Tech trial at Pilbara lithium mine

Pilbara Minerals will trial technology from Brisbane-based Plotlogic under an initial 12-month contract. The company will deploy Plotlogic’s OreSense solution, a sophisticated terrain mapping platform, to improve identification and delineation of ore and waste materials at its Pilgangoora Project.

OreSense will primarily be used to assess potential improvements in identification of ore and waste in mining faces and stockpiles, but will also be trialled to assess its use in mine planning and modelling, including identification of geotechnical and operation risks.

The solution enables miners to extract minerals such as lithium more efficiently and sustainably. Plotlogic likens its use to ‘swapping a hacksaw for a scalpel’.

CEO and founder Dr Andrew Job said Plotlogic was excited to be working with Pilbara Minerals and looking forward to helping the Pilgangoora team optimise its processes.

“Without critical metals such as lithium the transition towards net zero will not be possible,” he said.

The former mining executive said he developed the technology with the firm belief that mining should be able to generate the resources society needs without harming the environment.

“Plotlogic is committed to ensuring its customers are able to mine more selectively and sustainably, and helping unlock the minerals needed for the net zero future,” Job said.

“Our goal is to work with our customers to use AI and automation to deliver the future of natural resources — one that benefits society and the industry with minimal harm to the environment.”

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