Sinomine launches optical sorting project at Bikita lithium mine
2025-09-29 11:45:51 [Print]
Sinomine Resource Group has put into operation a new optical sorting project at its Bikita lithium mine in Zimbabwe, making it the first in the country to use this advanced technology.
Completed in just 10 months, the facility can process 540,000 tonnes of ore per year. It uses optical differences between pegmatite minerals, combined with machine learning, to efficiently separate waste rock from valuable materials. This boosts spodumene recovery and improves cesium concentrate quality, while keeping costs low and minimizing environmental impact.
The project is expected to raise the efficiency and value of Bikita's lithium and cesium production, while supporting the green upgrade of Zimbabwe's mining industry.
Completed in just 10 months, the facility can process 540,000 tonnes of ore per year. It uses optical differences between pegmatite minerals, combined with machine learning, to efficiently separate waste rock from valuable materials. This boosts spodumene recovery and improves cesium concentrate quality, while keeping costs low and minimizing environmental impact.
The project is expected to raise the efficiency and value of Bikita's lithium and cesium production, while supporting the green upgrade of Zimbabwe's mining industry.
Spodumene Li2O 3%min In port China
Unit:RMB/dmtu
China's lithium maganate producers' inventory to production ratio statistics by province by month
Unit: %
