Introducing the Real Time Instruments'
Ecosystem of Sensors
Real Time Instruments has developed a comphrensive suite of sensor solutions for every stage of the mining process. This ‘ecosystem of sensors’ works together to create a detailed and trackable view of your material from pit to port, enhancing efficiency, safety and operational certainty.
Sustainable Mining
As environmental regulations tighten globally, mining operations face increasing pressure to control emissions such as dust and ash in real time. Traditional lab testing methods are too slow to enable a proactive approach to sustainable mining, leaving sites vulnerable to fines, reputational damage, and harm to nearby communities. Without continuous monitoring of key environmental metrics, staying within regulatory thresholds becomes a constant challenge.
The Race to Net Zero
Mining companies around the world have pledged to achieve net zero emissions. However, operational processes—especially energy-intensive extraction and material handling—can be major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
RTI’s real-time PGNAA elemental analysers and online moisture sensors provide continuous, non-intrusive data that helps mines make smarter, faster decisions. By improving material routing, reducing unnecessary processing, and enhancing ore recovery, our technology helps lower energy consumption and emissions intensity.
Sustainable Water Use in Mining
Mining operations consume large volumes of water—especially in ore processing. RTI’s moisture analysis solutions ensure water is used efficiently by delivering real-time data on material moisture content. This enables precise control of dewatering, reduces over-watering, and supports sustainable water management across the value chain.
Sustainable Energy Use in Mining
Traditional ore processing is energy-intensive. RTI’s real-time PGNAA analyzers ensure only material meeting grade specifications enters the mill, reducing unnecessary processing and energy waste. By optimising material routing with real-time insights, mines can significantly lower their energy footprint.
Sustainable Waste Management in Mining
Inefficient ore classification leads to higher dilution, increased tailings, and wasted resources. RTI’s sensor technologies improve ore/waste discrimination, helping operations recover more from every tonne mined while reducing stockpile errors and tailings volumes. Less waste means greater profitability—and a smaller environmental impact.
The Challenges Miners Are Facing Globally
Coal-fired power plants account for over 70% of global CO₂ emissions from electricity generation, with excess ash contributing to pollutant levels.
Mismanagement of ash content can result in fines or shutdowns, with regulatory penalties increasing by up to 40% year-on-year in some jurisdictions.
Excess sulfur and mercury in raw feed lead to non-compliance with air quality standards, risking reputational and legal damage for operators.
The Benefits of Sustainable Mining Practices
Up to 40% Reduction in Airborne Particulates with Tighter Ash Control
Lower ash content significantly improves air quality and reduces health risks near operations.
Up to $1M in Environmental Fines Avoided Annually
Exceeding sulfur and mercury limits can result in severe penalties and operational shutdowns.
5% Higher Plant Uptime Through Continuous Compliance
Staying within emissions thresholds helps prevent forced shutdowns and regulatory interventions.
Faster Regulatory Approvals by Up to 50%
Proven compliance history accelerates permitting and reduces regulatory friction.
Up to
Total estimated savings per year
Real Time Instruments is Solving These Challenges
How a leading power station harnessed real-time analysis to consistently meet ash requirements and reduce CO2 levels.
Challenge Addressed: Coal mining operations are subject to strict environmental regulations, particularly concerning the emission of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Traditional methods of monitoring these emissions can be reactive and may not provide the timely data needed to ensure compliance.
RTI’s Solution: RTI Scansuite implemented an online elemental analysis system that provides continuous, real-time data on the composition of coal, focusing on elements that contribute to environmental pollutants. This technology enables proactive adjustments to the mining and processing operations to minimize harmful emissions.
Implementation: The system was integrated into the coal processing workflow, allowing for the analysis of coal quality before combustion. This integration facilitates immediate decision-making to adjust processing parameters, ensuring that the coal meets environmental standards.
Results Achieved: The deployment of RTI’s technology led to improved environmental compliance, reduced emissions, and enhanced operational efficiency. The real-time data allowed for better control over coal quality, contributing to more sustainable mining practices.
Client Feedback: The coal mining operation reported increased confidence in meeting environmental regulations and appreciated the system’s role in promoting sustainable practices.
