Brazil Potash Corp has initiated an artificial intelligence-powered X-ray Transmission (XRT) ore-sorting trial at its Autazes Project in Brazil. The assessment is focused on whether mined material can be pre-concentrated underground before hoisting or separated at the surface before entering the processing plant.
#Trial to assess pre-concentration options
The technology combines X-ray and optical sensing with machine-learning algorithms. It is designed to examine the density and composition of individual rock particles and direct them into either a potash concentrate stream or a waste stream.
Brazil Potash said the trial could help determine whether the Autazes operation can remove waste material earlier in the mining process. The company has not described the initiative as a completed operational deployment.
#Potential effects on mine and plant design
According to Brazil Potash, successful underground pre-concentration could reduce the capacity required for the surface processing plant and potentially lower construction capital requirements. The company also said the technology could allow for a smaller main mine shaft diameter, reducing construction time and cost, or enable existing shaft specifications to support future production increases with minimal additional capital investment.
The company identified further potential effects, including a higher potassium chloride content in material delivered to the processing plant and a lower volume of material requiring hoisting and processing. Brazil Potash said these outcomes could reduce operating costs and mine energy consumption, but they remain potential results of the trial rather than reported results from the Autazes Project.
#CEO cites results from another potash operation
Brazil Potash CEO Matt Simpson said a recent commercial potash operation had used AI to concentrate ore by approximately 50% underground before the material was hoisted and sent to a processing plant. He said the company will assess whether comparable results can be reproduced at Autazes.
#Autazes project context
Brazil Potash describes itself as a mineral exploration and development company developing the Autazes Project to supply fertilisers in Brazil. The project has an initial planned annual potash production of up to 2.4 million tons per year, while management believes it could potentially supply approximately 20% of current potash demand in Brazil.
The company also states that Brazil imported over 95% of its potash fertilizer in 2021. Management anticipates that 100% of Brazil Potash’s production will be sold domestically and says this could mitigate approximately 1.4 million tons per year of GHG emissions. These statements relate to plans and expectations, not achieved production or sales.
#Risks and uncertainties
Brazil Potash cautioned that its forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These include uncertainty concerning estimates, the commercial success of development activities, reliance on contractors and consultants, changes in potash supply and demand, capital expenditure timing and amounts, capital-market conditions, currency and exchange-rate movements, unexpected geological or environmental conditions, regulatory changes, political or economic developments, obtaining required licences and permits, securing project financing and other operational risks.
The company said actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from its forward-looking statements.
#Key Takeaways
- Brazil Potash has initiated an AI-powered X-ray Transmission ore-sorting trial for the Autazes Project.
- The trial is assessing whether potash ore can be pre-concentrated underground before hoisting or sorted at the surface before processing.
- The company says the technology could potentially affect processing plant size, shaft diameter, construction requirements and operating costs.
- CEO Matt Simpson cited approximately 50% underground ore concentration at a commercial potash operation, subject to whether the result can be replicated at Autazes.
- Brazil Potash cautioned that the project’s forward-looking statements are subject to operational, geological, regulatory, financing and market risks.
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