Soma Gold (TSXV: SOMA; US-OTC: SMAGF) has installed Tomra Mining’s advanced sensor-based screening equipment at its El Bagre operation in Colombia to enhance efficiency and extract more value from processed materials.
The Vancouver-based gold producer selected Tomra Mining’s COM Tertiary XRT 1200 sorter after successful tests showed the technology could separate valuable ore from waste rock early in the processing chain. The system combines X-ray transmission sensors and artificial intelligence to identify and sort materials according to atomic density.
Technology addresses processing challenges
“The testing work has confirmed that sensor-based sorting can play a key role in how we manage our mineral materials more efficiently,” said Mark Breen, Vice President of Operations at Soma Gold. “TOMRA has demonstrated more consistent and reliable performance results under typical factory conditions in our testing work.”
Photo: Soma Gold
This technology addresses a common challenge in gold mining: managing different ore grades while maintaining consistent plant performance. By removing waste before energy-intensive crushing and grinding operations, Soma aims to reduce equipment wear and reduce energy costs.
The Tomra system uses two AI features called OBTAIN and CONTAIN. OBTAIN applies deep learning to classify individual particles at high velocities, while CONTAIN detects gold mineralization within the host rock that traditional methods may fail.
Test results drive the implementation decision
Soma tested representative Colombian crude samples at its Tomra facility in Germany before committing to installation. Experiments showed consistent upgrades across different types of materials and particle sizes, even under challenging conditions.
“What stood out was not only the level of upgrading achieved, but also the consistency of results across different material types and volume fractions,” Breen added. “This gave us the confidence to move forward with implementation.”
The sorting device is integrated directly into Suma’s main processing circuit in Al-Baqir, where the company processes gold-bearing material from its own mines and from external sources. The process requires flexibility to efficiently handle different ore properties.
Operational benefits and cost savings
Fernando Romero of Tomra Mining says the technology helps operators control their operations better while increasing material value. “By rejecting waste early, you can contain variability and unnecessary processing burden, while getting a higher value material flow,” he explained.
Photo: Tomra Mining Company
The installation also reduces compressed air consumption by up to 70% compared to older exhaust systems, reducing operating costs. Local integrator DISMET supported the design and implementation tailored to El Bagre’s specific requirements.
Soma Gold is focused on gold exploration, development and production in the Antioquia region of Colombia, where it aims to improve performance across its assets while maintaining operational efficiency.
More information is available at www.SomaGoldCorp.com and www.Tomra.com
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