TOMRA X-Ray Transmission (XRT) technology at the Karowe Mine in Botswana has played a vital role in the recovery of two record-breaking diamonds
The 2,492-carat stone that was recovered by Lucara Diamond Corp. in late August is one of the largest rough diamonds in recorded history and the largest one ever recovered directly from run-of-mine ore. Then, just a few weeks later, it was followed by a 1,094-carat diamond – representing the sixth rough diamond weighing more than 1,000 carats recovered at the mine. These achievements are, in part, a testament to the transformative capabilities of TOMRA’s technology, which has been present at the mine since 2017.
“TOMRA’s XRT technology has transformed diamond recovery, achieving unprecedented results and breaking records,” remarked Corné de Jager, diamond segment manager TOMRA Mining. “Fifteen of the top 23 largest diamonds, bigger than 400 carats, recovered since TOMRA XRT bulk concentration installations commenced fully in the diamond industry in 2014, were recovered with our technology – thirteen of them at Lucara’s Karowe Mine, which holds record-breaking finds in various categories. In fact, our TOMRA XRT technology has contributed to the recovery of 7 of the top 10 largest diamonds in history at the Karowe Mine.”
Complete diamond recovery
TOMRA’s innovative high-capacity XRT technology is capable of extremely precise detection and ejection of exceptionally large and even smaller particle sizes. Proprietary image processing deliver 100% detection in the specified size range irrespective of luminescence or surface coating, with a guaranteed diamond recovery rate above 98% and remarkably low yields. In addition, the unique TOMRA COM XRT 300 / FR final recovery sorter featuring TOMRA’s proprietary ultra-high resolution sensor technology and precise ejection has revolutionised final recovery processing to efficiently deliver an ultra-high diamond-by-weight concentrate, thereby contributing to improved & focused downstream security and reduced hand sorting.
TOMRA is the only manufacturer to offer a full recovery service from 2 mm to 100 mm with a flowsheet covering the entire process – from high-capacity Concentration (+4-100mm) to Final Recovery and Sort House applications (+2-32mm), which includes a detailed analysis of customers’ requirements and the collaborative development of an XRT technology-based flowsheet.
Earlier this year, African Review spoke to Albert du Preez, head of TOMRA Mining, to understand why the company’s new AI-powered OBTAIN software heralds a new dawn in sensor-based sorting for mining operations.
Record-breaking diamonds recovered with TOMRA technology
Two record breaking diamonds were recovered by Lucara Diamond Corp. just weeks apart. (Image Source: TOMRA)
