Systems and methods for sorting and collecting enhanced grade metal-bearing ores from metal bearing ores

A system for sorting ore containing a desired target grade of metal-bearing ore from metal-bearing ore provided along a first conveyor, the desired target grade having a desired target average percentage by weight of the metal therein, said system comprising:

• a first magnetic resonance analyzing unit configured for measuring the percentage by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore on said first conveyor at successive points in time, for calculating the average percentage by weight of the metal in that ore measured over first predetermined length intervals of time;
• a controller establishing a cut-off value of the average percentage by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore for producing the desired target grade, said controller being configured for producing select signals when the average percentage by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore measured over said first predetermined length intervals of time on said first conveyor is equal to or greater than said cut-off value;
• a diverter configured for receiving the metal-bearing ore from the first conveyor and diverting it to either a collection path or a waste path, said collection path including a second moving conveyor, said diverter being configured to divert portions of the metal-bearing ore from said first conveyor to said second conveyor in response to said select signals;
• a second magnetic resonance analyzing unit configured for measuring the percentage by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore on said second conveyor at successive points in time, for calculating the average percentage by weight of the metal in that ore measured over second predetermined length intervals of time, said second magnetic resonance analyzing unit being coupled to said controller, whereupon said controller dynamically adjusts said cut-off value up or down to an adjusted value to produce said select signals if the average percentage by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore on said second conveyor measured over said second predetermined length intervals of time is below or above the desired target average percentage by weight, thereby causing said diverter to direct portions of said metal-bearing ore from said first conveyor to said second conveyor when the average percent by weight of the metal in the metal-bearing ore on said first conveyor measured over said first predetermined length intervals of time is equal to or greater than said adjusted value.