A global leader in mining optimisation, Plotlogic has won a contract with Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) owner of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium operation, the Pilgangoora Project.
In the latest coup for the deep tech startup, Plotlogic has been contracted to improve Pilgangoora plant processing yield and improve mine planning accuracy, while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Pilbara Minerals contract is the latest in a rapidly growing number of projects for Plotlogic which counts as clients three of the world’s four largest resources companies, namely BHP, Glencore and Anglo American, as well as mining services giant Thiess.
In the initial 12-month contract, Pilbara Minerals will deploy Plotlogic’s highly sophisticated digital assay platform OreSense primarily to improve identification of ore and waste materials in mining faces and stockpiles. This will increase yield and blending accuracy, with less ore going to waste and fewer plant stoppages. In line with Pilbara Minerals’ commitment to producing lithium for the clean energy future in a sustainable manner, OreSense will also help the company further reduce its greenhouse emissions.
Additionally, OreSense will be used to enhance accuracy in Pilbara Minerals’ mine planning and modelling through its automated mineral mapping tool, while identifying potential geotechnical or operational risks.
OreSense offers miners a potential solution for more efficiently and sustainably extracting minerals, such as lithium, which are essential for renewable energy products like electric vehicles and low-emission power sources.
Likened to swapping a hacksaw for a scalpel, OreSense allows miners to see the exact mineral composition of core and blasthole samples, open pit and underground mine faces and stockpiles. This enables operators to precisely extract ore deposits, reducing waste material and greenhouse gas use.
We’re excited to be working with Pilbara Minerals and we’re looking forward to helping the Pilgangoora team optimise their processes,” CEO and Founder, Dr Andrew Job, said.
“Without critical metals such as lithium the transition towards net zero will not be possible.”
A former mining executive, Dr Job said he developed Plotlogic’s OreSense technology with the firm belief that mining should be able to generate the resources society needs without harming the environment.
“Plotlogic is committed to supporting its customers mine more selectively and sustainably and helping unlock the minerals needed for the net zero future,” Dr Job said.
“Our goal is to work with our customers to use AI and automation to deliver the future of natural resources – one that benefits society and the industry with minimal harm to the environment.”