Rockpicker

nounStandard termMining

A machine or worker tasked with removing large, barren rocks from an ore stream.

A mechanical device or a designated laborer positioned along a conveyor belt to visually identify and remove chunks of waste rock before they enter the crushers. Removing this barren material early reduces wear on downstream milling equipment and prevents dilution of the ore grade.

Heard on the job

The primary crusher jammed again because the mechanical rockpicker missed a massive piece of granite.