Innovation
At Sedgman, we have a proud history of innovation in mineral processing. Since 1980, we have advanced the standard of excellence and innovation for our clients to deliver tailored solutions across base and precious metals, industrial metals and iron ore. From large scale innovations like developing modular plants, through to the latest in-house sensor, we harness the power of our technical experts to deliver innovative outcomes.
Innovation in our DNA
For more than two decades Sedgman has been a world leader in pioneering the use of new technologies and innovations to dramatically improve the performance of processing plants.
We have been first adopters of new technologies and transfer of equipment to new commodities. These have included multislope screens and the Jameson flotation cells in the 1990s, an alternative flotation technology that greatly reduced the footprint and the energy consumption required to float materials efficiently. Sedgman have leveraged this to reduce both overall plant size, improve operator access and lower the energy consumed by our plants overall.
Around 2009, we used reflux classifiers in alternate commodities. We have constantly pushed the capacity of our designs, since the 1990s we have successively increasing the size of dense medium cyclones by approximately 50% since the 1990s, improving both the mineral processing capacity and efficiency outcomes for our clients.
More recently our process solutions teams are evaluating emerging comminution technologies and pre-concentration solutions to support a lower energy and water processing. Our mine-to-mill simulations optimise for net present value and minimised emissions.
We have also focussed on leveraging digital technologies to improve our designs, such as:
- parametric designs
- control system simulation models with advanced modelling and machine learning
- using discrete event simulation to model the dynamic and transient conditions of crushing circuits leveraging Sedgman's longstanding 3 dimensional design processes to support fourdimensional planning, digitising the project delivery strategy across the full delivery cycle.'
- photogrammetric modelling used to create a 3D model of a client site using drone and handheld photographic imagery
- modular plants such as the Byerwen facility, showcased in this video.
- model based construction planning – using model to embody the construction schedule, with the addition of resource and access planning in the virtual construction environment extending model usage from preassembly planning upstream in the delivery process to fabrication management and design criteria and prioritisation.
Find out more about our innovations below:
SEDGMETRIX
SEDGMETRIX is an internet of things (IoT) ecosystem of tools that can be used to remotely monitor the status and optimise the performance of any operation or asset including renewable energy, mining, mineral processing, oil and gas or supply chain.
SEDGMETRIX is a data source and commodity agnostic platform that adds value to any operation that struggles with accessing/actioning real-time data to maintain efficient and reliable asset operation. Visibility and foresight on key sustainability metrics is critical in life cycle analysis and meeting ESG requirements.
With 24-hour automated monitoring and rapid detection of abnormal asset performance, SEDMETRIX supports high performing remote sites and connects clients to their operation, providing peace of mind and saving time on manual performance checks.
Mine of the future
Our vision for a sustainable world includes mining and minerals processing done differently. We are actively engaging with innovative and systems-thinking partners and equipment suppliers to work across traditional scope boundaries to identify solutions that reduce power demand, emissions, tailing volumes, and net water usage. We are excited about the potential for reprocessing tailings waste to extract value and support rehabilitation efforts, as well as engaging with partners to find the net best value solution for all stakeholders.
You can learn more about our vision for the mine of the future here.
Meakin innovation award
Each year we recognise outstanding innovation through the Meakin Technical Innovation Award.
Sedgman has a history of innovation in minerals processing. Our ability to discover benchmark solutions and push boundaries in design and technology has established us as a global leader. The Meakin Technical Innovation Award recognises outstanding work to advance the technical knowledge that keeps Sedgman at the forefront of our sector.