TOMRA Mining has been awarded a contract by Pilgangoora Operations Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of PLS Group Limited (PLS), for the supply of sensor-based ore sorting equipment for the proposed P2000 Expansion Project (P2000 Project) at the Pilgangoora Operation in Western Australia.
The contract forms part of PLS’ approved pre-Final Investment Decision (pre-FID) early works program for the P2000 Project. Engineering and procurement of long-lead equipment will commence immediately, while the P2000 Project remains subject to a positive Final Investment Decision by PLS.
The award builds on the successful Pilgangoora crushing and ore-sorting facility delivered as part of previous expansion projects at Pilgangoora, which support higher throughput, feed consistency and operational flexibility.
The Pilgangoora Operation has become one of the mining industry’s leading examples of large-scale ore sorting integration, with TOMRA’s technology playing a key role in the site’s evolution from initial implementation through to full operational adoption.
The contract includes the supply of 22 TOMRA XRT ore sorters comprising secondary and tertiary X-ray sorting units, together with project management services, specialist tooling, packing and delivery.
If the P2000 Project is approved by the PLS Board, the installation will represent the next phase of expansion of Pilgangoora’s ore sorting infrastructure.
“The existing sorting circuit has demonstrated the reliability, availability and consistency required to support continuous, high-throughput operation at Pilgangoora,” said Albert du Preez, SVP and Head of TOMRA Mining.
“P2000 represents the next stage in that journey. It builds on years of successful collaboration between TOMRA and PLS and reflects the confidence that both organisations have developed in the value that large-scale sensor-based ore sorting delivers to lithium processing operations.”
“The significance of this award extends beyond the supply of equipment. It demonstrates how sensor-based sorting has matured from an innovative processing technology into an established and trusted component of modern lithium flowsheets.”
The relationship between TOMRA and PLS extends beyond equipment supply. Since initial test work and ore characterisation programs commenced in 2017, TOMRA has worked closely with PLS across testing, project development, commissioning and ongoing operational support.
Dedicated on-site technical support combined with remote connectivity through TOMRA’s global network has helped optimise long-term plant performance and contributed to the successful integration of sorting technology into Pilgangoora’s operations.
As hard-rock lithium operations continue to expand globally, operators are increasingly focused on technologies capable of improving resource utilisation, stabilising feed quality and enhancing downstream plant performance. The experience at Pilgangoora has demonstrated how sensor-based sorting can deliver these benefits at industrial scale while becoming fully embedded within daily operations.
The P2000 contract represents the next milestone in TOMRA Mining’s long-term partnership with PLS and reinforces the growing role of ore sorting technology in the future of large-scale lithium production.
Take a look at the potential future of the Pilgangoora Operation here.
