The original big blue portable evaporative coolers

LITHIUM will be the biggest player in the coming electric vehicle revolution, but the tech metal has fallen on tough times of late. The fall in prices, like so many of Australia’s export resources, has been dictated by China, where oversupply has led to price drops large enough to counter the stable and even rising prices in other countries. Mr Grant said over-supply has spooked the market, but also that lithium is not alone. “Everyone is talking about oversupply of 6pc spodumene concentrate, for sure,” he said. “This has crashed the price of some lower grade lithium chemical products, and most importantly, hurt market sentiment towards the entire industry. “Young developers are having a hard time raising capital for their...

IN February, global mining giant Rio Tinto reported a record underlying earnings result of US$15.5 billion for the 12 months to December 31, 2011. The achievement was overshadowed, however, by the company’s 59 per cent slump in its 2011 calendar year net profit to US$5.8 billion, due mainly to a US$8.85 billion write down of its aluminium business, Rio Tinto Alcan. The impairment prompted chief executive Tom Albanese to forego his annual bonus because the purchase of the Alcan aluminium business “happened on his watch”: Rio Tinto acquired Alcan in 2007 for US$38.1 billion at the top of the market. Chief financial officer Guy Elliott also elected not to receive his bonus for 2011 in light of the aluminium business’s...

MINING resources company Reynolds Soil Technologies (RST) is leading the way in research and development of fine particle management for the coal transportation industry, celebrating the launch of its new technology, Total Coal Control (TCC). The cutting-edge TCC technology not only offers a superior dust formula to stop coal fly-aways and improve movability, it also offers a full quality control treatment during the material handling process, ensuring only the best coal product is delivered from pit to port. “Our aim was to develop a product that not only did its job in terms of dust suppression, better control and less escapement, but also treated the coal within containment to ensure the best possible product is delivered at the end of...

FOR clients that require materials handling equipment, Forklift Finder Services offers a uniquely specialised service. The company has built a reputation for supplying quality service, sourcing and supplying a vast array of new and used forklift trucks, container handling trucks, heavy lifting equipment and associated inventory. Through a network of national and international contacts, Forklift Finder also imports new and used equipment, and can take enquiries and orders for specialised heavy lift-handling equipment. The company is a member of the Hire and Rental Association and believes that it is of the utmost importance for every client to be offered expert advice about the availability of machinery that will provide increased efficiency and boost productivity. The company now offers and specialises...