In summary, Yes, I think Taronga have tried an ore sorter using XRF (X-Rray fluorescence) and it didn't work well. They get better results by crushing the ore (with rolls) and rejecting the fines.
Background. I had an interest tin at Tatonga Sn via a holding in DGR. Being a met, I was interested. DGR's main manager Nick Mather was on the board of First Tin after they sold Taronga's parent co to First Tin. While Taronga was in the previous company various things were tried for low-cost pre-concentration. Crushing and fines rejection (at the correct size) proved the best but was still not perfect.
The reason XRF works with Renison ore is that it is carbonate-hosted (a skarn). I think Taronga is basalt hosted and the difference is fluorescence is much less. Insufficient to make a difference. As an aside early exploration technique, satellite spectral analysis (i.e. outside visual light range) can be used to pick-up fluorescence of the hosting mineral units if the filters are well set. it is being used at Renison predilling along with seismic.
I hope that answers your question sufficiently. There is a bit of mineralogy and I'm a lot worse at geoscience than metallurgy. (I acknowledge your extensive/widespread knowledge & experience though).
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