Advanced sorting solutions are now available to the Southern African mining sector through a partnership concluded between GiGi Investments and Ganzhou HPY Technology Co. that establishes GiGi Investments’ subsidiary, GiGi Mining Services, as the sole distributor of HPY technology in the region.

“HPY’s advanced sorting solutions will enable mining operations to achieve greater efficiency, reduce environmental impact and maximise profitability,” states GiGi Investments CEO Graham Russell.

China-based HPY says it has an 80% share of the AI-driven ore sorting market, holds over 200 patents and has deployed more than 400 sorting systems worldwide.

The company notes that its flagship innovation, the Circle Series, is the world’s first ring-shaped X-Ray transmission (XRT) ore sorting machine. This technology is designed to enhance ore sorting capabilities and is said to deliver twice the accuracy, triple the processing capacity, lower energy consumption, and a reduced physical footprint.

“Our systems improve ore recovery rates while minimising waste, water usage and energy consumption. Through close collaboration, we will assist mining companies to unlock new levels of efficiency and sustainability,” said HPY director: Africa region Ferry Meng,

The advanced technology uses high-speed, high-definition cameras and XRT sensors, powered by proprietary AI algorithms, to separate valuable ore from waste at an early stage lower their environmental footprint.

A key component of this partnership is the establishment of a dedicated test laboratory in South Africa. "In the past, ore samples had to be sent to the HPY head-office for analysis, delaying project assessments by several weeks," explains GiGi Mining Services GM Brent Smith. "Now, we will have the capability to conduct tests locally, providing rapid insights into the economic viability of ore deposits and optimising sorting parameters for our clients."

The sensor-based sorting technology supports the circular economy by conserving water, reducing CO² emissions and minimising energy consumption, allowing mining companies to process ore more sustainably and even extract materials from previously uneconomical waste dumps.