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Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, Canada as part of a CA$135m investment to improve operational reliability at the site.The 1.1-kilometre system is designed to transport about 800,000tpa of alumina, providing a consistent supply of raw material for aluminium production.The infrastructure is designed with a 50-year operational life replacing current equipment dating back to the 1960s.Rio Tinto says the new system also delivers environmental benefits, with a sealed pipe design reducing particulate emissions by around 40% through improved material containment and fewer transfer points. The recovered alumina can be reintroduced into the production process, allowing for more efficient material handling.Rio Tinto BC Works general manager Simon Pascoe says the project strengthens a critical component of the smelter’s operations.“This project is a key milestone for Kitimat and a strong signal of our confidence in the future of our operations,” he said.Rio Tinto has operated in Kitimat for more than 70 years and continues to invest in its aluminium operations in British Columbia.

New research from Monash University has identified the pre-treatment stage of lithium-ion battery recycling as a significant contributor to both environmental impact and material recovery efficiency.  The study published in Nature Sustainability found that pre-treatment can account for 16-38% of the environmental impact of lithium-ion battery recycling, accounting for significant material losses, with outcomes varying by battery type and processing route.  Pre-treatment is the first processing step that producing “black mass” from which valuable materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt can be extracted. The study suggests that this step is often overlooked in recycling strategies.  The study by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering compared three main industrial approaches — mechanical, thermal and chemical pre-treatments — for environmental performance, recovery efficiency and operational complexity.  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering deputy head and Professor Victor Chang says the findings indicate that decisions made during the early stages of recycling can influence both system efficiency and long-term resource recovery.  “Our work highlights an important aspect of the process — the pre-treatment stage. This step is often overlooked, but it can be critical in determining the efficiency, safety, and overall effectiveness of downstream recycling processes” he said.  According to Monash University, the findings could act as critical guidance for policymakers and industry as countries build new battery systems.  Professor Chang says lithium-ion battery recycling is not just a technical challenge but a system design challenge.  “While many countries are planning to invest in and scale up battery recycling industries, our work highlights an important aspect of the process” he said.  “Pre-treatment shapes both recovery efficiency and environmental outcomes. Decisions made at this stage will affect system performance for decades, so it’s vital that they are guided by robust evidence.” 

Metso has reported increased demand in its Life Cycle Services (LCS) offering for pumps as mining operators shift towards long-term service-based equipment models. Following the model’s introduction in 2025, the company has secured several small- and mid-sized multiyear contracts across Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.  In February, Metso also signed two five-year agreements covering the servicing of more than 100 slurry pumps for mining customers.  The aggregate value of the combined orders has not been?disclosed. LCS for pumps is Metso’s performance-based service model designed to improve equipment availability, extend component wear life and reduce total cost of ownership through long-term service agreements. Metso pump services vice president Roshan Kadanthode says the model reflects a broader shift in the mining sector away from transactional equipment purchases and towards lifecycle-focused service partnerships.   “Our customers want a partner who supports them throughout?the full lifecycle of their pumps,” he said.  “With LCS, we bring a?performance-based approach aligned with their operational and financial?targets, helping customers reduce downtime, improve efficiency, enhance safety, and secure reliable pumping performance?year-round.”? The company reports that the service model has measurable operational improvements include a 5-10% increase in pump availability and 15-25% extension in component wear life. Standardised maintenance practices and improved planning have also been associated with a 20-30% reduction in unplanned pump-related downtime.  Furthermore, improvements in energy and water efficiency were reported between 5-10%, alongside enhanced safety outcomes linked to a reduction in maintenance interventions and standardised servicing procedures.  Metso says its global service network — covering equipment delivery, repair, testing and recycling — underpins the rollout of the lifecycle service model across key mining regions.