Mining Shovel Hyperspectral Imaging for Real-Time Ore Routing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral sorting systems at mining sites are inefficient, leading to inaccurate diversion of ores to the wrong processing circuits, which diminishes the value of the ore and reduces extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing compositional multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems on mining equipment, such as shovels, to classify ores and waste minerals in real-time, allowing for precise routing decisions at the mine face, eliminating the need for additional sorting machines and optimizing downstream processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor arrays with matched diverters are used for mineral sorting, then material can be sorted into separate streams, but the sorting accuracy is insufficient leading to ores being diverted to wrong processing circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensor arrays with diverters with a compositional imaging system that uses optical/electromagnetic sensing (multispectral and hyperspectral cameras) to detect mineral composition. The system substitutes mechanical sorting infrastructure with intelligent imaging-based classification, enabling more accurate mineral identification through spectral analysis rather than relying on limited traditional sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from traditional sensor measurements to compositional imaging across multiple spectral bands. By capturing images in visible, near-infrared, and shortwave infrared regions, the system obtains detailed spectral signatures that reveal mineral composition information, transforming the classification approach from coarse mechanical sensing to fine spectral analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sorting machines are deployed to improve classification accuracy, then ore sorting precision increases, but the device complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal imaging system that can classify multiple mineral types and compositions using a single integrated platform. The compositional imaging system serves multiple functions: identifying different ore types, detecting waste rock, and providing compositional data for processing decisions, replacing the need for multiple specialized sorting machines with one multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sorting infrastructure with a streamlined imaging-based system. By using computational algorithms to analyze spectral data from multispectral and hyperspectral cameras, the system achieves accurate mineral classification without requiring complex mechanical diverters, feeders, and conveyor systems associated with traditional sorting machines.
3Productivity
If traditional sorting facilities are used separate from the mining site, then centralized processing is achieved, but the loss of time in material transportation and the inability to make real-time sorting decisions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs mineral classification at the mine face before material is transported to processing facilities. By implementing the compositional imaging system on mining equipment at the excavation site, the system enables preliminary sorting and classification decisions to be made in real-time, preventing wrong materials from being transported unnecessarily and optimizing the composition of materials sent to processing circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sorting function with the mining operation itself by integrating the compositional imaging system directly onto mining equipment at the mine face. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate downstream sorting facilities, combining extraction and classification operations into a single integrated process that reduces transportation time and enables immediate sorting decisions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy of mineral classification, reducing sorting operation costs and improving the efficiency of ore processing by enabling on-site decision-making for optimal material transportation.
Implementation Method 1
compositional multispectral imaging systems positioned on mining equipment to classify ore and waste minerals
Implementation Method 2
compositional multispectral and/or hyperspectral imaging systems positioned on mining equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Mining shovel with compositional multispectral and/or hyperspectral imaging and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a mining detection system includes a mining bucket carrying a multispectral and/or hyperspectral imaging system and various sensors directed toward material entering and positioned within the bucket. The bucket can also carry a control enclosure housing image and sensor processing equipment that receives and analyzes the data collected by the multispectral and/or hyperspectral imaging system and the sensors. The disclosed systems and methods can provide real-time compositional analysis of mined materials at the mining site, which can be used to manage a mining field, including generating and transmitting instructions for where the material within the bucket should be delivered based on the data collected from the multispectral and/or hyperspectral imaging system and the sensors.