Objective
The X-MINE project supports better resource characterization and estimation as well as more efficient ore extraction in existing mine operations, making the mining of smaller and complex deposits economically feasible and increasing potential European mineral resources (specifically in the context of critical raw materials) without generating adverse environmental impact.
The project will implement large-scale demonstrators of novel sensing technologies improving the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations based on X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Transmission (XRT) technologies, 3D vision and their integration with mineral sorting equipment and mine planning software systems.
The project will deploy these technologies in 4 existing mining operations in Sweden, Greece, Bulgaria and Cyprus. The sites have been chosen to illustrate different sizes (from small-scale to large-scale) and different target minerals (zinc-lead-silver-gold, copper-gold, gold) including the presence of associated critical metals such as indium, gallium, germanium, platinum group metals and rare earth elements. The pilots will be evaluated in the context of scientific, technical, socio-economic, lifecycle, health and safety performances.
The sensing technologies developed in the project will improve exploration and extraction efficiency, resulting in less blasting required for mining. The technologies will also enable more efficient and automated mineral-selectivity at extraction stage, improving ore pre-concentration options and resulting in lower use of energy, water, chemicals and men hours (worker exposure) during downstream processing.
The consortium includes 6 industrial suppliers, 4 research/academic organizations, 4 mining companies and 1 mining association. The project has a duration of 51 months and a requested EC contribution of €9.3M.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencessoftwaresoftware applicationssystem software
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringmining and mineral processing
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrypost-transition metals
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologymineralogy
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
IA - Innovation actionCoordinator
02150 Espoo
Finland
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Participants (14)
164 40 KISTA
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00180 Helsinki
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
170 00 PRAHA 7
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
60 813 Poznan
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
6055 PERTH
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71104 Stora
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
14564 Athens
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4500 Panagyurishte
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1510 Nicosia
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S-75128 Uppsala
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78344 Bucharest
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751 05 Uppsala
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692 71 KUMLA
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
30 644 KRAKOW
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.