Candelaria is a copper mine in Chile's Atacama region operating for 30 years, producing 150–180 kt metal/year from ~78 kt ore/day. Between 2018–2021 faced forecasting errors due to mixed ore sources feeding a single crusher. A real-time copper analyser was installed on the primary conveyor, enabling source tracking and fixing the issue. Reconciliation improved from -4.1% to -1.8%, later reaching +2.1%, making forecasts more reliable.

Sensor-based bulk ore sorting is a preconcentration method that measures and separates ROM or primary crushed material. A 2019 full-scale trial at Cozamin mine, Mexico used a mobile jaw crusher, conveyor, Magnetic Resonance analyser and diverter gate. It increased copper metal to plant by 6–8% at equal tonnage by improving mining recovery from marginal and sub-grade ore, outweighing processing losses.

Grade is key to mining profit but is declining globally, requiring better efficiency. Bulk ore sorting helps improve revenue and reduce cost sustainably. At Kansanshi mine, BOS was tested at 2,800 t/h using MRA with 4-second (3.1 t) measurements. Results confirmed accurate sensing, effective post-crusher separation, measurable gains, retrofit feasibility, and a novel validation method.