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Inspired tech and faster rehabilitation

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 05:27:17 GMT

Dendra has evolved its aerial seeding technology to the point that it can cover up to 44 hectares per day – a 10-fold increase in just a decade.

The Australian mining industry is beginning to understand the gravity of the environmental, social and governance (ESG) movement and what it means for a company’s bottom line.

Regulators, investors and other stakeholders are increasingly taking ESG into account when making decisions that affect a mine’s financing and development.

Dendra is enabling ESG compliance in the local resources sector by empowering miners and contractors to implement better ecosystem-restoration practices, leading to improved land treatment and relationships with Traditional Owners.

As an important component of ecosystem restoration, aerial seeding sees drone fleets disperse various seed types and combinations onto disused mining areas, providing the foundation for ecosystem restoration, reducing erosion hazards, and suppressing the growth of invasive plant species.

Aerial seeding usurps traditional ‘boots-on-the-ground’ methods, with drones able to seed larger and harder-to-access areas faster.

In fact, Dendra is able to seed up to 44 hectares per day through its current aerial seeding processes – a 10-fold scale increase from a decade ago.

Dendra has not only been able to expand the scale of its offerings but also improve the quality of its technology to handle a wider range of seed types.

“In Australia, seed types range from grains to grass and everything in between,” Dendra engineering group manager Ashwin Chandrasekaran told Australian Mining.

“This is where Dendra comes in – we’ve pioneered new technology that can help spread far more fibrous and difficult seed types. And we do this with a focus on operational safety and efficiency.”

Dendra Australia engineering manager Alec Lewandowski said Dendra’s technology is ever evolving.

“We are always adapting our system to new seed types,” he told Australian Mining. “When we receive a seed that’s outside of our capability, we perform some R&D (research and development) and get the system working again to a good level.

“This is a testament to how our company works; no matter the customer request, we push to make it work.”

Dendra sees new capabilities entering the drone technology sector all the time. It’s one thing to adopt a new technology, but it’s another thing to adapt it.

“Every year new aircraft enters the market that has more agility or carries heavier weights,” Chandrasekaran said.

“Dendra builds a system that can adapt to these aircraft. Just because an aircraft can carry ‘X’ amount of weight doesn’t mean it is better, because you still need to be able to accurately disperse a certain amount of seed per hectare.”

The continued expansion of Dendra’s aerial seeding solution reflects both the growth of drone technology over the years and the company’s ability to evolve with that growth and tailor its solutions to current environmental needs.

Chandrasekaran said when a mining customer in Western Australia requested its mining operation be seeded by “one of Australia’s most difficult seed types”, Dendra went to work.

“The first time we saw the seed, we instantly knew it was going to be a difficult seed to work with; the seed could be compared to a bale of hay,” he said. “But we quickly made some modifications to our system and patented a new technology that focuses on how different seed types can efficiently pass through our system.

“We’ve been able to improve our technology little by little, making it more and more efficient, and we’re now at the stage where we’re doing an extensive project.

“We started aerial seeding about five hectares for this client. This year we’ll be doing 500 hectares.”

Dendra has achieved greater scale and scope with its aerial seeding solution. The company is also changing the way undulating and difficult-to-access terrains can be rehabilitated.

“Much of the mining environment is very treacherous terrain – it’s rarely flat,” Chandrasekaran said. “While traditional methods often involve trucks, tractors or teams of people on ground manually completing seeding tasks, this is not possible or safe in many mining landscapes.

“This is where our aerial solution comes into effect. There is no terrain we cannot seed, which means we can easily scale because we only need to add more aircraft to increase the size of the area we’re trying to spread.

“And even if the terrain is accessible, if you consider the cost per hectare, buying another drone is a lot more economical than buying another tractor to seed the same area.”

Dendra makes seeding simple, with the mobility of its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) meaning solutions can be quickly mobilised to a mine site.

“Some of the mine sites we work with are so remote that it isn’t always practical to get machinery on-site in a short space of time,” Chandrasekaran said. “But we’re able to quickly deploy our UAVs, go out and complete hundreds of hectares of seeding over a couple of weeks.

“We’re efficient, we’re safe, and we’re fully capable of being able to deliver seeding solutions at scale in a short period of time, which saves mining companies a lot of time and money.”

While Dendra has already achieved so much with its aerial seeding solution, there is so much more potential for this technology to grow and evolve.

Lewandowski said the company is always pushing to achieve greater volume.

“The more volume an aircraft can hold, the more seeds you can hold in one flight,” he said. “This means less fly backs, less filling up of the aircraft, which means more spread and more hectares covered per day.”

Dendra has a passion for technology and a passion for the environment, two critical linchpins in determining the mining sector’s ESG future.

And as Dendra establishes a stronger presence in the Australian mining sector, the company will continue to drive greater innovation and unearth safer, more efficient and more cost-effective ecosystem restoration practices.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/inspired-tech-and-faster-rehabilitation/

Introducing Azbil’s new electromagnetic flowmeters

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 23:39:22 GMT

The MagneW PLUS+ electromagnetic flowmeters from Azbil Corporation are designed to measure every sort of liquid, including water, chemicals, slurries, and corrosive liquids.

The standard model has a mirror-smooth PFA (perfluoroalkoxy) liner for excellent adhesion resistance that enables outstanding durability even in long-term use. It is available in an integrated type and a remote type and can be used in a wide range of settings, including explosion-proof and outdoor environments.

The Azbil magnetic flowmeters offer the following features:

Improved performance and greater stability

Suppression of flow noise is 3.5 times that of the conventional model for excellent stability in the presence of noise.

Achieves more reliable measurement in individual applications through features such as an excitation frequency change function, an optional auto spike cutoff setting, travel averaging, and manual zero adjustment.

Improved factory data memory function to facilitate checking after shipment

In addition to the serial number and production date on the product tag plate at shipment, the human machine interface enables checking in maintenance mode. Statuses that may be difficult to read on the product tag plate are backed up as electronic data.

High-speed batch function for batch applications

A high-speed response function with a damping time constant of 0.1 second can be selected as an option. This enables compatibility with high-speed batch applications, allowing use with a pulse frequency of up to 3000 hertz.

Compatible with HART and CommPad communicators as a standard feature

Communication with CommPad is supported as in previous models. Communication superimposed on the analogue signal can be used by selecting the HART communicator function.

For further information, contact AMS Instrumentation & Calibration , Azbil’s Australian distributor.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/introducing-azbils-new-electromagnetic-flowmeters/

EQ hits tungsten production high

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 06:08:02 GMT

EQ Resources hit new weekly production records in June at its Mount Carbine and Saloro tungsten operations in Queensland and Spain respectively.

The Mount Carbine operations produced a record 70.4 tonnes of 50 per cent tungsten oxide (WO3) concentrate over a seven-day production period, with a daily record of 13.6 tonnes of 50 per cent WO3 concentrate produced within a 24-hour period.

According to EQ, this marks a 16 per cent improvement over the previous weekly production record at Mount Carbine. It also builds off the production record achieved in the March 2024 quarter.

The Saloro operations also achieved a weekly production record of around 50 tonnes of 50 per cent WO3-equivalent concentrate within a seven-day period at the beginning of June.

EQ credited the higher recovery and final concentrate production at Saloro to significant upgrades implemented during the June 2024 quarter.

“I am very pleased with the progress seen at both operations specifically throughout June,” EQ chief executive officer Kevin MacNeill said .

“Mount Carbine faced a major rebuild of our main screen, which allowed us to implement the previously announced upgrade of one of our XRT sorters. Technology is evolving quickly and given our good relationship with TOMRA and considering that we just commissioned the new generation sorters at Saloro, we could finish the upgrade in less than a week.”

Looking ahead, the Saloro processing plant de-bottlenecking program is scheduled for completion by the end of the September 2024 quarter.

The plant improvements implemented so far include the crushing and screening circuit, modification of jig ragging, spiral circuit optimisation and a rearrangement of the shaking table circuit to capture a higher proportion of fine scheelite previously lost in the tailings stream.

The Queensland Investment Corporation will also fund the expansion of Mount Carbine via a $20 million loan to be received by EQ in two instalments over a three-year period.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/eq-hits-tungsten-production-high/

Starlight only getting brighter for Westgold

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:44:05 GMT

Westgold Resources has increased the mineral resource at its Starlight gold mine in Western Australia by 41 per cent.

The total mineral resource for Starlight now sits at 590,000 ounces, with a 21 per cent increase in measured and indicated mineral resource available for ore reserve studies.

“Organic growth opportunities within Westgold’s high value portfolio continue to be unlocked by drilling,” Westgold managing director and chief executive officer Wayne Bramwell said .

“The growth in Starlight and emergence of the Waterbore zone we see today is a function of good science and the investment Westgold made in drilling this mine over the last eighteen months.

“The same strategy is being deployed across our main operating assets such as Bluebird-South Junction, Big Bell and Great Fingall, extending these orebodies and mine lives.”

Westgold has identified the Waterbore Zone within Starlight as a potential new mining front, with strong results returning for the quarter.

Intensive drilling will continue at Starlight, with three drill rigs now operating.

“Optimising Starlight to maximise free cash generation over an extended life remains the focus, with continued exploration success providing the platform to deliver this objective,” Bramwell said.

Westgold said that many of the more significant results returned during the current quarter are from the Waterbore area of the mine.

Waterbore is a relatively new production zone with only one trial level developed, however the tenor of grades seen is providing encouragement that Waterbore can develop into a long-term alternative production source for Starlight.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/starlight-only-getting-brighter-for-westgold/

AIC hits production milestone at Eloise

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:33:07 GMT

Gold and copper explorer AIC Mines has achieved the 2023–24 financial year (FY24) production guidance it set for its Eloise copper mine in north Queensland.

AIC Mines officially acquired the Eloise mine in November 2021 from FMR Investments for $27 million. FMR is now AIC’s largest shareholder, holding between 26–29.9 per cent of the company.

According to AIC, since acquiring the mine, its key focus areas at Eloise has been to improve operational reliability.

The company has done this by investing in a mining fleet to improve availability, developing additional ore sources such as the Macy North and Lens 6 deposits, and having an overall focus on employee feedback to improve engagement and reduce employee turnover.

As a result, Eloise has achieved its FY24 guidance of 12,500 tonnes (t) of copper and 5000 ounces (oz) of gold concentrate.

“This is an excellent outcome and testament to the energy and ability of the team at Eloise and the targeted capital investment made by AIC Mines over the past two years,” AIC Mines managing director Aaron Colleran said .

Last month, the Queensland Government granted AIC a mining lease for its Jericho deposit located 4km southeast of Eloise, which it acquired in January 2024. The mining lease allowed AIC to commence surface works at Jericho.

“Development of a new underground mine at Jericho is a game changer for our Eloise copper mine,” Colleran said on May 17. “It provides a pathway to expanding annual production at Eloise to over 20,000t of copper and 10,000oz of gold in concentrate.

“Mining at Jericho will be lower cost than Eloise as it is much shallower, commencing below only 50m of cover. Expansion of the Eloise processing plant will further reduce operating costs through economies of scale and equipment improvements.”

AIC is also developing a 3km underground link drive from Eloise to Jericho, which will take off from the Eloise decline at 125m below surface.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/aic-hits-production-milestone-at-eloise/

Are you showcasing at MINExpo?

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 03:16:02 GMT

In partnership with Austmine, the August edition of Australian Mining will have a significant presence at MINExpo – the world’s largest mining trade show taking place in Las Vegas from September 24–26.

Will you be showcasing at the event? Or maybe you have a new product or offering you’d like to promote to the MINExpo masses?

The August issue will be your best chance to put yourself in front of the mining industry’s most influential decision-makers.

This edition will also provide a platform for the best innovations, products and services available to the surface mining industry.

Whether it’s having equipment that ensures efficient production, maximises return on investment, minimises waste or keeps workers out of harm’s way, it’s never been more important to invest in the right surface mining technologies.

The offer includes:

1 x full-page advertisement for August edition of Australian Mining (ad to be supplied)

1 x editorial piece in Australian Mining (to appear as part of ‘surface mining’ feature)

Editorial to be written for you by an Australian Mining journalist

Editorial to appear on Australian Mining website and be distributed through its e-newsletter and social media channels.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/are-you-showcasing-at-minexpo/

Batchfire: Cool and collected with Cummins PGXL

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:19:22 GMT

Cummins’ Australian-made PGXL coolants are widely accepted in the mining industry, providing protection across all diesel engine brands.

In supporting remote mine operations, Cummins provides a well-established bulk coolant delivery service, eliminating the need for miners to manage their coolant inventory.

Cummins takes care of all the logistics, delivering the coolant directly to the minesite. The PGXL production facility in Melbourne has the capacity to deliver 30 million litres of coolant per annum, so supply is readily available.

Within the PGXL product line-up, Cummins offers two coolant technologies: PGXL HD and PGXL Vital.

Both of technologies are propylene glycol-based coolants which provide heat transfer while being a safer option (than ethylene glycol) for product handling and the environment in that they are low toxicity and biodegradable.

Both products are life-of-engine coolants and each offers its own set of benefits in engine and radiator protection to suit the wide-ranging operational requirements of customers.

Batchfire experience

Queensland miner Batchfire Resources has been using PGXL HD coolant since 2018, with bulk deliveries being made to the Callide Mine by one of the country’s most reputable fleets – Emerald Carrying Company.

The PGXL HD coolant is used across all mobile equipment at the mine which encompasses more than 130 pieces of equipment, including Cummins and Caterpillar-powered machinery.

Classed as an extended life coolant, PGXL HD has proven this classification valid at the mine.

“It’s an easy coolant to deal with,” Batchfire superintendent – maintenance and engineering for mobile equipment Daniel Boal said.

“If everything goes well and we don’t have an issue such as a blown coolant hose, we’re looking at coolant life of up to 30,000 hours depending on duty cycle and when engine changeout occurs.”

The latest haul trucks – Komatsu 930-5 units with Cummins Tier 4 QSK60 MCRS engines rated at 2700 horsepower (hp) – coolant/engine changeout is at 30,000 hours, while the Komatsu PC7000 excavators with dual 1675 hp Cummins QSK50 MCRS engines have a coolant/engine changeout target of 20,000 hours.

“We haven’t had any coolant-related issues across the different engine brands we’re operating,” Boal said, pointing out that engine teardowns at Callide have shown PGXL HD to provide the required protection against cavitation (liner pitting), corrosion and scale formation.

“We’ve found it important to use the one coolant brand across all machinery and to stay with that brand to achieve consistency of water pump seal life and coolant performance in general,” Boal said.

Cummins’ service support at Callide Mine – headed up by product support representative Sam van Leeuwen, who works out of the Cummins Emerald branch – also underpins the use of the Cummins coolant.

Boal rates Cummins’ support highly.

“Nothing is going to be perfect, but Cummins’ support is as good as you can get, it makes a big difference,” he said.

The PGXL range is fully supported by an industry-leading non pro-rata warranty and can be used across a range of original equipment brands, such as Cummins, Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, mtu, John Deere, Mercedes, Volvo and Waukesha.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/batchfire-cool-and-collected-with-cummins-pgxl/

A mini solution for a major industry

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 23:51:34 GMT

Movex’s MINIDOZER may have big implications for the Australian mining sector.

When thinking about a mine site, one could be forgiven for simply picturing giant haul trucks and massive crushers.

But the dynamic world of Australian mining often requires smaller solutions for bigger challenges as operations move towards a greener future.

Hasemer Material Handling has been a trusted supplier of quality lifting and material handling equipment for the Australian mining industry since 1965.

With decades of experience under its belt and customers across Australia and New Zealand, Hasemer is well versed on the challenges facing the sector as net-zero targets approach.

The company is now bringing a different kind of solution to Australian shores with the help of its Canadian-based partner, Movex Innovation .

As an established industry innovator, Movex boasts a network of mining equipment across a range of operations in more than 30 countries.

Hasemer managing director Stephen Batten has seen first-hand the benefits Movex equipment can have in Australian operations.

“Movex’s innovation is driven by a commitment to listening to its customers, with the company always coming out with new products to suit their unique needs,” he said.

The latest Movex MINIDOZER is no exception to this principle.

With a low-profile design for confined areas, the MINIDOZER is purpose-built for tough applications like cleaning potlines in aluminium smelters or underneath conveyor belts in ore-processing plants.

These environments are traditionally extremely dangerous areas for workers, with operations needing to be shut down while workers perform cleaning and recovery.

But the MINIDOZER takes the human element out of the process, boosting site safety and slashing downtime by allowing operations to keep running while it works. Batten said Hasemer has already implemented Movex’s machines at Australian operations with resounding success.

“At one aluminium smelter specifically, we have been able to work with Movex and our customer to customise the MINIDOZER to their unique specifications,” he said. “One mining contractor told us the MINIDOZER actually saved them a person on the job.”

But the ultra-compact loader doesn’t just have the potential to keep operations running; it can also keep workers out of harm’s way.

Movex business development director William Lavoie said the MINIDOZER can also help operators reach their sustainability goals.

“The confines of certain operations demand ultra-compact material-handling equipment, and not just any equipment will do,” Lavoie told Australian Mining.

“In aluminium smelters, especially, equipment must be robust against magnetic fields, but we must accommodate a client’s needs and consider all operating environments.

“Being electric-powered while having diesel power strength, the MINIDOZER also eliminates emissions and cuts fuel costs.”

With nearly 100m of remote control range, the MINIDOZER is designed to work in harsh environments and go where others can’t.

Lavoie emphasised that not only can the MINIDOZER save operators on downtime, maintenance and overall costs by only requiring simple battery changes, but it’s also an easy-to-use solution anyone can operate.

“While the MINIDOZER uses smart and advanced technology, we engineered it so it can be used by anyone,” he said. “It doesn’t require any licencing either; it really is a simple solution.”

It’s a simple solution Batten is confident will have a major impact in the Australian mining sector.

“Hasemer and Movex alike prioritise quality products and services for our customers,” he said.

“The MINIDOZER is the latest realisation of our shared commitment to solving the challenges our customers face.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/a-mini-solution-for-a-major-industry/

Uptime when it matters most

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 05:27:26 GMT

Flexco’s FXC steel cord belt fastening system is keeping conveyor systems up and running across Australia.

Steel cord conveyor belts are put to use in only the heaviest of applications, such as high-tension applications like moving hard rock and heavy metal.

But the sturdy nature of such equipment poses logistical challenges when it comes to maintenance. In the event of belt damage or pulling a new belt onto the conveyor system, few timely options have traditionally existed for splicing steel cord belts.

Until now.

Flexco ’s FXC steel cord belt fastening system can be installed immediately to get a conveyor system up and running as quickly as possible.

Mine sites would ordinarily have to wait for a vulcanised splice on the conveyor belt, which can delay operations for days. With the FXC steel cord belt fastening system, however, the belt can be temporarily spliced in just hours until a vulcanised splice can be installed.

“The FXC system is a first-of its-kind mechanical belt fastener for steel cord belts,” Flexco product manager – HD mechanical belt fasteners Franklin Moore told Australian Mining.

“Nothing like this exists on the market right now and we are incredibly excited to share our patented design with the world.”

Flexco’s testing has demonstrated that four workers are able to splice a 72-inch-wide steel cord belt in just 4–6 hours.

“The stress of waiting to get a belt back in operation is one thing, but we also know how detrimental this downtime is to the site’s bottom line,” Moore said.

“While this is a temporary splice, it bridges the gap until a permanent vulcanised splice can be installed.

“The FXC can be kept on hand as an insurance policy so when faced with unplanned downtime, customers can respond immediately.”

The FXC fastening system also enables quick and efficient belt pulling.

“Another option available with the FXC is that it enables sites to attach a new steel cord belt onto an existing one in order to string the new belt onto the system,” Moore said.

“Teams can prep the new belt end prior to shut down for minimal downtime when changing a belt, and a safety factor is calculated to give sites confidence when pulling the new belt on.”

Testing in this area has shown four workers can prep a 72-inch-wide belt for stringing onto a conveyor in three hours.

That means the FXC fastening system can manage the biggest challenges associated with steel cord conveyor belts.

“The FXC empowers customers to reduce the amount of downtime associated with steel cord belts, which are often incredibly important to a site’s production,” Moore said.

“Scheduling, transportation time, belt prep, installation and curing time of a typical vulcanised repair or replacements can take days, if not weeks.

“This downtime and lost production are extremely expensive, so we are giving these teams a new method for getting back up and running in just a few hours.”

Flexco also understands that steel cord belts come in all shapes, sizes and construction.

That’s why the company collects belt specifications from customers in order to create and deliver a customised FXC fastening system to suit a site’s specific needs.

Made from high-quality components, the FXC fastening system has been expertly designed and rigorously tested in different mining environments around the world.

“Flexco has been the trusted expert in mechanical fasteners for over 115 years, so it’s exciting to improve our customers’ efficiency in a whole new belting market,” Moore said.

“Leading the way with a mechanical fastener for steel cord belts has been exciting for the whole Flexco team, but the benefits it offers our customers is the most special aspect.

“The FXC has been welcomed into a variety of different industries around the world and the reception has been astounding.

“Flexco is proud to offer something that gives sites control over expensive and extended downtime.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/uptime-when-it-matters-most/

Weir opens $28m Port Hedland service centre

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:32:03 GMT

Global mining technology leader Weir has officially opened its new Port Hedland service centre in Western Australia.

The new facility bolsters Weir’s national network of 16 service centres and will aim to support customers and their operations across the Pilbara region.

The centre is equipped to service Weir’s broader range of products and technologies, provide engineering and maintenance support as well as critical parts storage for faster service times for customers.

“The new centre at Port Hedland will support our key customers in the region, providing Weir’s best-in-class service and expertise,” Weir Minerals regional managing director Kristen Walsh said at the facility’s opening.

“The Australian $28 million facility demonstrates our commitment to sustainable mining and with further investment planned, we will continue to support our ambitious growth plans in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.”

This will include Fortescue and Thiess’ Iron Bridge project, which incorporates Weir transformational flow sheets – the world’s first dry comminution circuit without tumbling mills.

Port Hedland serves as a critical hub for the mining and resources industry in Australia, driving economic growth and success for the important iron ore region.

The new service centre will work to deliver innovative engineering solutions and expertise, enhancing operational efficiencies and advancing sustainable progress across the Pilbara’s dynamic mining landscape.

With best-in-class technology and support, the centre features facilities for Enduron high-pressure grinding rolls servicing, including tyre roller assembly and Linatex rubber lining services, helping customers to extend the life of their assets.

The next stage of development, set for 2025, will see an expansion of the team and specialisation in the repair and overhaul of various Weir processing equipment including Warman pumps, Cavex hydrocyclones and Isogate valves as well as Enduron crushers and screens.

Building on trust, collaboration and integrity, Weir said it is committed to delivering innovative solutions and working together with its customers to make mining more sustainable.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/weir-opens-28m-port-hedland-service-centre/

Astute takes mining to new heights

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 23:19:42 GMT

Astute Metals has collaborated with Fleet Space Technologies to explore for large-scale copper and silver-zinc-lead deposits in the Northern Territory.

Astute will use Fleet Space’s ExoSphere ambient noise technology to help characterise the thickness of cover and explore for seismic velocity anomalies in basement rocks.

“I am very pleased with the collaborative partnership we have formed with Fleet Space to further unlock the significant potential of the Georgina project for Tier-1 base metal discoveries,” Astute chairman Tony Leibowitz said .

“As a leader in the development of exploration technologies, Fleet Space’s equity investment is a strong endorsement of the company’s projects, leadership, exploration approach and value-creation strategy.

“The Ranken collaboration brings Astute one step closer to unlocking the discovery potential of the broader Georgina project.”

Fleet Space director and chief financial officer Federico Tata-Nardini said the partnership would help to redefine mineral exploration.

“Fleet Space’s cutting-edge technology applied in partnership with Astute’s mineral exploration expertise has the potential to unlock significant discovery value in the prospective Georgina project,” Tata-Nardini said.

“This technology revolutionises resource exploration, opening the door to faster discoveries and precise drilling operations while minimising environmental impact.

“Reinforcing both parties’ dedication to the advancement of mineral exploration, Fleet Space will acquire an equity stake in Astute through a targeted share investment.”

Fleet Space has the option of taking up a direct equity stake in Astute of $400,000 at a subscribing price of $0.047 per share.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/astute-takes-mining-to-new-heights/

Newmont keen on copper

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:17:58 GMT

While speaking at the Melbourne Mining Club, Newmont president and chief executive officer Tom Palmer discussed his copper aspirations and where he sees the company heading to reach these goals.

Copper is a base metal that has a variety of end uses in a green economy, whether it be through electricity distribution, electrical equipment and devices, industrial machinery, wind turbines, solar panels and, of course, powering electric vehicles.

In December 2023, the Federal Government introduced Australia’s strategic materials list, which identifies commodities that are essential for the energy transition but aren’t at risk of supply chain disruptions and aren’t vulnerable enough to meet the critical minerals list criteria. One of the five metals on this list is copper.

While Newmont’s bread and butter has always been gold, the major miner is looking to expand its copper reach.

“We’re about 80 per cent gold today, and about 10 or 11 per cent copper, and then we’ve got silver, lead and zinc (that) make up the other 10 per cent,” Palmer said.

“As we look at our operating portfolio, we’re around six to seven million ounces of gold, we will run within that band.

“Then it’s about 150,000 tonnes of copper that come from a couple of those operations. Our organic project pipeline is copper–gold, gold–copper projects. So developing our organic project pipeline and reinvesting back into the business is going to maintain that gold band and it’s going to increase that copper pipeline.

“We have the opportunity to choose to go from 10 or 11 per cent to 15 per cent and hold, or 20 per cent. There are some other things we could do that would go beyond that.”

When asked where he wants Newmont’s copper to be in the next decade, Palmer said it’s a “more complicated equation” to work through.

“How do we develop our project, in what order, at what pace and (which) communities (are we) working in,” Palmer said “If we’ve got the support of the permitting we’ve got, we’ve got a project here that’s going to deliver appropriate returns with that view on copper and copper pricing, and gold and gold pricing.

“So it’s looking at all those variables and making decisions about where we (should) invest our next dollar after the existing projects … it’s more about understanding how you develop that project pipeline successfully.”

Palmer’s comments on copper follow BHP deciding to not make a formal offer to acquire Anglo American. Anglo’s global copper assets caught the eye of the Big Australian, which views copper as a kingmaker commodity as nations turn to net-zero technology and a green economy. And it seems Newmont agrees.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/newmont-keen-on-copper/

Bravus backs up Cowboys

Tue, 28 May 2024 23:21:43 GMT

(L-R) Head of NRLW and women’s elite pathways Anita Creenaune, Cowboys NRLW head coach Ricky Henry, Bravus COO Mick Crowe, Cowboys CEO Jeff Reibel, Cowboys NRLW player China Polata. Image: Bravus

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are set to receive more support from Bravus Mining and Resources as the company expands its partnership to include the club’s women’s squad.

Bravus has been associated with the Cowboys since 2019 and became a platinum partner of the NRL squad in 2021.

“Our Carmichael mine near Clermont and our offices in Townsville and Rockhampton are all in the heart of Cowboys territory and our team members are some of the club’s biggest fans,” Bravus chief operating officer Mick Crowe said.

“We were lucky enough to have Tom Dearden and Kaiden Lahrs out at the mine in February to launch our company-wide footy tipping competition and had plenty of workers asking when we were going to back the NRLW squad. Well, I’m happy to say, today’s the day.

“As a company, we’re passionate about creating opportunities and pathways for the next generation of regional Queenslanders – whether that’s encouraging them to put their footy boots on and enjoy the brilliant game of rugby league or pulling on a pair of steel caps for a career in mining at Carmichael.”

Cowboys chief executive Jeff Reibel said the partnership is a reflection on the commitment of both organisations to create opportunities for regional Queensland.

“The Cowboys was established by the North Queensland community in 1995 to provide local talent with a pathway to compete on the national stage without having to leave home, and the formation of our Cowboys Women’s Academy in 2019 was another huge milestone in that legacy,” Reibel said.

“Bravus’ investment in our new generation of NRLW Cowboys is testament to its ongoing commitment to enriching North Queensland, both on the footy field and well beyond it.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bravus-backs-up-cowboys/

Fortescue’s first spin in hydrogen haul truck

Tue, 28 May 2024 23:16:14 GMT

A hydrogen-powered T 264 haul truck prototype developed in partnership by Fortescue and Liebherr has fired up its engines for the first time in Perth.

The successful operation of the truck, dubbed ‘Europa’, with hydrogen marks the next step in Liebherr and Fortescue’s journey to develop and supply zero-emission haul trucks for the mining industry.

“With Europa soon moving to site, Liebherr and Fortescue have taken an important step closer to their common target of developing and building zero-emission solutions for the mining industry that are both field proven and energy agnostic,” Liebherr Mining vice president of sales and marketing Joerg Lukowski said .

“This success demonstrates the incredible capabilities of two Tier 1 companies working together to develop viable technologies today that can help the mining industry move towards a decarbonised future.”

Europa contains a 1.6-megawatt battery developed in-house by Fortescue WAE, and 500 kilowatts of fuel cells. The prototype can store over 380kg of liquid hydrogen.

“Following the success of our battery electric haul truck prototype at site, we’re thrilled to now have Europa up and running on hydrogen,” Fortescue Metals chief executive officer Dino Otranto said.

“This is a huge achievement for the team and brings Fortescue another step closer to having a fleet of zero emission trucks at our sites by the end of this decade.”

Fortescue and Liebherr established a partnership for the development and supply of zero-emissions mining haul trucks in June 2022.

Liebherr began delivering the first of Fortescue’s T 264 diesel electric trucks in 2023, which will be converted to zero emission technology before the end of the decade.

“We’re aiming to transport Europa to our mining operations within the coming weeks where it will then undergo further site-based testing and commissioning,” Otranto said.

“The subsequent test results will inform our future fleet of zero emissions trucks that we’re delivering with Liebherr.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/fortescues-first-spin-in-hydrogen-haul-truck/

Is green iron Queensland’s next resource powerhouse?

Tue, 28 May 2024 23:07:14 GMT

A new partnership will soon see a major green iron hub opening its doors at Gladstone, Queensland.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has entered the development phase of its proposed green iron project, which will involve testing of the major Eulogie magnetite deposit in central Queensland.

Exploration permits for the deposit are held by Quinbrook’s partner, Central Queensland Metals (CQM), and is touted to be the largest known deposit of its kind in the state.

Quinbrook managing director and regional leader Brian Restall welcomed the next stage of the project.

“This is unquestionably an ambitious project that directly addresses the hopes for Australia’s manufacturing renaissance,” Restall said .

“Whilst in its early stages, we believe the project has the potential to create a significant new infrastructure investment and export opportunity in the same way that Queensland’s coal seam gas resources have already done.”

The Eulogie resource is a vanadiferous titanomagnetite ore deposit located 70km west of Gladstone, estimated to contain 465 million tonnes of ore.

The deposit is anticipated to have the potential to support a resource more than double this amount after further exploration work is undertaken by CQM supported by Quinbrook.

“Quinbrook has built a reputation for devising differentiated investment strategies that create the new infrastructure assets needed to progress the energy transition,” Restall said.

“With Gladstone Green Iron, we are using our long-established project development DNA to identify unique industrial sites that can host new green manufacturing and processing industries benefitting from globally competitive operating costs including Quinbrook supplied renewable power.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/is-green-iron-queenslands-next-resource-powerhouse/

Federal Government reveals National Battery Strategy

Tue, 28 May 2024 22:55:27 GMT

On May 23, the Federal Government revealed its National Battery Strategy, outlining how it will support the Australian domestic battery industry as it grows. But what does the policy mean for the mining industry?

The strategy

The National Battery Strategy aims to drive economic growth by expanding Australia’s battery manufacturing capabilities and building skills.

It will create a diverse and competitive Australian battery industry by:

improving Australia’s energy security
ensuring Australia’s place in global battery supply chains
driving economic growth
creating positive social, economic and resilience outcomes for all Australians.

It will focus on areas such as manufacturing, knowledge and skills, global supply chains, sustainability, environment, social and governance, circular economy and government coordination to achieve these objectives.

The National Battery Strategy was released as part of the Future Made in Australia policy , which focuses on creating new jobs and opportunities by maximising economic and industrial benefits from the net-zero emissions transition. Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King previously described the resources industry as “ the heart ” of the policy.

Critical minerals

The National Battery Strategy will help Australia take advantage of its abundance of critical minerals by leaning into policies such as the Critical Minerals Strategy and Critical Minerals Facility , the latter of which received a $2 billion boost last October.

“We want to make more things here and with global demand for batteries set to quadruple by 2030, Australia must be a player in this field,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said . “Batteries are a critical ingredient in Australia’s clean energy mix.

“Together with renewable energy, green hydrogen, and critical minerals, we will meet Australia’s emission reduction targets and create a strong clean energy manufacturing industry.”

Metals used to create batteries such as cobalt, graphite, lithium and nickel are on Australia’s critical minerals list , which outlines minerals that are essential to low-emission technology, the economy and national security, and whose supply chains are vulnerable to disruption.

Industry response

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has welcomed the strategy, with ATSE chief executive officer Kylie Walker describing it as “a step towards positioning Australia as a global leader in battery production by 2035”.

“The strategy is an opportunity to shift our focus from simply exporting minerals to adding value through advanced manufacturing capabilities,” Walker said .

ATSE especially welcomed the focus on knowledge and skills development, which heeded recommendations from ATSE’s recommendations.

“Meeting current skills shortages and modernising training capacity for future workforce demands is essential,” Walker said.

A total of $523.2 million was allocated to the Battery Breakthrough Initiative in the 2024–25 Federal Budget , which was welcomed by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia earlier this month. The funding will be spread over seven years and administered by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/federal-government-reveals-national-battery-strategy/

Safety and shipments winners for Fortescue

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:28:50 GMT

Both total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) and shipments improved for Fortescue during the March quarter, with the major achieving a record shipment month in March.

The TRIFR for metals saw a 17 per cent improvement from December 2023 at 1.5. This was compared to a TRIFR of 1.8 at 31 December 2023.

While iron ore shipments were six per cent lower at 43.3 million tonnes, shipments did recover during the quarter, with a record month for shipments of 18.7 million tonnes achieved in March.

“The Fortescue team pulled together to successfully implement our recovery plan, and we had a record month for shipments in March contributing to 43.3 million tonnes for the quarter,” Fortescue Metals chief executive officer Dino Otranto said .

“We also set a new record for railed tonnes, all while continuing to improve our safety performance.

“Our decarbonisation plan is progressing well, with our first operational electric excavator moving over one million tonnes of material since being commissioned. Our battery electric haul truck prototype has completed its first phase of testing, exceeding the performance expectations of the battery power system.”

The March quarter saw Fortescue successfully conduct the first use of ammonia as a marine fuel onboard the Singapore-flagged ammonia-powered vessel, the Fortescue Green Pioneer.

“In true Fortescue style, we are rapidly advancing these opportunities while retaining an unwavering focus on costs and capital discipline,” Fortescue Energy chief executive officer Mark Hutchinson said.

“The Energy business achieved several milestones, including the official opening of our Gladstone Electrolyser Facility in Queensland, which positions Fortescue as a large scale producer of electrolyser stacks.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/safety-and-shipments-winners-for-fortescue/

Andromeda completes Wudinna divestment

Thu, 09 May 2024 00:10:23 GMT

Andromeda Metals has finalised the divestment of its 25 per cent stake in the Wudinna gold project in Gawler Craton , South Australia.

Wudinna is now wholly owned by Cobra Resources, a gold explorer trading on the London Stock Exchange. For the stake, Cobra paid Andromeda $500,000 in cash and $1 million in Cobra shares.

“Andromeda confirms that the sale and purchase has completed and Andromeda’s wholly owned subsidiary Peninsula Resources received $500,000 in cash, in addition to the 52,010,000 Cobra shares that were issued in advance of completion,” Andromeda said .

Andromeda announced the Wudinna divestment in November 2023. Andromeda managing director and chief executive officer Bob Katsiouleris said the divestment is consistent with Andromeda’s strategy to divest non-core assets to support the commercialisation and development of the Great White project.

“This announcement, in addition to the recent announcement on the sale of Drummond epithermal gold project, demonstrates our strategic focus remains squarely focused on securing the funding required to support a final investment decision for the Great White project being made, and the commencement of construction,” Katsiouleris said in November.

For the Drummond project in Queensland, Andromeda allotted 29.5 million shares in Trigg Minerals in exchange for the reimbursement of expenses related to the sale of the project.

The shares were issued alongside an upfront payment of $27,000 in cash and a cash refund of $7500 in respect of the environmental bonds for the project.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/andromeda-completes-wudinna-divestment/

March quarter a winner for Red 5, Silver Lake

Wed, 08 May 2024 23:50:00 GMT

As the two gold miners ready for their merger in June, a strong March quarter has seen these individual entities off with a bang.

Red 5

Red 5 has been on a winning streak with its gold production, with the March quarter marking the fourth consecutive quarter over 50,000 ounces.

The gold miner produced a total of 50,132 ounces in the quarter, positioning it to deliver at the top end of its 2023–24 financial year (FY24) production guidance of 195,000–215,000 ounces.

“The March quarter marked another solid period of consistent delivery by the Red 5 team and our fourth successive quarter of production above 50,000 ounces,” Red 5 managing director Mark Williams said .

“All three of our mines – KOTH open pit, KOTH underground and Darlot underground – continued to perform well, delivering the required tonnes and grade.

“KOTH open pit had a standout quarter, with a total of 1.8 million tonnes of ore being mined at an overall grade of 0.81 grams per tonne.”

KOTH, or King of the Hills, gold mine in Western Australia, saw ore production from a number of areas and contributed to Red 5’s quarterly gold sales of 49,726 ounces.

“During the quarter, the major corporate development for Red 5 was the proposed merger between Red 5 and Silver Lake, to create a diversified, leading mid-tier gold company with a very strong balance sheet,” Williams said.

“This transaction is a logical combination of two leading mid-tier gold companies, and represents an exciting inflection point for Red 5 shareholders following the successful development, ramp-up and achievement of steady-state production at King of the Hills.”

Silver Lake

Quarterly production HIT 64,967 ounces of gold and 349 tonnes of copper for Silver Lake, with ongoing drilling at the miner’s Western Australian operations to advance potential new mining fronts to increase operational flexibility and life of mine.

The strong year to date performance has Silver Lake well positioned to exit FY24 having delivered or exceeded group sales guidance for the 10th consecutive year.

“During the quarter Silver Lake again delivered strong operating performance and continued the established track record of strong free cash generation in Western Australia,” the miner said.

“Importantly, the strong free cash flow result is in parallel with the continued investment in growth and mine life extension opportunities with the ramp up of activities at the Santa mining complex (in WA) through the quarter culminating in the first blast on April 8 and the ongoing 93,000 metre drill program at the Sugar Zone.”

The commencement of mining at Santa reestablishes open pit mining at Mount Belches for the first time
since 2016.

Cash and bullion sat at $342 million at the end of the quarter.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/march-quarter-a-winner-for-red-5-silver-lake/

Lynas powers through low rare earths prices

Wed, 08 May 2024 23:34:04 GMT

Lynas Rare Earths made strong progress across its growth projects during the March 2024 quarter amid lower rare earths prices.

“Sales revenue and sales receipts for the quarter, at $101.2 million and $107.7 million respectively, reflected the low average NdPr price during the quarter and also our decision to hold both NdPr (neodymium–praseodymium) and SEG (mixed heavy rare earths) inventory rather than sell into the low price environment,” Lynas chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze said .

Despite the low rare earths prices, Lynas achieved “excellent” production rates, with 1724 tonnes of NdPr produced during the period.

Construction activities at the Mount Weld expansion project also progressed well, with structural, mechanical, piping (SMP) and electrical works on Stage 1 (concentrate dewatering) being well advanced.

“The energisation and commissioning of the Stage 1 circuit will commence over the next few months, and the Stage 1 circuit will initially be tied into the existing operation,” Lacaze said.

“A staged commissioning approach reduces commissioning risk and enables a step-up in production capacity in the latter part of this calendar year whilst the remainder of the plant is constructed.”

Construction of Mount Weld’s Stage 2 (balance of plan) is also ramping up with all long lead equipment such as grinding mills and flotation cells on site. Concrete works at Stage 2 are also advancing and SMP works are set to commence in late April.

Following the first feed of material from Mount Weld into the Kalgoorlie facility in December 2023, Lynas continued to carry out final commissioning and initial production activities at the Kalgoorlie project. These activities remain ongoing.

“Introduction of concentrate into the process has informed additional works and activities,” Lacaze said. “This has included enhanced electrical back-up systems following the major electricity outage in late January, further testing of loading and unloading systems and additional testing of the flowsheet.

“Based on the continued finalisation of construction costs and the extended commissioning timeline, the updated project budget for the Kalgoorlie facility is estimated at a capital cost of approximately $800 million, an increase on the previous estimate of $730 million outlined in August 2023.”

After awarding Western Australian company Carey Group Holdings a five-year mining services contract in March, Carey commenced work at Mount Weld in April.

“The contract will draw on Carey’s nearly 30 years of experience as an open pit mining contractor and leading 100 per cent First Nations-owned business, including as a service provider to neighbouring mines near Laverton,” Lacaze said.

Last week, mining magnate Gina Rinehart snapped up a 5.82 per cent stake in Lynas amid her rare earths spending spree .

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/lynas-powers-through-low-rare-earths-prices/

ESG Watch: Why climate change is leaving mining firms between a rock and a hard place

Wed, 08 May 2024 23:26:32 GMT

For most of us, when we think about mining and the environment, it tends to be about water and air pollution, disasters such as the fatal collapse of tailings dams, or the global warming consequences of coal mining.

But the extraction of metals such as copper, nickel and cobalt will be increasingly important as we urgently seek ways to cut emissions from other building blocks of the global economy such as steel, cement and aluminum.

By 2050, the World Bank forecasts that demand for the metals and minerals used to produce the clean energy technologies that will be needed to meet Paris Climate Agreement goals will increase by almost 500%.

New mines will bring increased risks to nature and biodiversity. Conservation group Re:wild warned recently, for example, that more than a third of Africa’s great apes are at risk because of the surge in demand for the minerals that are vital for green technologies.

At the same time, the sector is itself becoming more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including increased flooding, heatwaves, drought and increased competition for water. A McKinsey study found that 30%-50% of production for copper, gold, iron ore and zinc is in areas of high water stress, and those figures are predicted to rise.

“In Chile, 80% of copper production is already located in extremely high water-stressed and arid areas; by 2040, it will be 100%,” the consultancy says, adding that 40% of Russian iron ore production will suffer from extreme water stress by 2040.

Recently, mines from Brazil to Germany have had to shut down temporarily because of water shortages, costing their operators millions of dollars. Reducing the water intensity of mining operations will be crucial to improve the resilience of production assets. Extreme heat and sea level rise are other climate impacts the sector will have to address.

The industry also faces pressure to cut its own emissions as businesses across the world increasingly look at the carbon impact of their supply chains.

“Although metals are not yet priced on their CO2 footprint, that day could come,” McKinsey points out.

Coal, which currently accounts for about half of the global mining market, may be flying high at the moment, but demand, not just from power generation but also from steelmakers and cement producers, will recede as the pressure to decarbonize increases. Many mining companies face having to rebalance their portfolios to replace revenues from coal production.

The Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030 was launched in 2023 to address key systemic risks that challenge the mining sector’s ability to meet the demands of the low-carbon transition. As they scale up production of transition minerals, “they must do so responsibly and without harm to communities and the environment – or risk conflict and opposition from host communities that will in turn undermine the global climate transition,” it says.

The commission, backed by $13 trillion of assets under management, is chaired by Adam Matthews, who is also chief responsible investment officer of the Church of England Pensions Board. He says the commission’s focus areas include artisanal mining, child labour, the impact of automation and the future workforce, indigenous communities’ and First Nations’ rights, impacts on biodiversity, climate change, tailings dams, conflict reconciliation and corruption.

“To meet our climate targets, a lot of mines need to be expanded or developed from scratch in areas with a lot of complex dynamics,” Matthews says. “We need a global focus on what is needed for the transition, and where those assets are located, communities need to benefit.”

Energy analysts Wood Mackenzie say the switch to net zero “will require a total rethink of what the mining and metals space is, and where it needs to be”.

The industry will have to electrify its operations as much as possible, not just through the use of renewable electricity but also by replacing giant diesel-fuelled trucks with alternatives powered by batteries or fuel cells, or using LNG, hydrogen and e-fuels. There will also be opportunities to improve efficiency through the use of autonomous fleets, while artificial intelligence and machine learning should also streamline operations and identify opportunities to cut emissions.

Matthews, however, stresses that mining works on a multi-decadal time frame that often comes up against short-term investor horizons. “A lot of these things take a considerable amount of work, real engagement with communities and challenge business models that focus on shorter time frames than the industry actually works to,” he says.

While there are a number of initiatives to help operators to reduce their impacts, these are not always well developed or universally applied. “There is a complex landscape of standards and we need some consolidation,” Matthews points out. “And in some areas, there are no standards. There was no standard for tailings until recently, for example, but one is now being developed.”

Schneider Electric’s Materialize platform, which it launched in April with the Global Mining Guidelines group and Glencore, is an initiative that aims to bring mining and minerals groups together to cut emissions in the sector’s global supply chain.

“There is a multitude of different players across mining, minerals and metals, of different sizes and with different capabilities to be able to decarbonize,” says Rob Moffitt, president, mining, minerals and metals at Schneider Electric. “Materialize was formed to help those companies create a critical mass across the value chain.”

One area where the platform could have a significant effect is in increasing the use of renewable energy. “By combining the purchasing power of different companies, we can accelerate the deployment of clean energy through utility-scale PPAs (power-purchase agreements),” Moffitt says.

The platform will also be used to engage thousands of suppliers, share best practice and allow companies to track emissions from suppliers.

“There will be far more pressure on the supply of critical minerals in future,” he says. “If we are going to decarbonize, we really need these industries. But we need to work out how to produce these minerals in a more sustainable way.”

Source: https://www.mining.com/web/esg-watch-why-climate-change-is-leaving-mining-firms-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/

Mining Rehabilitation Fund continues to deliver

Wed, 08 May 2024 23:08:40 GMT

A 10-year review of the Western Australian Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) has been undertaken, with stakeholders invited to give feedback.

The MRF is a pooled fund that WA tenement holders under the Mining Act 1978 are required to contribute to through an annual levy.

If a mine operator is unable to meet their rehabilitation obligations and the site is declared abandoned, the MRF can be used to ensure rehabilitation is carried out.

An independent, 10-year review into the operation of the MRF is a requirement of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act).

Marsden Jacob Associates was engaged by the WA Government to undertake the public consultation and statutory review of the MRF Act.

Overall, the review found the fund continues to function well as a targeted approach to minimising the environmental, social and financial risk of abandoned mines to WA.

“The MRF is essential to the state’s capacity to manage and rehabilitate abandoned mines, leading to better environmental and community safety outcomes,” Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety resource and environmental compliance executive director Tyler Sujdovic said .

“It is encouraging to see that stakeholders were generally supportive of the MRF Act, and that its objectives and purpose remain relevant.

“There is always, however, room for continuous improvement and the department will review the recommendations within the report and investigate potential actions to improve the effectiveness of the MRF.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/mining-rehabilitation-fund-continues-to-deliver/

Chalice changes tack at Gonneville

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:56:11 GMT

Chalice Mining has begun steps towards a selective mining campaign at its Gonneville nickel-copper-platinum group element (PGE) project in Western Australia.

Recent modelling work has focused on re-interpreting high-grade sulphide zones within the resource at a much more granular level, which the company said will maximise production in the face of weakened prices.

“The remodelled high-grade sulphide resource marks the first step in the reset of the development strategy for the Gonneville project,” Chalice managing director and chief executive officer Alex Dorsch said .

“The high-grade model provides improved high-grade definition to underpin the design of a more selective, smaller scale starter project.”

As part of the updated mineral resource estimate, high-grade palladium, nickel and copper zones have been modelled separately to better define the mineralogical domains.

Previous resource models assumed bulk open-pit mining approaches only with significantly larger block sizes.

An additional 56 drill holes have also been incorporated, both to increase confidence in the resource as well as extend it down-dip to a depth of around 1100m.

“Importantly, a smaller scale starter project design allows for future expansion into a larger scale bulk mining operation, according to prevailing economic conditions at the time,” Dorsch said.

“Selective mining initially preserves the optionality of a future expansion, as mined material will be stockpiled for future processing.

“This staged development approach reduces risk, allows efficient deployment of capital and maximises optionality.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/chalice-changes-tack-on-gonneville/

Queensland backs Dianne copper

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:49:36 GMT

Revolver Resources has continued to make strong progress at its Dianne copper mine with ongoing support from the Queensland Government.

Revolver is currently progressing detailed mine planning and scheduling activities, helped along by a maiden $1.3 million grant from the Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund.

The mine is on track for targeted first copper cathode production during the second half of 2025.

“Revolver is fortunate to be in a very unique position with a high-grade copper ore body at-surface at the Dianne mine,” Revolver managing director Pat Williams said .

“We have no existing debt and we have a truly incredible pathway to generating production revenues, to fund the company’s growth and accelerate the scale of our exploration activities across our highly prospective tenure at the broader Dianne and Osprey projects.”

Revolver is now undertaking Traditional Owner engagement and broader workforce participation planning, with project debt and equity funding solutions well advanced.

“Our Dianne copper mine project, the site of one of the world’s historically high-grade copper mines, is now in the advanced stages of planning for operational recommencement,” Williams said.

“While advancing the project towards targeted final investment decision later in 2024 and first production in 2025, we absolutely plan to continue focused copper (and gold) exploration activities in parallel.

“This includes targeted further drilling in the Larramore volcanics belt at Dianne and project Osprey during the remainder of 2024.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/queensland-backs-dianne-copper/

Gold Road exits Greenstone talks

Wed, 08 May 2024 22:44:07 GMT

Gold Road Resources has ended discussions with Orion Resource Partners, a global alternative investment firm, to acquire its 40 per cent stake in the Greenstone Gold Mines.

The announcement comes a week after Gold Road responded to media speculation that it would acquire a substantial interest in the operation.

Located in Ontario, Canada, the Greenstone Gold Mines are currently held in a joint partnership between Canadian-based Equinox Gold, who owns 60 per cent, and Orion Resource Partners, who holds the balance and is looking to divest its stake.

“As previously stated, Gold Road continues to evaluate strategic opportunities as part of a considered and diligent growth strategy,” Gold Road said in an ASX statement on Tuesday.

“The company will only pursue these opportunities on terms and at values which it believes are in the best interests of its shareholders.”

Orion Resource Partners is reportedly seeking a valuation of more than $1 billion for its Greenstone stake.

The Greenstone project has an expected mine life of 15 years, over which it has been tipped to produce over 400,000 ounces of gold per year. Production is anticipated to begin this year.

Despite ending its talks with Orion Resource Partners, Gold Road confirmed earlier this week that mining and processing operations at the Gruyere joint venture it shares with Gold Fields have resumed after a period of heavy rainfall.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/gold-road-exits-greenstone-talks/

Martin Engineering celebrates 50 years of air cannon technology

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 23:05:46 GMT

Martin Engineering, a world leader in bulk handling solutions, is marking the 50th anniversary of its invention of the world’s first low-pressure air cannon.

Air cannons have transformed material flows in bulk processing systems, eliminating problematic internal buildups and blockages. After five decades of continuous innovation, Martin Engineering remains at the forefront of air cannon advancements, enabling industrial plants to run more profitably, efficiently and safely than ever.

The company launched the world’s first low-pressure pneumatic air cannon – its legendary Big Blaster – in 1974. It was devised and developed by Carl Matson, a member of Martin’s senior team and cousin of the firm’s founder Edwin F. Peterson.

The patented technology was designed to dislodge stubborn material stuck to the inside walls of hoppers and silos by firing precisely timed bursts of compressed air to keep bulk material flowing and preventing the growth of serious build-ups and blockages.

The air cannon was originally aimed at the same quarrying applications as the legendary Vibrolator, the Martin-patented industrial ball vibrator on which the company’s success had been built since its inception in 1944.

By the 1980s, as Martin Engineering expanded its global presence, the Big Blaster was already being reimagined for use in high-temperature industrial applications to maintain the flow of sticky materials through the process and minimise unscheduled downtime.

Martin air cannons soon proved to be a game-changer for sectors such as cement, for the first time signalling an end to workers having to access the interior of preheater vessels to manually break off hefty material build-ups using a high pressure water jet – one of the most unpleasant and hazardous jobs on a cement plant.

By the 1990s, Martin Engineering had developed an extreme heat and velocity version of the Big Blaster, called the XHV, with an all-metal construction capable of withstanding the harshest of conditions.

During the 2000s, Martin became the first to introduce a safer positive-pressure firing valve with its Tornado air cannon – technology that prevents unintentional firing if there’s a drop in system pressure, and also allows solenoid valves to be positioned up to 60m from the air cannon for easier access and maintenance. Designed with safety in mind, the positive firing valve also delivers a more powerful blast.

Soon after that came the introduction of the Hurricane valve, located in the rear of the air cannon tank rather than at the tank and nozzle junction, greatly improving safety and ease of maintenance. The exterior-facing design eliminates the need for removal of the tank so maintenance is a simple one-worker operation requiring only minutes for replacement.

In 2008, Martin Engineering opened its industry-leading Center for Innovation , which accelerated the company’s air cannon technology advancements including:

SMART Series Nozzles with multiple nozzle tips, one of which features a retractable design that extends the 360° nozzle head into the material stream only when firing, protecting it from repeated abrasions and extreme temperatures. Its clever Y-shaped assembly means the nozzle can be installed, accessed and serviced without removing the air cannon or further disruption to the vessel structure and refractory.

The Martin Thermo Safety Shield , which acts as a safety barrier to allow timely and safe maintenance of air cannon systems. It protects workers from exposure to severe temperatures so that maintenance can take place safely and production stays on schedule.

Martin Engineering’s current ground-breaking air cannon designs are the result of research and development in the Center for Innovation, located at the company’s headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. The centre will open its doors to visitors in the Summer of 2024 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“From the very beginning, our air cannons were specifically designed to produce a quiet but powerful, high-velocity discharge of plant-compressed air to dislodge buildups and enhance material flow,” Martin Engineering global air cannon product manager Brad Pronschinske said.

“They were developed to be capable of handling the high temperatures, harsh gases and abrasive, corrosive materials associated with heavy industries, and yet have low maintenance requirements and low costs. Since the launch of the Big Blaster 50 years ago, we have continued to innovate, introducing smarter and ever more powerful air cannon systems that improve efficiency, productivity and safety.

“We’re especially proud that Martin air cannons have become so important in reducing the health and safety risks associated with clearing blockages manually – such as working in confined spaces, working at height, falling materials, and working in hot and dusty environments.

“Our team is always working on new developments and we’re looking forward to bringing the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers all over the world.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/martin-engineering-celebrates-50-years-of-air-cannon-technology/

$6B Qld coal acquisitions revive sale speculation over worker pay dispute

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:59:48 GMT

A mining multinational and major mineral producer recently finished transferring ownership of two Central Queensland operations.

BHP recently confirmed it had finished selling its Blackwater (226km west of Rockhampton) and Daunia (169km southwest of Mackay) coal mines.

Successful bidder Whitehaven Coal is paying a combined US$4.1 billion (A$6.2B) for the two sites.

“We are well placed to execute a smooth transition and to integrate the Daunia and Blackwater mines into the Whitehaven portfolio. We are excited to welcome the teams at Daunia and Blackwater into our business,” Whitehaven CEO and managing director Paul Flynn said in a public statement.

However, the new owner might not hold onto both assets in their entirety forever.

“Whitehaven has previously flagged a possible selldown after paying up for the Queensland assets last year in an auction, when it was advised by UBS,” News Limited reported.

“Two parties – one from Japan and one from India – may be about to surface as buyers of a stake. While the identities are unknown, sources pointed to steel producer JSW Group of India or Nippon of Japan.”

QMEB can reveal Blackwater is the most likely mine to sell a 20 per cent interest first, potentially fetching a share in up to US$2.5B (A$3.8B).

No announcements are expected to be made before Whitehaven releases its new March quarter production report on 19 April 2024.

Rumours began circulating after 300 employees rejected Whitehaven’s bid to introduce WorkChoices agreement offsets, which reportedly absorb future superannuation increases and strip those affected of up to $100,000 in accrued entitlements. This was feared to affect those planning to retire or accept a redundancy package.

Very negative feedback prompted management to withdraw its proposal.

“We have heard your feedback about the guarantee of annual earnings clause and the potential for this to remove entitlements that people currently enjoy. This is not Whitehaven’s intent,” executive general manager – operations Ian Humphris previously said in an internal email obtained by the Collieries’ Staff and Officials Association (CSOA).

“Whitehaven will be issuing a contract amendment to remove the guarantee of annual earnings clause. This will ensure all transferring Blackwater and Daunia staff can continue to enjoy their current entitlements once they become Whitehaven employees. Whitehaven will also apply this to open cut overseers.”

CSOA congratulated employees on an “incredible win” at the time.

Source: https://www.qmeb.com.au/6b-qld-coal-acquisitions-revive-sale-speculation-over-worker-pay-dispute/

Pioneer Lithium gets financial backing from Ontario government

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:51:53 GMT

Pioneer Lithium (ASX: PLN) has received a fresh shot in the arm from the Ontario government, which recently handed the company C$180,916 for its flagship Root Lake project in Canada.

The Australian explorer and developer said the funds were granted through the Ontario Junior Exploration Program (OJEP). The amount received represents a rebate of up to 50% of eligible exploration costs, capped at C$200,000, incurred by the company at Root Lake between April 1, 2023 to February 15, 2024, it said in the statement.

“The OJEP program is a vital part of financing and fostering early exploration projects and allows us to further advance our exploration activities,” chairman Robert Martin said in a statement.

The company has been expanding its footprint in Canada, where it now holds five exploration projects across the provinces of Ontario and Quebec.

Its most recent acquisition, the Benham Project in northwest Ontario, became an instant hit for Pioneer. Bought in November , the company’s exploration team had by mid-January discovered numerous pegmatite outcrops, including a 40-metre long mineralized prominence.

Pioneer is also advancing the early exploration Root Lake lithium project in north-west Ontario.

Lithium prices hit rock bottom last year and are struggling to make a significant recovery. This is partly because miners, refiners, and auto makers are still dealing with an excess stockpile that is causing the current oversupply of the battery metal.

Despite some projects and mines being affected by the lithium price collapse, several major producers are determined to continue expanding, adding to the uncertainty about when prices will eventually recover.

Source: https://www.mining.com/pioneer-lithium-gets-financial-backing-from-ontario-government/

Rio Tinto to invest $9.3 million in technology startups

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 22:47:20 GMT

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) said on Wednesday it is teaming up with a global venture studio and start-up investor to back the development and commercialisation of breakthrough technologies in the mining industry.

Rio will partner with Founders Factory and invest A$14.4 million ($9.3m) in global pre-seed and seed stage start-ups over the next three years, it said, adding that the focus will be on technologies in the fields of safe mine operations, decarbonization, exploration processing and automation.

Each start-up will receive a cash investment and participate in a four-month accelerator program run by Founders Factory to support product development and commercialization.

The Western Australian government has also partnered with Founders Factory to invest in nature-tech start-ups that preserve and restore nature and biodiversity.

The partnerships with Rio Tinto and the Western Australian government will support the first Australian hub of Founders Factory in Perth. The company currently operates in London, Johannesburg, Milan, Berlin, Bratislava, New York and Singapore.

“Technology has always been at the forefront of our industry and Western Australia can be the Silicon Valley of the global mining industry,” Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Simon Trott said in the statement .

“With the backing of industry and the state government, local and international start-ups will receive investment opportunities and access to real-world testing and scaling support, helping Western Australia’s innovation economy to grow.”

“Securing the internationally renowned Founders Factory for Perth is a major coup for our state,” Western Australian Premier Roger Cook said. “This is the first time the tech accelerator has operated in Australia, providing a springboard for innovative local businesses to reach an international audience and maximize their chances of success.”

Source: https://www.mining.com/rio-tinto-to-invest-9-3-million-in-technology-startups/

Australian magnate Rinehart takes stake in MP Materials

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 07:23:56 GMT

US rare-earths producer MP Materials said Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart’s mining firm had taken a 5.3% stake in the company, expanding her investments in the mineral ore sector.

In a regulatory filing last week, the Nevada-based miner said Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australia’s richest person Rinehart, holds about 8.8 million shares of MP Materials.

MP Materials is the second-biggest producer of rare earths outside China after Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths. Lynas ended talks with MP Materials over a potential merger in February.

Hancock declined to comment on Wednesday.

The iron ore miner has been building stakes in critical minerals projects, including rare earths. Hancock’s investments include a 6.17% stake in Brazilian Rare Earths and a 9.14% holdings in Arafura Rare Earths, according to LSEG data.

Source: https://www.mining.com/web/australian-billionaire-rineharts-firm-takes-stake-in-mp-materials/

Orion looks to offload another 8.3% stake in Capstone Copper

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:04:58 GMT

The three Orion Resource Partners funds that recently sold a stake in Capstone Copper (TSX: CS) (ASX: CSC) are looking to offload another 8.3% holding in the Canadian miner’s shares via a secondary offering in the Australian market.

On Friday, Orion Fund JV Limited, Orion Mine Finance Fund II LP and Orion Mine Finance (Master) Fund I-A LP jointly announced a block trade agreement with Macquarie Capital Ltd., Canaccord Genuity Ltd. and RBC Capital Markets, all in Australia, for the sale of their equity interest.

Under the deal, the Orion funds will sell 62.4 million CHESS depository interests over the common shares of Capstone, or the equivalent number of fully paid common shares, at a price of A$9.50 each. The proceeds totalling A$592.8 million will go directly to Orion, and Capstone will not receive any proceeds from the CDI sale.

The CDIs will only be offered to certain eligible investors in Australia, plus other foreign jurisdictions where the distribution of CDIs does not require a prospectus, which would exclude Canada.

At the time of Friday’s announcement, the Orion mining funds held approximately 152.9 million common shares for an approximate 20.3% stake in Capstone. Upon closing of the secondary offering, they would beneficially own 90.5 million shares, or approximately 12.0% of Capstone’s share capital.

As part of the secondary offering, Orion has agreed not to sell any common shares or other securities of Capstone for a period of 90 days.

In early February, Orion announced the sale of 11.9 million common shares, or 1.7% of Capstone, in a bought deal offering involving RBC Capital Markets, National Bank Financial Inc. and Scotiabank. In total, the financing saw more than 68.4 million shares sold including 56.5 million by Capstone.

Capstone raised C$431.2 million from this to fund its projects in Chile, which include the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region and the 70% owned Mantoverde copper-gold mine located in the Atacama region.

Shares of Capstone Copper fell 3.2% at market open in Toronto to C$8.69 apiece. The stock traded within a range of C$4.40-C$9.15 over the last 52 weeks. Its market capitalization is estimated at over C$6.5 billion ($4.8bn).

Source: https://www.mining.com/orion-looks-to-offload-another-8-3-stake-in-capstone-copper/

Queensland critical minerals boosted by millions

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:39:30 GMT

Queensland is set to welcome a host of new critical minerals projects thanks to millions in funding from the Queensland Government.

The funding comes from a $2.67 million Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) Collaborative Project Fund and the latest round of the $4.6 million Collaborative Exploration Initiative (CEI).

The CEI will provide funding of up to $300,000 to 18 successfully chosen projects across regional Queensland including near Chillagoe, Cloncurry, Mount Isa and Townsville.

Nearly three quarters of all successful projects are involved in the discovery of new copper deposits, an essential resource for many types of clean energy

“By facilitating these exploratory projects, we are not only laying the groundwork for economic prosperity but also reinforcing Queensland’s position as a key player in the global resources market,” Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said .

The $2.67 million METS Collaborative Project Fund invites researchers, government agencies, resource companies and industry groups to come together to tackle challenges in the sector.

Grants between $50,000 and $300,000 are on offer, and projects that address environmental issues, emissions management, renewable energy and safety will be prioritised.

“We’re inviting funding proposals that aim to improve emissions and support Queensland’s transition to renewable energies and improve mine site safety,” Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace said .

“We aim to champion initiatives that focus on global industry challenges such as automation, mine rehabilitation, reducing emissions across the resources supply chain, and collaborating with resource companies to pilot ground-breaking technologies.”

Previous funding has gone to projects that have used machine learning algorithms to find the best way to predict the mineral content of ore bodies; and the installation of sensors to monitor wear and maintenance of mine site conveyor belts.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/queensland-critical-minerals-boosted-by-millions/

Epiroc and Toranomon deepen ties

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 01:25:15 GMT

Epiroc has signed a non-exclusive distributor agreement with Toranomon Corporation, a Japanese sales and rental company.

The partnership intends to strengthen Epiroc’s presence in Japan’s booming underground civil construction segment.

For more than a decade, Toranomon has worked solely with Epiroc equipment, primarily focusing on sales and rental of the technologically advanced and appreciated Boomer face drilling rigs.

The new partnership between the two companies also acts as an extension to the business relationship Epiroc and Toranomon have shared over the last several years.

“Toranomon’s extensive market expertise, strong position, as well as their high contractor engagement within the tunnelling segment, makes this a strategically important partnership for Epiroc,” Epiroc underground division vice president sales and marketing Sarah Hoffman said .

The non-exclusive distributor agreement was signed at the end of 2023 and will provide strengthened after-market support for Epiroc customers in Japan with the help of Toranomon’s large service organisation.

“We are delighted to start this closer relationship,” Toranomon Construction Machinery chief executive officer Koki Sakurai said.

“Japan’s civil tunnelling is deeply safety driven, while project demands are growing at high speed. The population of Japanese tunnel workers are decreasing, and our local customers appreciate Epiroc’s advanced rigs that provide fast and accurate drilling.”

Epiroc underground division global business development manager civil construction Ulf Sundberg echoed similar sentiments.

“With this agreement in place, we are proud to offer solutions and services that will improve safety, innovation, and sustainability within the underground civil construction segment,” Sundberg said.

“We see great potential in utilising automation and monitoring technologies to a greater extent in the Japanese tunnelling segment, where challenging rock conditions are frequently met.”

Epiroc recently announced that its SmartROC C50 surface drill rig is now available with a standard feed and a long feed.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/epiroc-and-toranomon-deepen-ties/

AVL welcomes first vanadium electrolyte

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:34:34 GMT

Australian Vanadium (AVL) has produced its first high purity vanadium electrolyte, which is a key component of vanadium flow batteries.

Independent testing demonstrated that the vanadium electrolyte complied with typical specifications required by vanadium flow battery manufacturers.

Alongside producing first vanadium electrolyte, AVL has also successfully commissioned its vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility that completed construction in December.

The facility – located in Wangara, Western Australia – was built with the help of a $3.69 million grant from the Federal Government. It was designed to produce high-purity electrolyte to support up to 33 megawatt hours per year of vanadium flow battery energy storage.

“The completion of the facility, coupled with the confirmation of the production of on-specification vanadium electrolyte from Western Australia’s first manufacturing facility, achieves another major milestone for AVL and is a positive reflection of the technical and operational expertise within our organisation,” AVL chief executive officer Graham Arvidson said .

“We are ready to accept orders for electrolyte and are actively pursuing sales.”

According to AVL , vanadium batteries are best suited to large-scale energy storage applications such as electrical grids as they offer a high capacity for energy storage and a long cycle life. They can also be charged and discharged repeatedly without significant degradation.

To help the industry build upon these advantages, the company is developing its Australian Vanadium project , one of the highest grade vanadium projects in the world.

Vanadium concentrate produced from the Australian Vanadium project will then feed AVL’s proposed processing plant for vanadium pentoxide production, which will be used as feedstock for the vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/avl-welcomes-first-vanadium-electrolyte/

New Hope powers through coal price slump

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:27:21 GMT

The first half of the 2023–24 financial year (H1 FY24) saw New Hope produce 4.1 million tonnes (Mt) of saleable coal, a 28 per cent increase from H1 FY23.

The period also saw New Hope mine, rail and sell its first coal from the New Acland Stage 3 project located 35km north-west of Toowoomba, Queensland.

“Consistent operational performance, delivery of our organic production growth plans, and disciplined cost control have allowed us to maintain strong margins despite coal prices retreating from record highs,” New Hope Group chief executive officer Rob Bishop said .

“At our Bengalla mine, our 13.4Mpta (million tonnes per annum) growth project is tracking ahead of schedule, and we expect to see unit costs decline as production increases in the second half of the financial year.”

New Hope recently increased its shareholding in Malabar Resources to 19.9 per cent in order to increase its exposure to metallurgical coal.

The coal producer also acquired the West Muswellbrook assessment lease and recorded solid exploration work at exploration lease, EL9431.

“Both to the west of our Bengalla mine, these provide synergies to our mining and agricultural assets as well as long-term optionality,” Bishop said.

New Hope closed out the half-year with $424.8 million in underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation and $251.7 million in net profit after tax.

The company also recorded $130.6 million in net cash from operating activities and $480.4 million in available cash.

“Our low-cost coal assets, and targeted organic growth, will favourably position New Hope to take advantage of the demand for high-quality coal expected through the energy transition,” Bishop said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/new-hope-powers-through-coal-price-slump/

Liontown secures millions for Kathleen Valley

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 02:09:12 GMT

Liontown Resources has entered into a $550 million debt facility agreement to fund the development of its Kathleen Valley lithium project in Western Australia.

The agreement has been designed to ensure Kathleen Valley is funded through first production and ramp-up to the planned three-million-tonnes-per-annum (Mtpa) base case.

It will also provide Liontown with financial certainty and time to complete its previously announced review of Kathleen Valley’s ensuing 4Mtpa expansion.

“Liontown is very pleased to announce the debt funding facility today and I would like to acknowledge our lending syndicate for their support which once again reinforces the world class qualities of the Kathleen Valley project,” Liontown Resources managing director and chief executive officer Tony Ottaviano said .

“Having this funding in place provides strong endorsement for our project and a platform of financial certainty from which to move forward. We are consequently well-positioned to deliver the remaining milestones to first production mid-year and ramp-up towards anticipated positive cashflows.”

Liontown said it will continue to explore options for a longer-term funding solution to provide future flexibility and optionality beyond the 3Mtpa base case.

The company commenced underground mining at Kathleen Valley in the December quarter of 2023, a significant milestone considering the recent drop in lithium prices.

The Kathleen Valley project remains on schedule and budget to commence first production in the middle of 2024.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/liontown-secures-millions-for-kathleen-valley/

Bellevue’s glimmer before the gold

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:58:34 GMT

Bellevue Gold revealed conservative profits for the first half of the 2023–24 financial year (H1 FY24) ahead of the ramp up of the Bellevue gold project in Western Australia.

The company held a cash position at December 31 2023 of $44.2 million, down from $64.7 million at June 30 2023, but held another $4.3 million in bullion and finished goods.

This brought Bellevue’s total liquidity at the end of H1 to $48.5 million, down from $134.7 million at June 30 2023.

The company declared a net profit after tax of $2.2 million, up from a loss of $12.5 million at the end of H1 FY23.

Bellevue produced 13,364 ounces (oz) of gold during the month of February, representing a 28 per cent increase from the previous month.

The ramp up in production has the company on track to achieve its production guidance of 75,000–85,000oz for FY24.

“Our production ramp up continues to improve month on month,” Bellevue Gold managing director and chief executive officer Darren Stralow said .

“It is very pleasing to see milling nameplate throughput (one million tonnes per annum) achieved for a third straight month as we progress towards steady state operations.

“This resulted in production of 13,364oz in the month of February 2024 and ensures we are well on track to meet our guidance for the six months to June 30 2024 and generate free cash flow.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bellevues-glimmer-before-the-gold/

Mining industry vows to tackle mental health

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:45:20 GMT

A fourth report from Curtin University’s Insights from the Worker Survey has shown that most employees reported high levels of physical safety behaviours, but that more could be done for mental health awareness.

The report also found that the industry has been taking the necessary steps to understand and improve mental health and workplace culture. However, there is still room for improvement.

“Our industry is under no illusion that there’s still more to do,” AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies) chief executive officer Warren Pearce said . “As an industry, we are continuing to make changes for the better.

“Physical safety has been a core focus of the mining industry over many decades, but there is also a much stronger awareness and focus on mental health and well-being now.”

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has welcomed the Western Australian Government’s investment in the study.

“This report builds on the findings of the 2022 Parliamentary Inquiry report and is a significant investment in the future of the industry, the future of women in resources and the future of encouraging diversity in the workplace,” CME chief executive officer Rebecca Tomkinson said . “It shines a light on what is working and what clearly needs changing.”

CME and its member companies worked with the program and the inquiry to explore mental health, sexual harassment and workplace safety issues.

“Our member companies advocate a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment and assault and have responded with initiatives to address both immediate concerns and longer-term changes to attitudes and workplace culture,” Tomkinson said.

“The industry is taking a unified approach to encouraging a safe and respectful workplace but it’s also realistic about timeframes – changing attitudes is not an overnight process.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/mining-industry-vows-to-tackle-mental-health/

Case study: Eclipse Solid GET points

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:41:07 GMT

Bradken’s customer, located in the Hunter Valley, was dependent on their CAT6060 excavator being adaptable to varied digging conditions. This machine was being utilised across locations and needed to maintain effective penetration performance in all digging conditions.

The customer’s need to reduce machine downtime motivated them to trial Bradken’s Eclipse Solid points in the aim of finding a more robust GET solution with increased reliability.

Solution

The Eclipse Solid points were fitted on the site’s CAT6060 excavator. The trial was conducted over 18 weeks, in what was described by mine site planning personnel as a “difficult part of the mine”.

Results

The customer was pleased with the Bradken PPS30PLB Eclipse Solid points and the trial showed they are ideal for use on large excavators working in varied and extreme digging conditions such as double benching and digging un-shot coal. Effective penetration was maintained throughout the duration of the trial.

Many advantages were experienced by the customer, the main one being over 2000 hours of service before requiring change-out, with no rotation of the points. There was also no unplanned downtime due to GET issues during the trial.

At the end of trial, the improved reliability and consistent penetration performance of the points was validated by the mine crew who commented that a sharp tooth profile was maintained throughout the life of the point.’

Other advantages that the client noted were the reduced inventory through holding less parts, and that GET component weight was almost a half a tonne less compared to two-part systems.

“We will be sticking with the ( Eclipse Solid Points ) and not going back to the ‘quick tips’,” the customer said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/case-study-eclipse-solid-get-points/

Newmont to sell two WA gold mines

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:27:13 GMT

Newmont has revealed plans to divest six gold mines and two gold projects, two of which are in Western Australia.

The soon-to-be divested mines include Éléonore, Musselwhite and Porcupine – which are all in Canada – the Cripple Creek and Victor mine in the US, the Akyem mine in Ghana and the Telfer mine in WA, the latter of which Newmont inherited from its acquisition of Newcrest that concluded last November.

The US gold giant will also divest the 70 per cent stake it holds in the Havieron project in WA, which it inherited from Newcrest. Greatland Gold owns the remaining 30 per cent.

Newmont also plans to sell the Coffee project in Canada.

As reported by The Australian Financial Review, Newmont president and chief executive officer Tom Palmer said the mines are being divested as they don’t meet the company’s criteria of Tier-1 assets.

“We have a number of Tier-2 assets that are very good assets, run by very good people, but that don’t make our Tier-1 category,” he said.

Newmont has reportedly already received interest from potential buyers for the mines and projects.

The divestment announcement coincided with the release of Newmont’s 2023 full-year report, which detailed a strong outlook for the future following the acquisition of Newcrest concluding last November.

The US gold giant produced 5.5 million gold ounces (moz) and 891,000 gold equivalent ounces from copper, silver, lead and zinc in 2023. The results are in-line with Newmont’s revised guidance range following the inclusion of Newcrest’s assets.

Newmont generated $US2.8 billion of cash from continuing operations and brought in $US88 million in free cash flow. The company also delivered $US1.4 billion in dividends to shareholders.

However, the company’s net loss totalled $US2.5 billion, which was driven by $US1.9 billion in impairment charges, $US1.5 billion in reclamation charges and $US464 million in Newcrest transaction and integration costs.

Despite this, Newmont declared an increase in total reserves and resources. It now has 136moz in reserves and 174moz in resources.

“(The year) 2023 was a transformational year for Newmont, and for all of our stakeholders,” Palmer said .

“With the acquisition of Newcrest now complete, our principal focus for 2024 is to integrate and transform our leading portfolio of Tier-1 assets into a unique collection of the world’s best gold and copper operations and projects.”

Newmont currently holds $US8 billion in debt, so it has set a near-term debt-reduction target of $US1 billion for 2024. The company has also identified an additional $US500 million of cost and productivity improvements.

“With stable production and structured reinvestment throughout the year, we are strongly positioned to deliver on our commitments in 2024 and set the stage for meaningful growth in 2025 and beyond,” Palmer said.

Newmont anticipates its 2024 production guidance to equal about 6.9moz for its total portfolio, which will be underpinned by 5.6moz from its Tier-1 Portfolio.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/newmont-to-sell-two-wa-gold-mines/

BHP, South Australia Government join forces

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:23:22 GMT

BHP has partnered with the South Australian Government on a new water supply project.

Dubbed the Northern Water Supply Project (NWSP), the desalination pipeline project would see the construction of a 260ML a day desalination plant on the Eyre Peninsula.

It would also include a 600km pipeline to transport the desalinated water to the far north.

“The Northern Water Supply Project is strategic infrastructure with the potential to benefit multiple sectors and businesses,” BHP asset president copper South Australia Anna Wiley said .

“BHP has created an integrated copper province that we hope will bring the scale required to economically and sustainably produce and process more copper here in SA and deliver it to global customers.

“The Northern Water Supply Project will support our South Australian copper operations and growth ambitions.”

Several major companies have agreed to co-fund the project with the SA Government ahead of the final investment decision in the first half of 2026.

“The announcement today signals a new era for the state as we lay the groundwork for the sustainable industrialisation of South Australia,” South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said .

“We have all the ingredients the world economy needs as it takes the necessary steps to decarbonise – copper, magnetite, a burgeoning hydrogen industry, the world’s best coincident wind and solar resource, and already world-leading renewable energy penetration.

“The commencement of formal studies marks the next step towards a long term and committed relationship between industry and government.

“We look forward to progressing this important work ahead of a final decision on Northern Water in the first half of 2026.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-south-australia-government-join-forces/

The turntable for installing flexible pipelines

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 22:14:56 GMT

Designed and built to assist in handling layflat hose, the turntable from Crusader Hose is a valuable accessory for installing flexible pipelines.

Easy and simple to use, the Australian-made turntable helps prevent the hose from kinking or twisting.

The turntable speeds up dewatering pipeline deployment, saving time and labour costs. Equipped with pallet locator brackets, the turntable accommodates different-sized pallets up to 1600mm.

For shorter lengths of hose, it can be used without a pallet. The removable pallet locator brackets are easily stored on the unit when not in use.

Engineered to suit up to 200m of a 12-inch layflat hose, the turntable is constructed out of mild steel and painted in a hi build zinc primer basecoat and Hammerdry topcoat.

The turntable is also ideal for reloading large hose reels when using Crusader Hose’s Hamersley reel drive unit for in-pit dewatering.

Customised accessories from Crusader Hose make handling layflat hose pipelines quicker, safer and easier.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/the-turntable-for-installing-flexible-pipelines/

Protecting miners and Australia’s GDP

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 02:02:48 GMT

In the resources sector, technology failures that halt operations can equate to vast amounts in lost production. That’s bad news both for industry and Australia’s economy.

To avoid technology failures, networks supporting mining operations need to be resilient and built for production optimisation.

A mining network requires a robust foundation that withstands attacks from any angle and has inbuilt redundancy for worst-case scenarios. To achieve this, multi-layered diversity is key.

“We sometimes see organisations using a primary and secondary network link of the same technology type, from the same provider, running along the same physical cable path. That’s not a great idea,” Vocus chief executive enterprise and government Andrew Wildbood said.

“If the links come from the same place and a backhoe goes through the cables, or even if the links use the same technology and an attacker targets that technology platform, that could result in a total outage.

“Genuine multi-layered diversity involves different physical pathways to mitigate physical threats, varying types of tech to counter attacks aimed at specific tech, and links provided by multiple telcos to protect against any single company’s failure.”

This multi-layered diversity ensures that even if one aspect is compromised, others remain functional, maintaining uninterrupted operations.

Divide and protect: The strategy of separation

For mining traffic, the protection of site operations – both production efficiency and worker safety – is paramount.

Ideally, the network that carries traffic between production machinery (including dispatch, telemetry and monitoring) is kept separate from the “enterprise” network – encompassing everyday communication tools like emails and calendars.

This segregation safeguards sensitive operational data from exposure to vulnerabilities that might exist in the more public-facing enterprise network.

Designing the protected, diverse solution

When selecting telecommunication partners to build the solution, mining and resources companies should prioritise providers who can support these extensive network diversity requirements.

The ideal partner is one that offers a comprehensive suite of solutions – geographical route diversity, different technology platforms, network separation and a mature capability to work with other telcos to deliver carrier diversity.

Vocus’ critical mission

Vocus ’ broader network serves not just the mining sector but also other critical infrastructure domains across Federal and State Governments, energy producers, water utilities, hospitals and financial institutions.

The essential nature of these sectors reinforces Vocus’ unique position in the market as a leading Australian provider of mission-critical services to organisations.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/protecting-miners-and-australias-gdp/

Federal Government focuses on minerals investments

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:51:36 GMT

The Federal Government has updated the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility’s (NAIF) investment mandate to help deliver more national critical minerals priorities.

Under the new investment mandate, when making investment decisions the NAIF must be satisfied that projects align with one or more of Australian Government policy priorities:

Economic development in the north
Alleviating social or economic disadvantage in Northern Australian communities, including the development of social infrastructure
Achieving Australia’s net-zero and energy transition goals
Improving First Nations outcomes and contributing to Closing the Gap

This will also formally align NAIF investments with the objectives of the Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030.

To date, the NAIF has approved nearly $655 million for critical minerals and rare-earth projects forecast to deliver $5.5 billion to the economy and 2500 jobs.

“Amendments to the investment mandate strengthen the expectation the NAIF will consult and collaborate with other Australian Government entities, including to support the Net Zero Economy Agency’s role in the transition to net-zero emissions,” Federal Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher said.

“These changes empower NAIF to continue to leverage and align with national priorities and programs to crowd in investment in the north.”

Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said the NAIF will continue to provide the economic infrastructure needed to support the journey to net-zero.

“The NAIF has already supported a portfolio of ambitious and transformational projects that will grow our local economy for decades to come,” he said.

“The Australian Government will continue to work with the NAIF to ensure its investment benefits the local community and leads to the creation of new local jobs.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/federal-government-focuses-on-minerals-investments/

Beyond positioning: Technology innovation in mining

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:46:00 GMT

With an increasing focus on sustainable, efficient and safe work methods, the Australian mining sector is embracing more technology than ever before.

Automation and positioning technology supplier Aptella supports the mining industry with an array of solutions such as high-precision machine guidance, fleet management, wireless monitoring, survey drones, and intelligent safety systems.

Having recently rebranded from Position Partners to Aptella, executive marketing manager Gina Velde said the new name is designed to better reflect the variety of solutions and services the business offers.

“Our customers’ requirements have expanded beyond positioning into automation, robotics, safety and monitoring,” Velde told Australian Mining.

Recent years have seen rapid advances in cloud computing, data processing and internet coverage, enabling technology innovation across a range of industries.

“These benefit heavy industries such as mining in the ability to capture real-time information to prevent incidents, improve safety behaviours and monitor mine site infrastructure and terrain for any out-of-tolerance movement that could signal a potential problem,” Velde said.

Internet coverage remains challenging in mine sites due to their remote locations and the topography of an open-cut mine. Aptella supports customers with Rajant kinetic mesh network solutions that enable all machines and assets to work seamlessly on secure, fast networks that are customised to meet the requirements of each site.

With connectivity for all on-site machines, Aptella provides fleet management solutions to optimise production cycles and enable managers to make informed decisions to help meet or exceed targets.

In addition to fleet management, high-precision machine guidance systems for excavators, dozers and drills help to cut rework and make machines more efficient.

The Carlson system distributed by Aptella uses GPS to guide operators to the design, with the ability to see their distance to grade as they work. Used in dozer push applications, drill-and-blast projects and mine site excavation work, the Carlson system keeps managers informed with near-real-time reporting on machine progress relative to design.

“High-precision machine guidance has numerous tangible benefits, from reducing rework, machine wear and fuel usage to increasing safety by lowering operator fatigue and eliminating the need for surveyors to check grade,” Aptella mining business executive manager Andrew Granger said.

Autonomous trucks are helping to increase safety by reducing human interaction with heavy machinery.

“Operator fatigue, speeding and other factors are removed when you introduce autonomy,” Granger said.

Aptella has partnered with SafeAI and is currently working on a project with MACA to deploy 100 autonomous trucks in the coming years.

The mining sector was one of the first to adopt automation and, according to Velde, demand is now growing in other sectors like civil construction and the motor industry.

“With more customers from diverse industries coming to us to discuss their autonomy needs, it was another factor in our journey to rebrand as Aptella, because our expertise has needed to adapt beyond positioning systems,” she said.

Survey drones are another example of technology used to increase safety and efficiency by removing the need for surveyors to measure on foot. Drones can instead map large areas and control the aircraft safely away from other mine operations.

Last year saw Quantum Systems release its Trinity Pro powered lift fixed-wing solution. Popular in mining for its safe vertical take-off and landing, as well as long flight times for large sites, Aptella has successfully deployed Quantum Systems aircraft to the sector for a number of years.

“Our team was the first in Australia to introduce drones for surveying applications back in 2009,” Granger said. “It’s one of many examples of how we are always working with customers and technology innovators to source and deploy cutting-edge innovation.”

Proximity and collision-awareness technology has particular relevance to mining, where there is unfortunately still a high number of accidents involving heavy machinery and light vehicles.

Automation and increased controls for interaction between people and plant may help in production areas; however, in processing and logistics operations there is still risk due to the use of forklifts and other machines alongside workers on foot.

Advances in the technology have eliminated the need for wearable tags and instead incorporate vision-based artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically identify and alert operators to people.

Blindsight is a unique solution, distributed and supported throughout Australia and New Zealand by Aptella, that has the built-in smarts to identify people and other objects even in challenging, dynamic environments.

This solution can be fitted to all makes and models of machinery, with a combination of two or more sensors, external voice alarm and a small in-cab alert that gives the operator audible and visual alerts when a person or traffic cone is detected.

Beyond on-site alerts to operators, one of the more powerful benefits of Blindsight is its reporting capability. With near-real-time data being fed into its web-based dashboard platform, Blindsight gives managers insight into on-site safety behaviours.

The system automatically records video footage from the machine’s on-board cameras when the alert is triggered, giving managers eyes on the site to be able to analyse the situation and make informed decisions to improve safety behaviours.

“Unfortunately, despite staff training and safety policies, spotters and other human-based approaches, people still make errors of judgement and put themselves at risk,” Granger said.

“Blindsight helps managers identify their own blind spots when it comes to safety, so they can proactively manage it for better outcomes.”

Another vital element of on-site safety is ensuring the stability and viability of the mine infrastructure and terrain, including pit walls, tailings dams, and mine site infrastructure.

According to Andrew Jones, who manages Aptella’s deformation monitoring portfolio, modern computing technology, coupled with solar energy, can enable continuous monitoring of any underground or open-pit mine site at any scale.

“Traditionally, monitoring technology has relied on optical measuring systems, which are challenging to install and maintain, not to mention expensive at scale,” he said. “Thanks to wireless communication and our ability to use solar energy, we can now monitor virtually any mine site of any size around the clock for many years with little maintenance.”

Alerts can be configured to suit the tolerances and reporting requirements of the site, with tiered escalation of notifications to different stakeholders.

“Because Senceive (wireless condition monitoring) works continuously for many years, it reduces the need for engineers and surveyors to perform manual checks or conduct regular maintenance, and the fewer personnel on site the less risk there is,” Jones said.

With an ongoing skills shortages and the need to mine the earth as responsibly and sustainably as possible, technology offers many advantages to improve short- and long-term outcomes.

“The technology landscape is always shifting and the use of AI, robotics and automation is still in their early stages,” Granger said. “Aptella is ready to start or continue the journey to find and deploy solutions that are best of breed.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/beyond-positioning-technology-innovation-in-mining/

Whitehaven commences 2024 graduate program

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:37:55 GMT

Whitehaven Coal has welcomed its 2024 cohort of graduates by holding a two-day event in Gunnedah, New South Wales.

Whitehaven’s graduate program is a two-year development program designed to grow and develop the company’s future heads.

Through the program, participants will gain practical skills and training from both on-the-job learning experiences and formal development sessions as they rotate through several of Whitehaven’s sites and offices.

The 2024 program welcomed 24 recent graduates at its introductory event, covering Whitehaven’s values and operations. The graduates studied subjects such as engineering, operational technology, geology and the environment.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new cohort of graduates and provide them with a comprehensive introduction to the values and operations that define Whitehaven Coal,” Whitehaven graduate lead Susie Cooper said.

“Our two-day event not only equips our graduates with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed but also instils in them a deep appreciation for the communities and environments in which we operate.”

Day one of the event provided the graduates with an overview of Whitehaven’s history, core values, and key operational facets.

Day one also consisted of Whitehaven leaders giving presentations on different areas of company, including safety protocols, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage preservation, and the financial dynamics of the mining industry.

Day two of the event featured a workplace respect session and a presentation run by Whitehaven’s 2023 graduate cohort, where they shared their experiences and knowledge gained during their first-year of Whitehaven’s graduate program.

The event also held a cultural heritage tour led by members of the Gomeroi Aboriginal People, where the graduates gained an understanding of the importance of land stewardship and cultural preservation.

Whitehaven has a strong presence in Gunnedah through its Gunnedah coal handling and preparation plant, which recently celebrated 4000 lost time incident free days.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/whitehaven-commences-2024-graduate-program/

Brokk breaks ground in Las Vegas

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 01:30:46 GMT

Heavy machinery manufacturer Brokk unveiled the latest frontier in demolition technology at World of Concrete 2024 in Las Vegas.

World of Concrete is a two-day annual international trade show extravaganza for the commercial construction industry.

This year the show spanned January 23–25, drawing together major industry players from across the globe to witness the launch of Brokk SmartPower+, the next generation of demolition robots.

Brokk’s new range of robots aim to provide unmatched endurance by increasing operational uptime with consistent power delivery over time, features essential to the mining industry where efficiency is key.

The company’s newest generation is resistant to shock, temperature, and vibrations, as well as being fitted with dust and water protection to an IP65 equivalent standard.

Brokk showcased how the robots come with an 87 per cent reduction in cables and connectors, aiming to reduce weak points and increase the life of the product.

‘’With nearly five decades of experience, Brokk understands the challenges many industry professionals face in finding skilled operators to get the job done right,’’ Brokk Group chief executive officer Martin Krupicka said.

“This is precisely why we are committed to creating solutions for both seasoned professionals and new operators alike, setting a new benchmark in the demolition landscape.’’

The new control box weighs in at less than three kilograms and has been ergonomically designed for comfort and easy use.

With safety a key concern on mine sites, visual status updates allow the operator to focus their attention on the demolition work at hand while simultaneously monitoring the status of the machine.

“We are thrilled to introduce Brokk SmartPower+ and a new generation of demolition robots that redefine the demolition landscape,” Krupicka said.

“This innovative advancement reflects Brokk’s dedication to pushing the limits and providing operators cutting-edge machines that surpass expectations.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/brokk-breaks-ground-in-las-vegas/

A roadmap for green metals in 2024

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:34:35 GMT

Last year was a bloodbath for mining stocks tied to the green energy transition. But with markets rallying in the early part of 2024, ‘green miners’ continue to lag.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t bode well for a sharp turnaround in 2024. Dampening that outlook further is the string of negative news over the last week.

Mining billionaire Andrew Forests’ privately owned Wyloo Metals announced a shutdown of its nickel operations in Western Australia due to falling prices. Lithium giant Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) revealed job cuts and a trimming of its capital expenditure. It also unloaded its stake in Liontown (ASX: LTR) after last years’ failed takeover bid. LTR’s stock price has now plunged more than 44% since the new year.

Even the insiders have lost faith. Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) CEO, Dale Henderson, sold around 1.2 million shares following the company’s latest earnings result.

But to get a handle on what 2024 looks like, we should first clarify why green metal stocks sold down so heavily in 2023.

You see, mega renewable energy projects are expensive. So too are the mining developments which supply the raw materials for these metal intensive projects. Given we’ve just embarked on one of the most hawkish monetary regimes in modern history, it explains why the sector plummeted last year.

But according to the former chief of commodities at Goldman Sachs, Jeff Currie, ‘green’ metals could return with a vengeance this year. That’s based primarily on expected rate cuts.

You see, rising rates have diminished the public’s appetite for extravagant renewable mega-projects. It’s perhaps one of the reasons why crude came back into focus last year. Fossil fuels are energy dense, making them a relatively cheap option. We could also add uranium to the list, another energy-packed commodity that can supply reliable, base load power.

But the key point from Currie is this: in a high-cost environment, traditional energies reign. He labels them the ‘brown’ commodities.

So why could 2024 see a major pivot back to ‘green’ metals?

It’s simple really. The idea of capital-intensive green energy projects becomes a difficult pill to swallow in an economy struggling against the rising cost of living.

This observation seems rather obvious in hindsight, just look at 2023. As the narrative of ‘higher for longer’ took effect last year, Brent crude surged to $94 per barrel and uranium erupted into multi-year highs.

Meanwhile, metals tied to the green energy transition like lithium, rare earths, and graphite, fell through the floor, eliminating most of the gains that emerged during the early 2020s.

But, with rate cuts looming, could the narrative from 2023 make a dramatic U-turn? In other words, will investment flood out of the brown commodities back toward the green? It’s certainly possible.

We saw oil and gas stocks tumble in the final weeks of 2023 as expectations of rate cuts grew in the US. Large-cap lithium producers then (briefly) emerged from heavily sold-off levels.

But don’t expect a smooth recovery in the green metal market. We’re living through a period of historically elevated geopolitical tension.

Right now, the Middle East conflict is ripe for escalation. That means crude oil prices could erupt, bringing an inflationary spike.

We’ve already seen several prominent shipping companies divert vessels away from the Red Sea following attacks in December by the Houthis in Yemen on foreign cargo vessels and oil tankers.

With ships re-routing around the Cape of Good Hope, on the southern tip of Africa, delivery times have increased by up to two weeks. With that comes higher freight costs and more inflationary pressures on the global economy.

Geopolitics is a key reason why we could see a continuation of the arm wrestle between inflation versus deflation this year. There’s no clear path that signals one will win over the other.

But despite the geopolitical risks, there are potentially huge opportunities on offer.

According to the Economist, 2024 is set to be the biggest election year in history. Almost half the world’s population is lining up to vote, from India to the US. This is going to be a colossal year in politics. With incumbent governments looking to extend their time in office, expect extravagant infrastructure announcements this year. Renewables could be a major focus.

So, how do you prepare a portfolio for potential boom conditions in a year that promises plenty of geo-and-political instability? Focus on beaten-down sectors. As Rick Rule says, you’re either a contrarian or a victim.

Right now, green metals have lost their flavour. But that could offer ripe pickings for investors betting against the herd.

Source: https://www.mining.com/a-roadmap-for-green-metals-in-2024/

Fortescue to work with China officials to clear iron ore shipments

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 06:23:24 GMT

Australia’s Fortescue Metals Group said on Thursday it will work with Chinese authorities to resolve a delay that has held up customs clearance of some iron ore cargoes at a port in the country’s north.

Reuters reported on Tuesday quoting sources that two iron ore cargoes from the world’s No.4 supplier were facing unusual customs delays at north China’s Caofeidian port due to inspections for solid waste.

Responding to a question on whether Fortescue was expecting further customs checks, its director of sales, marketing and shipping, Vivienne Tieu, said shipments to the port were relatively small and its product was still reaching customers.

“We will just work through with the relevant port authorities to understand what they need, such that we clear the cargoes as soon as possible,” she told a results briefing.

The delays come as Fortescue and Chinese state iron ore buyer China Mineral Resources Group (CMRG) – set up in July 2022 to centralise purchasing and gain more bargaining power with global mining firms – negotiate a 2024 procurement deal.

Tieu declined to comment on the negotiations due to commercial sensitivities.

Source: https://www.mining.com/web/fortescue-to-work-with-china-officials-to-clear-iron-ore-shipments/

Strata, Vernetzen sign new agreements

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 02:05:48 GMT

Strata Worldwide has signed new equity partnership and global distribution agreements with Australia-based network solutions provider Vernetzen.

The agreements will see Strata provide its customers with an expanded range of networking solutions and cybersecurity tools specifically designed for underground mining and tunnelling.

The offerings include Vernetzen’s Software Defined Network technology for automation in industrial environments and its Wi-Fi over Coax solution to deliver long-distance, linear Wi-Fi coverage.

Vernetzen managing director Luke King said the company is thrilled to be partnering with Strata.

“Strata’s extensive market presence and expertise align perfectly with our vision, and we are confident that together, we can deliver unparalleled value to our customer,” King said .

“This collaboration represents a strategic step forward in expanding our footprint and providing secure and robust industrial network solutions.”

APAC chief operating officer and managing director Tony Napier said the partnership will complete Strata’s network and data suite.

“Vernetzen provides Strata and our customers a high-end network and Wi-Fi solution that is fit for purpose and designed specifically for our target underground markets,” Napier said.

“In addition, it (the partnership) enables us to meet a broad range of customer requirements from a simple Wi-Fi deployment through to a state-of-the-art network and high-speed, secure, seamless Wi-Fi coverage that supports mobile automation.

“Strata is very pleased to bring this latest technology to our global markets.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/strata-vernetzen-sign-new-agreements/

What’s the path forward for Australian nickel?

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:52:17 GMT

This week has seen Wyloo temporarily shut down the Cassini, Long and Durkin nickel mines and BHP pause part of its Kambalda processing operations considering recent nickel price slumps in Australia.

The nickel downturn has also had an effect on other nickel miners operating in Australia, notably Chalice Mining , First Quantum Minerals , IGO and Panoramic Resources .

So it begs the question: What is the best way forward for Australian nickel?

In light of BHP’s decision yesterday, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has called for the Federal Government to provide relief for the nickel sector.

“The commercial realities being faced by the nickel industry in Australia means some government intervention to incentivise downstream processing should be considered,” AMEC acting chief executive officer Neil van Drunen said.

“If we continue to see the current downturn in nickel and lithium prices, the government should consider all options to reassure the sector, including potential royalty relief.”

AMEC – which will appear at a minerals-focused roundtable with Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King on January 25 – believes tax incentives could be introduced to support Australia’s critical minerals sector.

“AMEC is proposing a production tax credit (PTC) to assist critical minerals producers, which would make Australia 10 per cent more competitive for downstream processing,” Drunen said.

“There is no better, and more important, time than now to include a PTC in the upcoming Commonwealth budget plans. Doing so would make Australia 10 per cent more competitive for downstream processing and (it would) send a strong message to the industry, investors and global markets, that Australia is not to be forgotten about.”

The PTC – inspired by a similar US Government scheme introduced through the Inflation Reduction Act – would see miners receive 10 per cent off their tax bill for the production of refined critical mineral products.

Wyloo chief executive officer Luca Giacovazzi said a 10 per cent production tax credit is one part of the puzzle, with other ways to also provide relief for the critical minerals sector.

“We need to incentivise Australian nickel production and our downstream opportunity with the introduction of a 10 per cent production tax credit, the revision of the royalties scheme and access to funding support for capital investment,” Wyloo chief executive officer Luca Giacovazzi told The Australian Financial Review .

Giacovazzi is also pushing for a ‘green nickel price premium’, which would differentiate between the Australian-produced nickel that follows strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and the ‘dirty’ nickel produced in countries such as Indonesia.

“We also need to empower consumers to understand whether their electric vehicles are truly green and hold car manufacturers accountable for buying low-carbon nickel,” Giacovazzi said.

“We need structural change in nickel pricing that distinguishes between nickel products and their ESG credentials, and to ensure that Australia’s position as a supplier of low-carbon nickel under the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act is protected.”

Pricing reform also has the support of Minister King and Andrew Forrest.

WA nickel miners such as BHP, Glencore, IGO and Wyloo will come together for the January 25 roundtable.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/whats-the-best-path-forward-for-australian-nickel/

Rio Tinto to power up Gladstone with solar

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:39:32 GMT

Rio Tinto has signed a 25-year deal to buy all power generated by the proposed 1.1 gigawatt Upper Calliope solar farm for its Gladstone alumina operations in Queensland.

The deal will see Upper Calliope become a core power source for Rio Tinto’s three Gladstone assets – the Boyne aluminium smelter, the Yarwun alumina refinery and the Queensland alumina refinery.

The plant will be built and operated by European Energy, at a site about 50 kilometres south-west of Gladstone, pending development and grid connection approvals.

Once approved and developed, Upper Calliope will have the potential to lower Rio Tinto’s operating carbon emissions by 1.8 million tonnes per year.

Rio said the agreement will bring more renewable power into one of Australia’s most important industrial hubs and marks another step towards the major miner’s climate goal of halving its global Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions this decade.

“This agreement is a first important step in our work to repower our Gladstone operations and illustrates our commitment to keeping sustainably powered industry in central Queensland,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said .

“The task remains challenging, but we have a pathway to provide the competitive, firmed power our Gladstone plants need and we are continuing to work hard with all stakeholders, including the Queensland and Australian governments, on getting there.”

Construction of the Upper Calliope plant is targeted to start in 2025–26 and will aim to provide five per cent of Queensland’s current electricity demand.

The plant will employ 1000 people during construction and support 100 direct and indirect jobs when operating.

“Competitive capacity, firming, and transmission, are critical to developing a modern energy system that can ensure more large-scale renewables development in Queensland and help guarantee the future of Australian industry,” Stausholm said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/rio-to-power-up-gladstone-with-solar/

Norwest and Buxton welcome copper breakthroughs

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:15:47 GMT

Norwest Minerals and Buxton Resources have seen “significant” growth at their respective copper prospects in Western Australia.

Buxton has discovered an extensive copper porphyry system at the Wolverine prospect part of its Copper Wolf project.

“The discovery of an outcropping porphyry copper-molybdenum system at Wolverine is a game-changer for Buxton with mineralisation present at surface, and tenure which is not subject to any joint venture agreement,” Buxton chief executive officer Marty Moloney said .

“This discovery also highlights the incredible exploration potential at Copper Wolf where previous work (in the) 1960–1990s has barely scratched the surface of what is shaping up to be a very large porphyry copper-molybdenum system.

“I’m looking forward to the next steps, including confirmatory scout drilling once permits are in place.”

Meanwhile, drilling at Norwest’s Bali copper project has uncovered significant copper oxide mineralisation along a 700m structural target.

The company drilled 11 reverse circulation (RC) holes for a total of 880m with eight of the holes targeting the V6 ‘conglomerate’ structure located near the western tenement boundary. The other three RC holes tested the smaller V3 and V10 structures.

Drilling confirmed narrow oxide copper mineralisation extends down dip from the high-grade rock chip samples collected along the V6 and V3 structures from field mapping last year.

Drilling of the highly prospective V1 and V2 structures is to be undertaken later this year following completion of earthworks.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/norwest-and-buxton-welcome-copper-breakthroughs/

Metso’s life cycle services portfolio sees growth

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:56:57 GMT

Metso secured more than 110 new life cycle services (LCS) contracts during 2023, which helped make up a portfolio of more than 500 long-term LCS agreements on a global scale.

These agreements were made with global mining companies, regional mining companies to Finland (where Metso is headquartered), quarries and aggregate contractors.

More than two thirds of the 2023 orders were booked as part of the minerals segment of the portfolio, and the remaining orders were booked under the aggregates division.

Metso said the average duration of a LCS contract is three years but can range from 12 months to multiple years.

“We secured more than 110 new LCS agreements worldwide,” Metso senior vice president of integrated service solutions Miika Tirkkonen said .

“Our concentration is always focused on how we can help customers achieve their sustainability and productivity goals and exceed their performance. This growth celebrates our customer success, as we always work to best ensure customer satisfaction.”

Metso has been a trusted supplier of LCS for over 15 years. Its LCS jobs involve taking its aftermarket portfolio and bundling them into customisable and easily manageable packages. These packages include spares and wears to advanced maintenance, remote monitoring, and other expert services.

Earlier this week, Metso locked in supply deals for two copper mines in Kazakhstan and Mongolia in Central Asia, and is set to supply key crushing equipment to blocks 1 and 2 of the Simandou iron ore mine in Guinea.

Simandou is considered the world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore deposit.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/metsos-life-cycle-services-portfolio-sees-growth/

CZR reels in $102 million iron ore deal

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:32:42 GMT

Billionaire prospector Mark Creasy’s CZR Resources is set to sell its interest in the Western Australian Robe Mesa iron ore project to Miracle Iron Resources.

The deal comes days after Miracle bought up the Paulsens East iron ore project in the Pilbara in a $20.5 million deal with Strike Resources.

CZR to receive a $102 million cash consideration for its 85 per cent interest in Robe Mesa, equal to approximately $0.43 per CZR share.

“This sale will unlock substantial value for CZR shareholders with a cash transaction in a very timely fashion,” CZR managing director Stefan Murphy said .

“The sale price reflects not only the value we have created at Robe Mesa but also the significant potential of the project, ensuring CZR shareholders get appropriate value for the project.

“The transaction will also remove CZR’s funding and development risks associated with the project while delivering CZR a very substantial cash balance.

“At the same time, we will retain our Croydon gold project, along strike from De Grey Mining’s multi-million ounce Hemi gold discovery, and the Buddadoo vanadium-titanium project in WA.”

The sale to Miracle will still need to be approved by shareholders to be completed.

Miracle is an emerging resource development company closely linked to its China-based parent company Shenzhen Naao Jianglan Investment Co. (SNIC).

SNIC itself is a subsidiary of Chinese incorporated company Xinjiang Jiangna Mining Corporation.

Xinjiang is involved in resources, power generation, investment, finance, industrial operations and the research and development of zero-carbon technologies.

Miracle Iron will provide funding to Zanthus of up to $4 million to cover project expenditure until the sale is completed.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/czr-reels-in-102-million-iron-ore-deal/

MinRes reaches autonomous road train milestone

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:18:53 GMT

Mineral Resources (MinRes) has provided Hexagon with the first custom off-road triple road train to convert into an autonomous operation, one month ahead of schedule.

To celebrate the milestone, MinRes director of technology and innovation David Geraghty and Hexagon chief synergy officer autonomous solutions Gordan Dale presented the keys to the highly customised Kenworth C509 prime mover at Hexagon’s Perth workshop.

Hexagon executive vice president core autonomy Mike Verheyn and Hexagon vice president core autonomy engineering John Buszek also travelled to Perth to honour the achievement.

“This is a significant milestone for (the) Onslow Iron (project), with autonomous trucks forming an essential part of the project’s supply chain,” Geraghty said .

“Automation brings many benefits, including enhancing road safety, increasing operational efficiencies and reducing emissions.”

MinRes and Hexagon signed an agreement in late 2021 that involved developing an autonomous road train solution for MinRes’ haulage fleet in Western Australia’s Pilbara region.

From January 2024, 10 vehicles per month will be converted over the next year to meet the requirements of the Onslow Iron project. Once deployed, MinRes will have a fleet of 120 fully autonomous road trains, as the company announced in July 2023.

“This is a complimentary partnership, with MinRes leading the way in mining services and Hexagon leading the way in autonomous technical capability,” Dale said.

“We are excited to commence installing the autonomous technology in our Perth workshop, with the aim to complete a fit out of a truck in just two-to-three days.”

The world-first technology has been designed and developed jointly by MinRes and Hexagon. Safety is at the forefront of the technology’s design, with grade separation ensuring there is no interaction between the road trains on the haul road and vehicles using public roads.

The vehicles are currently being tested with check drivers at MinRes sites in the Yilgarn region of WA.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/minres-reaches-autonomous-road-train-milestone/

GM and Komatsu collaborate on renewable truck

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:11:46 GMT

General Motors (GM) and Komatsu are set to collaborate on a new hydrogen fuel-cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric-drive mining truck.

GM, a leader in hydrogen fuel-cell technology, and Komatsu, a global manufacturer of mining and construction equipment, will jointly design and validate the technology.

Lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines.

Hydrogen provides an effective method to package large quantities of energy onboard a vehicle, without compromising payload carrying capacity.

“At GM, we believe fuel cells can play an integral role in a zero-emissions future, helping to electrify heavier-duty applications, beyond passenger vehicles,” GM global HYDROTEC executive director Charlie Freese said .

“Mining trucks are among the largest, most capable vehicles used in any industry, and we believe hydrogen fuel cells are best suited to deliver zero-emissions propulsion to these demanding applications.”

Fuel cells provide a tailpipe emissions-elimination solution for vehicles with extreme hauling requirements, like the Komatsu 930E truck, which has a nominal payload of 320 tonnes.

Such innovations are essential to Komatsu’s 50 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030, with the aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Finding new ways to power the equipment our customers need to do the vital work of mining and construction is a critical part of our commitment to supporting a more sustainable future,” Komatsu North America engineering and development vice president Dan Funcannon said.

“This is essential work that requires cross-industry collaboration, and we are excited to be working with GM on this important solution for a haulage offering without tailpipe emissions.”

GM and Komatsu intend to test the first prototype HYDROTEC-powered mining vehicle in the mid-2020s at Komatsu’s Arizona Proving Grounds research and development facility.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/gm-and-komatsu-collaborate-on-renewable-truck/

Cloncurry copper project gets the go-ahead

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 23:59:34 GMT

True North Copper (TNC) will combine the Great Australia Mine Reserve (GAM) and the Wallace North Reserve into the Cloncurry copper project, a single proposed mining operation.

The project is located in north-west Queensland and TNC has found high reserves of both copper and gold present in the area.

TNC managing director Marty Costello said it has been a six-month journey to get to this point, but the company is confident in its plan.

“We have reached a point where the TNC board can confidently commit to restart mining at our Cloncurry copper project,” he said .

“As shown in the initial GAM Reserve announcement, the fully permitted project presents an opportunity for a low capital expenditure and cash-generative opportunity.”

TNC will release an update on project economics for the expanded project on completion of the updated GAM Reserve and the maiden Wallace North Reserve in early 2024.

“We also plan to reinvest expected free cash flows into the further exploration and development of what we believe to be one of Australia’s most promising critical mineral copper projects – the Mt Oxide project,” Costello said.

Also located in north-west Queensland, the Mt Oxide project produces copper, cobalt and silver and is 100 per cent owned by TNC.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/cloncurry-copper-project-gets-the-go-ahead/

Rio Tinto Kennecott waves goodbye to diesel

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:48:59 GMT

Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper site in Utah is set to get a sustainability makeover as the major prepares to replace its entire fossil diesel consumption with renewable diesel from 2024.

The fleet of 90 haul trucks and heavy machinery will begin the diesel transition in the first quarter of 2024, and will be joined by the concentrator, smelter, and refinery.

“Transitioning Kennecott completely to renewable diesel builds on a suite of decarbonisation initiatives that have reduced carbon emissions from the operation by 65 per cent since 2019,” Rio Tinto copper chief operating officer Clayton Walker said .

“This is an important next step in our commitment to finding new and better ways to reduce operational emissions, while producing materials essential to the global energy transition.”

The transition is set to reduce Kennecott’s Scope 1 carbon emissions by approximately 495,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum.

The renewable diesel will be made from renewable biogenic materials sourced in the US and will be supplied through the existing diesel supply chain as part of a continuing partnership between Kennecott and HF Sinclair.

“As a long-time supplier of Rio Tinto and a fellow operator in the Rocky Mountain region, we are pleased to support Rio Tinto’s sustainability journey with a low-carbon fuel made at our facilities,” HF Sinclair executive vice president, commercial Steven Ledbetter said.

“This is a great step demonstrating our continued progress to meet the evolving energy needs of our customers.”

Rio’s plan is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions of 50 per cent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

“Combined with Rio Tinto’s US Borax operation – which completed the full transition of its heavy machinery from fossil diesel to renewable diesel in May 2023 – this initiative would replace 11 per cent of Rio Tinto’s global fossil diesel consumption with renewable diesel,” Rio Tinto chief decarbonisation officer Jonathon McCarthy said.

“The use of drop-in fuel such as renewable diesel will allow Rio Tinto to reduce emissions in the short term, complementing ongoing work towards the commercial readiness of longer-term technical solutions such as battery electric haul trucks.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/rio-tinto-kennecott-waves-goodbye-to-diesel/

Toward a decarbonised future

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:43:13 GMT

As 2023 draws to a close, TotalEnergies takes a look at some of its wins throughout the year, while also detailing what 2024 might have in store.

Decarbonisation has long been a primary goal for TotalEnergies, and the company has found that 2023 events set the perfect stage to help get this message across.

“IMARC (International Mining and Resources Conference) 2023 was a great opportunity for us to showcase our multi-energy portfolio and our commitment to sustainable development,” TotalEnergies vice president – lubricants, specialties and B2B, Asia-Pacific Middle East, Vincent Minard told Australian Mining.

“We participated in speaking engagements and panel discussions, where we shared our insights and best practices.”

In Minard’s speech at IMARC’s Powering Mines with Renewable Energy Sources presentation, he said TotalEnergies is well-placed to help miners meet their net-zero goals.

“We have studied the various decarbonisation roadmaps that the mining companies are developing and have noticed that they are not necessarily aligned in terms of products to be used, or the timing of when those products will be needed,” he said.

“At TotalEnergies we look at mining companies not as single entities, but as part of a local or regional eco-system, because we believe that by aligning the milestones on the roadmap we have the best chance of cost optimisation.”

TotalEnergies vice president – global mining, one B2B solutions, Dirk de Bruyn also spoke at the event.

As TotalEnergies continues to invest more in decarbonisation and mining, the company has seen its clients shift toward achieving operational excellence with low-carbon energies.

“We have a wide footprint and presence in over 130 countries, which enables us to transfer knowledge and expertise across different markets and sectors,” de Bruyn said.

“At TotalEnergies, we recognise the challenges facing the mining industry today in understanding what roadmap they can follow to meet their net-zero objectives.”

With 2025 on the horizon, TotalEnergies is looking into what the mining industry needs and how the company can best support the journey to net-zero.

“There is a lot of work being done on battery-electric vehicles, full electric vehicles, hydrogen or natural gas, and everyone is wondering which new energy will emerge as the winner in mining,” de Bruyn said.

“But we don’t believe that this a race where there will be only one winner.

“With the wide range of equipment in mining, coupled with a range of different life-of-mines and a mix of geographical locations, each with their own local policy and regulations, there is a likely to be a mix of solutions, and even this mix is likely to change as we transition through the options between now and 2050.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/toward-a-decarbonised-future/

Rio Tinto to spend $9.4 billion on Simandou

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:32:17 GMT

Rio Tinto held its 2023 investor seminar on December 6, where executives provided updates on the company’s long-term strategy to strengthen operations and continue decarbonisation.

Notably, the major miner announced its initial share of capital expenditure to build blocks 3 and 4 of the Simandou iron ore mine, alongside associated rail and port infrastructure, will cost about $US6.2 billion ($9.4 billion).

“We are continuing to work closely with the Government of Guinea, Chinalco, Baowu and WCS towards full sanction of this world-class project by all partners,” Rio Tinto executive committee lead for Guinea Bold Baatar said .

“Simandou will deliver a significant new source of high-grade iron ore that will strengthen Rio Tinto’s portfolio for the decarbonisation of the steel industry, along with trans-Guinean rail and port infrastructure that can make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.”

Alongside the major iron ore move, Rio Tinto’s market outlook highlighted how it could capitalise on commodity demands driven by decarbonisation, including its copper equivalent production being expected to increase by four per cent between 2022–35.

To meet the demand, Rio Tinto’s share of capital investment is expected to be about $10 billion per year from 2024–26, including up to $3 billion per year of growth investment.

The largest investment over the next three years is expected to be Rio’s equity share of the Simandou project once it’s approved by the company board.

The remaining investment will focus on other copper and lithium projects, some of which are currently awaiting approvals.

“We strongly believe we are well positioned in an opportunity-rich world,” Rio Tinto chief executive officer Jakob Stausholm said . “There has never been greater demand for what we do, from mining to processing, and the work we are doing today is creating a stronger Rio Tinto for years to come.”

Stausholm praised the company’s progress in achieving and sustaining mid-term annual capacity of 345–360 million tonnes from Rio’s Pilbara iron ore business, including a pre-feasibility study for the Rhodes Ridge project currently underway.

He also highlighted the production ramp up at the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, which is expected to deliver an average 500,000 tonnes of copper per year during the 2028–36 period.

“The performance at our Pilbara iron ore and Oyu Tolgoi copper operations shows our path towards becoming (the) best operator, and we are focused on driving continuous improvement across our global portfolio,” he said.

Earlier this week, Rio Tinto and Giampaolo Group signed a deal to form the Matalco recycled aluminium joint venture in Canada.

“We are making real progress in shaping our portfolio for the future, through entering new markets like recycled aluminium in North America, developments in technology and one of the most exciting exploration pipelines we’ve had for many years,” Stausholm said.

“Our purpose and long-term strategy make more sense than ever, as we ensure Rio Tinto remains a strong investment proposition. Profitable growth enables us to invest for the future while also paying attractive returns.”

Like last year , Rio Tinto remains committed to meeting its decarbonisation goal of halving its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050, and it updated its total capital guidance on decarbonisation to $5–6 billion for the period to 2030, having been about $7.5 billion previously.

“This reflects factors including the use of commercial partnerships outside of capital expenditure, such as renewable power purchase agreements and biofuel contracts, to accelerate decarbonisation, and aligning the timing of investment in the second phase of Pilbara renewable infrastructure to beyond 2030 when it will be needed to support fleet electrification,” the company said .

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/rio-tinto-to-spend-9-4-billion-on-simandou/

Australia bolstered by mineral exploration boom

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:23:55 GMT

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that Australia’s mineral exploration has hit a new high.

During the September 2023 quarter , $1.079 billion was spent on exploration in comparison to the $1.039 billion spent during the June 2023 quarter .

Nationally, total mineral exploration equalled to approximately $1.1 billion, representing a 6.1 per cent increase from the June quarter’s $1.069 billion spend.

New mineral deposits have increased by 11.6 per cent, totalling to $367.6 million from $318.3 million, and existing mineral deposits have risen by 3.8 per cent to $789.4 million from the previously recorded $751.6 million.

Gold was the mineral that recorded the largest increase, moving up by 7.7 per cent to $334.3 million from $315.2 million, whereas mineral sands recorded the biggest decrease, falling by 13.3 per cent to $17 million.

Australia’s massive mineral exploration boost had a positive impact on South Australia, where the mining sector contributed more than $6 billion to the state’s economic growth during the 2022–23 financial year.

Figures from the ABS found that the South Australian mining sector’s gross value added was up 13.9 per cent to $6.17 billion.

“The results are attributed to significant increases in mining production volumes, including copper. Copper is now considered a global necessity, essential to the electrification needed to drive the energy transition,” the South Australian Government said .

To support the necessity of copper, the South Australian Government added copper to its critical minerals list in August, and established a Copper Taskforce, fortifying South Australia’s place at the forefront of copper exploration.

“The strong mining performance was also underpinned by significant increases in output from our uranium, gold and iron ore miners,” the South Australian Government said.

Australia’s mineral exploration has also had a profound impact on other states.

The Tasmanian Government credited its exploration drilling grant initiative as an important and consistent economic stimulator for the state last week, with six mineral exploration projects seeing success in round nine.

The latest round of the Queensland Government’s collaborative exploration initiative grants also opened two weeks ago, with a particular focus on critical minerals. The state is also set to become home to Australia’s first critical minerals processing centre.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/australia-bolstered-by-mineral-exploration-boom/

Liontown takes next step in Mulwarrie project

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:16:29 GMT

Liontown Resources will move to the stage one earn-in phase of the two-stage farm-in agreement it shares with Olympio Metals that concerns the Mulwarrie lithium project.

The Mulwarrie lithium project is located 120km northwest of Kalgoorlie, in the eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia.

In April, Liontown reached an agreement with Olympio Metals to allow Liontown to farm into the Mulwarrie and Mulline lithium prospects, which are part of Olympio’s Goldfields project .

Under the agreement, Liontown needed to complete 1100 soil samples across both projects over a four-month period, as part of the agreement’s stage-one minimum commitment.

Once this stage had been reached, Liontown had the option to earn-in, committing $400,000 to exploration in both projects and earning a 51 per cent interest. Alternatively, it could withdraw from the endeavour completely.

Liontown exceeded the requirement by collecting 1201 samples from the Mulline and Mulwarrie prospects between June–October 2023.

Olympio said the Mulwarrie and Mulline prospects are considered prospective for lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite mineralisation, with lithium mineralisation identified in the region.

“We are very pleased that Liontown has decided to progress the farm-in agreement following the return of promising results from the soil sampling program,” Olympio Metals managing director Sean Delaney said .

“Olympio still retains significant exposure to any discovery success, as the company has the ability to contribute to funding and remain at 49 per cent once the stage one farm in is completed.”

Once Liontown has earned a 51 per cent interest in the Mulwarrie and Mulline prospects following the completion of the stage one, Olympio can elect to end the farm-in agreement and form a joint venture with Liontown. Liontown would become the joint venture’s manager.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/liontown-takes-next-step-in-mulwarrie-project/

Greater Duchess and Glencore scope out success

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 22:10:42 GMT

Carnaby Resources has announced its Greater Duchess copper-gold project in Mount Isa, Queensland, is on track to complete its scoping study in early 2024.

Carnaby has also commenced metallurgical test work at Glencore’s Mount Isa copper mill and concentrator.

The test work and engagement with Glencore is ongoing and aims to assess the amenability of potential ore from Greater Duchess.

Carnaby’s scoping study aims to evaluate all potential future scenarios for mine development and process route options.

It will compare a standalone development to utilising third party processing facilities in the region as a low capital expenditure start up option.

There are a number of third-party processing facilities within the region that the company said could be considered economically viable for the Greater Duchess project, which it will continue to assess.

Carnaby also said the scoping study will almost certainly flow through into a prefeasibility study in early 2024, and the company remains highly optimistic that Greater Duchess will become a significant development project in the battery metals driven copper space.

“The Greater Duchess Project is centrally located in a mining friendly jurisdiction and is surrounded by world class infrastructure including rail, road, gas pipeline and a highly experienced and mine-ready workforce with abundant contract mining and haulage operators in the Mount Isa region,” the company said.

The Mount Hope, Nil Desperandum, and Lady Fanny major discoveries are standout prospects within the project, where broad high-grade copper mineralisation has been intersected at all three locations.

The tenement package also includes the historical Duchess copper-gold mine which produced approximately 205,000 tonnes at 12.5 per cent copper from 1900–1940.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/greater-duchess-scopes-out-success/

Fortescue welcomes Federal emissions report

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:42:57 GMT

Fortescue has welcomed yesterday’s release of Australia’s latest emissions projections and congratulated the Federal Government on its national emissions trajectory.

The company highlighted how improvements to Australia’s policy architecture reduce reliance on carbon offsets and increase the incentivisation of green energy.

Fortescue said the Federal Government has taken significant steps toward matching carbon policy settings to increased climate risks.

“Australia has come a long way on climate policy in a short period of time,” Fortescue energy chief executive officer Mark Hutchinson said .

“Heading into COP28, the Government should be acknowledged for the significant work it has done to improve our national emissions trajectory.

“As climate impacts accelerate, it is imperative that policy settings are appropriately matched to risk.”

The company also acknowledged the commitment by Australia’s scientists and regulators to emissions transparency.

“Transparency remains essential to converting climate ambition into practical action,” the company said.

“We call on all countries to adopt similar reporting arrangements at COP28, and encourage industry to embrace regular, science-based reporting as a central means of accountability.”

The latest iteration of the emissions projections report foresees a 42 per cent cut in emissions by 2030, and a 53 per cent cut by 2035.

Fortescue has taken steps to stay ahead of the net-zero push with a suite of green energy projects and a ‘real-zero’ target to eliminate emissions without a reliance on carbon offsets.

The major has approved two Australian projects – the Christmas Creek green iron plant in Queensland and the Gladstone green hydrogen plant in Western Australia – as well as the Phoenix hydrogen hub in the US.

Fortescue’s announcements are hot off the heels of the launch of its positive power plan , aimed to replace fossil fuels with green energy, and its Fortescue Capital platform.

Dubbed a new green energy investment accelerator platform , Fortescue Capital aims to help the company deliver green energy projects and decarbonisation investments.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/fortescue-welcomes-federal-emissions-report/

Mackay crowned Queensland’s top resources pillar

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:32:28 GMT

The amount of mining and energy sector workers in the greater Mackay region of Queensland has increased by five per cent over the 2022–23 financial year.

The Queensland Resources Council’s ( QRC ) latest economic contribution report has revealed that the Mackay resources sector now supports around 85,000 jobs, which represents almost 80 per cent of the region’s total employment.

The greater Mackay region – which also includes Isaac and Whitsunday local government areas – is now home to the most people directly employed by the resources sector in Queensland, beating Brisbane for the top spot.

“The resources sector contributed $18.4 billion to the Mackay region last financial year, representing 91 per cent of gross regional product,” QRC chief executive officer Ian Macfarlane said .

“This demonstrates how important the industry is to the region’s economy, and likewise how important the Mackay region is to Queensland. It’s why we need to continue to attract new investment in new, greenfield resources projects to support continued growth in our sector.

“As mines reach the end of their operating life, we need new resources projects to replace them and keep that pipeline of projects, business opportunities and jobs rolling.”

QRC has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding the state’s controversial three-tiered coal royalties system that started on July 1, 2022, and is currently campaigning against the regime.

“There are mine projects literally across the border in New South Wales which are paying much lower royalty taxes than Queensland,” he said.

“That’s the reality of being an industry driven by private sector investment, the majority of which comes from overseas. Companies have choices about where to invest their capital on behalf of shareholders, who expect a return on that investment.

“Queensland needs to be globally competitive if we are to stay in the mining game.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/mackay-crowned-queenslands-top-resources-pillar/

Rio Tinto chief to join IGO board

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 06:16:39 GMT

Ivan Vella, former chief executive aluminium at Rio Tinto, will join the IGO leadership team as managing director and chief executive officer.

Vella stepped down from his position at Rio in June, but remained with the company throughout the transition process.

However, Vella’s contract with Rio was terminated on November 15. In a statement, Rio said the termination was due to the “failing to follow guidance on acceptable management of confidential information”.

IGO spoke with both Vella and Rio Tinto about the termination, and has confirmed Vella’s future role with IGO remains unchanged.

“Throughout the recruitment process, the board was highly impressed by the alignment of Ivan’s values with those of IGO, and his proven track record as a corporate leader,” IGO chair Michael Nossal said .

“Upon reviewing the full circumstances of this recent situation, the board continues to have confidence in Ivan’s character, integrity and professionalism.

“We are excited to have Ivan join us in the coming weeks and look forward to him leading IGO into its next phase of growth and transformation.”

Vella said he is looking forward to joining the team at IGO.

“I regret the events that led to my early departure from Rio Tinto but, having been passionately dedicated to Rio Tinto for over 20 years of my life, I can confirm that there was no mal-intent,” he said.

“I am now very excited to be joining the IGO team and working together to deliver the full potential of IGO’s purpose.”

Vella will take over from acting chief executive Matt Dusci, who has been leading the team since the sudden passing of managing director Peter Bradford on October 15, 2022.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/rio-tinto-chief-to-join-igo-board/

Weir partners with CEEC for sustainability

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:28:04 GMT

Weir has partnered with CEEC International (CEEC) in a bid to drive sustainable innovation and productivity improvement in mining.

Weir will also participate in CEEC’s newly launched Global Water Initiative, a collaboration to ensure responsible water use within the industry.

The Global Water Initiative is a critical step towards addressing water management and risk mitigation in mining and the wider resources sector.

The initiative, which will drive collaboration and knowledge exchange across industry experts, seeks to build a shared understanding, identify gaps, and outline necessary actions to solve water-related challenges, prioritise sustainable water practices, and support overall improvements in ESG (environmental, social and governance) performance.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with CEEC International as we innovate to help our customers provide more of the metals society needs, in more sustainable ways,” Weir minerals division president Andrew Neilson said.

“Water management is an increasingly critical issue in mining and we are excited to work with other stakeholders to drive positive change as part of the Global Water Initiative.”

CEEC executive president Janine Herzig said the initiative is vital for the industry.

“The Global Water Initiative is a vital platform to collectively address water-related challenges within the sector,” Herzig said.

“We are excited to have Weir actively participating in this initiative, which will undoubtedly drive positive transformation in water management practices.”

Source: https://www.jobsinminingaustralia.com.au/weir-partners-with-ceec-for-sustainability

Service contractors exempt from ‘same job, same pay’

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:59 GMT

AREEA has successfully campaigned the Federal Government to exclude contracting businesses delivering services from its Closing Loopholes Bill.

Under the new amendments, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) will be unable to make labour hire pay orders where businesses are providing a service to a client rather than supplying labour.

“With the Government committed to passing its ‘Closing Loopholes Bill’ into law, protecting the resources and energy sector supply chain has been the overwhelming priority for AREEA and its broad national membership,” AREEA chief executive Steve Knott said.

“The industry cannot operate without contract mining and petroleum production services, maintenance service contractors, shutdown service providers, facilities management providers and other specialist service providers – none of which are ‘loopholes’ to circumvent client enterprise agreement rates.”

Tight criteria will direct the FWC to focus only on factual matters of supervision, control, provision of equipment, statutory obligations and whether the work is of a specialist or expert nature.

“Legal review has confirmed the negotiated amendments would significantly strengthen the service contractor exemption and ensure only businesses providing labour hire to clients could be captured by future orders,” Knott said.

“These contracting arrangements are essential to the resources and energy projects that account for 15 per cent of national economic output, enabled the Federal Government to deliver its $22 billion budget surplus and, according to the ATO, pay more tax than all other sectors combined.”

The amendments come as the Bill was split earlier this month in order to pass less contentious protections.

The proposed split saw four separate bills established relating to family and domestic violence leave, post-traumatic stress disorder, silica management, and small business redundancy exemptions.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/service-contractors-exempt-from-same-job-same-pay/

Rio, Aymium partner up to reduce emissions

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:57 GMT

A new renewable biocarbon product will be developed by Rio Tinto and Aymium as an alternative resource to reduce emissions in large industrial processes.

The biocarbon product has already been successfully trialled at Rio Tinto’s metallurgical complex in Sorel-Tracy, Canada.

Rio and Aymium will now work together on options for large-scale production of a biocarbon product.

“We are delighted to work with Aymium to develop and trial this renewable biocarbon product that has real potential as an alternative, low carbon resource for our processes,” Rio Tinto minerals chief executive Sinead Kaufman said .

“We are investing to deepen our partnership, as part our commitment to finding better ways to decarbonise our operations and the supply chains we are part of.”

Aymium chief executive officer James Mennell said the partnership will help Aymium accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

“We are delighted about Rio Tinto’s follow-on investment as it will further advance our global mission to create bioproducts with enhanced performance and achieve ambitious emissions reduction targets,” Mennell said.

Rio has made an equity investment in Aymium to strengthen the partnership and support the innovations needed to meet 2030 emission reduction targets.

Source: https://www.jobsinminingaustralia.com.au/rio-aymium-partner-up-to-reduce-emissions

Lumsden Point project surges ahead

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:55 GMT

Lumsden Point in the port of Port Hedland has achieved its first construction milestone in the completion of the first stage of seawalls.

Development of the Lumsden Point project is funded in part by a $129.1 million contribution from the Western Australian Government and will provide new multi-user facilities for the area.

Facilities will include a general cargo berth and minerals export berth, along with an increase in export capacity for minerals such as lithium and copper.

“The Lumsden Point development is critical to the green transition in Western Australia and around the world,” WA Ports Minister David Michaels said .

“It will provide import pathways for renewable energy infrastructure and export pathways for critical minerals and battery metals.”

Progress on the next stage of the project, which includes creating a new access channel, swing basin and berth pockets, has already started with the second stage of seawall construction expected to be completed in March 2024.

“The development will unlock fresh opportunities for the region, cementing the Pilbara as Australia’s economic powerhouse for decades to come,” Michael said.

“It is fantastic to see the completion of the first stage of the seawalls, a crucial first step in the overall project.

“The WA Government continues to invest in infrastructure that fuels future prosperity and supports regional jobs growth.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/lumsden-point-project-surges-ahead/

Widgie Nickel drills down at 132N deposit

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:49 GMT

Widgie Nickel has provided an update on the 132N deposit resource infill drilling program.

The 132N deposit is located on mining lease M15/101, six kilometres north-west of the Widgiemooltha township and 63km south of Coolgardie in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.

The latest infill drilling at the deposit has confirmed “exceptionally high-grade assays” of up to 25.95 per cent of nickel.

Recent drilling highlights includes the 23MERCD112 hole returning 9.14m at 10.44 per cent of nickel (Ni) from 330m, including 2.61m at 18.88 per cent Ni from 335.44m.

The company said in September that 23MERCD112 was fast tracked for assay.

“These further results from drilling at 132N complete the resource drill out programs for 6 of the 12 known deposits within the Mt Edwards nickel project,” Widgie Nickel managing director and chief executive officer Steve Norregaard said .

“132N has demonstrated excellent potential with some extraordinarily high grades providing encouragement, and importantly identifying opportunities for future resource growth.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the upcoming scoping study and in turn future resource upgrades demonstrating that a continuous and sustainable standalone mining operation is possible thanks to the unique concentration of mineralisation Widgie possesses at its 100 per cent owned Mt Edwards project.”

The current 132N mineral resource estimate (MRE) currently stands at 460 kilotons at two per cent Ni for 9050 nickel tonnes.

Geological modelling for the deposit is currently underway, and the updated MRE is expected to be completed in early 2024.

Widgie Nickel recently updated the MRE for the Faraday and Trainline lithium deposits in WA.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/widgie-nickel-drills-down-at-132n-deposit/

Komatsu to acquire American Battery Solutions

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:47 GMT

Komatsu America Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of Komatsu, is set to acquire American Battery Solutions (ABS) from December 1, 2023.

ABS is a battery manufacturer based in Detroit, Michigan, developing heavy-duty and industrial battery packs for on- and off-road vehicles.

“The acquisition of ABS will enable Komatsu to develop and produce its own battery-operated construction and mining equipment, through the integration of ABS’ battery technology with Komatsu’s knowledge and network,” Komatsu said in a statement.

The first Komatsu equipment produced with ABS batteries will go to work in North and South America, with plans to expand the use of the batteries to the global supply system in future.

“Komatsu will continue to support ABS’ battery business to further develop the electrification business post-acquisition,” Komatsu said.

ABS will operate as a stand-alone business within the Komatsu group, enabling ABS to expand to mining companies and Komatsu to accelerate the development of electric vehicles .

“These efforts will help Komatsu achieve its management target of 50 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions from the use of its products by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels) as well as the company’s challenge target of achieving its carbon neutrality by 2050,” Komatsu said.

“Komatsu is working to develop and launch electric equipment to help achieve carbon neutrality, creating new value for customers with the development of new equipment, processes and technologies that will help operations step forward to the next stage for the workplace of the future and provide a more sustainable environment for the next generation.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/komatsu-to-acquire-american-battery-solutions/

CAT and Orica take on workflow optimisation

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:38 GMT

Caterpillar and Orica are teaming up to improve real-time data exchange and integrate workflows across the mining value chain.

The collaboration is aimed at providing customers with intelligence to improve decision-making and optimise their entire operations.

“Our customers are looking for every opportunity to optimise the productivity and safety of their mining and processing operations,” CAT technology and global sales support vice president Sean McGinnis said .

“By combining and leveraging the insights unlocked by Orica and Caterpillar’s technologies, we will be able to provide customers greater access and visibility to the data and information they need to make better, real-time business decisions.”

The initial focus will be on the potential integration between Orica’s Rhino, BlastIQ and FRAGTrack technologies with CAT MineStar Terrain.

The goal is to provide customers with high-fidelity rock property information and enable improvements to on-bench safety, drilling and blasting program accuracy and productivity, along with higher quality blast outcomes that generate enhanced mill performance.

“The mining industry requires greater collaboration amongst its leading technology players to build connected workflows across different domains to address the current issue of value-leakage arising from traditional and disconnected silos,” Orica digital solutions vice president Rajkumar Mathiravedu said.

“Collaborative end-to-end ecosystems are critical to harnessing the full potential of advances in sensors, data processing and intelligence to enable the development of safer, more sustainable, and productive methods of resource recovery.”

In the future, the two companies intend to extend their collaboration to optimisation of the entire value chain, from mine to mill.

Orica said the mining industry has started to unlock the potential of workflow optimisation, and the collaboration intends to take it to the next level.

“To realise the full potential across the entire value chain, technology domain leaders, customers, and academia need to increase collaboration in an open ecosystem to develop integrated, end-to-end operational workflows which link orebody intelligence, drilling and blasting, material characterisation and processing,” Orica said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/cat-and-orica-take-on-workflow-optimisation/

Alkane’s “strong” gold-copper recoveries

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:36 GMT

Alkane Resources has unveiled recoveries from the latest stage of metallurgical testwork program completed at the Northern Molong Porphyry project.

The Northern Molong Porphyry project is located near Wellington in the central west region of NSW, and its deposits extend over three kilometres from Kaiser, through Boda to Boda 2-3. Assay results were recently published from 11,000m of drilling at the Kaiser deposit.

Alkane said the metallurgical testwork completed this year compared to last year is “more substantial and provides a good basis for recovery estimation and preliminary engineering design”.

Alkane used the 2023 testwork to understand ore hardness and comminution characteristics, ore mineralogy and geochemical relationships, optimal grind size, amenability to gold and copper recovery by froth flotation, and amenability to gold cyanidation.

The overall recovery for Boda is estimated at 87.4 per cent of copper and 80.9 per cent of gold, and the overall recovery for Kaiser is about 79.6 per cent of copper and 70.7 per cent of gold.

“The metallurgical testwork program has been underway for many months with the overall goal of identifying the optimal means of processing ore from the Boda and Kaiser prospects and subsequent establishment of the most viable flowsheet,” Alkane managing director Nic Earner said .

“The results announced today clearly meet this goal, with our initial recovery expectations exceeded. The high recoveries from the Boda ore are particularly pleasing as the concentrates produced were of a saleable quality with very low impurities, which is another box ticked.”

The results from the 2023 testwork have been supplied to an engineering firm for a scoping level estimate of plant design and associated cost. Alkane is expected to publish the results in the second quarter of 2024.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/alkanes-strong-gold-copper-recoveries/

Greatland drills down at Ernest Giles

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:31 GMT

Greatland Gold has commenced drilling at the Meadows prospect within its wholly owned Ernest Giles project.

The Ernest Giles project is located about 250km north-east of Laverton in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia. Greatland described the Meadows prospect as “highly prospective” for gold.

Previous exploration completed at Ernest Giles included a program of 62,800m spaced vertical reverse circulation (RC) drillholes that focused on the Meadows prospect.

In September, Greatland was granted a land access and mineral exploration agreement from the Wakamurru Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (Registered Native Title Body Corporate) for tenement areas within the Ernest Giles project.

The agreement allowed the gold miner to resume and expedite on-ground exploration activities at the project.

“We are very pleased to be drilling the high priority Meadows gold prospect at Ernest Giles following conclusion of the Land Access Agreement,” Greatland managing director Shaun Day said .

The project’s current drilling aims to confirm gold mineralisation and anomalism intersected in previous RC drilling and provide geological and structural information to understand the setting and nature of the gold mineralisation, as well as inform a systematic RC drill program scheduled for 2024.

The first two diamond drilling holes will test interpreted mineralised zones. Both are co-funded by the WA Government’s exploration incentive scheme drilling grant for up to $220,000.

“Ernest Giles sits within an underexplored greenstone belt located north of the world-class Tropicana and Gruyere gold operations,” Day said.

“As a 100 per cent owned project, Ernest Giles represents an excellent exploration opportunity for Greatland and our shareholders.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/greatland-drills-down-at-ernest-giles/

Senate passes ‘same job, same pay’ split

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:28 GMT

The Federal Government’s Closing Loopholes Bill has been successfully split in a bid to pass uncontentious and broadly supported protections , the ABC reported .

Senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock led the charge to split the Bill into four separate bills relating to family and domestic violence leave, PTSD, silica management, and small business redundancy exemptions.

The split will still need to pass the lower house to come into effect.

Senator Lambie welcomed the outcome of the vote, expressing relief that the four elements were removed from the Bill.

“We have got the four bills through that we wanted split from the enormous monster bill of the IR which should never have been put in there in the first place,” she said.

Senator Pocock said the original bill was too big and that there is “a long way to run” before further changes could be voted on.

“[There are] 20 different schedules, four of them weren’t contentious… what we have done is split out the four things that have unanimous support,” he said.

“Yes, there is consensus forming around certain elements, but there are so many details that need to be nutted out and we have got to get them right.”

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke said the government will continue to pursue its own legislation to protect workers and lift wages.

“The government remains committed to delivering on our election promise to close the loopholes that are undermining wages,” he said.

Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting became the latest major to express concern over the proposed industrial relations reforms on Tuesday.

“If increased regulatory burdens cause new mining projects to be delayed or cancelled, Australia will be unable to satisfy the rising iron ore demand created by net zero targets,” Hancock Prospecting chief executive of group operations Gerhard Veldsman told the West Australian.

The four major elements of the Closing Loopholes Bill are:

criminalising wage theft

introducing minimum standards for workers in the gig economy

closing the forced permanent casual worker loophol

closing the labour hire loophole.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/senate-passes-same-job-same-pay-split/

New critical minerals facility for Queensland

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:26 GMT

Townsville is set to become home to Australia’s first critical minerals processing centre, the Queensland Resources Common User Facility (QRCUF).

Located at the Cleveland Bay industrial park in Townsville, the state-owned mineral processing facility aims to support the growth of the state’s emerging critical minerals sector and help create jobs in north Queensland.

Mining companies will be able to trial mineral processing techniques, demonstrate project feasibility at scale and provide the market with product samples to accelerate commercial development opportunities.

“Queensland has strong history as a mining state, and this QRCUF will ensure we have a strong mineral future as well,” Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said .

“This facility will prepare Queensland for the future of clean energy production through the critical minerals the world needs.”

Queensland minerals processing company Sedgman has been appointed the managing contractor of the facility, which will target vanadium and other rare earth elements.

Sedgman, a CIMIC Group company, will work closely with the Queensland Government to develop the detailed design and construction program for the site.

“We see the Queensland Government’s initiative to develop a critical minerals common user facility as a vital step in ensuring Queensland and Queensland companies stay at the forefront of the technology development essential to develop new resources driven industries required for our energy transition,” Sedgman managing director Grant Fraser said.

“We will now begin to engage other Queensland companies to bring this state-of-the art facility to life.”

The QRCUF aims to accelerate the development of commercial mining projects in Queensland, promote investment in advanced mineral manufacturing opportunities, and support supply chain and industry development.

The facility is intended to be operational for vanadium processing in 2025, with capacity to expand over time to encompass processing other critical minerals like cobalt and rare earth elements.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/new-critical-minerals-facility-for-queensland/

Arcadium Lithium willing to wait on WA assets

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:21 GMT

Despite the recent asset scramble in the Pilbara, the CEO of Arcadium Lithium said his company will steer clear of the fight until the dust settles on current valuations, according to reports .

Arcadium Lithium, which formed following the signing of a $US10.6 billion ($15.7 billion) definitive agreement to merge Allkem and Livent, will be headed up by Paul Graves in the near future.

While large players like MinRes, Hancock and SQM have thrown themselves into a WA lithium buying frenzy in recent months, the US-based Graves believes it is very early days in the Australian sector.

As such, he is willing to take a step back and watch where the chips fall before engaging, believing the current assets may be valued too highly. However, Graves said is willing to be “aggressive” once the company better understands the situation.

“There’s a massive disconnect today – massive – between the value someone’s ascribing to a very, very, very early stage, or technically challenging, projects in Australia with only a maiden resource (and) without full ownership,” Graves said , according to the Australian Financial Review.

“There’s a lot of value being assigned to those by various people down there in Australia and so (it’s) a little challenging to me, to be perfectly honest, to know where the Australian M&A (mergers and acquisitions) market plays out.”

While it may initially seem strange that a new lithium miner does not want to make big moves, Graves’ strategy could pay off if the lithium assets up for grabs don’t make as much profit as first thought.

MinRes snapped up a 19.8 per cent stake in up-and-coming Wildcat Resources last week, along with raising its stake in Azure Minerals to 12.3 per cent – right as it is set to be acquired by SQM for $1.63 billion.

A leading player in the lithium frenzy is Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting, which acquired an 18 per cent strategic stake in Azure Minerals’ ordinary shares last week.

The Azure move came on the heels of Hancock acquiring 19.9 per cent of Liontown Resources, which is said to be was part of the reason Albemarle walked away from its $6.6 billion takeover of Liontown, although Albemarle cited the downward trend in lithium prices as the main reason for its withdrawal.

As a result, Albemarle is scaling down production at the Greenbushes mine in WA and has said it is finished participating in the WA lithium frenzy.

It remains to be seen if Arcadium Lithium will pick up where Albemarle left off.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/merged-lithium-giant-speaks-on-wa-lithium-frenzy/

New name, same mission

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:18 GMT

The Western Australian Government has announced the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety will be renamed the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) on December 1 2023.

Approved by Energy Minister Bill Johnston, the name change is being implemented in order to better reflect the importance of Western Australia’s energy portfolio and the critical role it will play in the WA Government’s decarbonisation ambitions.

The renaming does not affect DEMIRS’ other regulatory functions, with the Government emphasising it will continue to support a safe, fair and responsible community, industry, energy and resources sector.

“The new Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety identity better reflects the Cook Government’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future,” WA Mines and Petroleum, Energy and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston said.

“The Cook Government is fully committed to Western Australia’s rapid energy transition, having committed $2.8 billion in the recent state budget for renewable energy projects.”

Energy Policy WA continues to lead the state’s energy transformation by delivering expert advice and initiatives to support the interests of WA’s energy consumers.

Energy Policy WA was fully integrated into the department on 1 July 2022.

“Energy Policy WA continues to modernise WA’s energy sector in support of our commitment to net zero by 2050,” Johnston said.

“We will continue to work with industry and the community to ensure Western Australians can access secure, reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy services.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/new-name-same-mission/

Liebherr debuts R 930 Tunnel excavator

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:14 GMT

Liebherr has expanded its tunnel excavator range by introducing the new R 930 Tunnel crawler excavator globally.

The R 930 Tunnel is an excavator that was specifically designed by Liebherr -France SAS in Colmar for underground construction sites, and it will replace the R 924 Compact Tunnel.

“The R 930 Tunnel has been designed to meet as fully as possible the demands of underground construction sites, which often present tight spaces with difficult access,” Liebherr said .

The R 930 Tunnel’s attachment is available in two lengths and features a bearing that can swivel to 2 x 45° (degree) angles, allowing the excavation profile to be followed.

Its LED headlights will help operations reduce collision risks with construction site personnel and walls, and its cylinders and hoses have been positioned for maximum protection from potential impacts, in turn limiting damage to them.

“The new R 930 Tunnel crawler excavator can be equipped with the Liebherr quick coupling system, which allows tools to be changed easily and quickly,” Liebherr said .

The R 930 Tunnel can also be equipped with a cutter or hammer to cover a broad area of applications for underground construction sites.

Its also equipped with a grading blade that can help create a flat ground surface so the machine can be stabilised on uneven ground, which protects the undercarriage and crawler drives against rubble impact.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/liebherr-debuts-r-930-tunnel-excavator/

BHP lifts sails on SABR

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:09 GMT

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s (BMA) Hay Point team celebrated the much-anticipated completion of the Shiploader and Berth Replacement Project, nicknamed SABR.

The celebration included tours of the upgraded terminal, a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Yuwi elder Uncle Philip Kemp and a meet-and-greet dinner with project partners and local dignitaries at the Hay Point Hotel Motel.

In operation since 1971, the Hay Point coal terminal has undergone multiple expansion projects over its lifespan.

BMA said the replacement works, requiring 15,000 tonnes of steel, will reinforce Hay Point’s ability to deliver coal to customers into the future.

“The completion of the SABR project will improve the terminal’s cyclone immunity and ensure its long-term sustainability,” BMA head of asset projects Gaia Antoniucci said .

“I’m so proud of all of the teams who worked tirelessly day-in, day-out both on-site during construction, as well as behind the scenes, and of the fantastic integration between the various parts of the different organisations to ensure the project ran without any major issues, and with the utmost focus on safety and the best outcomes for project delivery.”

Over three years, SABR absorbed more than 250,000 work hours during construction, and supported almost 700 BMA and contractor personnel working over the life of the project to carry out the transformation.

“The terminal is a very busy place, which is constantly working for our customers. It needs to be at its best to ensure BMA remain the world’s largest exporter of seaborne metallurgical coal,” Hay Point general manager Linda Murry said.

“This has not just been an investment for BMA, but for central Queensland more broadly. Hay Point’s increased capacity will drive economic growth throughout the region well beyond this port.

“We’re hugely proud of our ongoing contribution to central Queensland.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-lifts-sails-on-sabr/

Greatland, Rio Tinto drill down at Paterson

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 22:27:07 GMT

Greatland Gold has completed its maiden drilling campaign at the Paterson South project in WA.

The project is a farm-in and joint venture arrangement with Rio Tinto, which was announced on May 30.

“We are pleased by the results from our maiden drilling program at Budjidowns, within the Paterson South Project, where two high priority targets were successfully tested,” Greatland managing director Shaun Day said .

“The program has identified the presence of anomalous gold and copper as well as pathfinder elements which is encouraging and informative.”

Highlights from the drilling included finding peak gold assays from 305m and 435m, assay results showing moderately anomalous gold and copper in various narrow intervals and effective testing of the magnetic source of the Stingray and Decka targets.

The drilling has achieved the minimum commitment for the earn in by completing 2000m of drilling and $1.1 million of expenditure.

“The rapid commencement of drilling following execution of the joint venture with Rio Tinto Exploration is testament to Greatland’s commitment and ability to efficiently and safely explore the Paterson region, which we will continue across our expanded Paterson Province exploration portfolio,” Day said.

“Completion of this program successfully achieved the minimum commitment of our Rio Tinto Exploration farm-in and joint venture agreement more than a year ahead of the 31 December 2024 deadline.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/greatland-rio-tinto-drill-down-at-paterson/

QMines drilling at Artillery Road hits large sulphide body

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:52 GMT

QMines (ASX: QML) is making fast progress with its Artillery Road copper discovery in Queensland.

It announced the discovery of three large copper gossans in early July, then 10 days later had nailed down an access agreement with the landowner.

Now, less than three months since the initial discovery, QMines reports that its drilling at Artillery Road has identified a broad zone of semi-massive sulphides.

Artillery Road is part of the company’s Mt Chalmers flagship project, located 17km northeast of Rockhampton

All 13 holes intersected body

All 13 drill holes, for 2,373 metres, have intersected the large sulphide bearing zone, which is up to 25m wide, 700m long and 250m deep.

Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth with mapping indicating this mineralisation extends 1.40km in length and is 0.45km wide.

“Copper and zinc sulphide content appear to be increasing towards the northwest,” the company says.

Potential to be ‘company defining’

Managing Director Andrew Sparke said that once QMines has received the drilling results from this Phase 1 program, further drilling will target strike extensions, particularly to the northwest where copper sulphide is improving.

There is also a large magnetic anomaly to the east.

“The Artillery Road discovery has the potential to become a company defining deposit,” said Mr Sparke

He has previously noted that the Artillery Road prospect, on which the anomalies were identified, has geological similarities with the Mt Chalmers copper and gold project.

Artillery Road is the first of many greenfield exploration targets at Mt Chalmers to be explored.

Drilling now moves to strongest target

Drilling at another electromagnetic target, VT04, is scheduled to begin soon.

VT04 is the largest and strongest of the 34 electromagnetic targets and the company states that results from VT04 are “eagerly awaited”.

Meanwhile, to improve the company’s understanding of the system, and to assist with targeting, a broad suite of elements is being tested at the laboratory.

Petrological analysis is also underway.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/qmines-drilling-artillery-road-hits-large-sulphide-body

Australian Rare Earths unveils 84% jump in Koppamurra REE resource

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:47 GMT

Australian Rare Earths (ASX: AR3) has unveiled a dramatic 84% increase in the mineral resource estimate and a new exploration target of up to 3.1 billion tonnes at its Koppamurra rare earth element project in South Australia.

Notably, the new Koppamurra assessment has been confirmed to contain a significant percentage of the high-value heavy rare earths content which is favoured for use in electric vehicles.

Koppamurra’s total mineral resource estimate now stands at 186 million tonnes of with an average total rare earth oxides (TREO) grade of 712 parts per million (ppm). This includes 99 million tonnes in the measured and indicated categories.

3.1 billion tonnes exploration target

Australian Rare Earths’ studies have also created a major increase to the Koppamurra exploration target which now ranges from 340 million to 3.1 billion tonnes, at average grades of 510 parts per million to 780 parts per million total rare earth oxides.

Chief executive Travis Beinke said this is more than double the upper range tonnage of the previous exploration target.

“With each drilling campaign we have progressively built our confidence in our ability to demonstrate the establishment of a world-scale ionic clay-hosted rare earths province in the heart of a tier-one location,” Mr Beinke said.

“These outstanding results represent a substantial increase to the resource and confirms Koppamurra as a new world-scale ionic clay-hosted rare earths province. In addition, significant upside remains with an updated exploration target range of 340 million tonnes to 3.1 billion tonnes and the resource remaining open to the north and south.”

Mr Beinke said the company is gaining an improved understanding of the geology and rare earth mineralisation processes at Koppamurra.

“We remain confident in the consistency of the mineralisation across the project area and are eager to return to drilling next month to drill test areas with no historical drilling.”

“We intend to continue creating value for shareholders by growing and upgrading the inventory while advancing our metallurgical testwork and other development studies in parallel.”

Unique development opportunity

Mr Beinke said Koppamurra’s location in a tier-1 jurisdiction and the fact that it contains both light and the strategically important heavy rare earths provide a unique development opportunity.

Australian Rare Earths has also demonstrated that progressive and timely rehabilitation can be achieved through its trial mining pit.

“All of these factors distinguish Koppamurra as a unique opportunity to establish a new sustainable source of critical heavy rare earths for a clean energy future.”

Mineral resource estimate

The updated mineral resource estimate incorporates results from a drilling program conducted between February and June 2023.

Overall, the program added 16,394m (1,317 holes) to the existing 39,585m (3,966 holes) drilled for the previous mineral resource estimate announced in April 2023.

The updated resource continues to expand with an increase of 56% to the indicated and a 132% increase to the inferred resource inventories.

Notably, Koppamurra remains open to the north and south.

Exploration target lifted by road verge drilling

A comprehensive program of road verge drilling has played a role in helping to build the exploration target at Koppamurra.

To date the extensive road verge drilling program has focused on testing the eastern extent of mineralisation within the company’s Victorian permits EL’s 7254 and 7719.

A similar road verge program is planned in the fourth quarter within the company’s South Australian exploration licences 6509 and 6613 to test the area north of the main resource and south of the currently defined exploration target where very limited drilling has been undertaken.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/australian-rare-earth-unveils-jump-koppamurra-ree-project-resource

Monadelphous secures major contracts

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:45 GMT

Engineering company Monadelphous has secured new construction and maintenance contracts and extensions totalling approximately $170 million.

These contracts include work for major miners Fortescue, Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as Lynas Rare Earths and Santos.

Lynas has awarded Monadelphous a construction contract for its Mount Weld expansion project in the Goldfields region of WA, with the scope including structural, mechanical and piping works.

Monadelphous will also be at work in the Pilbara region, with BHP extending its master services agreement for general maintenance services at its iron ore operations through to June 30 2025.

BHP has also given Monadelphous a one-year extension to its mechanical and electrical maintenance, shutdown and project services contract at its nickel west operations.

Staying within the Pilbara, Rio Tinto has given Monadelphous a one-year extension to sustaining capital works master services agreement across its iron ore operations.

Fortescue’s Anderson Point iron ore stockyard in Port Hedland, WA, will benefit from Monadelphous’ work with a new multidisciplinary construction contract for upgrades.

Monadelphous will then go to work in Papua New Guinea, with Santos awarding it a three-year services contract to continue providing sustaining capital projects and maintenance support in the Southern Highlands region.

These contracts build on the $200 million contract for construction work that Monadelphous received from Albemarle in June .

“We are very pleased to have Monadelphous back onboard for the construction of processing trains 3 and 4,” Albemarle vice president, capital projects Australia Josh Rowan said at the time. “Their ability to deliver the works safely and at schedule is critical to the project’s success.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/monadelphous-secures-major-contracts/

Safe, secure September for Yancoal

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:39 GMT

A total recordable injury frequency rate below industry average and an improved output were among the highlights from Yancoal’s September quarter.

White the quarter started off rocky for the coal miner, improved coal market conditions by the end of September saw Yancoal finish strong , with a $324 million increase in cash holding.

“Output from our mines continued to improve as we deliver on our recovery initiatives across our operations,” Yancoal chief executive officer David Moult said .

“The trend of increased output each quarter this year is a direct result of the dedication of our people across all our sites.

“We aim to extend the positive trend into the fourth quarter, as our recovery initiatives progress towards completion.”

Attributable coal production increased nine per cent on the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, with Q3 bringing an average realised coal price of $197 per tonne average.

“Thermal coal markets appear balanced,” Moult said. “Restocking ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter by power generators, domestic supply disruptions in China, increased demand from India due to lower hydro generation and some buyers reducing Russian coal imports, all appeared to bolster market sentiment through the period.”

Yancoal also ended the quarter debt free with a September 30 cash balance of $920 million, and its total recordable injury frequency rate was 5.1, below industry average.

“A continuing strong revenue profile is likely to result in ongoing corporate tax payments and franking credit accumulation,” Moult said.

“Yancoal remains focused on bolstering production and reducing cash operating costs to drive continued cash generation in all coal market conditions – as we always have.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/safe-secure-september-for-yancoal/

$155 million to boost Northern Territory’s skills

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:36 GMT

The newly introduced National Skills Agreement (NSA) will provide up to $155 million to the Northern Territory’s skills and training sector over a five-year period beginning from January 2024.

Introduced last week to unlock billions of dollars to build Australia’s skills and prosperity, the NSA includes a range of reforms that look to further develop the NT’s regional and remote communities and the workforce the state needs.

The NSA will coincide with the NT’s ongoing reforms in skilled migration. It will also assist in addressing workforce shortages long term by providing local training opportunities.

“Through my Government’s work at National Cabinet and skills sector, we have advocated for this $155 million skills deal which will help boost our skilled opportunities and will help meet our workforce shortfall in critical sectors,” Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said .

“We know how important it is for Territory students to have access to learning and training opportunities and courses, as well as businesses having access to home grown skilled workers.”

The $155 million commitment is about $80 million more than the current National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development payments.

NT Minister for Business, Jobs and Training Paul Kirby said the Northern Territory needs to train people for future jobs so it can capitalise on projects that continue to bolster its economy.

“In the NT, 92 per cent of VET graduates … were employed and/or continued on to further study after completing their training – well above the national average and the highest result in Australia,” he said .

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/155-million-to-boost-northern-territorys-skills/

Albemarle picks new CFO

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:32 GMT

Neal Sheorey will join Albemarle as its executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) from November 6.

Albemarle’s current executive vice president and CFO Scott Tozier will become a strategic advisor to the chief executive officer once Sheorey joins the company.

Albemarle chief executive officer Kent Masters thanked Tozier for his work.

“Scott’s steady leadership, strategic market knowledge and extensive financial acumen have driven Albemarle’s growth strategy for more than a decade,” Masters said .

“Most importantly, Scott’s enduring commitment to our core values and his unwavering belief in Albemarle’s mission and vision are distinguishing characteristics that will continue to serve the company in this new advisory role.”

Sheorey has been in corporate leadership rolls at global materials science company Dow for over two decades, most recently serving as vice president of the coatings and performance monomers business unit.

Prior to this role, Sheorey was the vice president of investor relations, the senior director of corporate development and the global finance director for the chemicals business group.

“Neal’s management and financial experience, coupled with his experience in global and capital-intensive environments, will be valuable additions to our leadership team,” Masters said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/albemarle-picks-new-cfo/

Greener pastures at Mount Arthur

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:26 GMT

BHP has said its Mount Arthur coal mine in the Hunter region of New South Wales could eventually be converted into a hydroelectricity hub.

A proposed hydropower clean energy precinct was one of several options submitted to the NSW Government as part of BHP’s formal closure planning documents.

According to BHP, there is a desire amongst locals for rehabilitation that would continue to generate economic activity after the closure of the mine.

“A significant portion of feedback received from consultation undertaken for the modification focused on a preference for beneficial alternate mine land re-uses for the site, namely uses that generate continued significant economic activity,” BHP said in the closure documents, as reported by the Australian Financial Review .

“Ideally, ongoing uses that generate continued economic activity and diversification outcomes.”

BHP’s plan includes an application for an extension to the mine’s life from 2026 to 2030, which the company said will generate more than $1 billion in value for the state.

The extension would technically be an early closure for Mount Arthur, as BHP previously planned to continue operations until 2045.

“Mt Arthur coal post closure could lend itself to potential renewable energy projects including pumped hydro energy storage stations and solar generation,” BHP said in the documents.

The company is also exploring rehabilitation options that increase tourism in the area, such as adventure sports like mountain biking.

BHP emphasised it is not making a bid with the NSW Government to implement any one of its proposals and will continue to work with the local community on post-closure plans.

Mount Arthur’s default rehabilitation plan would see the site converted to pastures and woodlands, but BHP aims to leave a legacy of economic prosperity in the region.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhps-green-plans-for-mount-arthur/

Tietto Minerals receives off-market takeover proposal from Zhaojin Capital

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:20 GMT

West Africa’s newest gold producer Tietto Minerals (ASX: TIE) has received a conditional and non-binding off-market takeover offer from Zhaojin Capital, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zhaojin Mining Industry Company.

Zhaojin proposes to acquire all of the shares in Tietto that it does not already own for a cash consideration of $0.58 per share.

The group is currently Tietto’s second largest shareholder, with a 7.02% holding.

The offer is conditional upon a 50.1% minimum acceptance from Tietto shareholders.

It will require approval from Chinese regulators as well as the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy of Côte d’Ivoire, where Tietto’s T flagship Abujar gold operation is located.

A successful takeover by Zhaojin would result in a delisting of Tietto from the Australian Stock Exchange.

No certainty

Tietto said there was no certainty that Zhaojin’s indicative offer would convert to a binding proposal that its board would be willing to recommend to shareholders.

The company has appointed Barrenjoey and Corrs Chambers Westgarth as financial and legal advisers to help with the process.

The board is expected to consider the proposal and provide Tietto shareholders with advice in due course.

Tietto confirmed its shareholders do not need to take any action at this stage.

Special purpose vehicle

Zhaojin Capital is a special purpose vehicle incorporated in Hong Kong by Zhaojin Mining Industry for the purposes of the Tietto offer.

Zhaojin Mining Industry was incorporated in 2006 in the People’s Republic of China and is an integrated gold corporation with exploration, mining, processing and smelting operations.

It has a track record of investing in the gold mining industry, with principal products including standard Au9999 and Au9995 gold bullion.

The majority shareholder of Zhaojin Mining Industry is Zhaojin Group, which is a Chinese mining and industrial chain company founded in 1974.

Approximately 90% of its shareholding is held by the Zhaoyuan Municipal Government of Shandong Province.

In the event the takeover is approved, Zhaojin Mining Industry said it would support and accelerate the growth of Tietto and the Abujar gold mine.

Gold production

Tietto reported 33,750 ounces of gold production from Abujar for the three months to end September, following a June tally of 15,592 oz.

While production ramped up in July and August, it dipped to 10,962 oz gold in September, which was lower than forecast as heavy rains impacted scheduled mining volumes, reduced total mill feed and prevented Tietto from establishing stockpiles.

Mining rates are expected to increase progressively in the current quarter once the dry season starts and the company employs additional excavators and mobile equipment.

Processing performance improved during the period as Tietto began feeding through fresh rock from Abujar, while grade also improved as depleted oxide material was sent through the mill.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/tietto-minerals-receives-off-market-takeover-proposal-zhaojin-capital/

Hammer Metals hits copper and rare earth zones in drilling at Hardway target

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:49:05 GMT

Follow-up reverse circulation drilling at the Hardway target in northwest Queensland has delivered broad and shallow intercepts of copper and rare earth mineralisation for owner Hammer Metals (ASX: HMX) .

Eight holes for 952 metres intersected consistent zones of copper oxide mineralisation, confirming historical intersections and increasing confidence in the nature of the deposit.

Best results were 47m at 1% copper from 14m including 21m at 1.21% from 25m; 43m at 0.9% copper from 16m within 88m at 0.62% from surface including 5m at 2.78% and 0.1 grams per tonne gold from 31m; 52m at 0.71% copper from 78m including 3m at 3.9% and 0.12g/t gold from 114m; 35m at 0.84% copper from 46m within 65m at 0.59% from 20m; and 19m at 1.02% copper from 56m within 77m at 0.42% from surface.

Previous drilling at Hardway in February and May also intercepted broad zones of shallow copper and rare earths with best results of 57m at 1.0% copper from surface including 10m at 2.87% copper, 0.11g/t gold and 0.09% total rare earth and yttrium oxides (TREYO) from 25m; 24m at 1.06% copper and 0.20% TREYO from 14m within 58m at 0.55% copper from surface to end of hole; and 13m at 1.20% copper from 35m within 38m at 0.66% copper from 13m.

Encouraging zones

The wide zones of alteration and oxide copper mineralisation have been reported as “extremely encouraging”.

The data now being analysed to target deeper sulphide zones and establish a sulphide source.

The depth of weathering encountered so far is thought to relate to acid-related oxidation caused by the breakdown of sulphides.

A diamond drilling program is being considered to aid the structural interpretation and to explore for a higher-grade sulphide system at depth.

Hardway potential

Managing director Daniel Thomas said the results have further elevated the potential of the Hardway discovery in Hammer’s portfolio.

“Our follow-up drilling has delivered consistent intercepts and confirmed Hardway as a shallow copper oxide prospect extending over a strike length of more than 600m, with broad zones of strong copper mineralisation encountered from surface,” he said.

“The extent of the mineralisation and observed alteration is unlike many of our recently drilled prospects in the Mount Isa region and indicates a possible significant mineralisation event… based on the results to date, the potential to define an initial mineral resource at Hardway will be examined.”

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/hammer-metals-hits-copper-rare-earth-zones-drilling-hardway-target/

St Barbara set up for growth

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:48:46 GMT

St Barbara has released its 2024 financial year (FY24) outlook report and updates on its Atlantic and Simberi operations.

St Barbara has a range of strategic focuses for its Atlantic and Simberi operations, with an emphasis on exploration and expansion.

Capital investment of $8 million has so far been committed to the company’s Atlantic growth strategy, with a further $13-15 million expected to be invested by the end of FY24.

The investment will largely be used for the standalone 15-Mile project in Nova Scotia, which the company completed a pre-feasibility study on earlier in October.

St Barbara also aims to provide an update on the Beaver Dam mineral resource and ore reserve in FY24, and drill testing of extensions of mineralisation at Cochrane Hill will be carried out in Q3 and Q4 so that project surface infrastructure design work can be advanced.

Capital investment in the Simberi growth strategy is anticipated to be between $10 and $13 million in FY24.

The funds will be used to undertake a resource definition drilling campaign, engineering studies on flow sheet optimisation, process plant design efficiency, mine fleet selection, and pit wall angle steepening.

The company also announced the finalisation of working capital adjustments related to the transfer of the company’s Leonora assets in Western Australia to Genesis Minerals.

At the end of Q1 September FY24, the company held a cash balance of $236 million, with outstanding payables for taxes and transaction related costs having been paid.

The cash balance includes $47 million of restricted cash for the company’s Canadian Touquoy mine reclamation bond.

Cash balances, including those in restricted accounts for the Touquoy reclamation bonds, are predominantly deposited in Australian and Canadian denominated interest earning accounts.

Interest income is anticipated to be in the range of $3 to $5 million for FY24.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/st-barbara-set-up-for-growth/

Kathleen Valley hits halfway mark

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:48:42 GMT

Liontown’s Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA is over 50 per cent complete, with first production expected in mid-2024.

The final major mining and construction contracts for the project were awarded during the September quarter, de-risking the pathway to first production.

Kathleen Valley is fully funded to production and beyond, with debt funding of $760 million secured.

Liontown announced these milestones in its September quarterly report, with managing director Tony Ottaviano saying the quarter was busy but productive.

“To the credit of the entire Liontown team, Kathleen Valley remains on schedule with all major mining and construction contracts now awarded and more than 90 percent of capital costs committed, ensuring we have a clear line of sight through to first production in mid-2024,” he said .

“On the operational readiness front, we are rapidly filling operational and corporate roles and onboarding these new employees, as well as establishing the systems and processes required to function as a modern, efficient mining company that holds safety as a core value.”

Other highlights from the quarter included no lost-time injuries recorded, 47 new employees hired and a cash balance of $285 million as of September 30.

“Subsequent to quarter-end, the finishing touches were put on a funding package several months in the making that sees Liontown funded through to first production and beyond. The debt and equity package was sized to ensure we have a prudent buffer as we enter the commissioning phase,” Ottaviano said.

Liontown has had a rocky start to the fourth quarter of 2023, with Albemarle withdrawing its $6.6 billion takeover bid in October.

As of October 31, the lithium miner is still up for grabs.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/kathleen-valley-hits-halfway-mark/

BHP’s Jansen bolstered by $4.9b investment

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:48:38 GMT

BHP has approved an investment of $US4.9 billion ($7.7 billion) for the second stage of its Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada.

BHP chief executive officer Mike Henry said the investment was an important step in the project.

“This (investment) underscores our confidence in potash and marks the next phase of the company’s growth in Canada,” Henry said .

“We believe Jansen will deliver long-term value for shareholders and the local community, and will position BHP as one of the leaders in the global potash industry.”

Potash, which includes various mined salts such as potassium, is primarily used in fertilisers to support growth.

“Potash will be essential for food security and more sustainable farming,” Henry said.

“The stage two investment advances BHP’s strategy to increase its exposure to commodities positively leveraged to the global megatrends of population growth, urbanisation, rising living standards and decarbonisation.”

Jansen stage one is sitting at 32 per cent complete, with production expected to be delivered in late 2026. Construction at stage two is expected to take six years and deliver production in 2029.

According to BHP, Jansen has the potential for two additional expansions to reach an ultimate production capacity of 16–17 million tonnes per annum.

“The additional investment will transform Jansen into one of the world’s largest potash mines, doubling production capacity to approximately 8.5 million tonnes per annum,” Henry said.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhps-jansen-bolstered-by-4-9b-investment/

Wabtec and Roy Hill unveil the first FLXdrive battery locomotive

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:48:35 GMT

Wabtec Corporation and Hancock Prospecting subsidiary Roy Hill have celebrated the debut of the FLXdrive battery locomotive at a ceremony held at Wabtec’s design and development centre in Pennsylvania, US.

The FLXdrive battery locomotive is the world’s first 100 per cent battery-powered, heavy-haul locomotive for a mainline service. It has a pink design to symbolise Roy Hill’s commitment to assisting in breast cancer research and those suffering from the illness.

“This FLXdrive locomotive represents a major step in the journey to a low-to-zero-emission future in the rail industry,” Wabtec president and chief executive officer (CEO) Rafael Santana said.

“The FLXdrive is driven from within by our battery technology and the innovative spirit of our employees. Roy Hill is an ideal customer to partner with given their leadership and excellent operational record.”

The locomotive will feature an energy capacity of seven megawatt hours and is expected to provide a double-digit percentage reduction in fuel costs and emissions per train based on Roy Hill’s route and rail operations.

Once Wabtec completes the final battery installations and track testing, the locomotive will begin its 17,000km journey in 2024 for delivery to its new home in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

“The foresight of our executive chairman Gina Rinehart has been instrumental in establishing an environment in which we can successfully leverage the ingenuity of our people alongside key partners like Wabtec to transform our rail and mining operations through next-generation technologies,” Hancock Prospecting group operations CEO Gerhard Veldsman said.

“The FLXdrive locomotive represents not only a first for the Pilbara, but a first for the mining industry. The technological smarts that have gone into the development of the loco makes it well suited for our rail network.

“By using regenerative braking, it will charge its battery on the 344km downhill run from our mine to port facility and use that stored energy to return to the mine, starting the cycle all over again. This will not only enable us to realise energy efficiencies but also lower operating costs.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/wabtec-and-roy-hill-unveil-the-first-flxdrive-battery-locomotive/

Kalamazoo Resources drills Ashburton gold project, targets Mt Piper next

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:48:32 GMT

Drilling the Ashburton gold project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region has been a priority for Kalamazoo Resources (ASX: KZR) during the three month period to end September.

The company started an 1100 metre drilling program in August to test for shallow oxide gold mineralisation at the Styx and Charon prospects.

At Styx, two fences of drill holes were designed to test for mineralisation associated with the shallow extents of a gently dipping 30m-thick coarse sandstone unit.

The unit showed well-developed pyrite mineralisation in outcrop associated with subvertical faulting.

At Charon, four drill holes in two 80m-spaced fences were designed to test the steeply-dipping and deeply-weathered Charon Fault which hosts a 500m-long gold in soil anomaly.

Drilling tested the anomalous fault and thick prospective coarse conglomerate and sandstone units in the footwall.

Charon has not been subject to any previous drill testing.

The Ashburton project is located approximately 6 kilometres south-east of Kalamazoo’s Mt Olympus deposit which has a gold resource of 12.2 million tonnes at 2.7 grams per tonne for 1.07 million ounces.

In February, Kalamazoo announced an updated mineral resource estimate for the project of 16.2 million tonnes grading 2.8 grams per tonne gold for 1.44 million ounces.

Survey results

Kalamazoo has received modelling and interpretation results for a recent gradient array induced polarisation (IP) and follow-up pole-dipole IP surveys at the Mt Olympus and West Olympus prospects, close to Ashburton.

The data identified five significant chargeability anomalies including four at the footprint of the Mt Olympus deposit which correlate with gold mineralisation in rock chip samples at the surface.

Mt Piper

In October, Kalamazoo commenced a 500m diamond drilling program at the Goldie North prospect , that makes up the Mt Piper gold project in central Victoria.

The initiative follows a successful soil sampling program which identified gold anomalies, with a particular anomaly aligning with high-grade rock chip samples from previous mine waste rocks.

The Mt Piper project is located adjacent to Agnico Eagle Mine’s large exploration land tenure and 30km from its world-class Fosterville gold mine in Central Victoria.

DOM’s Hill drilling

During the quarter, a 6100m aircore program kicked off at the DOM’s Hill lithium project which is highly prospective for LCT (lithium-caesium-tantalum) pegmatite dykes.

Kalamazoo also completed the requisite government permitting and cultural heritage surveys to drill two high-priority areas targeting favourable major structures and anomalous soil geochemistry.

The company will collect samples from the underlying regolith which is covered by a thin veneer of transported cover.

The samples will be submitted for multi-element assay analysis to test for geochemical anomalism indicative of LCT pegmatites.

Positive regolith geochemistry anomalism will be the subject of follow-up drill testing of the underlying basement.

Results from the program are expected before year end.

DOM’s Hill sits in a similar geological setting as nearby pegmatite-hosted lithium deposits at Pilgangoora (owned by Pilbara Minerals, ASX: PLS ) and Wodgina (owned by Albemarle Corporation and Mineral Resources, ASX: MIN ).

The project covers a significant strike extent of the Archaean granite-greenstone contact known as the “Goldilocks Zone”.

Spin-out company

Kalamazoo entered into an agreement with Karora Resources to vend its non-gold exploration projects and mineral rights into a spin-out critical minerals company known as Kali Metals .

The proposed transaction will see Kali list on the Australian Stock Exchange following a $12 million initial public offering.

At listing, its portfolio will comprise Kalamazoo’s Marble Bar, DOM’s Hill and Pear Creek lithium projects in Western Australia; the Jingellic and Tallangatta lithium projects in New South Wales; and lithium mineral rights granted across a significant portion of Karora’s Higginsville gold tenement package in WA.

During the quarter, Kali’s prospectus, independent technical report and supporting documentation were being finalised.

Bell Potter Securities and Canaccord Genuity were appointed joint lead managers for the IPO.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/kalamazoo-resources-drills-ashburton-gold-project-targets-mt-piper-next/

Bundwall stops dump truck crashing into site office

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:27:50 GMT

A haul truck lost control on a Queensland coal mine when the driver failed to negotiate a bend. The truck mounted the high-risk bund (road barrier) and rolled back onto the road, narrowly avoiding a crash with a nearby structure.

The bunding was installed to protect a crib hut (mobile site office) that was positioned adjacent to the haul road.

After rolling, the truck landed just 68m from the structure. Fortunately, the vehicle operator escaped the crash with only a laceration and minor bruising.

The Regulator found that watering of the haul road did not contribute to the incident.

The near miss demonstrates the importance of having up-to-code barriers in surface mining operations.

Regulations can vary, but in Queensland bunds are required where a roadside drop is greater than 0.5m .

Trapezoidal barriers are required to have a minimum equal height to 50 per cent of the tyre diameter of the largest vehicle regularly using the road.

Triangular barriers must at minimum be equal in height to 66 per cent of the same parameters.

The incident occurred around 5:30am. It is not known whether fatigue played a factor , but the Regulator emphasised the important of fatigue management plans.

The investigation is ongoing.

Regulator taking action

This comes just days after another incident on a Queensland coal mine, where two trucks slid uncontrolled for over 101m and 177m respectively.

This prompted an investigation by Resources Safety and Health Queensland, which found that truck slides were occurring at the site every two weeks.

As a result, the Regulator suspended part of the mine’s operations.

Source: https://safetowork.com.au/dump-truck-narrowly-avoids-crash-with-site-office-thanks-to-bundwall

Trigg Minerals diversifies into gold and base metals while pushing ahead on potash project

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:27:46 GMT

Trigg Minerals (ASX: TMG) has entered into a binding agreement to buy the Drummond gold and base metals project in Queensland.

This new venture lies 150km south of Townsville in the Drummond Basin.

Some $6.2 million has already been spent on the project, most of that by a former owner Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) .

Placement completed, rights issue to follow

Trigg plans to define drill targets at Drummond and, in parallel, to complete what it describes as “innovative” pilot test work at its Lake Throssell sulphate of potash project in Western Australia.

These two programs will be financed through a placement, now completed, of $576,000, along with a planned rights to raise a further $1.8 million.

Under the rights issue, shareholders will be able to buy six new shares for every 10 held at an issue price of $0.012.

These new shares will carrying an entitlement of three attaching options for every four new shares purchased.

GBA Capital, a Sydney-based advisory and stockbroking firm, organised the placement and will underwrite $1 million of the rights issue.

Exploring for epithermal gold, silver

At Drummond, Trigg will be exploring for epithermal and intrusion-related gold and silver at existing advanced prospects and well as assessing greenfield potential.

The project is located near several major gold discoveries and producers.

These deposits include Pajingo (3.6 million ounces), Wirralie (300,000oz) and Mount Colon (600,000oz).

At Pajingo, Evolution Mining produces up to 230,000oz per annum at a head grade of between 9 grams per tonne and 15g/t.

Defined resources at five prospects

Historic exploration within the Drummond tenements has defined gold mineralisation at the Limey, Breccia Hill, Quartz Ridge and Bunyip prospects, while at the Charlies prospect there was historic mining of silver, gold and base metals.

Trigg says it will also be looking at high-quality base metals targets which will be considered alongside the gold exploration strategy.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/trigg-minerals-diversifies-gold-base-metals-pushing-ahead-potash-project

BHP banks on green power

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:27:40 GMT

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has entered into a renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) with Queensland’s publicly owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo.

The partnership is expected to provide half the forecasted electricity demand of BMA’s central Queensland operations over five years from January 2026.

“We are increasing renewable electricity at BMA in line with our decarbonisation commitments to 2030 and beyond, improving the long-term sustainability of our business while at the same time supporting Queensland’s renewable electricity infrastructure build, regional communities and local jobs,” BHP president Australia Geraldine Slattery said .

“We expect demand for Queensland’s higher-quality metallurgical coal to remain strong for many years to come, as major steelmakers look to reduce their emissions intensity while delivering the steel needed to support global population growth and decarbonisation infrastructure.”

The new PPA will run to the end of 2030 and effectively extend an existing low-carbon emission power agreement between BMA and CleanCo currently running to the end of 2025.

The new PPA will help support four renewable electricity projects across regional Queensland, which combined are expected to generate more than 1500 local jobs during construction.

These projects include the Dulacca wind farm due for completion in late 2023, the MacIntyre wind farm due for completion in 2025 and the Western Downs Green Power Hub and Kaban wind farm, expected to reach full commercial operation later this year.

“It is our role to develop solutions that meet the unique energy needs of these companies so that they can thrive in a net zero future and I am thrilled BMA has entrusted CleanCo to continue to supply reliable, renewable energy for its operations,” CleanCo chief executive officer Tom Metcalfe said.

BHP is on track to achieve its medium-term target to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions by at least 30 per cent by 2030.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-banks-on-green-power

BHP contributes $60b to Australian economy

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 23:27:37 GMT

BHP has revealed it contributed $60 billion in economic value to the Australian economy in the 2023 financial year (FY23).

The $60 billion included wages, dividends, supplier payments, taxes, royalties and community investments.

A total of $19.1 billion was spent with Australian suppliers, including $400 million with Indigenous businesses. BHP also contributed $86 million in community investments.

“Australia’s regional and remote communities are so important to BHP, and operating in a way that benefits the areas where we operate is at the heart of our approach,” BHP president Australia Geraldine Slattery said .

“BHP is a major contributor to Australia’s national economy and regional communities through jobs, training, local and Indigenous suppliers, taxes, royalties and social investments.

“We will continue to work in partnership with our many stakeholders to support Australia’s economic prosperity as we deliver the minerals needed for global economic development and decarbonisation.”

In terms of education and training, BHP’s $300 million commitment to create 2500 new traineeships and apprentices over five years saw the company welcome over 1100 people and 500 graduates in jobs.

BHP chief financial officer David Lamont highlighted the company’s tax commitments as a particular strong point.

“BHP remains one of the largest taxpayers in Australia, delivering over $100 million in taxes and royalties to federal and state governments over the past 10 years,” he said.

“BHP’s dividends benefit roughly 17 million Australians who hold shares in the company, either as direct investors or through their superannuation.

“BHP was the largest dividend payer on the ASX100 over the past two financial years, paying around one fifth of all dividends on that index.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-contributes-60b-for-australian-economy

WGC steps up efforts to boost supply chain transparency

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:38:58 GMT

The World Gold Council (WGC) has announced that its members, which account for the majority of the world’s top gold producers, have committed to taking steps towards improving the transparency of the supply chain.

All 33 members with operating mines, who collectively produce about 1,300 tonnes of gold a year, will publish the names and locations of their refining partners at least once a year. They will also include all operations in which primary revenue comes from gold production.

The industry body affiliates have also committed to joining the Gold Bar Integrity (GBI) platform and to supply, on a confidential basis, core data on the metal they have delivered to their refining partners.

According to the WGC, this ensures gold enters the GBI platform at source and is a major step in the digitalization of gold across the supply chain.

“Pursuing enhanced supply chain transparency is good for the companies who produce, the communities who benefit from employment, training and skills, and investors and consumers, who can be assured their gold has been responsibly produced and responsibly traded,” David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, said in the statement .

The WGC said these steps will provide the industry with a robust and verifiable ledger of responsibly mined gold, creating opportunities for new product development and increasing gold’s trusted asset status among investors.

Source: https://www.mining.com/wgc-steps-up-efforts-to-boost-supply-chain-transparency

NSW Mining reacts to budget

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:35:03 GMT

NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer Stephen Galilee has reacted to the newly announced New South Wales Budget, saying that regional mining communities will be “hit hard” by the cutting of several mining-related funding programs.

The Budget has cut three programs, including the Resources for Regions program, the Critical Minerals Activation program and the Coal Innovation program.

“The abolition of the ‘Resources for Regions’ program will directly affect the quality of life of all people living in the 26 local government areas previously eligible for program funding,” Galilee said.

“This was an important program that delivered funding worth hundreds of millions over many years to local councils representing mining communities, helping to provide improved local infrastructure and services.

“It is therefore extremely disappointing that despite the extra billions to be delivered in mining royalties, the Budget cuts several key mining-related funding programs

“These cuts will negatively impact mining communities, and hinder the development of further long-term regional economic opportunities.”

According to Galilee, mining royalties are forecasted to deliver $13.2 billion to the NSW Government over the next four years, which will include $2.7 billion from higher royalty rates which are set to be introduced from July 1 2024.

“This is the single biggest revenue decision taken by the NSW Government in this budget, confirming the important role mining is playing in repairing the NSW budget position,” Galilee said.

“The billions delivered in royalty revenue are only possible due to the contribution of the hard working people of our regional mining communities.

“Without our mining workers, their families and their communities, there would be no mining, and no royalties.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/nsw-mining-reacts-to-budget

Diesel limit will fast-track truck electrification says report

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 23:53:23 GMT

Restricting fossil fuel incentives could accelerate the transition towards environmentally friendly alternatives, a study found.

More mines might roll out electric heavy vehicles if diesel fuel tax credits are capped at $50 million a year each company. This is predicted to save the federal government a combined $14 billion by 2030.

The following proponents are already affected by “hyper inflationary” diesel imports: BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo American, Peabody Energy, Hancock Prospecting, Fortescue Metals Group and Yancoal.

“This is not a revenue grab we are trying to encourage them to do the right thing,” Climate Energy Finance Corporation founding director Tim Buckley said according to the Australian Associated Press.

Buckley suggested extra taxpayer money should be spent on luring Liebherr, Komatsu, Caterpillar and more to expand their domestic electric vehicle operations.

“We could be an incubator of these technologies,” he said according to the newswire agency.

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) found the industry has already reduced scope one emissions by 9.3 per cent during the 2022 financial year.

The latest climate action plan-progress report shows emissions reported through safeguard mechanisms, and the National Greenhouse and Energy Report scheme, declined during fiscal 2022. The sector also made “strong progress” towards achieving net zero by 2050.

“The industry has made substantial progress in the three years since the MCA launched the climate action plan while supporting Australian jobs, and royalties and taxes, to state and federal governments,” MCA CEO Tania Constable said in a public statement.

Source: https://www.qmeb.com.au/diesel-limit-will-fast-track-truck-electrification-says-report

Duratray wins big

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:02:12 GMT

Global dump bodies designer and manufacturer Duratray International has won the resources and energy award at the 2023 Government of Victoria Export awards (GOVEA).

Duratray is the only non-original equipment manufacturer of dump bodies based in Victoria. It exports to 35 countries, including Papua New Guinea, South Africa, China, and Mexico.

The GOVEA’s resources and energy award highlights outstanding international success in production, processing, value adding of extractive resources or provision of equipment, services or solutions related to the mining, oil and gas, and renewables industries.

Duratray winning this award placed a spotlight on its suspended dump body, a unique concept in lightweight trays, and its Smart Tray 4.0, which is its latest product and an advanced automated analytics device that allows customers to make decisions in real-time through data monitoring and alerts.

This year’s GOVEA event took place at Government House on October 12, and it celebrated the state’s most innovative exporters and recognising their success on an international scale.

The event represents a wide range of industries such as resources and energy, manufacturing, advanced materials, sustainability and professional services.

At the celebration, Victorian Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas joined Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner to celebrate the 2023 winners .

“Our GOVEA winners supply products and services of the highest quality to all corners of the globe – and they are part of an export network that underpins thousands of Victorian jobs,” Pallas said .

“Victoria’s natural innovation bent is complemented by a thriving research and development sector. The results are world-beating companies that do us all proud.”

This year marks the 44th year in which the GOVEA event has been held.

Duratray celebrated its 20th anniversary in Australia since being acquired by Conyment International Group last year.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/duratray-wins-big

Australia billionaire weighs in on Albemarle’s takeover target Liontown

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:01:25 GMT

Hancock Prospecting, owned by Australia’s richest person Gina Rinehart, said on Tuesday it could help Liontown Resources build its lithium mine, after raising its stake in the developer that has accepted a buyout bid from Albemarle.

Rinehart’s company became a substantial shareholder earlier in September and now owns 10.7%, a Liontown shareholder notice on Monday showed.

Hancock Prospecting did not make any comment about its position on Albemarle’s offer for Liontown.

Liontown controls two major lithium deposits in Western Australia, including its flagship Kathleen Valley project, which is among the world’s largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium deposits, slated to start production in mid-2024.

Hancock said it built up its stake for no more than $3.00 a share, which was Albemarle’s buyout offer price, and an average bid price that was “well below” that level. Prices of hard rock lithium have fallen around 40% in the past few months, weighing on producers’ shares.

“Hancock can provide Liontown with the opportunity to manage its project execution and operational ramp-up risks where it is of value – and particularly in light of the inflationary market pressures that are creating challenges for project delivery across Australia,” it said in a statement to Reuters on Tuesday.

Hancock said Liontown’s targeted lithium recovery rate was higher than that of most existing and planned lithium producers in Western Australia.

Liontown declined to comment on Hancock’s views.

“Hancock has a demonstrated project development and operations ramp-up capability. This includes the highly successful $10 billion Roy Hill iron ore project in West Australia which was delivered on schedule and below budget, and was followed by an efficient production ramp-up.”

Hancock said earlier in September it may in future seek a board seat, when it raised its stake in Liontown to 7.72%, which made it a “substantial shareholder” under Australian securities law.

Liontown awarded its final construction project for approximately A$100 million on Sept. 12 to Monadelphous Group.

Liontown shares fell 2.8% on Tuesday to A$2.915.

Source: https://www.mining.com/web/australia-billionaire-weighs-in-on-albemarles-takeover-target-liontown

FIFO pilots vote for industrial action

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:54:03 GMT

Over 500 fly in, fly out (FIFO) pilots working for two Qantas regional subsidiaries have voted to authorise options for industrial action.

As reported by the Australian Financial Review ( AFR ), about 210 pilots working for Network Aviation elected to approve protected action on September 25.

Network Aviation is an airline that operates scheduled and air charter services which support FIFO mining operations throughout Western Australia.

The protected action voted for includes work bans and unlimited stoppages. Other options available include banning the prescribed uniform being worn and overtime work.

Additionally, about 366 pilots working for regional passenger airline QantasLink backed the industrial action.

In response, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP), an aviation union, is expected to meet the pilots to discuss progressing industrial action plans, which requires three working days’ notice.

AFAP senior industrial officer Chris Aikens told AFR that pilots working for Network Aviation “are paid significantly lower than pilots at comparable airlines”.

“The AFAP has been genuinely negotiating and trying to reach an agreement with Qantas management, but the company remains unwilling to revisit its inflexible wages policy instituted under the former CEO (chief executive officer),” he said .

“With more than 85 per cent of Network pilots being AFAP members, the pilot group is highly engaged and keen to make progress with these negotiations.”

A QantasLink spokeswoman told AFR that AFAP’s plans to advance industrial action were “disappointing”, but it has reached in-principle agreement with two other unions that represent Network Aviation pilots.

“We’re continuing to negotiate in good faith to secure new agreements with our turboprop pilots,” she said .

“If the union proceeds with industrial action, we have contingency plans to minimise disruptions to customers.”

The proposed industrial actions come as Qantas announced Vanessa Hudson as its new CEO earlier this month.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/fifo-pilots-vote-for-industrial-action

Chinova puts Australian copper-gold operations up for sale

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:42:44 GMT

Chinova Resources, a unit of Shanxi Donghui Energy Group, has put its Australian copper-gold operations up for sale and hopes to have the deal done this year, a director at adviser BurnVoir Corporate Finance, which is handling the sale, said on Tuesday.

The operations in Queensland state include the Osborne copper gold processing plant, Mount Elliot mine, infrastructure including an airport, roads and a power plant and a number of development sites. The mine is near the town of Cloncurry, 660 kilometres (410 miles) west of the port of Townsville.

“The Chinova package has had good interest from large, established, international miners as well as ASX-listed junior to mid-cap mining companies looking for a relatively large acquisition to propel them onto the radar of institutional investors,” Executive Director Theo Tsihlis Executive said.

Some multinational private equity groups have also shown interest, he added.

“We would be expecting that it (an offer) would be north of A$300 million,” he told Reuters. “We would like to conclude it this year.”

Shanxi Donghui Energy Group bought the mine from Ivanhoe Australia in 2013.

Forecast production for 2024 is 7,900 metric tonnes of copper and 39,400 ounces of gold. A sales agreement for supply from Osborne is in place with commodity trader Hartree Partners.

Development projects include the Mt Dore copper heap leach project, which has an 11 year mine life and the Merlin molybdenum rhenium copper project.

Its mineral resources estimates include 3.9 million tonnes of contained copper, 6.8 million ounces of contained gold, 96,000 tonnes of molybdenum and 12,000 tonnes of cobalt.

($1 = 1.5533 Australian dollars)

Source: https://www.mining.com/web/chinova-puts-australian-copper-gold-operations-up-for-sale

One in three Aussies aren’t getting the help they need

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:32:13 GMT

New data from Beyond Blue has shown a third of mental health sufferers don’t get the support they need, when they need it most.

With World Suicide Prevention Day observed on the 10th this month, Beyond Blue chief executive officer Georgie Harman said the impacts of poor mental health and suicide on people, families and communities should not be underestimated.

“People need to know accessing support early, before they reach crisis point, can help alleviate stress, worry and isolation, and prevent depression and anxiety from getting worse. My message is don’t wait, don’t hesitate,” she said.

“We know people can think their problems are too small or trivial, or they believe they are taking up valuable mental health resources. But the impacts of depression, anxiety and emotional stress can be cumulative, and small problems can snowball and become harder to manage.”

The research also found:

39 per cent of people delay seeking support due to costs

30 per cent delay seeking support due to waitlists

27 per cent think they’ll get better without support

24 per cent think their problem isn’t serious enough.

The remote location, long hours, and fly-in, fly-out nature of some mining work can be taxing on workers’ mental health . It’s essential for those experiencing mental health challenges to seek early intervention.

Beyond Blue’s report found nearly 80 per cent of people who contacted its support service reported an immediate reduction in distress and ongoing feelings of reduced distress two weeks later.

“If you are delaying getting mental health support due to costs, or waitlists, you can reach out to the Beyond Blue Support Service or join our Online Community Forums. We are here for you regardless of how big or small the problem feels. It’s never too soon to seek support,” Harman said.

“Accessing support early for yourself or someone you care about, can prevent problems escalating.”

Source: https://safetowork.com.au/one-in-three-aussies-arent-getting-the-help-they-need

Does mining have a gen Z problem?

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:13:57 GMT

The generation born between 1997 and 2012 is actively turning its back on mining, despite boundless opportunities, big salaries and great career paths. What do we do now?

On paper, the Australian mining industry should be an attractive option to gen Z. We have boundless opportunities, big salaries and great career paths.

Data released just this month by the Minerals Council of Australia said our industry is “a prolific job creator and wage booster… supporting over 1.1 million jobs and paying the highest average wages at $151,500”, and that “for every one new job created in mining, 6.14 new jobs are created across all industries”.

That might make a career in mining sound like a no-brainer. But when gen Z looks at our industry, they don’t see a wealth of opportunity. The generation born between 1997 and 2012 is actively turning its back on mining.

We’re losing gen Z forever

Here are some worrying stats from the past year.

There has been a 63% drop in mining engineering enrolments since 2014 (via McKinsey )
A global study found 42% of resources companies struggle to attract and retain gen Z career professionals (from BDO )
The same study found just 15% of young people said they would consider pursuing a career in mining.

Clearly, something has gone terribly wrong. For all the upside, the kids just aren’t getting the message about the opportunities that exist in mining. If we can’t turn the situation around, we risk being locked into a permanent crisis mode of skills shortages and ever more costly incentives packages—at least for roles that can’t be filled by automation, AI and robotics.

The big cultural shift

Part of the problem appears to be a cultural shift in what the younger generation wants from their work.

Gen Z is more interested in job security than their millennial predecessors, so mining’s reputation as a boom-bust business won’t be helping.

According to BDO’s research, gen Z also wants careers that are ethical and environmentally responsible.

66% want a career that positively impacts local communities
59% say the impact of their job on the environment is important.

It’s easy to dismiss these considerations as idealistic, but the fact is mining clearly has an image problem with the next generation of our workforce.

Mining’s image problem

In a recent article, Mining News quoted West Virginia University Professor of Mining Vladislav Kecojevic, who summarised the reasons for low mining engineering enrolment numbers like this:

Lack of exposure to and knowledge of the modern mining industry
Misperceptions that the mining industry is unsafe, unhealthy, damages the environment and contributes to climate change
Misperceptions that mining is only about underground coal mining with antiquated picks and shovels
Concerns of the lifestyle of mining engineers and a misperception that the industry offers narrow employment opportunities limited to remote or rural locations
Misperceptions that the industry is not sustainable
Fears that mining does not provide job security
Negative portrayals of the mining industry by the media
Misperceptions that there are no females in the industry
Concerns that the industry is not family friendly.

It’s a list that, I think, equally applies to most other mining jobs, not just engineering enrolments.

What can we do?

The list above isn’t necessarily filled with insurmountable problems.

As an industry, mining has the wealth and means to challenge misperceptions. We can get educational awareness programs into schools, we can make television and YouTube ads, and create content and resources.

At a company level, we can do more to encourage women into the industry, to make our workplaces more family friendly, and to tell the stories of our environmental and social successes.

As individuals, we can all be ambassadors for our industry: talking it up at every opportunity and sharing our passion for what we do. Because, if we don’t talk up mining, who will? But that work must start now, before we lose a whole generation to the industry.

Source: https://www.mpirecruitment.au/news/does-mining-have-a-gen-z-problem

Coal industry slams NSW government’s royalty hike

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:06:36 GMT

The New South Wales government’s decision to hike up coal royalties has drawn the ire of miners who say it comes at a time when the industry is already challenged due to lower coal prices and increased operating costs.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive officer, Stephen Galilee, says coal producers in the state will pay 30% or more in royalties than under the existing royalty arrangements.

In consultation with the government in the lead-up to the announcement of the increase, the Minerals Council and coal producers had called on the NSW government to retain the current royalty structure and rates.

Significant additional impost

“The increase in coal royalty rates announced today by the NSW Government will impose a significant additional impost on coal producers,” Mr Galilee said.

“This would be a significant additional cost for any business or industry to manage and will present challenges for NSW coal producers facing higher operating costs, including from the introduction of the Commonwealth Government’s Safeguard Mechanism.”

The coal industry directly employs nearly 30,000 people in NSW and supports 180,000 indirect jobs.

Nearly 7,000 NSW businesses are part of the mining supply chain.

“Coal remains NSW’s most valuable export commodity by far and continues to deliver over 70% of electricity used in homes and businesses across NSW,” Mr Galilee said.

Coal cap ends

On a more positive note, industry has welcomed news that the state’s coal cap and related reservation measures will end as legislated.

“The coal cap is poor public policy that has done nothing to reduce power prices, which have continued to increase, despite a significant fall in global coal prices since the cap was introduced. The associated reservation measures were also unnecessary,” Mr Galilee said.

In releasing the news, NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the government had hiked the coal royalty rates to ensure that the state earns a fair return for its resources under modern market conditions.

Additional $2.7 billion to NSW coffers

The new scheme will see coal royalties increase by 2.6 percentage points from 1 July 2024 and is estimated to add more than $2.7 billion to the NSW budget over the four years from 2024 to 2028.

The treasurer confirmed that existing discounts for underground and deep underground mining (deeper than 400m) will continue.

“The government will use the funds raised rebuilding the state’s essential services, as well as providing families with cost-of-living relief,” the treasurer said.

“The announcement is a key element in the government’s long-term plan to balance the need for budget repair, rebuild the state’s essential services and take pressure off NSW families and businesses.”

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/coal-industry-slams-nsw-governments-royalty-hike

How AI wearables are keeping workers safe

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:47:50 GMT

Almost half of all serious work compensation claims are for soft tissue injuries, but artificial intelligence (AI) could change that.

Preventure occupational health and safety specialist Andrew McColl will discuss the merits of using artificial intelligence and wearable technology to prevent workplace injuries at this year’s Workplace Health and Safety Show.

According to Safe Work Australia , 40 per cent of all serious claims were for traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries. In 2021, the median time lost for a serious claim was seven working weeks, which reflects a 67 per cent increase from four weeks in 2001.

“Until recently, the only way that safety professionals could manage the risks associated with musculoskeletal injuries was through subjective, option-based assessments and one-size-fits-all manual handling training programs,” McColl said.

“This is where AI and wearable technology come in, helping companies better understand the risk profile of their workforce and providing bespoke injury prevention training where needed.”

Wearable technology refers to small sensors placed on the limbs to measure movement data and quantify injury risk, without interrupting the employee’s work.

McColl said these have long been used in elite sports to keep professional athletes at the top of their game.

“Wearables are now finding their way into workplaces, giving safety professionals a unique advantage in the protection of their workforce,” he said.

The sensors work with specially developed smartphone apps which use AI technology to automate the delivery of safety alerts and virtual safety training.

“In the same way that professional sports coaches deliver customised injury prevention programs for every player in their team, safety professionals can now do the same for workers. This enables organisations to meet their health and safety obligations, and reduce the risks and costs associated with workers’ compensation claims,” McColl said.

“Along with providing a range of safety enhancements, wearables and AI technology can help employers set benchmarks for pre-employment screening, as well as standards for workers returning from injury.”

Source: https://safetowork.com.au/how-ai-wearables-are-keeping-workers-safe

More workers needed to help plug employment gaps

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 22:36:58 GMT

The resources industry has responded to the Federal Government’s new employment white paper, urging the Government to help the sector plug position gaps.

The paper sets out how the Government is planning to remove work barriers and help people secure skills and jobs that are fairly paid.

It is hoped that this will stamp down structural unemployment over a long period of time.

Both the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) and the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) have responded to the white paper saying that while they acknowledge the steps taken to tamp down unemployment, not enough is being done to plug the gaps in the resources sector.

“AREEA urges the Government’s jobs plan to incorporate solutions to well-known problems in the training pipeline by improving VET (vocational education and training) and other training outcomes, labour mobility and access to skilled migration,” AREEA chief executive officer Steve Knott said.

“Strong additional investment in TAFE and apprenticeships is essential – especially advanced skill apprenticeships – with better links between secondary school, vocational education providers and universities.”

MCA chief executive officer Tania Constable echoed this statement.

“The MCA supports key investments outlined in the white paper to improve access to and development of skills,” Constable said .

“At 0.78 per cent of the minerals workforce, skilled migrants represent a small but crucial talent pipeline to address skills in critical shortage and ‘hard to fill’ roles.

“Apprentices and trainees currently make up 4.4 per cent of the minerals workforce. Advancing higher and degree level apprenticeships will further strengthen this talent pipeline.”

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/more-workers-needed-to-help-plug-employment-gaps

BHP empowers First Nations education

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:39:58 GMT

BHP has entered into a $3 million three-year partnership with Indspire to support Indigenous education.

Indspire is a Canadian Indigenous charity that provides bursaries and scholarships to Indigenous students who are pursuing post-secondary education and training.

BHP said the partnership will allow Indspire to expand its Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program. The initiative provides students with post-secondary bursaries.

The funding will also support multi-year travel grants for the Soaring, Indigenous Youth Empowerment Gathering and the National Gathering for Indigenous Education – two events held for Indigenous students and educators.

BHP said its partnership with Indspire aligns with its Indigenous Peoples policy and social value framework, as well as its goal to have 20 per cent Indigenous representation across the Jansen potash project’s operational workforce in Saskatchewan, Canada which is commencing production in 2026.

“BHP’s expanded commitment to Indspire’s Building Brighter Futures bursaries and scholarships program is a meaningful commitment to empowering First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across the country to achieve their educational goals,” Indspire president and chief executive officer Mike DeGagné said .

“Their support for Soaring and the National Gathering will help us to create even wider circles of community, shaping meaningful change from the classroom to the boardroom. We are pleased to be broadening this significant partnership.”

BHP chief legal, governance and external affairs officer Caroline Cox echoed this statement.

“Part of our commitment to Canada is partnering with community organisations to deliver positive social and economic outcomes,” Cox said .

“The work Indspire is doing to break down barriers and create new opportunities for Indigenous students in Canada is critical to a more inclusive, equitable and successful future for all. BHP is thrilled to support Indspire and those who benefit from its important work.”

The next phase of the Building Brighter Futures: Bursaries, Scholarships and Awards program will launch in November and run through to 2025.

Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-empowers-first-nations-education/

What is deep-sea mining?

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:15:58 GMT

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Counterfeit machine parts found on a Queensland mine

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 03:51:11 GMT

Resources Safety and Health Queensland has been made aware of allegedly counterfeit heavy-duty bearings and components that may be installed in equipment and plant at a Queensland mine.

“An organisation contracted to install bearings and components at a mine contacted a reputable bearing manufacturer,” the Regulator said .

“The supplied bearings were inspected by the bearing manufacturer’s expert, who determined that the products were counterfeit (not produced by the company, and illegally marked by the company’s trademark).”

Since the technical design and manufacturing specifications of counterfeit components are unknown, installing them on plant and equipment is potentially dangerous .

It’s akin to driving around on a tyre found on the side of a highway. Counterfeit components pose a risk to equipment and worker safety should they fail prematurely or catastrophically.

In light of the incident, the Regulator suggested that all obligation holders should:

Review their obligations imposed by safety & health legislation and make sure procedures and processes are in place to ensure plant supplied is at an acceptable level of risk. This includes reviewing the adequacy of:
technical specifications for procured items and replacement parts,
procurement processes for goods and services,
quality assurances process to make sure only goods of an acceptable standard are supplied.

The Regulator’s investigation is ongoing.

Source: https://safetowork.com.au/counterfeit-machine-parts-found-on-a-queensland-mine/

QMines to drill test new anomaly at Mt Chalmers copper-gold project

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:11:44 GMT

QMines (ASX: QML) is ready to drill test the highest ranked new anomaly at its flagship Mt Chalmers copper-gold project near Rockhampton in Queensland where recent testing of lower ranked targets has already had success.

The VTO4 prospect was rated the top electromagnetic (EM) target after a review of the company’s recently completed regional airborne geophysical survey and ground surveys.

Modelling by consultants Mitre Geophysics and QMines revealed multiple EM anomalies at the VT04 prospect, with one set dipping shallowly from 10-50 metres below surface and another set dipping steeply north and south.

Assessment of the company’s VTEM data has also identified a series of strong, early to late time EM responses with an associated RTP total magnetic intensity (TMI) gradient.

Earlier drilling success

Drilling at VTO4 is following-up a recent discovery with the first hole at the Artillery Road prospect at Mt Chalmers.

Mitre Geophysics’ ranking and the company’s field reconnaissance also identified anomaly targets at VT01, 02 and 03 – the Artillery Road prospect.

The initial hole at Artillery Road intersected 20m of strong pyrite-pyrrhotite skarn with visible chalcopyrite from 113m, with managing director Andrew Sparke stating that the results confirmed a new discovery.

That early success has QMines particularly excited with VT04 rated as an even stronger EM target.

The VT01 – VT03 EM anomalies are located in the north-west quadrant of the tenement package at the Artillery Road prospect, while VT04 is located south towards Rockhampton.

Land access granted

Mr Sparke said QMines is currently finalising the first stage of its drilling operations at the Artillery Road discovery. It will then move quickly to the VT04 prospect, where drilling is expected to commence once rig access tracks and drill site pads have been prepared.

“The company is pleased to have secured access to commence drilling at our highest priority electromagnetic target, VT04,” Mr Sparke said.

“Drilling the first electromagnetic targets at the Artillery Road prospect has proven successful. The VT04 electromagnetic anomalies have a significantly stronger electromagnetic response, so we are excited to get drilling underway.”

Complex anomaly model

Modelling of the VT04 anomaly resulted in a surprisingly complex model comprising five EM plates over four surveys lines. This complexity appears to be due to the source being comprised of two very distinct types of signals.

The modelling shows a strong, steeply dipping conductor below a weaker flat to gently dipping conductor.

The early to mid-time response appears to be caused by a large, gently south dipping zone. It is moderate to weakly conductive with a depth of between 1 – 50 metres below surface.

QMines mapping has found the target area to be covered by geologically recent, valley fill colluvium.

Stream exposures reveal this colluvium to be at least three metres thick.

Mr Sparke said that given the lack of geological control on the EM targets, it is necessary to test these anomalies by drilling.

Well-funded for new program

QMines is well funded for the current program after it raised $3 million through a placement in late August.

The placement was so popular that the total bids received by QMines significantly exceeded the original capital raise target of $2 million.

Notably, the placement was well supported by Mr Sparke who subscribed for a further $100,000 worth of shares.

Capital raised from the placement is being used to fund the company’s acquisition of an initial 51% interest in the Develin Creek Project, exploration at the Mt Chalmers and Develin Creek projects, continuation of the Pre-Feasibility Study and for general working capital.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/qmines-drill-test-new-anomaly-mt-chalmers-copper-gold-project/

Study points to need to clean up legacy mining pollution that poses health risks to millions

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:04:01 GMT

It is estimated that 23 million people living on the world’s floodplains are being exposed to potentially dangerous concentrations of toxic waste derived from past and present mining activity.

This was the key finding of a new study by researchers from the University of Lincoln, which used hydrologic models to determine the extent of river system contamination from mines and failed tailings dams.

Published on Sept. 21 in the journal Science , the study employed a combination of process-based modelling and empirical testing to essentially predict the global impact of mining hazards, such as lead, zinc, copper and arsenic. These pollutants are usually transported downstream from mining operations, and often deposited along river channels and floodplains for extended periods.

To model their potential impacts, the research team developed a georeferenced database of roughly 185,000 mining sites, plus nearly 12,000 mining waste storage facilities and known cases of failed and leaking storage sites.

The research team describes their database, which is derived from information published by governments, mining companies and organizations like the US Geological Survey, as “the most comprehensive compilation of mine locations to date.”

That data then allowed the scientists to produce a computer model to map out the extent of river channels and flood-plains around the world that are polluted by mining waste, from both historical and current operations.

Far reach of contaminants

Released against the backdrop of growing demand for metals and minerals to feed the green energy transition, the results highlight the widespread reach of contamination caused by mining.

Worldwide, mining affects approximately 479,200 kilometres of river channels and 164,000 square kilometres of floodplains, the study found. It is estimated that 23.48 million people reside on these affected floodplains, supporting 5.72 million livestock and encompassing over 65,000 square kilometres of irrigated land.

However, these numbers are only a conservative estimate, given the lack of available data for several countries, the research team warned.

According to the study, there are multiple pathways for humans to become exposed to these contaminant metals, including from direct exposure through skin contact, accidental ingestion, inhalation of contaminated dust, and through the consumption of contaminated water and food grown on contaminated soils.

For countries and communities that are dependent on these rivers and floodplains, which are already burdened with water-related diseases, mining activity would therefore pose an additional health hazard.

Even in industrialized nations like the UK and the US, mining contamination constitutes a major and growing constraint to water and food security, compromises vital ecosystem services, and contributes to antimicrobial resistance in the environment, the study added.

Tool for prevention

Professor Mark Macklin, who serves as director of the Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health and the lead scientist behind the groundbreaking research, believes their maps and modelling tools will help prevent future reckless mining.

“Our new method for predicting the dispersal of mine waste in river systems worldwide provides governments, environmental regulators, the mining industry and local communities with a tool that, for the first time, will enable them to assess the offsite and downstream impacts of mining on ecosystem and human health,” Macklin said.

“We expect that this will make it easier to mitigate the environmental effects of historical and present mining and, most importantly, help to minimize the impacts of future mining development on communities, while also protecting food and water security.”

“Rapid growth in global metal mining is crucial if the world is to make the transition to green energy,” added Professor Chris Thomas, who led the analysis and modelling work for this study.

“Much of the estimated global contamination we have mapped is a legacy from the industrial era – rightly, modern mining is being encouraged to prioritize environmental sustainability. Our methods, which also work at local scales, add an important new approach in this process.”

Professor Deanna Kemp from the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, who was also on the research team, called the results “sobering.”

“At a basic level, these findings remind us that mining can cause extensive downstream damage over long periods of time,” she said. “Many people benefit from mining and metals, but we must do more to understand and prevent the negative effects on people who live and work in affected areas.”

“We’ve known about this for a long time,” Macklin told BBC News on Thursday . “What’s alarming for me is the legacy – [pollution from abandoned mines] is still affecting millions of people.”

“With climate change and more frequent floods,” he added, “this legacy [of pollution] is going to extend and expand.”

Source: www.mining.com

Rio releases radiation report

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:15:55 GMT

Rio Tinto has released the findings from an independent community study of radiation at its QIT Madagascar minerals mine in Fort Dauphin, southern Madagascar.

The study found that there is no need for heightened health concerns around local radiation levels.

Conducted from November 2019 to October 2022, the study showed that local food sources, water, air and dust are safe from a radiological perspective.

“Mineral elements deposited broadly across the region contain natural radiation,” Rio Tinto said in a statement .

“Companies such as QMM that remove mineral elements containing natural radiation must monitor to ensure their activities do not increase radiation levels above an established global reference level.”

The study was completed by international environmental experts JBS&G Australia and is one of the most comprehensive undertaken. QMM commissioned the study to reinforce international best practices and standards in monitoring environmental impacts.

While conducting the study, JBS&G collected samples containing radionuclides within surface water, groundwater, soil, sediment, land foods, aquatic foods, air and dust. More than 260 samples were collected for analysis.

“QMM remains committed to managing radiation and water quality at its operations, and to transparently working with the regulator and our host communities to ensure effective monitoring occurs at appropriate intervals aligned with international guidelines and local requirements,” Rio Tinto said.

Credits: www.australianmining.com.au

Battery metal miners lack serious policies on informed consent — report

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:02:00 GMT

Many companies mining battery metals do not have the necessary policies in place to respect the rights of the communities impacted by their activities, especially Indigenous communities , a recent report by Oxfam has found.

Based on the analysis of the policies of 43 mining companies on several intersecting issues related to human rights due diligence, gender justice, and the protection of human rights defenders in the mining sector, the international NGO concluded that the battery metals mining sector’s approach to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) is not yet ready to support a just energy transition .

In Oxfam’s view, taking a look at this issue is urgent as recent global studies with large data sets of mining projects have found that an estimated 50% to 80% of the minerals and metals needed for the transition into greener economies are located on or near the lands of aboriginal peoples .

“ Rechargeable batteries can unlock a much-needed energy transformation, helping electrify trucks, cars, and trains and providing storage renewable energies, but we must learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure the risks and dangers of impacted communities where mining occurs are fully taken into account and done with their consent,” Scott A. Sellwood, Oxfam’s policy lead for human rights and extractives, said.

“In our collective pursuit for a more just energy transition , mining companies must break free from a history of violence and abuse that has undermined Indigenous communities.”

Free, prior, and informed consent is defined as the principle that Indigenous peoples and local communities must be adequately informed about projects that affect their lands in a timely manner that is free of coercion and manipulation. As part of this, they should be given the opportunity to approve or reject a project prior to the commencement of all activities, using a collective decision-making process they themselves select.

More than half of the 43 companies evaluated in the report, which are engaged in the exploration and production of lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and copper, have policy commitments to respect the rights of Indigenous peoples . However, only 13 firms make explicit reference to FPIC.

Companies such as China Molybdenum, Talga Group, Glencore, BHP, Freeport, Vale, Antofagasta, Rio Tinto, Teck Resources, First Quantum Minerals, Nouveau Monde Graphite, Livent, SQM, Albemarle, Ganfeng Lithium, Nornickel, South32 were assessed, among many others.

The document finds problematic the fact that almost all of these companies’ commitments to FPIC are qualified with language such as “seek to achieve” or “aim to achieve.” For Oxfam, this “leaves open the possibility that if consent is not provided, they will simply move ahead with their projects regardless. Only two companies have clear and unequivocal public commitments to respect FPIC.”

Consent from early on

The report also found that across all the resources assessed, the public commitments of smaller or junior companies are falling short of international norms and societal expectations, suggesting that FPIC is still not seen as a priority by boards, CEOs, or investors in these companies. This is particularly the case of companies operating in the cobalt and graphite sectors, notwithstanding there are some firms producing them with strong policy commitments.

“Across all the minerals assessed, company policies often seem most focused on ensuring alignment with the domestic laws in the countries where they operate and not necessarily on ensuring they meet or exceed international human rights norms and standards ,” the dossier reads.

“Investment in community consent needs to start at the earliest stages of projects, and companies involved in exploration have a critical role to play in ensuring any mining for clean energy infrastructures is rights-respecting. Building trust with affected communities and implementing consultation, consent, and benefit-sharing processes take time.”

Oxfam points out that the absence of consent at the earliest stage of project development creates material financial risks for companies and investors down the line.

“As projects move from exploration through project financing and construction phases, unless community consent has been prioritized and adequately resourced, the incentives for all actors to move quickly to completion and production often overlook or sideline trust-building and land rights concerns,” the report states.

The international NGO recognizes that major lithium producers are some of the first to undertake credible, third-party assurance of their social and environmental performance, including FPIC implementation, in accordance with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).

When it comes to nickel, however, there’s significant variation in the quality of policy commitments.

“Taken all together, these findings indicate that end users looking to produce or use responsibly sourced batteries will struggle to do so. Greater focus is needed from investors and regulators to create the conditions for mining companies to go beyond minimum legal requirements in national laws,” the paper notes.

Human rights

The assessment also found that half of the companies surveyed have human rights policies, but more companies need to detail their human rights due diligence process and commit to disclosing regularly and proactively how they are performing.

Out of the 43 companies surveyed, only eight publicly recognize the legitimacy of human rights defenders and have zero tolerance for any form of retaliation against those defenders.

“While it is encouraging to see the uptake in human rights due diligence by the mining industry, companies supplying raw minerals for clean energy projects need to increase their ambition and unequivocally commit not to proceed with mining projects if they do not receive community consent,” Sellwood said. “There should be no trade-offs between respecting Indigenous rights or the rights of frontline communities and acting urgently to tackle the climate emergency.’

For the Oxfam representative, global climate action cannot be used to justify further harm and human rights abuses of Indigenous and rural communities where battery metals are mined.

“Decarbonizing our global economy and transitioning to renewable power is urgently needed if we are to avert climate catastrophe, but we can’t do it on the backs of those already most impacted by climate change,” he said.

Source: www.mining.com

Greatland seeks licences in Gascoyne

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 03:16:52 GMT

Greatland Gold has applied for four new exploration licences covering 126 square kilometres of ground in the Gascoyne region of WA.

A prospectivity study by Greatland covering the Pilbara and surrounding areas discovered the potential site at Yannerie.

The data indicates that the area has only shallow cover and is underexplored.

The geological environment and history of the district is considered to be ideal for the formation of large scale precious and base metals deposits, which the company hopes is similar in style to its joint venture Havieron deposit owned with Newcrest Mining.

The Yannarie applications overlay a complexly folded Proterozoic meta-sedimentary package intruded by Proterozoic granitoids on the margin of a terrane boundary.

“The addition of these tenements to our portfolio augments a pipeline of high priority targets in Tier 1 districts and demonstrates our continued focus to identify and secure prospective ground, where we can leverage our team’s experience and track record of success,” Greatland managing director Shaun Day said .

“Yannarie complements our upgraded portfolio of priority projects including the Paterson and Ernest Giles.”

Greatland’s Paterson project comprises two joint ventures with Newcrest, Havieron and Juri, as well as its 100 per cent owned licences at Scallywag, Rudall and Canning.

Collectively, the projects cover more than 450 square kilometres in the Paterson region of WA.

The company’s Havieron joint venture is currently the subject of an agreed takeover bid by Newcrest, who owns a 70 per cent stake in the project.

A feasibility study for Havieron is ongoing, with Greatland aiming to to maximise value and de-risk the project.

The outcome of the takeover is expected to be announced in November 2023.

While the feasibility study is underway, Greatland stands to increase its financial flexibility with its entrance into a $50 million unsecured standby debt facility with shareholder Wyloo Metals.

Credits to: www.australianmining.com.au

Top 10 Australian mining companies

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 01:51:23 GMT

From BHP to Pilbara Minerals, we take a look at the 10 Australian mining companies

Australia has a pivotal role to play in the mining industry, with two major mining organisations originating from Down Under. The industry is booming - the market size, measured by revenue, of Australia's mining industry is $527.2bn in 2023.

Mining Digital takes a look at the top 10 major players within the Australian mining industry.

10. Whitehaven Coal

Market cap: $4.19bn

The dominant player in Australia's only emerging high-quality coal basin, the company operates a total of four mines in the Gunnedah Coal Basin of NSW. The main operating assets are complemented by two high-quality, near-term development assets, being Vickery, near Gunnedah, and Winchester South, in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.

The company helps to power emerging economies throughout Asia, where there is still a strong demand for coal.

9. IGO Ltd.

Market cap: $7.11bn

IGO Ltd (IGO) is a mining company that focuses on the acquisition, exploration, production and development of gold, copper, nickel, zinc, cobalt and silver deposits properties.

IGO owns and operates the Nova nickel-copper-cobalt operation, the Forrestania Nickel operation and the Cosmos Nickel operation - all in Western Australia. In addition, IGO has a stake in a lithium-focused joint venture with partner, Tianqi Lithium Corporation. This venture consists of a 51% stake in the Greenbushes Lithium Mine and a 100% interest in a downstream processing refinery at Kwinana that produces lithium hydroxide that is suitable for use in batteries.

8. Pilbara Minerals

Market cap: $7,8bn

An Australian lithium and tantalite mining company, Pilbara Minerals owns 100% of the world's largest independent hard-rock lithium operation. Founded in 2005, the company has been at the forefront of lithium supply chains, fuelling the clean energy revolution.

Located in Western Australia’s resource-rich Pilbara region, the company's Pilgangoora Project produces a spodumene and tantalite concentrate.

7. Northern Star Resources

Market cap: $10.58bn

With a main concentration on gold mining, Northern Star Resources has three gold production projects located in Australia and North America. Namely, Kalgoorlie, Yandal and Pogo, which are all within highly-prospective geological settings.

In February of 2021, the company completed a merger with Saracen Minerals to create the only large-cap gold mining company.

6. Mineral Resources

Market cap: $10.40bn

With mining operations across multiple commodities, including iron ore and lithium, Mineral Resources operates throughout Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

It operates through five segments: Mining services and processing, iron ore, lithium, other commodities, and central.

5. South32

Market cap: $13.74bn

Spun out of BHP Billiton in 2015, South32 is a metals miner, with a concentration on commodities including bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, zinc, nickel, metallurgical coal and manganese from our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America.

The company achieved its first GHG emissions reduction target of keeping Scope 1 GHG emission below the FY15 baseline.

4. Newcrest Mining

Market cap: $17.55bn

The largest gold producer listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and one of the world's largest gold mining companies, Newcrest's primary gold and copper production in Australia is at Cadia East Ridgeway (Cadia Valley Operations), the second Australian operation being the Telfer Mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

In February 2023, Newmont presented a A$24.4 billion offer for Newcrest Mining but this was rejected by the board of the company due to the deal not representing sufficient value for the company.

3. Fortescue

Market cap: $46.63bn

Established in 2003, Fortescue is one of the lowest cost iron ore producers in the world and is now shipping at an annual rate of over 180 million tonnes with more than 1.7 billion tonnes of iron ore delivered worldwide.

Three mining hubs in the Pilbara in Western Australia are part of the operations. These hubs are connected to five-berth Herb Elliott Port and the Judith Street Harbour towage infrastructure in Port Hedland by the fastest heavy haul railway in the world, which spans 760 kilometers.

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) was acquired by Fortescue Future Industries in March 2022. Fortescue and WAE will collaborate on the development of the first-ever electric, zero-emission Infinity Train that uses the Earth's gravitational pull to charge itself.

2. Rio Tinto

Market cap: $115.74bn

Coming in at number 2 is the leading mining company Rio Tinto. With over 52,000 employees, in 35 countries, the company has been operating for over 150 years.

The mining giant has operations in around 35 countries, producing copper, aluminium, diamonds, gold, industrial minerals and iron ore. The majority of Rio Tinto's assets are located in North America and Australia, and they also have operations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and Asia.

Following approval from Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board, Rio Tinto completed the acquisition of Rincon Mining's lithium project in Argentina for $825 million in March 2022.

1. BHP

Market cap: $160bn

Needing no introduction, BHP Group comes in at number one. The Australian mining giant works in over 90 locations over six continents, but is mainly concentrated in Australia and Canada. BHP produces essential commodities through their assets, including iron ore, copper, nickel, potash and metallurgical coal.

BHP aims to achieve net zero operational emissions by 2050. The company has also set value chain goals for 2030 to help tackle Scope 3 emissions by working with partners in the steel and maritime industries, backed with $400mn investment.

In April 2023, BHP took over Oz Minerals in a $9.6 billion deal.

Ken MacKenzie has been a Director of BHP Group Limited since September 2016.

Credit to: www.miningdigital.com

Australian mineral prospectors double fund inflows to A$2.84bn in quarter – report

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:44:12 GMT

Australian prospectors looking primarily for gold, lithium and critical minerals secured $2.84 billion in funding in the June quarter amid renewed investor appetite for minerals, particularly those that will power the energy transition, advisor BDO said on Tuesday.

Conditions have improved for explorers after they had moved into cash preservation mode early in the year, given global economic uncertainty stemming from China’s slow post-Covid ramp up. Secured funds grew 111% from A$1.35 billion in the March quarter.

As one of the world’s major mineral hotspots, Australia’s exploration sector is closely watched as a barometer of trends in future metals supply.

“The current quarter appeared to unveil a reset in investor sentiment, marked by the increase in financing, investment and exploration spending,” BDO said in a report. That appears to have been helped along by a pause in global interest rate rises.

Gold miner Genesis Minerals led the fundraising, completing a A$466.47 million ($300 million) capital raising after its purchase of gold assets from St Barbara.

In lithium, Sayona Mining and Liontown Resources also secured major inflows.

Sayona issued A$197 million in equity securities and took other measures as it develops a hub in Canada’s major lithium region in Quebec. Liontown raised A$118.75 million of debt as it readies to start production from its northern Australian operations next year.

BDO sees a “relatively strong” pipeline of prospective IPOs for the remainder of the year, including interest from Canadian companies looking to list in Australia.

Given strong commodity prices and relatively weak capital markets, many explorers are looking to advance their projects via consolidation, it added.

Mergers in the gold sector are backed by the uncertain state of financial markets and the ongoing record level of gold purchases by central banks to bolster their foreign exchange reserves, it said.

Central banks bought the most gold in the first half since at least 2000, the World Gold Council said last month.

($1 = 1.5540 Australian dollars)

(By Melanie Burton; Editing by David Holmes)

Source : www.mining.com

Qld mines made three quarters of purchases locally says report

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 03:51:28 GMT

Resources operations procured the vast majority of goods and services within the Sunshine State, industry sources revealed.

Queensland mines made 77 per cent of purchases locally during the 2022 financial year. This equates to a $26.8 billion investment according to the Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC’s) latest local content report.

However the result is lower than fiscal 2021’s 82 per cent result, representing a 3 per cent drop in supply chain expenditure.

“Local suppliers are absolutely critical to the long-term success of the resources sector because they understand our needs and can collaborate with companies on improvements, often at lower cost than other suppliers,” QRC chief executive Ian Macfarlane said in a public statement.

“Using local suppliers reduces transport costs, minimises greenhouse gas emissions and offers better supply chain resilience, which we have seen the value of during periods of global disruption due to the pandemic.”

Click here to read the full local content report .

Credits: https://www.qmeb.com.au/qld-mines-made-three-quarters-of-purchases-locally-says-report/

Offshore workers in Australia prepare to strike, threatening global gas markets

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 03:16:59 GMT

The global gas markets are forecast to go into meltdown with offshore workers in Australia declaring they are ready to take action with proposed strikes at Woodside Energy’s (ASX: WDS) Western Australian assets.

The Offshore Alliance (OA), which is representing the Woodside workers, says they are primed and ready to go if talks with the gas giant fail tomorrow.

OA members voted unanimously over the weekend to endorse a proposal giving Woodside 7 ‘working days’ notice of a Protected Industrial Action if its enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) claims for workers stationed on the Woodside platforms are not resolved by COB

“Woodside spent $2 million on lawyers to try and prevent our members from exercising their lawful right to bargain for an EBA – and lost,” the Offshore Alliance declared.

The OA highlighted its feelings on the matter when it stated; “Woodside are killing the pig and the Offshore Alliance won’t be copping the ‘cupboard is bare’ narrative when we sit down with the Woodside HR bosses tomorrow in a further platform bargaining meeting.”

Calls for fair share and contractual agreements

“It’s time that Woodside’s operations workforce got their fair share of the profits which they generate for the Woodside shareholders.”

“The cost of Woodside not sorting out an agreement with the OA will be infinitely greater than the cost of extended protected industrial action.”

In early August, OA members at Chevron and Woodside agreed to contemplate industrial action over what they alleged were the “gas giants’ failures to agree to benchmark pay and conditions, prohibitions against outsourcing jobs to labour hire contractors and job security.”

The Alliance reported that more than 150 members on Woodside’s offshore LNG platforms Goodwyn Alpha, the North Rankin complex and Angel platform off the coast of Karratha had voted 99% in favour of taking protected industrial action to progress their bargaining claims.

Impact on global gas markets

Senior commodity strategist, Daniel Hynes, in his daily ANZ “Commodities Wrap” again highlighted the threat to international gas markets the WA strike action poses.

He noted that gas prices across Europe and Asia have already recorded extended gains with the threat of the Australian strike action looming.

Mr Hynes noted that industrial action must start within 30 days of a completed ballot, and unions must provide seven days’ notice before a strike can begin.

He said the fact that this could see disruptions begin in early September sent the European benchmark price up 12% to a two-month high. North Asian LNG prices also increased significantly.

Mr Hynes said that any disruption lasting more than a month is likely to have a material impact on the supply-demand balance over the northern winter.

“More significantly, it could ignite a bidding war between Europe and Asia.”

Complaints against Woodside’s Angel platform

The Offshore Alliance has filed a further complaint with Australia’s offshore oil and gas regulator National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA), about the alleged state of Woodside’s Angel platform.

According to OA, NOPSEMA has yet to respond to the union’s complaint last week about Woodside not having a trained medic on the Angel platform despite there being 24 workers on the facility.

“This isn’t good enough from a regulator which has long been considered to be captured by industry in how it deals with the health and safety of offshore oil and gas workers,” OA alleged.

The OA has also filed a complaint with NOPSEMA about an alleged lack of fire pumps on the Angel platform.

Source: https://smallcaps.com.au/offshore-workers-australia-prepare-strike-threatening-global-gas-markets/

$300M coal revival secures funding

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 01:08:18 GMT

A mothballed fossil fuel development is on-track to restart production before the end of 2023.

Australian Pacific Coal (AQC) recently confirmed new funds will help quickly revive its Dartbrook Coal Project, 122km northwest of Newcastle.

The proponent already has $20 million of debt finance. A further $75M will help cover the cost of procuring equipment and refurbishing facilities needed to achieve first coal. Initial working capital requirements are expected to cost between $20M and $25M. QMEB can reveal production could start as early as September 1.

“AQC has received a non-binding letter of intent from a top-three global commodities trading firm for up to US$50M (approximately A$75M) in debt funding,” the company said in a public statement.

“We are on track to commence mining operations in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023 and anticipate first coal sales/shipments in Q1 2024. Whilst we still have much work to deliver on our plans AQC and our joint venture (JV) partner Tetra remain focused on the restart of the Dartbrook mine,” interim CEO Ayten Saridas added.

The operation has been under care and maintenance since 2006, following multiple workplace accidents and low commodity prices. The Coal Handling Processing Plant will be recommissioned and ventilation circuit reestablished. This is promised to help reinforce the roof and ribs.

AQC previously struck a deal with resources mogul Nathan Tinkler, M Resources, Evolution Capital, and a JV between Tetra Resources and Javelin Private Capital Group.

Source: https://www.qmeb.com.au/300m-coal-revival-secures-funding/

Qld coal employee hangs hard hat for last time after 38 years

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:55:40 GMT

Cameron Cocks recently hanged his hard hat for the last time after serving 38 years at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Blackwater Coal Mine in Stewarton, 220km west of Rockhampton.

Central Highlands mine worker was farewelled after almost four decades in the job.

Cameron Cocks recently hanged his hard hat for the last time after serving 38 years at BHP Mitsubishi Alliance’s Blackwater Coal Mine in Stewarton, 220km west of Rockhampton.

The maintenance employee, affectionately known as “Cocksy”, began his career as a mechanical fitter in 1984.

“[I was a] young fella a couple years out of my trade with a young family,” he recalled.

He later transferred to maintenance planning then mechanical reliability where almost everyone saw him.

“You have always been a common face when I came back to Blackwater, and you have always been someone that if I needed to know something I can go to and actually get the history of why it is like that, and where it has come from – and you have a memory like no other I have ever seen,” maintenance manager Justin Sloper said at Cocks’ farewell party.

Cocks plans to go on long service leave before completely retiring. He will miss working with “really great people”.

“Congratulations on your retirement, Cameron – and thank you for your many years’ service and commitment to not only Blackwater mine but the surrounding community,” a spokesperson said in a public statement.

Source: https://www.qmeb.com.au/qld-coal-employee-hangs-hard-hat-for-last-time-after-38-years/