New Horizon Copper (NHC) has taken another important step forward in its drive to improve operational efficiency and technological capability with the arrival of a highly significant new piece of equipment for its flagship operation, Kombat Mine.

The newly delivered system, supplied by global technology leader STEINERT GmbH, introduces “Sensor-Based Sorting” (SBS) technology to the operation. This innovative ore-sorting solution will help unlock additional value from existing mineralised material while supporting the company’s long-term production ambitions.

The investment reflects NHC’s core corporate values of Sustainable and Future, ensuring the company continues to develop responsibly while strengthening the long-term viability of its operations.

Driving Sustainability Through Innovation

NHC’s commitment to sustainability focuses on ensuring the long-term success of the Kombat operation through operational efficiency, safety, and effective utilisation of resources.

The introduction of sensor-based sorting technology is a key part of this strategy. By enabling the early separation of waste rock from mineralised material, the technology improves processing efficiency while reducing energy consumption, water usage, and overall environmental impact.

Equally, the investment supports the company’s Future value - continuing to innovate and develop its resource base responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

What Sensor-Based Sorting Technology Delivers

Sensor-Based Sorting (SBS) is a dry ore pre-concentration technology that analyses individual rocks as they move along a conveyor belt.

Using X-Ray Transmission (XRT) sensors, the system measures the atomic density of each particle. Based on this information, the system determines whether the rock contains valuable mineralisation or represents barren waste.

Waste material is then identified and removed from the conveyor, allowing only the higher-grade ore to continue into the processing plant.

This approach provides several important operational advantages:

  • Early rejection of barren rock
  • Increased mill feed grade
  • Reduced downstream processing costs (crushing, grinding, flotation)
  • Lower water, energy, and reagent consumption
  • Reduced tailings volumes

Supporting the Expansion of Kombat Operations

The introduction of SBS technology also plays a critical role in supporting the next phase of development at Kombat.

As part of Phase 1 expansion of the Asis West deposit, NHC target is to increase plant throughput to 60,000 tonnes per month (60 ktpm). However, the hoisting capacity of the existing infrastructure - specifically the #1 and #3 shafts - is currently limited to approximately 45 ktpm.

To bridge this production gap, the company has identified an additional feed source.

Historic mining operations at Kombat left behind stockpiles of low-grade mineralised waste and ore from previous open-pit activity. With the introduction of STEINERT’s XRT sorting technology, NHC will be able to recover economically viable ore from these stockpiles.

From NHC’s perspective, the SBS technology system will in practical terms:

  • Process historical stockpiles on surface
  • Separate ore from low-grade mineralised waste
  • Provide supplementary plant feed to help achieve the 60 ktpm production target

Flexible Technology for Future Operations

The SBS unit will initially operate on surface for approximately two years, sorting material from existing stockpiles located near the historic low-grade ore dumps.

Construction of the new processing facility is expected to begin in late April, with commissioning of the SBS system scheduled for the end of June and will include a crushing plant, screening circuit and the new sensor-based sorting unit.

Importantly, the technology offers flexible. Once stockpile processing is completed, the sorter can potentially be relocated underground to support future mining operations if required.

Looking Ahead

For NHC, the arrival of the new sorting system marks an exciting milestone as the company continues to modernise operations at Kombat.

By combining innovative technology with responsible resource development, the company is positioning itself to increase production, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

As installation progresses over the coming months, NHC will share further updates as this important new capability becomes operational.