Mining and development firm Marula Mining confirmed the successful installation of the Rados SRF100-8 X-ray fluorescence (XRF) ore sorter, surpassing expectations by being completed within a remarkable 72 hours of its early arrival at the Blesberg lithium and tantalum mine.
Announced just a week prior, Marula announced on December 12 the timely completion of the plant’s full installation, with plans to commence startup material delivery this week to initiate the sorting process commissioning and optimization.
The Rados SRF100-8 XRF ore sorter stands as a pivotal component in Marula’s strategy to enhance ore processing capacity at Blesberg, targeting an upsurge in production to approximately 5,000 tons per month of high-grade lithium spodumene for sale in the upcoming first quarter.
Commencing ahead of schedule, the initial commissioning of the XRF ore sorter will focus on prescreened stockpile material within the 55mm to 80mm range.
Oversight of the testing and commissioning process involves representatives from Malta-based Rados International Technologies, supported by on-site management and consultants from South African metallurgical and mineral processing group Erudite Strategies.
About 50 tons of material are slated for sorting during this phase, concentrating on optimizing the process flowsheet and enhancing spodumene sorting efficiency.
The upcoming trial runs will incorporate a high-recovery and high-grade sorting algorithm to fine-tune operations before the mine’s temporary closure over the Christmas period.
Post the holiday hiatus, the XRF ore sorter operation will resume independently, focusing on producing a marketable high-grade spodumene product.
Future plans entail the installation of additional processing equipment, including a crushing and screening circuit, alongside the forthcoming Tomra COM XRT 1200 ore sorter, scheduled to arrive early in the first quarter of 2024, followed by commissioning shortly thereafter.
Marula CEO Jason Brewer emphasized the significance of this milestone, underscoring the company’s commitment to deliver substantial volumes of saleable high-grade lithium spodumene in the first quarter of 2024.
Brewer highlighted the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and collaborations with seasoned contractors and consultants to drive this vision forward at Blesberg.
