Strategic Innovation for Regional Growth

DYNOSORT was funded by EIT RawMaterials under its KAVA 8 RIS Upscaling Call, which supported promising projects to transition from laboratory-scale validation to commercial readiness. The project exemplifies the impact of the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS), an initiative funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) to enhance innovation in regions classified as moderate or modest innovators. Through RIS Hubs, EIT RawMaterials fosters collaboration between education, research, and industry—often referred to as the “knowledge triangle”—to address raw materials challenges both locally and at the European level.

The DYNOSORT project brought together COMEX Polska, a leading Polish processing technology company, the Technical University of Košice as an academic research partner; DIAMO, a Czech state enterprise specilising in mitigation of impact from mining, including circularity; and HZDR & TheiaX, experts in hyperspectral imaging and simulation technologies.

“The diverse expertise of our partners allowed DYNOSORT to achieve far more than any organization could on its own. This collaboration has led to a robust, scalable, and commercially viable technology,” said Igor Ďuriška, Project Manager and Assistant Professor at the Technical University of Košice.

An aerial view of the presorting site in Jelšava magnesite mine in the Slovak Republic

Revolutionizing Sorting for Mining Residues

DYNOSORT’s sensor-based sorting technology utilizes data-driven simulations and mineralogical analysis to optimize sorting efficiency. Unlike conventional methods, this approach offers precise material separation with significant economic and environmental benefits, applicable to both primary ores and stockpiles.

• Enhanced Resource Recovery: Successfully separates high-density materials like lead and zinc from waste rock.
• Circular Economy Impact: Residual waste can be repurposed for secondary uses, such as road construction.
• Sustainability Gains: Reduces reliance on new extractions, minimizing environmental impact. 

From Testing to Industrial Implementation

Following successful trials in Příbram, Czechia, DYNOSORT’s technology is now deployed at SMZ Jelšava, Slovakia’s largest magnesite processing plant. By replacing the traditional heavy suspension process, the plant has seen dramatic efficiency improvements:

• 85% energy savings in initial processing compared to traditional methods
• 100% reduction in water consumption, as the dry sensor-based process eliminates the need for washing magnesite cuttings
• Lower operational costs and reduced environmental footprint

“At SMZ Jelšava, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and sustainability, making magnesite processing cleaner and more streamlined. DYNOSORT’s technology allows us to reduce electricity costs compared to heavy suspension separation technology by 85% in the initial processing phase, as well as eliminate mining water consumption by 100%, as sensor sorting is based on a dry principle without the need to wash magnesite cuttings.” said Ing. Pavol Štefanko, Production Technologist at SMZ, a.s. Jelšava.

With higher recovery rates and reduced waste levels, DYNOSORT demonstrates the real-world potential of sensor-based sorting to transform the mining industry.