| Sensor Type | XRF, Laser, Near Infra-Red, Colour | X-Ray transmission | PGNAA* | Magnetic Resonance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measures / Senses | Surface Composition, Colour | Atomic Density | Elemental Composition | Mineral Composition |
| Sorts | Individual particles | Individual particles | Large Pods | Pods (1 – 10 tonnes) |
| No extra prep (wash, etc) | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Measures all material | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accurate grade estimate | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instantaneous (<10s) result | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Single calibration only | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
* Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis