What advantage does gravity sorting provide in the mining process?

Gravity sorting is a key method in the mining process that utilizes differences in density to separate materials. In this context, the primary advantage is the effective separation of diamonds from surrounding materials, which is crucial because diamonds are significantly denser than many other substances found in alluvial deposits. This technique allows for a more efficient recovery of diamonds, as heavier mineral grains will tend to settle out and be collected separately from lighter materials.

The ability to isolate diamonds through gravity sorting enhances the overall effectiveness of the mining operation, ensuring that higher-quality and more valuable stones are obtained while minimizing the presence of waste materials. By focusing on density differences, gravity sorting provides a reliable and straightforward means of achieving this separation without the need for complex chemical processes. This makes it particularly advantageous in the context of diamond mining, where purity and quality are paramount.