Mineral Resources (MinRes) is using on-site automated sample preparation to support mine planning at its Onslow Iron project in Western Australia, highlighting the company’s broader push toward operational innovation across the supply chain.
At Ken’s Bore, an automated laboratory has been established to deliver real-time analytical data to MinRes’ Mining and Technical Services team. The facility is the first of its kind in the mining industry and features the Automated Modular Solution Prep Line, developed by Rocklabs, a subsidiary of Scott Technology.
The system employs collaborative robotics to handle samples from the field, automate size reduction, and prepare material for key analytical processes. The technology has doubled the site’s sampling capacity to 500 samples per day, while reducing manual handling and improving result turnaround times.
After drilling, five kilogram samples are tagged and transferred by robotic arms to crushers that reduce them to one kilogram. The crushed samples then move through a pulverising stage, which includes self-cleaning to minimise contamination, before being prepared for thermogravimetric and X-ray fluorescence analysis.
MinRes Onslow Iron Manager Supply Chain Mike Dwyer said the automation provides both reliability and consistency in lab processes, while reducing manual handling and improving throughput.
“This technology is playing a critical role in mine planning and the results are integral to ensuring we get the best out of more than 30 years’ mine life at Onslow Iron,” he said.
Scott Technology CEO Mike Christman said the successful commissioning of the lab reflects the value of automation in modern mining operations.
The Onslow Iron project is expected to ramp up to its nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes per year. The use of automation at Ken’s Bore is one part of a broader strategy that includes autonomous haulage and transhipment innovations across the operation.
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