By: Global market insight

The global market for sensor-based sorting machines in the mining sector is poised for significant expansion, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from USD 154.6 million in 2026 to USD 286.6 million by 2035. This growth is fueled by the rising global demand for base metals, precious metals, and critical minerals essential for infrastructure, urbanization, and the clean energy transition. The technology offers a compelling value proposition by enabling mines to pre-concentrate ore, thereby reducing the volume of waste processed downstream, lowering operational costs for energy and water, and enhancing overall resource recovery.

Key market drivers include the need for operational efficiency amid increasing mining volumes, cost savings from reduced processing loads, and the specific demand for accurately sorting high-value minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements. The market is led by established players such as TOMRA Mining, STEINERT, and Metso, which collectively held about 30% market share in 2025. These companies compete through technological innovation, focusing on reliability, precision, and integrating advanced features like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for real-time decision-making and predictive maintenance.

Regional analysis shows North America as the largest market, benefiting from advanced mining infrastructure and a strong focus on sustainability and critical mineral projects. The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing market, driven by industrialization and major mining activities in countries like Australia and China. Europe also represents a significant market, supported by stringent environmental regulations and a commitment to green mining practices.

The future of the sector hinges on several key trends: the deepening integration of AI and IoT to improve sorting accuracy and enable remote operations; a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, promoting machines that minimize water use and carbon emissions; and the development of modular, mobile sorting solutions to cater to smaller-scale and remote mining operations. By improving efficiency and sustainability, sensor-based sorting is becoming an indispensable technology for the mining industry's future.