Mine-spec stockpile and protective covers

Purple trays hit the pit as part of Carmichael mine Peer Supporter Program

Purple trays hit the pit as part of Carmichael mine Peer Supporter Program

Bravus Mining and Resources has unveiled the newest and biggest Peer Supporters for the industry-leading mental health program run at its Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland. Bravus Mining and Resources health and safety manager Graeme Furnell said two of the operation’s fleet of 200t CAT 796AC mining trucks had been fitted with trays painted in ‘Peer Supporter purple’ to remind the workforce that support is available should they be going through a tough time. “More than 1200 workers live at Carmichael during their swing and over time we’ve built a great sense of community among the people here,” he said. “A big part of that is we all look after each other’s mental health and wellbeing while we’re…

Bowen High students unlock ‘export level’ at Abbot Point

Bowen High students unlock ‘export level’ at Abbot Point

Abbot Point Operations (APO) has taken a group of Bowen State High School students on a deep dive into the operations of Australia’s most northern deepwater export port. The year seven students participated in a two-day learning experience at Bowen’s North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) gaining a fascinating insight into the stages of resources production and learning how the terminal plays a vital part in the pit-to-port process. The learnings from the site tour were then applied at a school ‘Pit to Port’ workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council. Bowen State High School principal Robert Harris said the two-day program was a special educational experience for the students.…

North Queensland exports power Queensland’s prosperity

North Queensland exports power Queensland’s prosperity

A new report has highlighted the multi-billion-dollar contribution the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) north of Bowen in North Queensland makes to local, state and national economies. North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) commissioned the study to examine the economic and social impact of three Queensland east coast ports it is port authority for — Hay Point, Mackay and Abbot Point. The North Queensland Export Terminal is located within the Port of Abbot Point. The study found activity at the Port of Abbot Point contributed almost $10b to the Queensland economy each year and supported more than 8000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries. NQXT general manager Mark Smith said the report was further evidence of the…

(Image source: Bravus Mining & Resources) Details about how the technology was used have been published in the international journal Animal Biotelemetry, which will help conservationists learn more about other less-tracked species.

Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight

A high-tech research project between Bravus Mining and Resources and Queensland scientists has created a new model to uncover the secrets of rare bird species. The joint project with researchers from ecology consultancy E2M has provided new information about the habitat and daily movements of the black-throated finch, using an AI-supported radio tracking program. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the latest findings from the research project are an important part of Bravus’ commitment to the environment. “We are using innovative scientific research that is delivering on our commitment to operate the Carmichael mine according to our detailed environmental plan,” he said. “This research is building an in-depth profile of the black-throated finch through long-term research…

China-Australia FTA debate heats up

China-Australia FTA debate heats up

By Jane Goldsmith August 13, 2015 MINING bodies have blasted Labor’s “xenophobic” attitude, after it declared a $160 billion pending China-Australia free trade agreement (FTA) would threaten Australia’s “safeguards for jobs”. The implementation of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA), which would see tariffs removed on almost all Australian resources and energy products, is forecast to bring about $1.3 billion per annum into Australia’s exports industry. Within the coal sector, coking coal tariffs would be removed from day one, while thermal coal tariff would be phased out across two years. ChAFTA, which was signed in Canberra on 17 June 2015, is due to come into effect in 2016 after segregated domestic legal and parliamentary processes in both countries have been…

(Image source: Anglo American) Phins Up! Dolphins at Moranbah State High School.

Phins up! Dolphins boost kids self-esteem in Moranbah, Queensland

Hundreds of Moranbah school kids put their Phins up as the Dolphins brought their wellbeing team to Central Queensland schools. From touch footy drills to classroom sessions aimed at boosting self-esteem, Dolphins wellbeing and education team members visited three schools as part of Anglo American’s partnership with the NRL team. The partnership focuses on improving education and sporting outcomes in Central Queensland, and the sessions at Moranbah State School, Moranbah State High School and Moranbah East State School provided kids the chance to learn new skills and build teamwork opportunities. Dolphins game development manager Shane Morris says the regional trip is an important part of how the club operated throughout Queensland. “Central Queensland is so important to the Dolphins because a lot…

(Image source: Rio Tinto.) Rio Tinto's Yarwun employees.

Diversifying alumina supply chains in Gladstone, Queensland

Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Corporation will build a first-of-a-kind hydrogen plant in Gladstone, Queensland, as part of a A$111.1m program aimed at lowering carbon emissions from the alumina refining process, it was announced yesterday. This came on the same day the Queensland Government formally announced $21.7m in funding for Alpha HPA Limited’s second stage of HPA First Project, a $300m-plus high-purity alumina (HPA) facility in Gladstone. The Rio Tinto-Sumitomo Yarwun Hydrogen Calcination Pilot Demonstration Program, where hydrated alumina is heated up to 1000 °C, received a $32.1m funding boost from the Federal Government’s Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific operations managing director Armando Torres says the pilot plant is an important step in testing whether hydrogen can…

Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto, joined XCMG chairman Yang Dongsheng at Bauma China to announce the partnership and recognise the contract award.

Fortescue-XCMG’s $616m contract for zero emissions mining equipment

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has struck a $616m (US$400m) deal with Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer XCMG to purchase over 100 pieces of zero emissions heavy mobile equipment. This is XCMG’s largest contract outside of China for mining equipment and will see battery electric wheel loaders, wheel dozers, water carts, float prime movers and graders delivered to Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations in WA by 2030. First pieces of equipment are expected to be deployed from 2026 with Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto commenting on this. “We’re moving rapidly to decarbonise our Pilbara iron ore operations and eliminate our Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030,” he said. “To achieve this target, we will need to swap out hundreds of pieces…