TOMRA’s transformative ore sorting technology
TOMRA Mining technology’s advanced sensor-based ore sorting technology has delivered measurable value to Pilbara Minerals’ (ASX: PLS) Pilgangoora lithium operation.
The technology, commissioned at PLS’ lithium project a year ago, has achieved impressive results, boosting production, reducing costs and unlocking value from previously uneconomical ore.
In Q4 FY25, PLS reported a 77% increase in production volume and a 10% reduction in unit operating costs (FOB) compared to Q3 FY25, attributed to the ramp-up of the P1000 expansion and the integration of TOMRA Mining’s cutting-edge sorting technology.
Commissioned in August 2024, the crushing and sorting plant is the largest lithium ore sorting facility in the world, with a capacity of more than 1000t/hr.
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.
TOMRA Mining Australia area sales and technical manager Gavin Rech says Q4 FY25 marked the strongest performance of the year, clearly demonstrating the impact that TOMRA’s technology can deliver at scale.
“By unlocking value from lower-grade contact ore previously considered uneconomical, the operation now accesses more lithia units from the pit, enhancing resource utilisation and mine flexibility,” he said.
The sorting plant successfully addresses managing spodumene ore within barren host rock — a key challenge in lithium mining.
It includes 10 high-precision TOMRA sorters, four TOMRA COM Tertiary XRT for fines, three TOMRA COM XRT 2.0 for mid-sized particles and three TOMRA PRO Primary Color for coarse-sized particles.
By removing barren material upstream, the plant enhances the efficiency of downstream processes, reduces energy use by 8–15 GWh annually and ensures consistent product quality.
This success is the result of several years of collaboration between TOMRA Mining, PLS and engineering partner DRA Global.
The project was delivered on time and on budget, following extensive testwork at TOMRA’s Sydney test center that demonstrated the technology’s capability to deliver high lithium recovery and effective waste separation across varied ore domains.
The ore sorting facility boosts Pilgangoora’s production capacity and lays the foundation for future expansions under the P2000 project. As the lithium market evolves, the company is well-positioned to lead through innovation and resilience.
With the P1000 expansion now complete and the P2000 feasibility study underway, TOMRA Mining’s proven technology and industry-leading expertise continue to support PLS’ long-term strategy for scalable, cost-efficient and responsible lithium production.
 Pilgangoora lithium operation.The technology, commissioned at PLS’ lithium project a year ago, has achieved impressive results, boosting production, reducing costs and unlocking value from previously uneconomical ore.){kind=link}