As China's first iron ore processing project adopting AI intelligent optical sorting technology, the optical mineral processing project at Hainan Mining's Shilu Iron Ore Mine was officially commissioned in March 2025. After two key phases of commissioning rectification and capacity ramp-up over the past year, the project has now achieved stable operation. In 2025, it processed a total of 672,600 tons of raw ore and produced 80,500 tons of pre-concentrate with total iron content (TFe) ≥ 38%. This output can be further processed by the grinding and separation system to produce approximately 30,000 tons of iron concentrate powder for sales, generating nearly RMB 4 million in economic benefits for the company.

Adopting advanced AI intelligent algorithms combined with optical recognition technology, the processing workflow first conducts spectral scanning analysis on ore samples before production and stores the data in the system. During operation, by pre-identifying the transportation trajectory of ores on vibrating feeders, high-speed air guns eject and separate target ores as they roll down. The system specifically identifies and sorts ores with TFe ≥ 38% and yield ≥ 8% from jigging tailings, enabling efficient utilization of low-grade iron ore resources.

Since commissioning in March 2025, the project prioritized production quality rectification from April to June and accelerated capacity ramp-up from July to September. The team closely monitored equipment commissioning and process optimization. Through equipment upgrades and workflow improvements, all operational indicators rapidly met standards and stabilized.

As a pioneering domestic case applying AI technology to iron ore mineral processing production, this project not only realizes technological innovation but also successfully obtained the invention patent titled "A Pre-concentration Process for Low-Grade Lump Iron Ore Enrichment", filling the technological gap in China's intelligent iron ore sorting sector.