A year after Pilbara Minerals commissioned the world’s largest lithium ore sorting plant, TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based sorting technology is delivering measurable value at the Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia, contributing to the strongest quarterly production of FY25, significantly reduced costs, and enhanced resource utilization.
Powered by TOMRA Mining’s advanced sensor-based sorting technology, the Pilgangoora Operation has achieved impressive results, boosting production, reducing costs, and unlocking value from previously uneconomical ore. In its June Quarter FY25 results, Pilbara Minerals reported a 77% increase in production volume and a 10% reduction in unit operating costs (FOB) compared to the previous quarter. These gains stem from the ramp-up of the P1000 expansion and the integration of TOMRA Mining’s cutting-edge sorting technology.
TOMRA Mining technology delivers transformative impact at the world’s largest lithium sorting plant at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora Operation
Sensor-based technology
Commissioned in August 2024 as part of the P680 Expansion Project, the crushing and sorting plant is the largest lithium ore sorting facility in the world, with a capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes per hour. TOMRA Mining’s sensor-based technology enables early waste rejection, significantly improving lithium recovery and final product quality while reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
