REDWAVE sales manager discusses the environmental advantages and long-term strategic value of ore sorting technologies.

Metal Tech News is proud to present the latest installment of "Critical Conversations," a Q&A series that gives industry leaders, innovators, and experts a platform to share insights that shape the future of critical minerals and mining technologies.

In this Critical Conversations segment, we sit down with Tanner Williams, who brings technical expertise and a passion for people and tackling real-world mining and recycling challenges to his role as regional sales manager at REDWAVE Solutions US.

With a boots-on-the-ground background in aggregate production and a sharp eye on innovation, Williams discusses REDWAVE's advanced ore sorting technology and the impact it is having on the mining industry – from reducing waste and energy use to unlocking the viability of challenging deposits.

With sustainability, efficiency, and long-term viability in mind, Williams offers a forward-looking perspective on how technologies like ore sorting are reshaping mineral processing at a time when resource security, environmental stewardship, and operational resilience have never been more urgent.

Tanner Williams

Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to REDWAVE?

A. My name is Tanner Williams, and I come from a hands-on background in mining. I began my career as a mechanic, working with crushing and screening systems, and advanced through the ranks to become a district operations manager for an aggregate producer in the southeastern U.S.

After several years in that role, I joined REDWAVE as a sales engineer to bring my field experience into the world of sensor-based sorting technology. I joined REDWAVE to combine my technical expertise with my passion for meeting new people, creating solutions, and tackling real-world challenges in the mining and recycling industries.

Q. What is REDWAVE's core mission, and how does it differentiate itself in the ore sorting technology space?

A. REDWAVE's core mission is to deliver intelligent, sensor-based sorting solutions that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and support sustainable mining practices. We differentiate ourselves through advanced multi-sensor integration, continuous R&D, and a proactive, solution-driven mindset, working closely with clients to develop customized sorting strategies for even the most challenging materials and applications.

Q. What industries does REDWAVE primarily serve, and where does mining fit into that picture globally and in North America?

A. REDWAVE operates across a wide range of industries including the metals, glass, paper, plastics and textile recycling sectors, as well as various mining applications.

With over 1,000 sensor-based sorting machines installed worldwide, our technology is well known and trusted. In mining specifically, REDWAVE machines are in operation across the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, and other regions - delivering value in the sorting of materials such as calcite, talc, magnesite, dolomite, limestone, quartz, manganese, iron ore, and more.

Q. How does REDWAVE's ore sorting technology work, and what specific mining challenges does it address?

A. REDWAVE utilizes a dedicated chassis for each application, and in mining, this is known as the ROX machine. The ROX platform can integrate up to three core sensor technologies: Color Detection, Near Infrared (NIR), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). These technologies can be used individually or in combination (e.g., Color + NIR), depending on the sorting requirements.

The ROX machine processes data from these sensors to determine whether to pass or eject material, using precise bursts of compressed air to physically separate targeted materials. Through testing, we determine the optimal sensor combination for each specific material, application, or sorting objective.

Within the mining value chain, REDWAVE's sorting solutions typically deliver three key benefits: reduced processing costs, lower waste volumes, and improved product grade. The specific gains achieved will vary depending on the material and the nature of the application.

Q. What are the primary economic and environmental benefits REDWAVE's systems offer mining companies?

A. The primary benefits of sensor-based sorting depend on the specific task within the mining application. For example, in operations that use flotation as a final processing step, REDWAVE sorting technology can add value by removing waste material before it enters the flotation circuit. This can result in reduced processing costs, increased throughput, and, in many cases, an upgraded final product.

Environmental benefits stem from more efficient and intelligent mining practices. These include reducing the volume of material sent to waste dumps, reclaiming existing waste piles, lowering emissions and carbon footprint, and minimizing overall material handling.

If less waste is hauled or if previously discarded material can be upgraded into a saleable product – as has been seen in some cases – the benefits become both environmental and economic.

There is also a long-term strategic value: by reducing waste, mines can potentially extend their operational life. Less waste means more efficient use of the resource, contributing to both profitability and sustainability.

EuroTalc

EuroTalc has been using REDWAVE sorting technology since 2020 to meet the demand for high-quality talc from its mine in Slovakia.

Q. Can you provide a specific example where REDWAVE's ore sorting made a measurable impact on a mining operation – whether in recovery rates, cost reduction, or sustainability?

A. We have multiple sorting machines in operation at EuroTalc in Slovakia. These machines are sorting material directly from the mine after crushing and screening.

This sorting step upgrades the material and removes waste from going to their final processing stage. This allows not only a higher throughput to the final process but lower processing costs and a highly graded final material.

Q. What trends are you seeing in mineral processing technology, and how is REDWAVE positioning itself to stay ahead?

A. Many companies in the "sorting" space can deliver similar outcomes using different technologies or approaches. At REDWAVE, our long-term sustainability strategy is built on two key pillars. First, we actively invest in R&D, using industry feedback to help guide the development of new applications and technologies. Second, we remain committed to continuously improving our existing systems.

Across all sectors, we've seen that experience, along with lessons learned from past challenges, has directly contributed to improving our performance. Our latest generation of machines is significantly more advanced than the ones we produced over two decades ago. This progress reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and continuous learning.

Q. Are you seeing increased interest by mining companies in the use of ore sorting technology for "direct shipping ore" operations?

A. Absolutely. Mining companies are turning to technologies like REDWAVE ROX to pre-concentrate material at the mine site. This improves feed grade, reduces haulage costs, and cuts carbon emissions – up to 20% per ton.

Q. What are the permitting and cost advantages of a "direct shipping ore" mine to those with more complex processing facilities?

A. Each handling or processing step that can be removed or streamlined will increase business case-by-case.

In today's landscape, where permitting challenges, high operational costs, and environmental impact regulations are at an all-time high, it is more important than ever to be as efficient as possible. We have tested and implemented machines in applications that would not have passed feasibility without sorting.

Q. How is REDWAVE innovating to meet the unique processing needs of critical minerals like lithium, rare earths, or cobalt?

A. We operate with a mindset of exploration and possibility. I always tell potential clients we will never turn away a test.

Normally, our first step in a process is to perform what we call a "learning test". This will help us identify which, if any of our technologies, can sort the material effectively, and if capable, which one is most efficient.

Our goal in this learning test is to create new programs yielding new signatures and new information. This has allowed us to break any general molds that may have existed before. We don't say "sorry, we have never tried that," we say "we have not tried that yet, but we are excited to see what we can accomplish."

This has allowed us to work with things such as REEs. If we can pick up a solid signature, we can work on making a sorting program for it.

Q. Has the focus on expanding critical mineral supply chains in places like North America, Europe, and Australia impacted REDWAVE's strategy?

A. Absolutely. I'm currently collaborating with several companies, universities, and mining organizations focused on critical mineral supply, operations, and regulatory strategies. One example is a project exploring the reclamation of abandoned or closed mine waste dumps to recover valuable materials that were previously overlooked or not economically viable to extract.

Q. What advantages do ore sorting technologies like yours provide to mining or recycling companies trying to meet the rapidly growing demand for critical minerals?

A. In some cases, sorting is the only viable solution. When traditional crushing and screening operations are not feasible, sorting may be essential to demonstrate project viability.

Efficiency becomes critical in these scenarios – if an alternative solution exists but involves costly or complex processes, sorting can often provide a more affordable and effective path forward.

Q. Does REDWAVE engage with national or multinational critical minerals strategies – such as through pilot projects, public-private partnerships, or strategic alliances?

A. Yes. We are constantly looking for collaborative efforts and are willing to negotiate each of these scenarios to ensure success.

Q. Can ore sorting be a viable tool in urban mining or tailings reprocessing to help close the loop in mineral use?

A. It already is. We have several C&D (construction and demolition) applications running throughout Europe and are currently testing with several in the United States. We also have a large focus on the mine dump reclamation projects, as I have mentioned previously.

Q. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the role REDWAVE can play in shaping the future of sustainable, tech-forward mining?

A. Sustainability is key. I believe the mining industry must become smarter and more efficient to meet the demands of the future. For my generation, and the ones that follow, mining remains one of the most essential industries, providing the raw materials that support every aspect of modern life.

As technology advances, smarter practices will become the standard, and necessity will continue to drive innovation. I am proud to be in a position where I can contribute to shaping the future of mining, backed by a company with the expertise, experience, team dedication, and vision to make a meaningful impact.

Tanner Williams is a regional sales manager at REDWAVE Solutions US, where he supports customers in the metals recycling and mining industries with advanced sensor-based sorting technology. He began his career in the mining sector as a mechanic and later became an operations manager, giving him a practical foundation that created his approach to equipment sales today.

At REDWAVE, Tanner helps clients integrate sorting systems designed to improve material quality, recovery rates, and overall plant performance. With a focus on applications like heavy metal recovery, aluminum sorting, and ore processing, he works closely with operators and engineering teams to match REDWAVE's optical and sensor-based solutions to each facility's specific needs.