, when choosing an ore color sorter, you need to consider the following key factors: Determine the needs: Determine the appropriate type of color sorter based on your production requirements, sorting effect, applicable particle size range, sorting type, equipment stability, service life and budget. Technical performance: Choose a color sorter with advanced technology and stable performance, including the stability of the optical system, the advancement of the image processing algorithm, and the durability of the equipment. Brand and manufacturer reputation: Consider the brand's market reputation and after-sales service system, and choose manufacturers that can provide long-term technical support and quick response services. Equipment adaptability: Choose a color sorter that can adapt to different working environments and material characteristics, so as to maintain high efficiency and high precision under changing production conditions. Cost-effectiveness: Under the premise of meeting technical and performance requirements, choose a cost-effective color sorter to ensure the return on investment. Field investigation: If possible, go to the manufacturer's or existing users' site for an inspection and see the actual working effect of the color sorter with your own eyes, which will help verify the performance of the equipment and the manufacturer's service quality. Customization capability: Consider whether the manufacturer can provide customized services to meet specific material sorting needs.   Color Sorter After considering these factors, we will begin to understand the categories of ore color sorters. The main classification of ore color sorters can be divided according to different technical and application characteristics. The following are some common classification methods: Classification by technology: Traditional photoelectric color sorter: Use basic photoelectric sensors for color detection and sorting. CCD technology color sorter: Use charge coupled device (CCD) as an image sensor to provide higher resolution color recognition. Infrared technology color sorter: Use infrared to detect the difference in thermal radiation of ore for sorting. X-ray color sorter: Use X-rays to penetrate the ore and sort according to density differences. Classification by light source: LED light source color sorter: Use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as more energy-saving and long-life light sources. Microwave light source color sorter: Use microwaves to excite ore to emit light for special types of color sorting. X-ray color sorter: Use X-rays as a light source, suitable for sorting occasions that require penetration. Classification by rack: Waterfall: The material flow is similar to a waterfall, suitable for continuous operation. Crawler type: the material moves on the crawler, which is suitable for sorting a variety of materials. Classification by material: Special color sorter: a color sorter designed for a specific type of ore or material, such as rice color sorter, grain color sorter, tea color sorter, etc.   Color Sorter These classifications reflect the diversity of ore color sorters in different technologies and application scenarios. We can choose the appropriate color sorter model according to the actual ore characteristics and processing requirements. The ore color sorter independently developed by Hefei Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. has the following advantages: 1. The independently developed software system and closed whole machine structure, the main internal components are all imported components, which can adapt to the requirements of high dust, high pollution, high corrosion and other environments in the industrial and mining industries, with a wider range of applications and longer life. 2. The 32-bit true color image processing method is adopted, and mathematical morphology is applied based on the HSI color space to achieve better sorting effect and improve the flexibility and sorting ability of the color sorter operation. 3. High-precision full-color linear array CCD sensor technology can detect subtle color differences of about 0.02mm; according to the different characteristics of the ore, different processing methods are used to ensure the accurate identification of ore and other selected materials. 4. The device has high output and high precision. The output of some models has exceeded 40 tons/hour, which is 4-5 times that of similar manufacturers in China. It is suitable for large and medium-sized mining companies to meet the requirements of high output and high precision in mineral processing. 5. The range of selectable materials is large, and the size of the sorted materials ranges from 16 mesh to 4 cm, which avoids the repeated crushing adopted by users for the use of color sorting machines, reduces breakage and reduces resource waste. 6. Double-layer crawler flexible material conveying, higher color sorting accuracy and low carry-out ratio. 7. The first manufacturer to develop and launch large and small particles at the same time, one color sorter can meet the requirements of simultaneous sorting of materials with large specifications. 8. The vibrating feeding part and the main part of the equipment adopt a split structure to avoid the influence of vibration generated during the feeding process on the host, making the equipment run more stable. 9. Unique modular design, automatic dust removal and automatic spraying combined with self-maintenance function ensures the continuous and long-term working state of the equipment. 10. The parts of the machine body that contact the material are equipped with a protective layer, which has the characteristics of wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and easy replacement, ensuring the long service life of the whole machine. At the same time, according to customer needs, the company can provide specific machine customization services. In addition, through years of dedicated research, the company has introduced AI technology and big data technology in the field of photoelectric sorting. The self-developed AI intelligent sorting machine has higher sorting accuracy and can sort more types of ores. In addition, the after-sales service provided by the company is also very complete. After the customer purchases the machine, we will arrange special technicians to install and debug locally, provide a full set of operation training for customer employees, ensure the delivery and normal use of the machine, and let customers rest assured. In general, when choosing a color sorter, paying attention to the strength and after-sales service of the color sorter manufacturer is crucial to ensure the efficient operation of the equipment and return on investment. When choosing a color sorter, priority should be given to manufacturers with a good market reputation, strong technical background and a complete after-sales service system.

Yesterday, one of my foreign customers told me that he is facing a serious dilemma, that is, the problem of ore waste in ore processing. This customer has his own mine and ore processing plant, and the overall output is 5,000 tons of finished products every month. The monthly output is not large, but the ore waste caused is not small. Today, let's discuss the ore waste problems faced in ore processing and the causes of these problems, and analyze these causes to further find ways to avoid these problems. First of all, we will discuss the links and causes of ore waste in ore processing. Generally speaking, in the ore processing process, waste mainly occurs in the following stages: 1. Mining stage: Improper mining methods or unreasonable mining sequence may cause useful minerals to be excavated together with waste rocks, resulting in ore loss. (Because this article mainly discusses the problem of ore waste in ore processing, the mining stage will not be discussed in detail.)     2. Transportation and handling stage: Ore may be scattered during transportation, especially in long-distance transportation or bad weather conditions, which will lead to the loss of usable ore. 3. Ore crushing and screening: If crushing and screening are not done properly, the ore may be over-crushed or the particle size distribution may be unreasonable, thus affecting the efficiency of subsequent processes and the mineral recovery rate. 4. Grinding and classification: Grinding is an important step to improve the degree of mineral dissociation, but if it is not properly controlled, it may cause energy waste and mineral loss. In addition, inappropriate classification may cause useful minerals to mix with gangue, reducing the recovery rate. 5. Mineral sorting stage: During the mineral processing process, due to improper equipment performance, operation or unreasonable process parameter settings, the separation of useful minerals from gangue may not be thorough, resulting in a decrease in recovery rate. Including gravity separation, flotation, magnetic separation, etc., the efficiency of these processes directly affects the final mineral recovery rate. Improper selection of mineral processing methods or inappropriate operating conditions may cause a large amount of valuable minerals to be left in the tailings.     6. Concentration and dehydration: In the final stage of mineral processing, concentration and dehydration are to reduce the amount of tailings and obtain concentrates suitable for transportation and further processing. If these steps are inefficient, energy consumption and processing costs will increase. 7. Tailings treatment stage: Poor tailings management, such as improper tailings pond design or improper tailings treatment, may result in the failure to effectively recover useful minerals and waste resources. The reasons for these wastes include: 1. Technical level: backward mining and mineral processing technology may lead to inefficiency and waste of resources. 2. Poor management: Lack of effective resource management and supervision may lead to unnecessary losses. 3. Equipment failure: Aging or improper maintenance of equipment may lead to reduced production efficiency and ore loss. 4. Environmental factors: Complex geological conditions or extreme weather conditions may affect the processing and transportation of ore, increasing the risk of loss. In order to reduce these wastes, it is necessary to adopt modern mining and mineral processing technology, optimize process flow, strengthen equipment maintenance and management, and implement strict environmental protection measures. How to operate specifically, we still need to come from practice, go to practice, and optimize our ore processing process according to each stage. 1. In view of the waste caused by the transportation stage, mining companies can optimize the transportation route planning, try to find the transportation route, reduce the transportation time and cost, and consider environmental factors, try to avoid transporting ore in bad weather and bumpy roads, and improve the stability of transportation; use suitable transportation tools, such as electric wheel loaders and large mining trucks, and implement systematic management of the fleet and tracking monitoring.     2. In view of the waste caused by the ore crushing and screening stage, mining companies can use primary crushing, secondary crushing and tertiary crushing to classify the ore, and choose different crushing equipment according to the properties of different ores, for example: jaw crusher is suitable for coarse crushing, cone crusher is suitable for medium and fine crushing, impact crusher is suitable for medium and fine crushing of soft and medium hard materials, and high-efficiency crushing technology can also be introduced, such as new hydraulic cone crusher, which can more accurately control the work of the crusher and improve the crushing effect.     3. In view of the ore waste caused by the grinding and classification stage, mining companies can use closed grinding system and suitable grinding machine. A closed grinding system is a grinding process in which the grinding equipment and its matching classification equipment form a closed-loop circulation system. In this system, the material after grinding is first classified by the classification equipment, and the unqualified coarse-grained material is returned to the grinding equipment for re-grinding, while the qualified fine-grained material flows to the next process. In this way, the closed grinding system can effectively control the product particle size, reduce over-grinding, and improve grinding efficiency and product quality.   The process of closed-circuit grinding usually includes the following steps: 1) Feeding: The raw materials are fed into the mill for preliminary crushing and grinding. 2) Classification: The material after grinding enters the classification equipment, such as a spiral classifier or a hydrocyclone, for classification. 3) Return sand: The coarse-grained material (return sand) separated by the classification equipment is returned to the mill for re-grinding. 4) Circulation grinding: The return sand enters the mill together with the fresh feed ore to form a circulation grinding process. 5) Finished product discharge: After multiple cycles of grinding, the material that reaches the required particle size is discharged by the classification equipment as a finished product. In the closed-circuit grinding process, the control of grinding efficiency and product particle size depends on the working efficiency of the classification equipment and the adjustment of the return sand ratio. The return sand ratio refers to the ratio of the return sand amount to the new feed amount. The optimization of this ratio is crucial to achieve efficient grinding. Depending on the properties of the ore, the following closed-circuit grinding equipment can be selected: 1) Ball mill: suitable for fine grinding of most hard ores, and can form a closed-circuit system with spiral classifiers or high-efficiency screening equipment. 2) Rod mill: suitable for coarse grinding or pre-grinding, especially when processing brittle materials, it can be used in conjunction with grid-type or overflow classifiers. 3) Autogenous mill: suitable for processing certain specific ores, with low energy consumption, but with certain requirements for the hardness and grindability of the ore. When selecting closed-circuit grinding equipment, it is also necessary to consider the number of grinding stages, whether it is closed-circuit grinding, and the conditions of different classification operations. These factors jointly determine the design of the grinding process to ensure the best grinding effect and economic benefits. In the closed-circuit grinding process, the commonly used classification equipment mainly includes the following types: 1) Spiral classifier: According to the immersion state of the spiral shaft, the spiral classifier can be divided into high weir type and submerged type. The high weir spiral classifier is suitable for coarse particle classification, while the submerged spiral classifier is suitable for fine particle classification. The spiral classifier classifies the material after grinding and discharges the coarse particle material through the rotation of the spiral blade. 2) Hydrocyclone:It uses the centrifugal force of the water flow for classification and is suitable for materials of various particle sizes. There is a conical cylinder inside the hydrocyclone. The material and water enter the cylinder together. Due to the action of centrifugal force, materials of different particle sizes are separated. 3) Cone classifier: Classification is carried out through the free fall motion of the material in the conical cylinder and the action of centrifugal force. The cone classifier is suitable for the classification of medium-sized materials and can effectively separate fine and coarse particles. 4) Trough classifier: It consists of an inclined trough body. The material settles under the action of gravity and the inclination angle of the trough body to achieve classification. The trough classifier has a simple structure and is suitable for the preliminary classification of larger block materials. These classification equipments have their own characteristics and are suitable for different grinding conditions and material characteristics. In actual production, the appropriate classification equipment is selected according to the requirements of the grinding process and the physical properties of the ore to achieve the best grinding effect. The vertical mill is a high-efficiency grinding equipment, which is mainly used for grinding materials of various hardness, such as cement raw materials, coal, slag, etc. Its working principle is to achieve material crushing and grinding through the rolling friction between the grinding roller and the grinding disc. The main components of the vertical mill include grinding rollers, grinding discs, bearings, reducers, motors, separators and fans. The materials are crushed by the grinding rollers in the grinding disc and are separated and transported under the action of wind.     The vertical mill integrates crushing, drying, grinding and classification, simplifies the process flow, reduces the number of equipment, reduces investment and operation and maintenance costs, and the overall sealing design and full negative pressure operation reduce dust spillage, reduce environmental pollution and also reduce ore loss. 4. For the waste caused in the mineral sorting stage, mining companies should choose appropriate mineral sorting methods according to the characteristics of the ore, optimize the mineral sorting technology, improve the automation and intelligence level of mineral sorting, and effectively reduce the errors of manual operation. Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. has been devoted to the research and production of intelligent sorting equipment for mining for ten years, and has successively launched Mingde ore color sorters and Mingde AI intelligent ore sorters, introducing artificial intelligence technology and big digital technology in the field of mineral processing, and further improving the efficiency and accuracy of mineral processing. The heavy-duty ore sorter launched by Mingde in 2022 can sort ores with a particle size of 8-15cm, bringing the hourly output of the ore sorter to 200 tons, meeting the requirements of large-scale pre-sorting of large mining companies, and reducing the pressure of subsequent flotation in large quantities, which is more energy-saving and environmentally friendly.     CCD Sensor Based Ore Color Sorter Mingde ore sorter can establish a sorting mode according to the user's sorting needs, and realize accurate sorting of ores of different particle sizes and types; customers can also adjust the machine parameters and the sorting accuracy according to their actual situation to meet the diversified and personalized sorting requirements of users. The whole machine is highly intelligent, and can continuously improve the sorting effect through the machine's learning mode. It can realize remote debugging, intelligent monitoring, remote service, and remote software upgrades to help customers enjoy the latest photoelectric mineral processing technology. Heavy Duty AI Mineral Sorting Machine The vibrating feeding part and the main body of the equipment adopt a split structure to avoid the impact of the vibration of the hopper on the main machine during the feeding process, making the equipment run more stably. In contrast, the main body of the sorting adopts a closed whole machine structure, which enables the machine to better adapt to the requirements of harsh environments such as high dust, high pollution, and high corrosion in the industrial and mining industries. 5. For the waste generated during the concentration and dehydration process, mining companies can adopt the following methods to improve the recovery rate of ore. 1) Optimize equipment design: Select efficient concentration equipment and dehydration equipment, such as high-efficiency deep cone concentrators and vibrating inclined plate high-efficiency concentrators. These equipment can handle more materials and improve material handling capacity and efficiency. 2) Adjust operating parameters: Reasonably adjust the operating parameters of the concentrator and dehydration equipment, such as feed rate, flocculant addition, etc., which can significantly improve the equipment's processing capacity and reduce energy consumption. 3) Implement intelligent control strategy: Use modern automation technology to establish an intelligent control system for the concentrator, monitor and adjust the working parameters in real time, so that the equipment always maintains the best operating state and reduces the loss caused by improper operation. 4) Application of new materials and new equipment: The use of high-wear-resistant materials to manufacture key components of the equipment can significantly extend the service life of the equipment, reduce the maintenance frequency, and improve the overall processing capacity and efficiency. 5) Improve the technical level of operators: Improving the technical level and operating ability of operators through regular training and education is an important measure to improve the processing capacity of equipment. 6) Real-time monitoring and intelligent control system: The introduction of real-time monitoring and intelligent control system can realize real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of the operating status of the equipment, and improve the sorting efficiency and safety. 6. For the waste caused by the tailings treatment stage, mining companies can further recycle the tailings that have been discharged after preliminary beneficiation treatment to extract the remaining valuable metals or non-metallic minerals. For the tailings generated during the beneficiation process, mining companies can also treat and reuse them in a variety of ways to reduce environmental pollution, save resources and energy, and transform them into a collection of technologies for valuable products. These technologies include but are not limited to the physical and chemical treatment of tailings, and the use of tailings as raw materials in building materials, filling materials and other fields. The purpose of tailings comprehensive utilization technology is to maximize the utilization of tailings resources, reduce the construction and maintenance costs of tailings ponds, and reduce the negative impact on the environment. Common types of tailings comprehensive utilization technologies include: 1) Tailings backfill: Use tailings as filling materials in mine goafs to reduce surface collapse and environmental damage. 2) Tailings sand making: Use tailings as construction sand after treatment. 3) Production of building materials: Use tailings to produce cement, bricks, aerated concrete and other building materials. 4) Soil conditioner: Tailings can be used to improve soil structure and increase soil fertility. 5) Environmental remediation materials: Tailings are used for the solidification and stabilization of heavy metal contaminated soil. In short, avoiding ore waste caused by ore processing and improving ore recovery rate are of great economic and environmental significance to the mining industry. Economically, by improving ore recovery rate, the effective utilization of mineral resources can be increased, resource waste can be reduced, and the economic benefits of enterprises can be improved. This is particularly important in the context of increasingly scarce resources, as it helps extend the service life of mines and maintain the stability of the supply chain. Environmentally, improving ore recovery rates helps reduce the amount of tailings produced and reduce the burden on the environment. The reduction of tailings ponds can reduce the risk of geological disasters, reduce pollution to water resources and soil, protect the ecological environment, and achieve sustainable development of the mining industry. In addition, improving ore recovery rates is also in line with national policies and regulations, responding to the call for comprehensive resource utilization and environmental protection. The government encourages the use of advanced technologies and management measures to improve resource utilization efficiency and reduce environmental pollution, which has a positive impact on the long-term development of enterprises and the fulfillment of social responsibilities. There is still a lot to discuss about how to avoid ore waste in ore processing. Today we have discussed each link one by one. If you still have questions you want to ask or have your own unique understanding, we welcome you to actively share.

We have discussed eight ore sorting methods on the market before, and I believe everyone has some understanding of ore sorting. Today, let's change the topic and discuss quartz ore. With the development of AI technology in recent years, the chip industry has become more and more prosperous, and the demand for silicon has also increased. Although the consumption of quartz has declined in the second quarter of this year, the overall situation is still good. Quartz ore is a widely distributed silicate mineral, the main component of which is silicon dioxide (SiO2). Different types of quartz ores differ in their genesis, physical and chemical properties, and industrial applications. There are roughly 7 common quartz deposits in nature. Today we will introduce them all at once, and also briefly talk about the two most popular industrial applications of quartz at this stage. 1. Natural Crystal There are large transparent quartz crystals in nature, which are mainly used for carving crafts. They are less in resources and expensive. This kind of quartz ore is mainly used for carving crafts, such as jewelry and decorations. High-quality natural crystals are also used to make optical crystal materials and piezoelectric crystal materials. 2. Granite Quartz Granite quartz, also known as pegmatite quartz, is a very popular quartz ore in the past two years. It is formed by magma and is the main raw material for producing high-purity quartz. It is used in electronic information, new materials and new energy fields, especially in the semiconductor industry, for the manufacture of quartz crucibles and other key semiconductor manufacturing equipment. 3. Vein Quartz Formed under the action of magma hydrothermal fluids, it has a single mineral composition, almost all of which is quartz, and is suitable for the production of high-purity silicon micropowders. These silicon micropowders have important applications in strategic emerging industries such as electronic information, new materials and new energy. The high purity and low iron content of vein quartz make it one of the ideal mineral raw materials for processing high-purity quartz. 4. Quartz Sandstone It is formed by the deposition and consolidation of siliceous debris and is widely used in the production of daily glass sand, glass fiber, metallic silicon, refractory materials, white carbon black, silicone, etc. Its stable geological occurrence and suitable particle size make it an important raw material in these fields. 5. Quartzite Dense and hard rock formed by regional metamorphism or thermal contact metamorphism, mainly used to make high-strength, high-hardness and wear-resistant building materials, such as artificial stone, artificial granite, artificial jade, etc. Its dense and hard characteristics make it outstanding in decorative effects and durability. 6. Powdered Quartz Natural powdered quartz with extremely fine particles and high silica content, mainly formed by weathering and disintegration of siliceous parent rock, is often used to make fine ceramics, refractory materials, etc. 7. Natural Quartz Sand Sand-like quartz mineral raw materials formed by weathering are mainly used for casting sand, 3D printing sand, etc. Its high purity and refractory properties make it indispensable in the casting industry. The above seven types of quartz deposits can be distinguished by a series of physical and chemical characteristics, including color, transparency, crystal morphology, gloss, hardness, specific gravity and specific optical properties. Here are some commonly used identification methods: 1. Color and Transparency: Different types of quartz ores may show different colors and transparency. For example, crystal is usually transparent, while agate is composed of layered quartz with different color stripes. 2. Crystal Morphology: The crystal morphology of quartz can help identify its type. For example, α-quartz and β-quartz are stable at different temperatures and have different crystal structures. In addition, quartz can also form a variety of homogeneous variants such as tridymite and cristobalite, which have unique crystal morphologies. 3. Luster and Hardness: Quartz usually has a glassy luster and a high hardness, with a Mohs hardness of 7. 4. Specific Gravity: Different types of quartz ores have different specific gravity due to their different impurity content and crystallization state. 5. Optical Properties: Some quartz ores may show birefringence, that is, light splits into two beams when passing through the mineral. This phenomenon can be detected by polarizing microscope observation. 6. Chemical Analysis: By chemically analyzing a quartz sample, its precise chemical composition can be determined and its type can be further confirmed. 7. X-ray Diffraction Analysis: XRD can be used to determine the crystal structure of quartz, thereby helping to distinguish different quartz variants. 8. Infrared Spectrum Analysis: Different types of quartz may show different absorption peaks on the infrared spectrum, which can be used as a basis for identification. For example, if we encounter quartzite and vein quartz in the field, we can base our identification on their structural characteristics and occurrence. The bedding and block structure of quartzite and the vein-like occurrence of vein quartz are important identification points. In addition, although the color of quartzite is not as bright as vein quartz, its bedding structure helps to identify it. If conditions permit, a magnifying glass can be used to observe the arrangement of quartz particles. The quartz particles in quartzite are usually smaller and more closely arranged. Different types of quartz ores are used to meet the needs of different industrial fields due to their specific physical and chemical properties. At present, the most common industrial fields of quartz ores are mainly electronic information industry and construction industry. Quartz ores are mainly used as raw materials for the following products in the electronic information industry: 1. Semiconductor Wafer Manufacturing: Quartz products play a key role in semiconductor wafer manufacturing, including quartz glass products used in key processes such as diffusion, oxidation, deposition, photolithography, etching and cleaning. These products have the characteristics of high purity, pollution-free, and high temperature resistance, ensuring the quality and performance of semiconductor wafers. 2. Single Crystal Silicon Growth: When producing single crystal silicon, quartz crucibles and quartz devices are indispensable because they can withstand high temperature environments without reacting with silicon. 3. Photolithography and Etching Processes: Quartz materials are used to make tools and containers in photolithography and etching processes, such as quartz sheets, quartz rings, and quartz boats. These tools need to have extremely high purity and chemical corrosion resistance. 4. Optical Fiber Manufacturing: Quartz fiber plays an important role in optical fiber communication. High-purity quartz is a key material for manufacturing quartz optical fiber because it determines the light transmission spectrum of the optical fiber. 5. Electronic Packaging: Quartz materials are also used for packaging electronic components to provide electrical insulation and thermal stability. Because of the physical and chemical properties of quartz stone, such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and easy cleaning, quartz stone is also widely used in the construction industry, as follows: 6. Interior Decoration: Quartz stone can be used as a material for floors and walls, providing beautiful and durable decorative effects. 7. Kitchen Countertops: Quartz is often used as a kitchen countertop material because of its wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean properties. 8. Bathroom Walls: Quartz's waterproof and moisture-proof properties make it suitable for bathroom wall paving. 9. Floor Paving: Quartz floor tiles are wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, and are suitable for floor paving. 10. Commercial Buildings: Quartz is also widely used for interior and exterior decoration in commercial buildings such as shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings. 11. Public Facilities: Quartz is also used as a decorative material in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and libraries. 12. Building exterior walls: Quartz, as an exterior wall decoration material, can resist external wear and corrosion and maintain long-term beauty. Different industrial applications of quartz have different requirements for the purity and quality of quartz ore, which requires us to sort quartz ore and separate useless minerals and harmful impurities. In addition, quartz ore sorting can also help reduce production costs, improve the comprehensive utilization rate of resources, reduce environmental pollution, and promote the sustainable development of the mining industry. When it comes to quartz sorting, we have to mention the color sorter and AI intelligent sorter launched by Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. If it is used as a raw material for plates, customers generally have requirements for the color and whiteness of quartz ore, and need to remove iron-containing impurities and some other colors of gangue. Mingde color sorter can accurately separate the ore according to the color of the ore and improve the whiteness of quartz. The ore treated by the color sorter can even be directly ground to make plate materials. If it is used to make high-purity quartz sand, the customer's purity requirements for quartz ore are much higher than that of plate raw materials. At this time, we need to use our AI intelligent machine for processing. It can accurately analyze the sorted ore according to the surface characteristics of the extracted good ore, and accurately separate impurities, associated ores, and good ores. Well, today's introduction to different quartz ores is here. Mingde Optoelectronics Sorting Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and development, design, manufacturing, sales and service of intelligent sorting, intelligent sorting robots and mining equipment for mining. We have been specializing in the production of sorting equipment for 10 years. If you are interested, please feel free to consult and we will see you another day.

Ore separation is the process of separating useful minerals from gangue or harmful minerals in ores to improve the grade and recovery rate of useful minerals. Yesterday we introduced four different methods of ore separation, and today we will continue to introduce another four ore separation technologies. Electrostatic separation method Basic principle and working mechanism of electrostatic separation Electrostatic separation is a mineral separation method based on the difference in surface charge of mineral particles. Under the action of the electric field, the charged mineral particles will move to the opposite electrode to achieve separation. The electrostatic separation process usually includes a preparation stage (crushing, grinding, grading), a drying and charging stage (charging the mineral particles), a separation stage (separation in the electric field), and a washing and collection stage. Types of ores with high electrostatic separation efficiency Electrostatic separation shows high efficiency in processing some specific types of ores, especially those with obvious differences in conductivity. These ores include: Sulfide minerals: such as pyrite, sphalerite, etc., which can remove some gangue by electrostatic separation before grinding and flotation. Metal oxide minerals: such as hematite, limonite, etc., these minerals can be effectively separated by electrostatic separation under appropriate conditions. Certain non-metallic minerals: such as graphite, silica, etc., due to their good conductivity, electrostatic separation can be used as an effective separation method. Electrostatic separation and flotation are both commonly used beneficiation methods in mineral processing. They have their own characteristics and applicability when dealing with fine powders. Characteristics of electrostatic separation Electrostatic separation is based on the difference in conductivity of mineral particles in an electric field for separation, and is suitable for processing minerals with large differences in conductivity. Electrostatic separation can process minerals with fine particles, complex components and thin layers, and has good separation effects, but the equipment cost is high, the operation is complex, and it has high requirements for the skills of operators. Characteristics of flotation The flotation method relies on the differences in the physical and chemical properties of different mineral surfaces. By adding flotation agents, the target mineral surface is made hydrophobic and suspended in the foam to float up, thereby achieving separation. Flotation shows a good purification effect when dealing with non-metallic minerals such as silicon micropowder, and the process flow is relatively simple and the equipment requirements are low. However, flotation may require a large amount of reagents and have a certain impact on the environment. Applicability comparison For the treatment of fine powders, electrostatic separation can usually provide higher separation accuracy and selectivity, especially when treating minerals with significant differences in conductivity. Flotation is suitable for fine powders that can be effectively separated by adjusting the surface properties, and operates under acid-free conditions, with less impact on the environment. In summary, if there are obvious differences in conductivity between the mineral particles of the fine powder, electrostatic separation may be a more appropriate choice. If the fine powder can be effectively separated by adjusting the surface properties and has high requirements for environmental protection, flotation may be more applicable. In practical applications, it is also necessary to consider economic efficiency, environmental impact and the specific characteristics of the ore to determine the most appropriate beneficiation method. Advantages of electrostatic separation The advantage of electrostatic separation is that it can handle minerals with differences in conductivity, and has relatively low energy consumption, which is suitable for dry and conductive materials. Technical challenges faced by electrostatic separation in ore processing Uneven conductivity of minerals: The conductivity of natural minerals is often uneven, which may lead to poor electrostatic separation results. In order to improve the separation efficiency, it is necessary to precisely control the electric field strength and distribution, as well as optimize the pretreatment process of mineral particles. Size effect of mineral particles: Small particles of minerals tend to aggregate during the electrostatic separation process, affecting the separation effect. Therefore, it is necessary to research and develop electrostatic separation technologies that can handle fine particles. Changes in mineral surface properties: During the electrostatic separation process, chemical or physical changes may occur on the surface of mineral particles, affecting their conductivity and the final separation effect. This requires an in-depth understanding and control of the surface behavior of minerals. Corrosion resistance and maintenance issues of equipment: Since the electrostatic separation process involves water and electrolyte solutions, the equipment materials must have good corrosion resistance. At the same time, the maintenance and life of the equipment are also technical difficulties that need to be overcome in practical applications. Energy consumption and cost control: Electrostatic separation equipment usually requires a large amount of electrical energy input. How to reduce energy consumption and operating costs is the key to improving the competitiveness of electrostatic separation. Environmental impact: The treatment of wastewater and waste residues generated during the electrostatic separation process is a concern for environmental protection, and effective measures need to be taken to reduce the negative impact on the environment. In practical applications, electrostatic separation is often used in combination with other mineral separation methods to optimize the entire mineral separation process and improve the quality and economic benefits of the final product. Chemical beneficiation Chemical beneficiation uses chemical reagents to react with minerals in the ore to change the chemical composition or physical state of the minerals, thereby achieving separation. This method is suitable for processing poor, fine, impure and other difficult-to-select mineral raw materials, and can improve the comprehensive utilization rate of minerals. The advantages include strong processing capacity and wide adaptability, but the disadvantages are that it may involve environmental pollution and equipment corrosion problems, and the processing cost is relatively high. Applicable ore types for chemical beneficiation Chemical beneficiation is mainly suitable for processing ores that can effectively separate useful minerals and gangue minerals through chemical reactions. The following are several types of ores, in which chemical beneficiation shows better treatment effects: Oxidized copper ore: Chemical beneficiation methods, such as acid leaching and alkaline leaching processes, can effectively extract copper and significantly improve the recovery rate. Difficult to select complex copper ores: For these ores, chemical beneficiation can improve beneficiation efficiency and economic benefits by optimizing reagent formulas and process conditions. Complex intercalated manganese ore: Chemical beneficiation, including leaching and precipitation, is suitable for processing complex intercalated manganese ore because these methods can effectively separate the minerals by using the differences in the chemical properties of the minerals. Phosphate ore with special chemical properties and complex impurity composition: Chemical beneficiation can separate and enrich the minerals by adding chemical reagents to induce chemical reactions between the phosphate ore and the impurities, and is suitable for purifying high-quality phosphate ore products. These ore types usually ave complex mineral compositions or are closely combined with the gangue, making it difficult for traditional physical beneficiation methods to achieve satisfactory separation effects. Chemical beneficiation achieves effective separation by changing the chemical state of the minerals and breaking the bonds between the minerals. In practical applications, the effect of chemical beneficiation is affected by the characteristics of the ore, the selection of chemical reagents and the process conditions, so these factors need to be considered comprehensively when designing the beneficiation process. Microbial beneficiation method Microbial beneficiation method uses the metabolic activities of microorganisms to extract valuable metals from ores. This method is environmentally friendly, low-cost, and can process complex polymetallic minerals. The development trend of microbial beneficiation technology is to improve flotation recovery, reduce beneficiation costs and reduce environmental pollution. Ore types applicable to microbial beneficiation Microbial beneficiation, also known as bacterial beneficiation, is a beneficiation method that mainly uses microorganisms such as iron-oxidizing bacteria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and silicate bacteria to remove iron, sulfur and silicon from minerals. This technology is suitable for the treatment of a variety of ores, especially in the treatment of low-grade copper, uranium ores, low-grade gold and silver ores and some difficult-to-benefit ores. Microbial beneficiation technology can effectively improve the leaching rate of ore, reduce beneficiation costs, and to a certain extent increase the grade of ore and improve resource utilization efficiency. In practical applications, microbial beneficiation has been used in mines in many countries, such as gold mines in Australia, copper mines in Canada and phosphate mines in China. These cases show that microbial beneficiation technology has practical application value in improving metal recovery and reducing environmental pollution. Advantages of microbial beneficiation Environmental protection: Microbial beneficiation uses the biological metabolic capacity of microorganisms, reduces the use of chemical reagents, and reduces environmental pollution. Cost-effectiveness: Compared with traditional beneficiation technology, microbial beneficiation technology usually has lower operating costs because it does not require expensive equipment and complex process flows. Adaptability: Microorganisms can survive in harsh environments and have strong adaptability, which enables microbial beneficiation technology to process a variety of complex and low-grade ores. High efficiency: Microbial beneficiation technology can improve beneficiation efficiency and metal recovery, especially showing unique advantages when processing difficult-to-benefit ores. Disadvantages of microbial beneficiation method Slow oxidation rate: Microorganisms oxidize minerals relatively slowly, which may lead to longer leaching time and affect production efficiency. Poor controllability: The microbial growth environment is greatly affected by factors such as temperature, pH value, and oxygen content. Changes in these factors may affect the separation efficiency of ores, making it difficult to accurately control the microbial beneficiation process. Technical challenges: The research and application of microbial beneficiation technology still faces some technical challenges, such as the screening, cultivation and optimization of microbial strains. Environmental adaptability: Some microorganisms have slow growth rates and poor environmental adaptability, which directly affects the leaching efficiency. The advantages of microbial beneficiation method are mainly concentrated in its environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness, while the disadvantages are reflected in the processing speed and controllability. With the development of biotechnology, these shortcomings are expected to be overcome through technological innovation. Technical Challenges of Microbial Mineral Processing Although microbial mineral processing has obvious advantages in terms of environmental protection and cost-effectiveness, it still faces some technical challenges in practical application: Strain selection and optimization of culture conditions: Finding efficient and stable microbial strains and optimizing their culture conditions to ensure performance and stability in industrial-scale production is a key challenge. Different ores and environmental conditions require specific microbial strains, and the control of culture conditions is crucial for microbial activity. Understanding of bioleaching kinetics and mechanisms: In-depth understanding of the mechanism of action of microorganisms on minerals and leaching kinetics can help improve mineral processing efficiency and select suitable process parameters. At present, the understanding of these mechanisms and kinetics is not comprehensive enough, which limits the further development of microbial mineral processing technology. Technical difficulties in large-scale production: Scaling up the laboratory-scale microbial mineral processing process to the industrial production scale requires overcoming a series of technical difficulties, including large-scale cultivation of microorganisms, maintaining a suitable growth environment, and dealing with possible technical problems. Influence of environmental factors: The growth of microorganisms in the natural environment is affected by many factors, such as temperature, pH value, oxygen supply, etc. These factors are difficult to control in industrial production and may affect the activity of microorganisms and mineral processing effects. Economic evaluation: Although microbial beneficiation has cost advantages in theory, in actual operation, how to ensure the economy of the whole process, especially in terms of initial investment and operating costs, is still a problem that needs to be solved. These challenges require interdisciplinary research cooperation, including experts in fields such as microbiology, geology, chemical engineering and environmental science, to work together to promote the commercialization and industrialization of microbial beneficiation technology. AI beneficiation Method Definition and basic principles of artificial intelligence sorting technology Artificial intelligence sorting technology refers to the use of artificial intelligence algorithms, especially machine learning and deep learning technologies, to analyze the physical or chemical properties of mineral materials, so as to achieve automatic classification and sorting. These technologies are able to process large amounts of data, self-learn and optimize sorting strategies, and improve sorting efficiency and accuracy. Scope of application of artificial intelligence sorting minerals Artificial intelligence sorting technology is increasingly widely used in the field of mineral processing, and is suitable for the sorting of a variety of minerals. According to the latest research and application cases, artificial intelligence sorting machines have demonstrated their advantages of high efficiency, precision and environmental protection in many fields such as non-metallic ores, non-ferrous metal ores, and rare earth metal ores. For example, artificial intelligence sorting technology has achieved remarkable results in the sorting of non-metallic ores such as talc and fluorite, improving the utilization rate of ore resources and optimizing the industrial structure. Successful application cases Intelligent sorting of wollastonite: A large domestic wollastonite company adopted the artificial intelligence sorting equipment of Mingde Optoelectronics to achieve accurate sorting of wollastonite ore, improve the control level of finished product loss on ignition, and the concentrate yield and stable sorting effect met customer expectations. Sorting of non-metallic and metallic ores: As a high-tech equipment based on the principle of photoelectric sorting, ore color sorter is widely used in non-metallic minerals such as fluorite, barite, quartz, potassium feldspar, calcite, and metal ores under certain specific conditions, showing strong performance. Advantages of AI Sorting Improve sorting accuracy and efficiency: AI sorting technology can achieve fast and accurate classification of different minerals through image recognition, machine learning and other means, and improve sorting accuracy and efficiency. Automated operation: The AI ​​sorting system realizes the automated sorting process, reduces manual intervention, reduces labor intensity, and improves production safety. Flexible configuration: AI sorting equipment can be flexibly adjusted according to the sorting needs of different types of minerals, has strong adaptability, and can be widely used in various mineral sorting scenarios. Environmentally friendly: Through precise sorting, the disorderly mining of low-grade ores can be reduced, waste emissions can be reduced, and it is conducive to the sustainable development of the mining industry. Disadvantages of AI Sorting Technical threshold: The research and development and implementation of AI sorting technology require high technical knowledge and professional talents, which may limit its application in some small or technologically backward enterprises. Initial investment cost: The purchase cost of high-performance AI sorting equipment and related software systems is high, which may increase the initial investment burden of enterprises. Data dependence: The performance of AI sorting systems depends largely on a large amount of high-quality training data, and data collection and processing may be a challenge. In summary, artificial intelligence sorting technology has significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of mineral processing, but its application also faces technical and cost challenges. With the continuous development of technology and the gradual reduction of costs, it is expected that artificial intelligence sorting technology will be more widely used in the mining industry. Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. was the first to introduce artificial intelligence and big data technology in the field of mining sorting in China, opening up the artificial intelligence era of ore sorting, greatly expanding the scope of application of photoelectric sorting, and is applicable to common metal and non-metallic ores, and greatly improving the accuracy of ore sorting. The heavy-duty ore sorting machine launched by the company can sort ores with a particle size of 8-15 cm, reducing the waste caused by repeated crushing of ore for sorting, while greatly increasing the output of ore sorting.   So far, we have briefly introduced the eight common sorting methods on the market, and we will continue to share more mining knowledge with you later.

Coal and gangue are two different substances produced during coal mining and processing. Coal is a fossil fuel that is mainly composed of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus, and has a high energy density and calorific value of combustion. Coal is usually black in color, has a relatively compact texture and contains fewer impurities. In contrast, gangue is a solid waste produced during coal mining and selection, which contains a lower carbon content and a higher ash content. It is usually gray or dark gray and contains more impurities. The density of gangue is lower than that of coal, so it weighs more in the same volume. In addition, the hardness of gangue is also higher than that of coal, and it is not easy to be broken manually. Gangue, on the other hand, was often regarded as waste disposal in the past due to its lower energy value and higher environmental pollution potential. However, with the improvement of comprehensive resource utilization and environmental protection awareness, the comprehensive utilization technology of gangue has been developed, and its application in the production of building materials, filling of goafs, land reclamation, and production of chemical products has gradually increased. Taking the field of building materials as an example, coal gangue has the following main applications: Cement production: coal gangue can be used as a raw material for the production of ordinary silicate cement, special cement and clinker-free cement, and can partially or completely replace clay to prepare cement raw materials. Production of sintered bricks: coal gangue sintered bricks are of good quality and uniform color, and are a commonly used building material. Production of lightweight aggregate: Lightweight aggregate is a porous aggregate used to reduce the relative density of concrete. Coal gangue can be used to produce such materials. Production of coal gangue asbestos: Coal gangue asbestos made from coal gangue and lime as raw materials and melted at high temperature is a building material. Production of blocks: coal gangue can also be used to produce building materials such as blocks. Production of other building materials: According to the mineral composition of coal gangue, it can be used as a siliceous raw material or an aluminum raw material, and is used in the production of many sintered ceramic (porcelain) building materials. Production of chemical products: Gangue can be used to produce chemical products such as crystalline aluminum chloride, water glass, and ammonium sulfate. Backfill and reclamation: Gangue can be used to fill coal mining subsidence areas and open-pit mines for land reclamation. In addition, gangue has the following convenient applications: Conversion of gangue into organic fertilizer: Through specific biotechnology treatment, gangue can be converted into biological organic fertilizer to improve the productivity of soil ecosystems. This technology not only realizes the resource utilization of gangue, but also helps to improve soil quality and promote sustainable agricultural development. High-value utilization of gangue: After grinding, pulping, grading and other process treatments, gangue can be used to produce high-value-added products such as catalysts, pigments, and fillers. These products are widely used in many fields such as plastics, rubber, and coatings, realizing the resource utilization and recycling of gangue. Gangue overburden isolation grouting filling technology: This is a technology that injects gangue as filling material into the overburden separation zone through ground drilling, which effectively prevents and slows down ground subsidence. This technology fundamentally solves the problem of gangue treatment in coal mines, saves treatment costs, and provides a new solution for gangue disposal. In order to improve the comprehensive profit efficiency of coal and gangue, the separation of coal and gangue is particularly important as an important step in the coal processing process. The following are some current methods for separating coal and gangue: 1. Vibrating screen gangue separation system: By establishing a vibrating screen gangue separation system on the underground centralized belt, effective separation of coal and gangue is achieved. This system can realize the direct loading and lifting of gangue, reduce the main shaft lifting and gangue washing in the coal washing plant, reduce the ash content of washed coal, and improve the recovery rate of raw coal. The working principle of this system is based on vibration mechanics and screening principles. In this process, the vibrating screen is driven by a motor to make the screen body vibrate at high frequency, and the material jumps on the screen surface. Due to the different physical properties of coal and gangue, their motion states on the vibrating screen surface are also different, resulting in the effective separation of the two. Specifically, when the screen surface of the vibrating screen vibrates, large particles of material will be thrown above the screen surface due to inertia, while small particles of material will fall below through the screen. In this way, materials of different particle sizes are separated. The design of the vibrating screen usually takes into account the differences in the characteristics of coal and gangue, including their density, humidity and shape, to ensure efficient sorting. The vibrating screen gangue sorting system is mainly composed of screen box, screen, vibrator, vibration damping spring and other components. There are multiple layers of screen inside the screen box, and each layer of screen corresponds to different particle size requirements. The vibrator generates vibration force, causing the screen box and screen to vibrate at high frequency, thereby achieving material separation. The vibration damping spring is used to absorb the vibration generated by the vibrating screen during operation and reduce the transmission of vibration to the ground or other equipment. The operation process usually includes three steps: feeding, screening and discharging. First, the raw coal and gangue mixture is fed into the feeding port of the vibrating screen. Then, the vibrating screen starts working and the material is screened on the vibrating screen surface. Finally, the screened coal and gangue are discharged from both sides of the screen respectively to complete the sorting process. In practical applications, the vibrating screen gangue sorting system may be optimized and improved according to the specific conditions of different coal mines to improve sorting efficiency and reduce energy consumption. For example, the vibration frequency and amplitude of the vibrating screen can be adjusted to adapt to different material characteristics, or the screening accuracy can be improved by improving the design of the screen. In addition, the introduction of intelligent control systems can further improve the automation and stability of the system. 2. Gangue sorting system based on X-ray and machine vision: Use X-ray and machine vision technology to identify coal and gangue, calculate the thickness value of coal and gangue through image processing algorithm, and fuse the thickness of coal and gangue identified by visual images with X-ray attenuation images to obtain recognition decision information.   The application of X-ray and machine vision technology in coal gangue sorting mainly involves the following steps: Use of imaging system: Use X-ray imaging system to scan coal and coal gangue to obtain the internal structure and composition information of the material. This information is usually manifested as different materials absorb X-rays to different degrees, thus forming contrast in imaging. Image recognition and analysis: Through machine vision technology, the images obtained by the X-ray imaging system are processed and analyzed. Deep learning algorithms are used to train models to automatically identify the characteristics of coal and coal gangue, such as color, density, shape, texture, etc. Automated sorting: After identifying coal and coal gangue, the control system will guide the actuator, such as high-pressure wind or robotic arm, to separate the gangue from the coal. This process can achieve high-efficiency and high-precision sorting, reduce labor costs, and improve sorting quality. Intelligent system: Modern gangue sorting systems not only rely on hardware equipment, but also integrate data analysis and artificial intelligence algorithms, so that the system has self-learning capabilities, can adjust the sorting strategy according to different coal quality characteristics and environmental conditions, and realize unattended operation. The combination of these technologies represents the advanced level in the field of coal sorting, which helps to improve resource recovery and reduce environmental pollution. 3. Photoelectric sorting system: Gangue photoelectric sorting technology is a modern method of sorting coal and gangue using photoelectric sensors and image processing technology. This technology can achieve rapid and accurate identification of coal and gangue, thereby improving the quality of coal and the comprehensive utilization rate of resources. Photoelectric sorting systems usually include components such as light sources, detectors, image processing units and control systems. By scanning the materials on the conveyor belt, the system can detect the differences in spectral characteristics of different substances and classify them accordingly.   The latest research and applications show that gangue photoelectric sorting technology is developing towards intelligence and high efficiency. For example, a study proposed an intelligent gangue sorting system based on deep reinforcement learning, which can achieve more than 95% gangue identification accuracy and more than 90% sorting efficiency. In addition, there are studies on the key common technologies of multi-arm gangue intelligent sorting robots, which have achieved the stable grasping of dynamic gangue transmitted at high speed by the manipulator, improving the sorting efficiency and the collaborative working ability of the system. The advantage of the optoelectronic sorting technology of gangue is that it can realize non-contact sorting, reduce damage to materials, and reduce dust and noise pollution. In addition, the intelligent sorting system can self-learn and optimize the sorting strategy to improve the accuracy and efficiency of sorting. The application of these technologies helps to achieve efficient utilization of coal resources and environmental protection, which is in line with the development trend of green mine construction. In addition, the application of optoelectronic sorting technology can also reduce equipment failure rate, reduce management costs, optimize process flow, and improve clean coal recovery rate, which are directly reflected in the improvement of production efficiency. The combination of intelligent lighting and personnel positioning management platform further enhances the intelligence level of coal preparation plants and improves the standards of safe production. The AI intelligent sorting machine launched by Anhui Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. uses deep learning and machine vision technology to automatically identify and sort coal gangue. This technology can significantly improve sorting efficiency, reduce labor costs, and reduce environmental pollution.

Ore sorting is a very critical step in mining production, which directly affects the recovery rate of ore, resource utilization rate and the quality of the final product. Through effective sorting, useful minerals can be separated from waste rocks or low-grade minerals, thereby increasing the overall value of the ore. In addition, ore sorting also helps to reduce energy and material consumption in subsequent processing, reduce production costs, and reduce environmental impact. Different ores use different sorting methods according to their physical and chemical properties. Different ore beneficiation methods have their own applicable ores and advantages and disadvantages. Below we will introduce the eight main sorting methods on the market in detail through two articles: 1. Gravity Separation Method Gravity separation method is a method of sorting based on the difference in the settling velocity of different mineral particles under the action of gravity. This method is suitable for processing ores with a large density difference between useful minerals and gangue. Gravity separation equipment usually operates in water or other fluid media, using gravity or mechanical force to separate mineral particles. The types of ores that can be separated are mainly the following: (1) Tungsten, tin, and gold ores: Gravity separation is a traditional method for processing these metal ores, especially for the beneficiation of placer gold and placer tin ores. (2) Rare metal ores: Placer ores containing rare metals such as niobium, tantalum, titanium, and zirconium are also often processed by gravity separation. (3) Weakly magnetic iron ore: Gravity separation can be used to separate weakly magnetic iron ore, manganese ore, chromium ore, etc. (4) Non-metallic ores: In the non-metallic mineral processing industry, gravity separation is also widely used to process ores such as asbestos, diamonds, kaolin, apatite, and pyrite. Advantages of gravity separation (1) Low cost: The production cost of gravity separation is relatively low because it does not require complex chemical reagents and high-energy consumption equipment. (2) Environmental friendliness: Since no chemical reagents are used or only a small amount is used, the gravity separation method has less pollution to the environment. (3) Wide applicability: The gravity separation method is suitable for processing ores with a large density difference between useful minerals and gangue, especially showing good results when processing coarse-grained minerals. (4) Simple equipment: Gravity separation equipment usually has a simple structure and low maintenance cost. Disadvantages of gravity separation method (1) Low efficiency in processing fine-grained ores: Gravity separation is not efficient when processing ores less than 0.1 mm, and the separation effect on fine-grained ores is limited. (2) Limited equipment processing capacity: For some materials, the processing capacity of gravity separation equipment may not be sufficient to meet the needs of large-scale production. (3) Technical challenges: The optimization and control of the gravity separation process is relatively complex and requires professional knowledge and skills. The advantages of gravity separation are mainly reflected in its economy and environmental friendliness, while the disadvantages are concentrated in the processing of fine-grained ores and improving equipment processing capacity. When processing fine-grained ores, the main problems encountered by the gravity separation method include poor dispersion of fine-grained materials in the gravity field, easy agglomeration, and reduced specific gravity difference with the gangue, all of which will lead to reduced gravity separation effect. In addition, the surface energy of fine-grained minerals increases, making them easy to adsorb on other particles, increasing the difficulty of separation. Therefore, in practical applications, whether to use the gravity separation method should be selected according to the specific characteristics of the ore and production requirements. 2. Flotation Method Flotation is a physical and chemical separation method widely used in mineral processing. It uses the difference in affinity between minerals and bubbles to achieve mineral separation. Flotation has important applications in many industries. In the field of ore sorting, it is applicable to a variety of non-ferrous metals, rare metals and non-metallic mines, including copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver, nickel, cobalt, tungsten, molybdenum, tin, antimony, bismuth, titanium, zirconium, vanadium, chromium, lithium, beryllium, strontium, barium, calcium, magnesium, boron, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, graphite, talc, gypsum, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, etc. In addition, flotation is also used for coal washing and processing of other non-metallic ores. Flotation is a widely used beneficiation method for mineral processing, especially for sulfide minerals and certain non-sulfide minerals. The following are several types of ores for which flotation usually achieves the best results: (1) Copper sulfide ore: Flotation is the preferred method for processing copper sulfide ore because copper sulfide minerals have good floatability and can be effectively separated from the ore by using specific collectors and regulators. (2) Polymetallic sulfide ore: For ores containing polymetallic sulfide minerals such as lead, zinc, and gold, flotation can effectively separate and recover these metals. (3) Certain non-metallic minerals: Flotation is also suitable for the extraction of non-metallic minerals, such as phosphate, limestone, fluorite, etc. These minerals can be separated from other minerals through flotation processes to improve the purity of the product. (4) Refractory gold ore: For complex gold ores, flotation technology can achieve a higher recovery rate, especially when used in combination with gravity separation, cyanidation and other methods, which can significantly improve the recovery effect. (5) Iron ore: Although magnetic separation is usually used for the beneficiation of iron ore, in some cases, flotation can also be used to treat iron minerals such as hematite, especially when the ore contains other minerals that are easy to float. The effect of flotation is affected by factors such as ore properties, mineral composition, mineral particle size and surface properties. By optimizing the selection of flotation agents, adjusting the pH value of the slurry, controlling the flotation time and bubble size and other operating conditions, the flotation efficiency and metal recovery rate can be further improved. As a widely used beneficiation method, flotation has the following unique advantages: Applicable to fine-grained materials: Flotation is particularly suitable for processing fine and micro-fine materials, which are difficult to recover by other beneficiation methods. Flotation can effectively separate micro-fine mineral particles less than 10μm from the slurry. Economic rationality: Flotation is usually more economically rational because it can achieve better mineral processing results at a lower cost, especially when processing large quantities of ore. Flotation equipment has strong scale production capacity and low unit cost. Flexible operability: During the flotation process, the type and dosage of reagents, pH value of the slurry, stirring intensity and other parameters can be adjusted to adapt to the characteristics of different minerals and achieve effective separation of minerals. Wide range of applications: Flotation is not only used for the mineral processing of non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc, lead, nickel, etc., but also for the mineral processing of ferrous metals, precious metals and non-metallic minerals, and even in the field of water purification. High efficiency of sorting: Flotation uses the differences in the physical and chemical properties of the mineral surface to adsorb mineral particles through bubbles to achieve efficient sorting, which helps to improve the recovery rate of minerals and the quality of concentrates. Although flotation has so many advantages, it also has some potential problems in terms of environmental protection, mainly including: (1) Environmental pollution of flotation reagents: The reagents used in the flotation process, such as collectors and frothers, may contain harmful chemicals. Some of these substances remain in the tailings during the flotation process. If they are discharged directly without proper treatment, they will pollute the water and soil and affect the ecological balance. (2) Heavy metal pollution: Flotation wastewater may contain high concentrations of heavy metal elements. These elements enter the water through precipitation, complexation and other effects, posing a threat to aquatic organisms and may affect human health through the food chain. (3) Organic pollution: The organic agents used in the flotation process decompose under the action of microorganisms, which may consume a large amount of dissolved oxygen, causing water hypoxia and affecting the survival of aquatic organisms. (4) Acid-base pollution: The acid-base medium used in the flotation process may change the pH value of the water body and have an adverse effect on the environment. (5) Secondary pollution: If the flotation tailings are not handled properly, they may cause secondary pollution in the soil around the mining area, affecting soil quality and crop growth. In order to solve these potential problems, a series of environmental protection measures need to be taken, such as improving the flotation process, using low-toxic and high-efficiency flotation reagents, implementing the recycling of tailings wastewater and clean production technology, and conducting risk assessment and remediation of the polluted areas around the mining area. These measures will help reduce the negative impact of flotation on the environment and achieve sustainable development of the mining industry. In any case, given the many advantages of flotation, flotation has become one of the most widely used and most promising mineral processing methods. 3. Magnetic Separation Method Magnetic separation is a mineral separation method based on the magnetic difference of minerals. In this process, mineral particles pass through a magnetic field, and magnetic minerals are attracted by magnetic force and adsorbed to the magnet or magnetic medium, while non-magnetic minerals are not adsorbed, thereby achieving the separation of the two. Magnetic separation can be wet or dry, and the appropriate magnetic separation equipment and operating conditions are selected according to different mineral characteristics and processing requirements. High efficiency of magnetic separation in processing specific ores Magnetic separation shows high efficiency in processing ores with high iron content, especially those with obvious magnetism. For example, poor magnetite ore can be processed by weak magnetic separation, while hematite ore can be directly separated by a strong magnetic field magnetic separator even without magnetization roasting. In addition, manganese minerals and wolframite are also suitable for separation by strong magnetic field magnetic separators. Application scenarios of magnetic separation method Magnetic separation is not only widely used in the extraction of iron minerals, but also in the removal of impurities of non-metallic minerals, desulfurization of coal, and purification of wastewater and exhaust gas. The development of high gradient magnetic separators and superconducting magnetic separators has enabled magnetic separation to process minerals with finer particle sizes, expanding its application range in the field of mineral processing. According to the latest information, the advancement of magnetic separation technology, such as the application of multi-layer induction magnetic pole magnetic separators, high gradient magnetic separators and superconducting magnetic separators, has enabled magnetic separation to more effectively process fine-grained and micro-fine-grained weakly magnetic minerals. The development of these technologies has brought new opportunities to the mineral processing industry. The advantages of magnetic separation are mainly reflected in its efficient mineral processing ability and environmental friendliness: Good separation: Magnetic separation can effectively achieve the selective separation of multi-element coexisting ores, improving the utilization rate and purity of minerals. Simple process flow: The operation process of the magnetic separator is relatively simple, easy to realize automatic control, and reduces the difficulty of operation and labor costs. Energy saving and emission reduction: During the operation of the magnetic separator, the energy utilization rate is high, and no chemical reagents are required, which will not pollute the environment, and it is in line with the modern concept of environmental protection and energy saving. Stable equipment operation: The magnetic separator uses high-quality magnetic materials and advanced technology, which makes the equipment stable, long-life and low-maintenance. The disadvantages of magnetic separation mainly involve its sensitivity to material properties and limited processing capacity: Large equipment footprint: Magnetic separators usually require a large footprint, which may increase the investment cost and land use pressure of enterprises Sensitive to material properties: Strong magnetic particles are prone to agglomeration or suspension during magnetic separation, which may affect the separation effect. In addition, magnetic separators also have certain requirements for the particle size, magnetic content, lubricity, etc. of the material, otherwise it will affect the magnetic separation effect and the stability of the equipment. When processing non-magnetic minerals, the limitations of magnetic separation are mainly reflected in the following aspects: Low separation efficiency: Since non-magnetic minerals themselves are not magnetic, they will not be directly attracted by the magnetic field. Therefore, the separation efficiency of magnetic separation when processing non-magnetic minerals is usually not as high as when processing magnetic minerals. Limited applicability: Magnetic separation is suitable for minerals containing magnetic impurities. For those minerals that do not contain magnetism or have very weak magnetism, the effect of magnetic separation is not good and may need to be used in conjunction with other mineral processing methods. Equipment cost: Although the operating cost of magnetic separation equipment may be relatively low, its initial investment cost is high, which may be a limiting factor for some small mines or projects with limited economic conditions. Sensitive to ore properties: Magnetic separation is very sensitive to the physical and chemical properties of the ore. Different ores require different types of magnetic separation equipment and operating conditions, which increases the complexity of the process and the difficulty of optimization. Limited product particle size: Magnetic separators are mainly suitable for finer magnetic particles. For materials with larger particle sizes, their separation effect may be limited to a certain extent. Strategies for optimizing magnetic separation processes Adjust the magnetic field strength: Adjust the magnetic field strength according to the magnetic strength and particle size of the material to improve the recovery rate of magnetic minerals. Optimize magnetic separation equipment: Select appropriate magnetic separation equipment, such as permanent magnetic separators or high gradient magnetic separators, to accommodate materials with different particle size ranges. Improve magnetic separation parameters: Adjust parameters such as slurry flow rate and magnetic separation time to optimize the magnetic separation effect. Grading magnetic separation technology: Divide the material into coarse and fine particles, and perform magnetic separation separately to improve the overall recovery rate and reduce energy consumption. Multi-stage magnetic separation process: The magnetic separation process is divided into roughing, concentrating and scavenging stages to improve the quality of concentrate and resource recovery rate. According to the above description, in actual operation, mining companies should decide whether to use magnetic separation or combine it with other beneficiation methods according to the specific ore characteristics and economic conditions. When implementing optimization measures, adjustments should also be made in combination with specific production conditions to ensure the scientificity and effectiveness of the process flow. 4. Photoelectric Separation The photoelectric separation method is used to separate ores by detecting the optical properties of the ore (such as color, gloss, etc.). This method is efficient, energy-saving and environmentally friendly, and is suitable for quickly removing a large amount of useless gangue and improving separation efficiency. Scope of application of photoelectric ore separation Photoelectric ore separation technology is suitable for pre-sorting and enrichment of various ores, especially in the processing of non-ferrous and precious metal ores. It can achieve precise separation of minerals based on the optical properties of the ore, such as color, gloss and transparency. Photoelectric sorting technology has shown significant advantages in processing low-grade phosphate resources. It can quickly remove useless gangue, reduce the pressure of subsequent mineral processing links, and make the phosphate resources that were originally difficult to develop and utilize economically and effectively be fully recycled. Advantages and disadvantages of photoelectric ore sorting advantages: High efficiency: Photoelectric sorting technology can quickly remove a large amount of useless gangue and improve sorting efficiency. Low cost: Compared with traditional physical and chemical mineral processing, the only energy consumption of photoelectric sorting is electricity consumption, and the cost of mineral processing per ton is low. Green and environmental protection: Photoelectric sorting has zero pollution to the environment and is a greener mineral processing method. Technological progress: With the development of computer technology and artificial intelligence technology, the intelligence level of photoelectric sorting equipment has been continuously improved, which can better adapt to the sorting needs of different types and complex ore structures. Strong adaptability: By introducing cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis, the intelligence level and adaptability of the photoelectric sorting system have been greatly improved, and it can process more types of ores. Disadvantages Technology dependence: The high performance of photoelectric sorting technology depends on advanced sensors and algorithms, and has high technical requirements for operators. Equipment cost: Although the operating cost is low, the initial investment of photoelectric sorting equipment is high, which may limit its application in small or cost-sensitive projects.   The advantages of photoelectric ore sorting technology are its high efficiency, low cost and environmental friendliness, while the disadvantages are mainly concentrated in technical expertise and equipment cost. In practical applications, the choice of whether to use photoelectric sorting technology should be based on the specific ore characteristics and economic considerations. Taking phosphate ore sorting as an example, photoelectric ore sorting technology is mainly based on the differences in optical properties between phosphate ore and its associated minerals, such as color, gloss and transparency, and achieves accurate separation of phosphate ore through specific light source illumination and precise identification of photoelectric sensors. This technology can quickly remove a large amount of useless gangue, so that phosphate resources that were originally difficult to develop and utilize economically and efficiently can be fully recycled. The specific impact of photoelectric ore sorting on the recycling of low-grade phosphate ore Improve resource utilization: Photoelectric ore sorting technology can significantly improve the original ore grade of low-grade phosphate ore, making it more economically valuable for mining. For example, in the application of Yichang Baoshishan phosphate mine, even under the condition of 14%-16% P2O5 grade of the raw ore, the P2O5 grade of the concentrate can reach more than 25%. Reduce production costs: By quickly removing useless gangue, photoelectric sorting reduces the pressure of subsequent beneficiation links, improves production efficiency, and reduces production costs. For example, the actual operation of Shanshuya Photoelectric Concentrator in Yiling District shows that the direct cost of photoelectric beneficiation is about 5 yuan/ton, which is much lower than the cost of heavy medium beneficiation. Reduce environmental pollution: Photoelectric sorting technology does not involve traditional pre-wetting, de-medium magnetic separation, concentration, filter pressing, dehydration and other links, does not generate wastewater, and the sludge treatment is simple, safe and environmentally friendly. Improve the quality of phosphate concentrate: Photoelectric sorting technology can improve the P2O5 recovery rate and grade of phosphate concentrate. For example, in the application of Yichang phosphate mine in Hubei, the P2O5 recovery rate of concentrate is above 88% on average, which is much higher than the previous 72% indicator. Promote efficient and high-value utilization of resources: The application of photoelectric sorting technology helps to achieve the coordinated development of phosphorus resource development and protection, and is in line with the relevant national energy conservation and emission reduction and carbon peak and carbon neutrality target policies. Since its establishment in 2014, MINGDE  Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. has been focusing on photoelectric sorting. Its mineral color sorters and AI mineral sorters have good market performance and have been proven in practice in various ore sorting. Today we will first introduce these four more common ore sorting methods, and there are four more emerging ore sorting methods later, which we will continue to introduce tomorrow.

AI intelligent ore sorting machine is a high-tech equipment that uses artificial intelligence technology to sort ore. It integrates cutting-edge mineral processing technology through a high-speed crawler design, and can realize the sorting application of large-particle, high-yield ores. This type of sorting machine is usually composed of a material feeding system, an optoelectronic system, a control system, a sorting system, etc., which can automatically extract the multi-dimensional characteristics of the ore, such as texture, shape, color, texture, gloss, etc., and identify the subtle differences in the sorted ore through multi-dimensional comparison to achieve accurate sorting. https://www.mdoresorting.com/mingde-ai-sorting-machine-separate-quartzmicafeldspar-from-pegmatite At present, AI intelligent ore sorting machines have been used in multiple types of ores, including but not limited to talc, wollastonite, silicon slag, gold ore, etc. These devices perform well on ores with complex sorting and small differences in waste rock and concentrate characteristics, helping to improve the comprehensive utilization rate and economic value of the ore. For example, in the intelligent sorting of talc ore, the application of AI technology not only improves the economic benefits of talc ore, but also promotes the transformation and upgrading of the mining industry towards intelligence and greening. https://www.mdoresorting.com/ai-copper-oxide-ore-sorter-ai-ore-sorting-machine With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the increasing demand for high-efficiency, low-cost, and environmentally friendly mineral processing technologies in the mining industry, the market prospects of AI intelligent ore sorting machines are broad. The research and development and application of these devices help to improve the utilization rate of mineral resources, reduce production costs, improve production efficiency, and conform to the development trend of green mining. Therefore, AI intelligent ore sorting machines are becoming one of the key technologies for the modernization and intelligent transformation of mining. AI intelligent ore sorting machines rely on a variety of sensors to obtain key information about ore during the ore sorting process, which is essential for the effective classification of ore. The following are some of the main types of sensors and their functions: 1. High-resolution camera: used to capture the appearance characteristics of ore, such as color, texture, gloss, and morphology. These image data are used to train machine learning models to intelligently identify different types of ores. 2. Spectral sensor: By analyzing the spectral signals emitted or reflected by the ore, the spectral sensor is able to provide information about the chemical composition of the ore. This information helps to distinguish ores with similar appearance but different chemical compositions. 3. X-ray source and transmission plate: For those ores with unclear surface features but density differences, X-ray sensors can penetrate the ore and detect its internal structure, thereby achieving density-based sorting. 4. Sensors or transmission plates: These sensors usually work with light sources and background plates to perform high-definition imaging of the ore and convert these images into electrical signals for analysis by the electronic control system. 5. Other monitoring sensors: used to monitor various data in the mineral processing process in real time, such as slurry concentration, foam layer thickness, bubble size, etc. These data are very important input information for the intelligent control system. The combined use of these sensors allows the AI intelligent ore sorting machine to sort ore at an automated and intelligent level, greatly improving the sorting efficiency and accuracy. Through the collection and analysis of real-time data, the sorting machine can adapt to the characteristics of different ores, optimize the sorting process, reduce labor costs, and improve the overall economic benefits. Compared with traditional ore sorting equipment, AI intelligent ore sorting machines show significant technical advantages, mainly in the following aspects: 1. Multi-dimensional feature recognition: AI intelligent ore sorting machines can automatically extract multi-dimensional three-dimensional features of objects, including texture, shape, texture, color and gloss, etc. These features are usually beyond the recognition range of traditional equipment, thereby improving the accuracy and flexibility of sorting. 2. High efficiency and wide applicability: Due to the ability to recognize richer features, AI intelligent ore sorting machines can handle a wider range of types of ores and complete them in a single sorting step, significantly improving the net selection rate, which is more than 80% higher than traditional color sorters. 3. Data-driven learning ability: AI technology allows equipment to process non-massive data through data migration and image enhancement technology, and maintain high recognition accuracy even when industrial and mineral material data is limited. The equipment can continue to learn based on deep learning models to further optimize the sorting effect. 4. Environmental friendliness and cost saving: AI intelligent ore sorting machine can remove useless materials in the pre-waste stage, reduce the amount of materials and costs of subsequent processes, and reduce environmental damage and waste disposal problems, which will help realize the green and intelligent transformation of mines. 5. Highly integrated intelligent system: Combining advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing, intelligent mineral processing technology realizes real-time monitoring, data collection, and remote control of the mineral processing process, improving management level and production efficiency. 6. Energy saving and environmental protection: Intelligent mineral processing technology achieves energy saving and consumption reduction by optimizing processes and parameters, reduces tailings discharge, and promotes the recycling of mineral processing wastewater to improve resource utilization. 7. Easy to expand and maintain: With modular design, intelligent mineral processing technology facilitates the expansion and upgrading of later functions to meet the needs of continuous improvement in mineral processing production. In summary, the technical advantages of AI intelligent ore sorting machine include highly intelligent operation, low energy consumption, a wide range of adaptability, and the ability to customize machine models and supporting equipment according to different types of minerals and industrial and mining production needs. These devices can operate stably in harsh environments such as high dust, high pollution, and high corrosion, meeting the demanding requirements of the mining industry. In addition, they can continuously improve the sorting effect through learning mode, realize remote debugging, intelligent monitoring, remote service, and remote software upgrade, greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of ore sorting. These advantages show that AI intelligent ore sorting machines represent a new trend in mining sorting technology and are expected to lead the industry to a more efficient, environmentally friendly and intelligent direction. Given these technical advantages of AI intelligent ore sorting machines, the machines have a very good response in market applications. According to the latest market application situation, these intelligent sorting systems have achieved optimal configuration and efficient utilization of mineral resources through real-time monitoring, data analysis, and intelligent decision-making. They can improve the utilization rate of mineral resources, reduce production costs, and ensure the safety of the mineral processing process. The development trend of intelligent mineral processing technology shows that data acquisition and processing technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning technology, automation and robotics technology, and cloud computing and big data technology are being widely used in the field of mineral processing to improve mineral processing efficiency, reduce costs, and reduce resource waste. The integration of these technologies enables AI intelligent ore sorting machines to achieve a higher level of automation and intelligent operation in complex mining environments. In the market, the application cases of AI intelligent ore sorting machines include successful implementation in copper, gold and iron ore beneficiation plants, which prove the effectiveness of intelligent beneficiation systems in improving the utilization rate of mineral resources and reducing production costs. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, it is expected that AI intelligent ore sorting machines will continue to expand their application scope in the market and become a key tool for mining modernization. https://www.mdoresorting.com/ai-intelligent-mineral-ore-sorting-machine Hefei Mingde Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd. has been deeply engaged in the field of ore sorting for more than ten years. It is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the research and development, design, manufacturing, sales and service of intelligent sorting robots and mining equipment for mining. It is the first to introduce AI intelligent technology in the field of visible light sorting in China, and launched AI intelligent ore sorting machines with practical application value. It has made great progress in ore sorting, greatly expanded the types of ore sorting of traditional color sorters, and has better performance.Thousands of machines have been put into practical application in domestic mining companies in China.

As we all know, mineral resources are the pillar of national infrastructure. During the mining process, most ores exist in the state of mineral and gangue coexistence. Only after a series of processing procedures can usable minerals be obtained. Before the ore can be effectively used, it needs to be crushed and dissociated, and then enriched by the corresponding mineral processing method. The so-called dissociation degree of a certain mineral is the ratio of the number of particles of the mineral monomer dissociated to the sum of the number of intergrowth particles containing the mineral and the number of particles of the mineral monomer dissociated. First, the block ore particles change from large to small, and various useful minerals are dissociated by reducing the particle size. First, in the crushing process, some of the various minerals that were originally intergrowthed together crack along the mineral interface and become particles containing only one mineral, which we call monomer dissociated particles, but there are still some small mineral particles that contain several minerals intergrowthed together, which are called intergrowth particles. Over-crushing mainly refers to the use of excessive grinding to achieve the full dissociation of useful minerals. In this process, more fine particles that are difficult to select are produced, that is, the phenomenon of "over-crushing" occurs. Over-crushing not only affects the grade and recovery rate of the concentrate during the selection process, but also increases the consumption of the grinding and selection process due to unnecessary crushing, resulting in increased beneficiation costs. The main hazards of over-crushing are: an increase in useful fine particles that are difficult to recover, low concentrate grade and recovery rate, increased machine loss, reduced unit time capacity, and increased useless power consumption of crushed ore. From the perspective of mineral structure, except for a few extremely coarse-grained ores that can obtain a considerable number of monomer dissociated particles after crushing, most ores must be ground to obtain a relatively high degree of dissociation. Ore crushing and grinding are too coarse and the degree of dissociation is insufficient, and too fine will cause equipment wear and increased consumption. Too coarse or too fine will lead to low concentrate grade and recovery rate. Therefore, appropriate grinding fineness is a necessary condition for achieving good separation of useful minerals and gangue minerals. Mineral processing workers should pay attention to the selection of crushing processes and equipment, strictly control the operating conditions, and strictly control the grinding fine powder within the optimal range determined by the mineral processing test. After some ores are crushed, there will be a certain proportion of low-economic-grade tailings or waste rocks with good dissociation. If such ores enter the subsequent grinding, it will directly affect the concentrate recovery and power consumption cost. Some concentrators adopt the method of early disposal and early selection to discard these useless tailings, which can not only release the production capacity of the concentrator, but also reduce the discharge of tailings after fine grinding, reduce solid mineral waste, and extend the service life of the tailings pond. As a company specializing in the research and development and production of ore sorting equipment, the photoelectric mineral processing products launched by MINGDE Optoelectronics are mainly used in the pre-sorting and pre-discarding of lump ores. According to the different degrees of dissociation of the ore, it can be used for ore sorting within the range of 0.3-15cm; it is suitable for sorting ores with different characteristics such as color, texture, texture, shape, gloss, shape, density, etc. The types of ores currently used by the equipment include fluorite, talc, wollastonite, calcium carbonate, gold mine, brucite, magnesite, silicon slag, pebbles, silica, phosphate rock, coal gangue, sponge titanium, monocrystalline silicon, lithium mica, spodumene, barite, pegmatite, tungsten tailings, coal-based kaolin and other minerals. MINGDE Optoelectronics can provide professional sorting equipment and solutions for ore sorting problems!

Gold deposits can be broadly classified into vein gold deposits and placer gold deposits. The vein gold deposits are mainly formed by internal geological forces, mainly by volcanoes, magma, and geological actions; the placer gold deposits are mainly formed by mountain gold deposits exposed on the surface, which are weathered, eroded, and broken into gold sand, gold grains, gold flakes, and gold foam after long-term weathering, erosion, and crushing. Under the action of wind and water flow, they are gathered and deposited in rivers, lakes, and coasts, forming alluvial, alluvial, or coastal placer gold deposits; another part is weathered and eroded to form residual placer gold deposits or slope-accumulated placer gold deposits. The mineralization age of this type of ore is generally relatively long. According to the associated conditions, my country's gold deposit types can also be divided into gold-bearing quartz veins, gold-bearing pyrite quartz veins, gold-bearing pyrite altered granites, gold-bearing polymetallic sulfide ore quartz veins, gold-bearing oxide ore quartz veins, and gold-bearing tungsten-arsenic ore quartz veins. The grade of vein gold ore in industrial mining is generally 3~5g/ton, with a cut-off grade of 1~2g/ton, and the grade of placer gold is 0.2~0.3g/m3, with a cut-off grade of 0.05~0.1g/m3. However, the current gold mining in my country is mainly based on vein gold deposits, accounting for about 75%~85%. At present, gold mines are widely used in jewelry, industry, high-tech and other industries. Due to its scarcity and non-renewable nature, its overall value is relatively high. At present, the gold ore dressing methods are mainly divided into four types: gravity separation, flotation, chemical separation, and photoelectric separation. Gravity separation is suitable for coarse gold recovery. It is generally an auxiliary process in gold ore dressing and is used as a pre-selection process before flotation or chemical separation. Flotation is widely used in rock deposits. There are suction or aeration stirring flotation machines for flotation. Chemical separation mainly includes amalgamation and chlorination. Amalgamation is mainly suitable for coarse monomer gold, but it is gradually replaced due to its high pollution. Chlorination mainly includes stirring chlorination and percolation chlorination. The above three separations are conventional gold ore separations. For gold mines with economic mining grade or higher than industrial grade, the separation cost is lower than the economic cost. However, the general situation of gold mines in my country is that there are fewer rich mines and more poor mines. In terms of mining difficulty, there are fewer easy mines and more difficult mines. Most gold mines have a grade of less than 2 grams/ton, which is at or below the critical mining grade. If the above methods are used for direct separation, many gold mines will be lower than the economic mining value. The photoelectric sorting method grasps the pain points and difficulties of domestic gold ore sorting, and uses AI + photoelectric sorting to enrich the gold ore by pre-discarding the gold ore, thereby achieving a higher economic mining grade, and solving the problem of low grade and high sorting cost of domestic gold ore. The working principle is mainly to crush and dissociate the gold ore, and then use the AI sorting machine to establish a multi-dimensional three-dimensional model of the ore. The AI photoelectric sorting machine is used to identify the comprehensive characteristics of the gold ore surface, such as texture, color, gloss, shape, and reflectivity. After the industrial computer is combined with AI technology, the concentrate and waste rock in the gold ore are sorted out, so as to achieve the purpose of gold ore enrichment.   The ore that has passed the AI ore sorting machine only needs normal crushing and dissociation, and the particle size is 0.5cm-10cm, which is about 3-4 times the size of the selected particle size. It can be directly sorted and enriched, and the discarded tailings can be used as materials for various buildings, mine backfill, etc. After enrichment, the gold ore is separated by flotation or chemical separation. Pre-disposal reduces the processing level of the original ore and saves the processing cost of subsequent processes. For some gold mines below the economic mining grade, AI ore sorting machines can be used to enrich them to the economic mining grade, thereby increasing the utilization value of a large number of low-grade gold mines. AI sorting machines can not only sort gold ore, but also can use AI machines to sort gold associated ores as long as they can be crushed and dissociated, thereby increasing the comprehensive utilization rate of the mine. At the same time, the cost of the AI sorting machine itself Mingde Optoelectronics AI Ore Sorting Machine has mature technical accumulation for gold ore sorting. It can pre-dispose waste tailings on the premise of enriching gold ore, and the gold grade of the discarded tailings is far lower than the economic mining grade.

I. Overview X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine is an advanced equipment that uses X-ray technology combined with artificial intelligence algorithms to efficiently sort ore. It can realize the rapid and accurate identification and sorting of ore during ore processing, thereby improving the utilization rate of ore, reducing processing costs, and reducing the impact on the environment. II. Working Principle Intelligent ore sorting machine mainly uses X-ray technology, through the transmission ability of X-rays to the internal structure of ore, combined with advanced image processing algorithms and artificial intelligence technology, to achieve rapid identification and sorting of ore. Specifically, X-ray sorting technology can form Compton effect differences according to the different density, thickness, atomic sequence and other characteristics of ore, thereby realizing the separation of ore and waste rock. The technical advantage of intelligent ore sorting machine lies in its high-precision recognition ability and high degree of automation and intelligence. It can not only improve the processing efficiency of ore, but also reduce environmental pollution, which is in line with the trend of sustainable development of mining. III. Equipment Composition The X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine is mainly composed of the following parts: Vibration distribution system: responsible for evenly distributing the ore on the conveyor belt to ensure that the ore is laid flat in a single layer for efficient sorting. X-ray transmission detection system: including X-ray generators and receivers, used to transmit ore and analyze the internal structure and density differences of the ore. High-definition image recognition system: composed of high-brightness light source and high-definition digital camera, it images the surface features of the ore and provides auxiliary identification information. Computer software algorithm system: through deep learning technology, various characteristic information of ore is studied, and an ore sorting training model is constructed to achieve fast and accurate identification of ore data. Pneumatic mine waste separation system: through the air valve array driven by high-speed actuators, the ore is separated, the waste rock is blown into the waste rock trough, and the useful minerals fall into the sorting bin. IV. Workflow The workflow of the X-ray intelligent ore sorter mainly includes the following steps: Feeding system: After cleaning and grading, the ore is fed into the vibrating feeder, and the ore is evenly distributed on the conveyor belt through mechanical vibration, forming a single-layer flat state and entering the detection area. X-ray transmission detection: The X-ray source continuously transmits the ore, and the X-ray transmission detection system analyzes the density and structure inside the ore through the X-ray generator and receiver. Image processing: The high-definition image recognition system images the surface features of the ore, and the industrial computer processes it. Through the established model recognition and algorithm, useful minerals and gangue minerals are distinguished. Sorting execution: According to the recognition results, the high-speed actuator drives the gas valve array to sort the ore, blow the gangue minerals into the waste rock tank, and the useful minerals fall into the corresponding sorting bin. V. Technical Advantages High recognition accuracy: The X-ray intelligent ore sorter adopts high-precision X-ray transmission technology, with a recognition accuracy of up to 0.4mm, realizing the detection of the internal features of the ore without blind spots. Strong processing capacity: The equipment can handle ores of different particle sizes, and can effectively sort ores from small particles to blocky ores. Energy saving and environmental protection: Compared with traditional hand sorting and mechanical sorting, the X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine does not require water, which reduces energy consumption and environmental pollution. High degree of intelligence: Combined with artificial intelligence, the sorting machine can self-learn and optimize to adapt to the characteristics and sorting requirements of different ores.   VI. Reliability Analysis The reliability of the X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine depends on multiple factors, including but not limited to: Technical maturity: With the continuous development and improvement of technology, the technical maturity of the X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine continues to improve, and its reliability is enhanced accordingly. Equipment structure design: Reasonable structural design can improve the stability and durability of the equipment and reduce the possibility of failure. Material selection: High-quality materials can ensure that the equipment can work normally in harsh environments and extend its service life. Maintenance and overhaul: Regular maintenance and overhaul are important measures to ensure the reliability of the equipment, which can timely discover and eliminate hidden dangers. Technical support: A strong technical support team can provide rapid fault diagnosis and solutions for the equipment to ensure the continuity of production. The X-ray intelligent sorting machine launched by Mingde Optoelectronics uses high-precision dual-energy mining and transmission, which can not only identify minerals with large density differences and high content, but also identify minerals with small density differences and low content, making mineral separation more accurate.   Ⅶ. Maintenance Cycle Analysis The maintenance cycle of X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine usually depends on the following factors: Operating environment: The environmental conditions of the equipment, such as temperature, humidity, etc., will affect the maintenance cycle. Frequency of use: The higher the frequency of use of the equipment, the shorter the required maintenance cycle. Technical condition: The technical condition of the equipment is good, and the maintenance cycle can be appropriately extended. Manufacturer guidance: Following the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and recommendations can effectively schedule maintenance cycles. Historical records: The maintenance history of the equipment can help predict future maintenance cycles and needs. Ⅷ. Maintenance Cost Analysis Equipment structure and maintenance difficulty The design of the X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine focuses on simplicity and reliability, and its mechanical structure is relatively simple, reducing potential failure points and maintenance difficulties. In contrast, traditional equipment is more difficult to maintain due to its complex structure, and requires more professional skills and tools. The simplified design of the X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine reduces the difficulty of maintenance, and correspondingly reduces maintenance time and cost. Parts replacement cycle and cost The key components of X-ray intelligent ore sorting machines, such as X-ray tubes and other sensors, are designed with a long service life, reducing the need for frequent replacement of parts, thereby reducing maintenance costs. However, due to the rapid wear and tear of traditional equipment during use, parts often need to be replaced, and the maintenance cost is naturally high. Labor and training costs The X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine is highly automated and can achieve 24-hour unmanned ore sorting, reducing labor costs. Operators only need to perform basic monitoring and abnormal handling, which greatly reduces manpower requirements. In addition, maintenance personnel do not need too much professional training to operate proficiently, further reducing training costs. Preventive and corrective maintenance costs The X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine uses advanced predictive maintenance technology, which can detect potential faults in advance and prevent them, reducing emergency repairs. Traditional equipment often requires more regular inspections and repairs, and has higher maintenance costs. IX. Maintenance Precautions The X-ray intelligent ore sorting machine is a high-tech equipment that uses X-ray and artificial intelligence technology for ore sorting. During daily use and maintenance, matters that need attention mainly include equipment structure inspection, cleaning and maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, regular calibration, replacement of wearing parts, operator training and other aspects. Equipment structure inspection Regularly check whether the structure of the X-ray intelligent ore sorter is complete, including but not limited to whether the moving parts such as the housing, conveyor belt, roller, bearing, etc. are abnormally worn or damaged. Any damage or wear found should be replaced or repaired in time to ensure the normal operation of the equipment. Cleaning and maintenance Keep the equipment clean, especially the X-ray source and photoelectric sensor, to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and affecting the detection accuracy and stability of the equipment. Regularly clean the slag and impurities inside the equipment to avoid blockage and corrosion. Troubleshooting and repair Be familiar with the common faults of the X-ray intelligent ore sorter and their troubleshooting methods, such as the troubleshooting and repair of problems such as the power indicator light not lighting up, the conveyor belt not operating, and the X-ray source not emitting. For problems that cannot be solved immediately, professional technicians should be contacted for support in a timely manner. Regular calibration According to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer, the X-ray intelligent ore sorter should be calibrated regularly to ensure the detection accuracy and stability of the equipment. The calibration work should be performed by experienced technicians. Replacement of wearing parts Pay attention to the wearing parts of the equipment, such as X-ray tubes, conveyor belts, injection valves, etc., and replace them in time when necessary. Use original accessories to ensure that the performance of the equipment is not affected. Operator training Provide necessary training for the staff who operate the X-ray intelligent ore sorter so that they can master the correct operation methods and basic maintenance knowledge. Untrained personnel are not allowed to operate the equipment at will to avoid damage. Overall, maintaining the X-ray intelligent ore sorter is a systematic project, which needs to be started from multiple angles to ensure the long-term and stable operation of the equipment. Through regular inspection, cleaning, calibration and maintenance, the service life of the equipment can be greatly extended, and the work efficiency and sorting accuracy can be improved. At the same time, attention should also be paid to sufficient training of operators to ensure that they can properly handle emergencies and ensure the continuity and safety of production.

Intelligent sorting machine is a mining sorting equipment that realizes mineral sorting based on the differences in ore color, texture, shape, gloss, etc., through photoelectric systems, image vision, artificial intelligence, big data and other means. It can meet the specific surface special difference mineral sorting, such as quartz, calcite, barite, wollastonite, talc, calcium carbonate, brucite, silica slag, pebbles, gold mines, coal gangue, coal-series kaolinite, lead-zinc ore, copper mines and other minerals and some specific characteristic difference materials. The important scope of Internet of Things application is industry. In recent years, with the great development of Internet of Things technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, RFID technology, and sensor technology, terminal products have also experienced practical application verification and use. Intelligent interconnection has become the trend and consensus of product development in the industrial field. Intelligent sorting machine is a sorting equipment that realizes material sorting based on the differences in color, shape, texture, texture, gloss, etc. of the selected materials, through photoelectric recognition, image processing, artificial intelligence and other means. With the development of digital technology, the types of color sorters are also constantly updated and developed. Starting from photoelectric (analog) technology, to CCD (digital) technology application, and then upgraded to intelligent sorting machine technology. At present, the new intelligent sorting machine developed based on cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and image vision has fully realized functions such as automation and intelligent learning, which can effectively improve sorting efficiency and accuracy, and greatly reduce production costs. The artificial intelligence solution is aimed at the materials to be selected, using software intelligent modules based on intelligent recognition, image vision, big data analysis, etc., and integrating hardware such as industrial computers, high-definition cameras, light sources, and sorting systems. This solution realizes the intelligent controllable sorting of the machine through the combination of software and hardware, improves the limited sorting materials, and expands the sorting and use scenarios. The scope of sorting has broken through from color sorting to the sorting of minerals with multi-dimensional feature differences. The specific workflow of the intelligent sorting solution is as follows: First, the personnel will confirm the good and bad materials, sort a number of good and bad materials manually, and collect and train images on the smart machine respectively, extract the surface texture, gloss, texture, state, color and other features of the ore and gangue to establish a sorting model. The material enters the conveyor belt through the vibrating hopper and is thrown into the sorting room through the conveyor belt. The upper and lower sets of ultra-high-definition cameras will perform multi-dimensional stereoscopic scanning on each mineral material, and transmit the information of each mineral material from the sensor to the industrial computer; It uses model recognition and algorithms to identify good and bad materials, and issues instructions to the solenoid valves corresponding to the area where the gangue is located, using pneumatic force to accurately separate. The above-mentioned intelligent sorting machine is fully automated and does not require human intervention. And it can be controlled, adjusted, and learned later according to the sorting situation, creating solid technical support for improving the performance of automated production lines, efficient data collection, sorting efficiency and accuracy, and sorting costs. The efficiency of the sorting scheme depends on the equipment technology integration and hardware configuration performance. Mingde artificial intelligence sorting machine uses image visual enhancement technology, non-massive data migration technology, AI photoelectric sorting technology, material rapid identification technology, artificial intelligence sorting technology, etc. in terms of software. In terms of hardware supporting facilities, it adopts an upper and lower double-mirror design. With the image visual recognition system that can support multiple sets of cameras to work at the same time, this solution can handle a large number of material sorting tasks with extremely high accuracy and low error rate.   The operating platform is equipped with an industrial computing-grade computer that can process large amounts of data. The data processing is sensitive and the operation speed is fast, which improves the data transmission rate in different application scenarios. In addition, for data processing and analysis, it is equipped with the Mingde AI artificial intelligence sorting system, which can provide functions such as detection, modeling, identification, and sorting of multi-dimensional surface features of the sorted materials. Mingde is an artificial intelligence sorting equipment that brings high-quality sorting solutions to industrial automation rial automation.