The Saskatchewan Research Council aims to become a global mineral sorting and separation centre with the recent addition of a full-scale laser sorter. 

 With the addition, SRC’s Minerals Liberation Sorting Centre now offers full production-scale sensor-based sorting services via X-ray transmission and laser testing, services unique to the Saskatoon-based facility. 

Sensor-based sorting in the mining industry involves using sensors to detect the mineral content of each piece of ore and sorting it based on its composition. 

SRC says sensor-based sorting can reduce waste by removing it earlier in the process, which can increase feed grade to the mill, minimize operational footprints, reduce water and energy usage and lower operating costs.