The Use of Sensor Derived Data in Optimization along the Mine-Value-Chain An Overview and Assessment of Techno-Economic Significance

Sensor derived data can add value across the mining operating chain ranging from re-source definition, extraction, pre-concentration, mineral process monitoring and assess-ment of product quality. Most documented studies on sensors in mining focus on specific technologies for specific applications. These studies do not take into account different aims, objectives and operat-ing conditions at different steps in the value chain. The first part of this contribution assesses key physical performance and discriminatory requirements of sensors applied in each portion of the mining value chain. The second part proposes a framework of methods for quantifying the value added by additional sensor information. Integrating the sensor based technology and the economic value quantifica-tion allows for both, designing an economically optimal sensor monitoring network along the whole mining value chain and optimizing efficiencies. Illustrative studies demonstrate the significant economic benefits, in particular in reduc-tion of exploration expenditures, increase in extraction efficiencies, increase in ore product quality and improvement of processing efficiencies. Key words Sensor based material discrimination, real time optimizatio