Africa’s mining sector is witnessing a surge in procurement of advanced sorting equipment, with
mineral sorting machines and
optical sorters leading the demand. As countries like Uganda, Tanzania, and South Africa ramp up lithium, gold, and copper production for global supply chains, traditional manual sorting can no longer meet the need for high-purity minerals—sparking a rush for tech-driven
color sorters.
Mining firms are prioritizing
XRT-based sorting machines (a type of
optical sorter) to separate ore from waste rock. For gold mines in Ghana, these machines use color and density analysis to pinpoint gold-bearing ore, cutting processing costs by 30%. In lithium projects across Namibia,
multi-spectral color sorters distinguish high-grade spodumene from low-quality minerals, ensuring compliance with battery manufacturers’ strict standards.
Local mining associations note a 45% year-over-year increase in orders for
automated sorting equipment. Unlike basic models, modern
mineral color sorters offer dust-resistant designs and low-power operation—critical for Africa’s harsh mining conditions. “We used to lose 20% of gold to inefficient sorting,” says a Ugandan miner. “With new
optical sorters, we’ve boosted recovery rates to 95%.”
This procurement boom also reflects Africa’s push for sustainable mining. Advanced
sorting machines reduce water and energy use, aligning with global ESG goals while boosting export competitiveness.
