Author: admin

In a first for Western Australia, the mining state has received its first fully electric original equipment manufacturer (OEM) heavy duty truck. Joined by Energy and Environment Minister Reece Whitby and Member for Forrestfield Steven Price, the new unit – a Volvo FM Electric truck was handed over to CD Dodd by the man considered to be “father” of Volvo’s trucks in Australia, Max Winkless. Mr Whitbey says as we move towards a greener future, this sort of technology will be invaluable. “Electric trucks will be fundamental in our efforts to decarbonise Western Australian roads, especially for transporting freight in and around urban areas. “As many of our freight trucks cover long distances, decarbonising our roads requires a blend of…

As part of the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) METS Innovation Program, five WA Mining Equipment and Services (METS) companies have received a total of $1.25 million. The funds are intended to directly accelerate the development of companies, products and new markets benefiting the Western Australian economy. The five successful companies and projects were: Total Marine Technology – Automation System for Processing Tank Descale Rig with Advanced AI driven 4D radar and 3D camera technologies; Aquirian Limited – Collar Keeper System Automation Phase; Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company – Big Roller, energy-efficient overland conveying; Electric Power Conversions Australia – Cooling System for Retrofitted Electric Mining Truck batteries; and CMG Operations – Raptor Grav – a next generation airborne…

New Hope Group’s (ASX: NHC) New Acland Mine in Queensland has clocked up several achievements, both in the field and in the community. The company announced its 250th full-time employee starting work at the project and comes less than two years after the Queensland Government critically assessed and approved Stage 3. New Acland Coal general manager, Dave O’Dwyer says it a milestone to celebrate. “The 250th worker is another landmark day for the entire team at New Acland Coal, but importantly, there are plenty more to come,” he said. He says the increased ramp up of job opportunities on site has been rapid. “The full-time-permanent workforce on site has doubled over the past 18 months,” he said. Mr O’Dwyer says…

Orica (ASX: ORI) has completed a major environmental improvement project that significantly reduces emissions of ammonium nitrate (AN) particulate from its Kooragang Island manufacturing site in the Hunter Valley, NSW. The new, best practice abatement technology reduces AN particulate emissions, including fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, by about 95%. The captured emissions are then recirculated in the manufacturing process to produce critical products for the resources and medical industries across Australia. Orica president Australia Pacific and sustainability Germán Morales says the project is another example of the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and key to ensuring the sustainability of the Kooragang Island site. “We understand and share the community’s desire for better air quality in…

The CSIRO has opened a $6.8m facility in Clayton, Victoria, for its printed flexible solar technology to meet the demand for renewable energy. Unlike traditional silicon solar panels, CSIRO’s flexible solar cells are printed on thin plastic films, making them lightweight, portable and suitable for various applications across urban construction, space, defence, mining, emergency management, disaster relief and wearables. CSIRO executive director, digital, national facilities and collections Professor Elanor Huntington says the cutting-edge CSIRO printed photovoltaic (PV) facility is the newest addition to the organisation’s suite of critical infrastructure enabling industries of tomorrow – in this case, the flexible solar manufacturing industry. “Through CSIRO’s new printed PV facility, industry partners can access both researcher expertise and specialised equipment to improve…

The NSW Government has unveiled a piece of groundbreaking critical minerals technology at the Londonderry Core library, marking its first rollout in Australia. The HyLogger 4, which came at an investment cost of $450,000, is a spectral scanner that marks a significant advancement in mineral exploration and geological research that allows for rapid and non-destructive spectral analysis of geological samples. According to the NSW Government, this provides critical data, leads to more sustainable exploration practices, and paves the way for future advancements and sustainable practices in the State’s mining industry. The technology works by providing high-resolution digital images and detailed mineralogical information captured at a millimetre scale spatial resolution. When used in the field this can provide new avenues for research…

Toyota Australia and BHP have announced a trial of the first-ever battery electric HiLux double cab ute prototype. The trial of the electric HiLux double cab will see it deployed at BHP’s Port Hedland operations in WA where it will be used in a range of applications traditionally performed by diesel-powered light vehicles. Starting in late November, the trial will run for about 12 months, with BHP to provide feedback to Toyota after the conclusion of the trial. Toyota Australia president and chief executive Matthew Callachor says the trial marks an exciting opportunity for both companies and was a significant milestone in the HiLux’s history. “Toyota has long advocated a multi-pathway approach towards decarbonisation, and when we do something, we…

Gold Valley has exported its first shipment of iron ore from the Port of Esperance, with bulk carrier MV Sifnos setting sail with more than 78,000t or iron ore from the Wiluna West mine in the Northern Goldfields towards China. This marks the first time the port has had two iron ore customers sharing its iron ore circuit assets, including shed space, ship loader and berth. WA Ports Minister David Michael says the State’s mining industry continues to drive the nation’s economy, with the ports playing a critical role in connecting trade to the world. “Southern Ports opening its Port of Esperance to a second iron ore customer is another example of how the ports sector is driving economic benefits…