Vertex Minerals (ASX: VTX) is revolutionizing gold processing at its Hill End project in New South Wales by integrating TOMRA Mining’s advanced LASER ore sorting technology. This strategic move enhances operational efficiency and aligns with Vertex’s commitment to environmentally sustainable mining practices.
A Historic Goldfield Meets Modern Innovation
Located approximately 200 km northwest of Sydney, between Bathurst and Mudgee, the Hill End project encompasses a significant portion of the historic Hill End goldfield. This region, part of the Eastern Lachlan Fold Belt, has historically yielded over 1.6 million ounces of gold and is renowned for producing large gold nuggets, including the famous Holtermann Nugget.
The project’s geology features gold mineralization associated with quartz veins within the Chesleigh Formation and Crudine Group. These characteristics make the ore amenable to gravity separation techniques, allowing for high recovery rates without the use of chemicals.
The Hill End goldfield is also the site of the discovery of the Holtermann Nugget, the largest single mass of gold ever found. Unearthed in 1872 at the Star of Hope Mine, this specimen weighed approximately 285 kilograms and contained an estimated 93 kilograms of gold. Although commonly referred to as a nugget, it was actually a gold-bearing quartz specimen. This monumental find brought international attention to the region and remains a significant part of Australia’s gold mining heritage.
“The reason why this site is so historically significant is that it was one of the first places where the gold rush started. They found this incredible deposit of high-grade gold, very significant for the Australian mining industry,” explains Roger Jackson, Executive Chairperson, Vertex Minerals. “Vertex decided to open up this mine because it was already permitted, it was a high-grade gold mine, and we could see an opportunity to have one of the best high-grade gold mines in Australia.”
“What excites me about this project is to work with a team like Vertex and this beautiful historic site, and mine in a more efficient and intelligent way,”says Gavin Rech, Area Sales and Technical Manager Australia at TOMRA Mining.
Integrating TOMRA’s LASER Technology
In pursuit of enhancing ore processing efficiency and reducing environmental impact, Vertex Minerals has incorporated TOMRA Mining’s LASER ore sorting technology into its processing workflow. This sensor-based technology enables precise separation of ore from waste rock, improving feed grade and reducing the volume of material processed downstream.
The integration of LASER sorting complements the existing gravity-based processing plant, which includes crushing, ball milling, and concentration equipment. By pre-concentrating ore before it reaches the mill, Vertex achieves higher throughput and lower energy consumption.
To evaluate the suitability of the Reward Gold Mine’s ore for sensor-based sorting, Vertex transported 160 kilograms of material to TOMRA’s test facility in Sydney. The testwork involved screening the sample to a 20–60mm size fraction and processing it through TOMRA’s LASER sorter, which targets quartz-rich particles associated with gold.
| Size Fraction | Category | Au Grade (g/t) | Mass (kg) | Mass (%) |
| 20–60mm | Feed | 3.71 | 94 | 100% |
| 20–60mm | Product | 16.2 | 19.4 | 21% |
| 20–60mm | Waste | 0.46 | 74.6 | 79% |
“The tests’ findings indicate a 337% increase in gold grade and a 79% reduction in mass, with minimal gold loss, demonstrating the technology’s effectiveness in upgrading ore prior to processing,” explains Gavin Rech.
“We can mine bigger stopes and then sort it all and still get the same gold back through the process plant,” adds Roger Jackson.
Environmental and Operational Benefits
The adoption of TOMRA’s LASER technology aligns with Vertex’s vision of producing “green gold.” By enhancing ore quality before processing, the company reduces the need for chemical treatments and minimizes tailings. The coarse liberation size of the gold also means less energy is required for crushing and grinding, further decreasing the environmental footprint. “The material discarded by the sorter is proper barren material that can be used as road base or aggregate and disposed of responsibly,” adds Gavin Rech.
“The TOMRA ore sorter has been a game-changer for this site,” says Roger Jackson. “We have reduced power, water and time we’ve got to run the plant because it’s so efficient in sorting out the waste from the gold ore.
Looking Ahead
With the successful implementation of TOMRA’s LASER sorting technology, Vertex Minerals is poised to increase gold production while maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices. The company continues to explore further innovations to optimize its operations and reduce environmental impact.
“It’s important that TOMRA is part of the industry change we’re seeing, with companies like Vertex stepping in to take an old traditional system and mine it in a more efficient way, with low energy, zero chemicals, no tailings dam. That’s something TOMRA definitely wants to be a part of,” concludes Gavin Rech.
Watch this video showing TOMRA Mining’s Laser technology at the Vertex mine
TOMRA Mining
TOMRA Mining designs and manufactures sorting technologies for the global mineral processing and mining industries. The company’s solutions aim to transform how natural resources are processed to maximize recovery and minimize our ecological footprint.
As the global market leader in sensor-based ore sorting, TOMRA Mining is responsible for developing and engineering intelligent technology to deliver resource efficiency and reshape the industry for the better.
Follow TOMRA Mining on Facebook @TOMRA.Sorting.Mining, X @TOMRAMining, LinkedIn at TOMRA Mining and on YouTube at TOMRA Mining.
TOMRA Mining is a part of TOMRA Group. TOMRA was founded on an innovation in 1972 that began with the design, manufacturing and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers.
Today, TOMRA is leading the resource revolution to transform how the planet’s resources are obtained, used and reused to enable a world without waste. The company’s business divisions are TOMRA Food, TOMRA Recycling and TOMRA Collection.
With approximately 105,000 installations in over 100 markets worldwide, TOMRA reported total revenues of EUR 1,348 million and EBITA of EUR 176 million in 2024. The Group employs 5,000 globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company headquarters are in Asker, Norway.
For further information about TOMRA, visit www.tomra.com
