Editor’s Note
This article explores seven key innovations from TOMRA that are poised to transform diamond mining by 2026, focusing on enhanced efficiency, recovery rates, and sustainable practices.
TOMRA diamond sorting technology stands at the forefront of the diamond mining industry in 2025 and beyond. Its remarkable advancements are revolutionizing the way raw materials are sorted and graded, delivering unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability across global operations. This in-depth exploration covers the seven most noteworthy TOMRA innovations set to shape the sector into 2026, showing how they create value for mining companies, stakeholders, and end consumers worldwide.
The realm of modern diamond mining and processing is witnessing a transformation like never before, driven by breakthrough technological advancements. At the forefront of this new era is TOMRA, a global leader whose diamond sorting solutions are rapidly setting the standard for efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability throughout 2025 and into 2026. Through the adoption and continual progress of TOMRA’s automated sorting technology, the mining sector is not only optimizing valuable diamond recovery rates but is also minimizing environmental impact.
TOMRA diamond sorting systems leverage a synergy of sophisticated sensors, smart data analysis, and artificial intelligence to dramatically improve the processing of raw materials. With innovative solutions tailored explicitly for diamonds, TOMRA is reshaping the industry by delivering operational advantages and ensuring compliance with global ethical standards.
Traditionally, diamond sorting relied on manual inspection and conventional machinery, both of which were labor-intensive, slow, and prone to human error. These methods often led to significant losses of valuable stones and increased operational costs. With the demand for ethically sourced diamonds and increased efficiency driving the sector since 2025, it has become critical for mining companies to modernize their processes.
The introduction of TOMRA’s advanced sorting technology marks a pivotal shift in the landscape of the diamond industry. No longer dependent on limited older machinery and laborious inspection routines, mining facilities now employ automated, sensor-based systems designed to deliver unparalleled purity and higher recovery percentages. This progression enables companies to meet global standards for sustainability and traceability—concerns that are central for consumers and regulators alike in the modern age.
At the core of TOMRA’s diamond sorting advancements are the integrated X-ray Transmission (XRT) sensors and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). This dual-sensor approach is responsible for TOMRA’s outstanding results in recovering diamonds from ore with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy.
XRT Sensors: These sensors detect the density and atomic composition of each particle, effectively distinguishing diamonds from host rock by exploiting diamonds’ unique properties.
NIR Spectroscopy: NIR analyzes the spectral signatures of individual particles. It identifies details that differentiate gem-quality diamonds from industrial-grade stones, improving sorting accuracy and reducing errors.
This combination not only enhances precision but also enables automated processes to operate at high throughput. The technology reduces the need for human intervention and minimizes the risk of valuable diamond losses.
TOMRA’s continuous progress in developing intelligent diamond sorting technology is set to redefine industry benchmarks in 2026. Here are seven of the most noteworthy innovations poised to transform mining efficiency, recovery rates, and sustainability:
1. Next-Generation XRT & NIR Sensor Integration
Combining enhanced x-ray transmission with sensitive near-infrared spectroscopy creates a platform that can detect the smallest diamonds and accurately grade each stone based on nuanced mineralogical features. This integration improves overall recovery rates and identifies both gem and industrial diamonds rapidly.
2. AI-Powered Self-Learning Sorting Algorithms
Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms process operational data in real time, continuously improving sorting accuracy by learning from feedback and adapting to ore variability. This ensures precise separation of diamonds from ore, reducing waste and raising recovery percentages.
3. Modular, Scalable Sorting Units
Specialized machines now come in modular configurations that allow easy scaling for operations of any size. This reduces waste and energy use, achieving higher throughput per kWh. It also minimizes machine waste and extends equipment lifespan.
4. Enhanced Sustainability Features
New system features are focused on energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. These innovations directly contribute to decreasing waste generation and ensuring the process is more sustainable and compliant with global environmental standards.
5. Real-Time Ore Variability Adaptation
AI enables TOMRA systems to adapt to ore variability, reduce errors, and learn continuously—maximizing recovery, minimizing waste, and maintaining consistent quality.
6. Integrated Traceability and Ethical Sourcing Modules
New software modules embed traceability data directly into the sorting process, providing verifiable proof of ethical sourcing from mine to market.
7. Cloud-Based Performance Analytics and Remote Optimization
A cloud-connected platform allows for remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data-driven optimization of sorting lines worldwide, maximizing uptime and efficiency.
