Partition Enterprises Integrates HID RFID Technology into its tracer-based dense medium separation (DMS) performance tools.
Partition Enterprises Integrates HID RFID Technology – Partition Enterprises integrates HID HDX E-rod RFID tags into its tracer-based dense medium separation (DMS) performance tools, delivering measurable improvements in efficiency and yield across mining operations.
The Australia-based company specialises in solutions for the global mining and mineral processing sector, focusing on improving accuracy in DMS processes, where mined material is separated by density into valuable product and waste streams.
Traditional DMS testing methods are labour intensive, typically requiring up to eight workers over an hour to introduce tracers, retrieve them post-process and analyse results. These processes can also involve safety risks and delays, with laboratory outcomes taking up to 2 months.
In response, Partition Enterprises developed an automated approach using RFID-enabled tracers, reducing the process to a single operator and delivering results in real time.
The system is built around HID’s HDX E-rod RFID tags, customised to meet the specific demands of mineral processing. The tags are compact, fitting within an 8-millimetre cube, and are embedded within density-specific tracers used during DMS testing.
According to Ray Wood, manager at Partition Enterprises, key requirements included robustness, read range, size and reliability in harsh processing environments, with the RFID tags needing to maintain performance despite being embedded in dense materials and exposed to industrial conditions.
“We wanted a supplier with good customer support, ability to customize ferrite rods (used in the DMS process) and ongoing product support and updates,” said Wood.
“We were also looking for robustness, size, quality, readability at distance, price point and customer service, all of which HID delivered.
“The tags met our strict quality requirements, and their performance is the best we have encountered for its type and small size – this was critical to the product’s success,” Wood said.
The resulting product, CurvePRO, allows operators to complete a DMS test in around 30 minutes, with immediate feedback enabling real-time adjustment of processing densities to optimise yield.
Field deployment has been extensive, with more than 250 audits conducted across major Australian coal producers during early rollout. Results showed an average yield improvement of 6 per cent per site, equating to average annual profit increases of approximately $A10.7 million.
Partition Enterprises has since secured 25 clients on annual leases, with renewal rates approaching 100 per cent using CurvePRO with HID tags.
“CurvePRO has enabled real-time performance data capture at Meandu Mine, replacing the long wait for traditional washability results,” said Rocco Prochilo, operations supervisor and metallurgist at BUMA Australia.
“By simultaneously capturing performance across all circuits, it provides valuable insight into circuit operation and enables timely adjustments that have resulted in increased yield. It’s a practical tool that adds real value.”
A companion product, MatchPRO, extends the capability by allowing a single operator to determine cut points across up to 8 material densities within an hour. During early testing across 5 Australian coal mines, the system identified potential yield improvements of up to $A100 million annually.
According to Wood, the solution is now being adopted more broadly across mineral processing applications, reflecting a shift towards real-time optimisation in DMS environments.
You can discover Partition Enterprises’ tracer technology here, learn more about HID RFID tagging technologies here, or read more SEN news here.
“Partition Enterprises Integrates HID RFID Technology into its tracer-based dense medium separation (DMS) performance tools.”
