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The Queensland Government has launched two new initiatives to grow investment into the State’s growing critical mineral industry. The first initiative — the Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus — showcases projects ready for investment at different mining stages. This information is complemented by details of Queensland’s critical minerals sector, including known endowments and the action the State Government is taking to accelerate the development of this sector. The second initiative — the Critical Minerals Investor Hub — is a new online tool that connects potential investors with government agencies and proponents of projects already in development. Queensland Resources and Critical Resources Minister Scott Stewart commented on the initiatives. “Queensland is in the box seat to capitalise on the global push to…

Establish predictable performance while managing costs  The mining industry is at a critical juncture. A rising demand for raw materials supporting the energy transition, increasing cost pressures, higher regulatory and compliance requirements, and a shortage of skilled labor are just some of the challenges driving the need for transformation.   In such a dynamic environment, mining organisations must develop agility, while finding ways to extract more value from their existing assets and resources. Achieving this relies on their ability to embrace emerging technologies that enable dynamic improvement processes to not only drive productivity gains and cost-efficiencies, but unlock new opportunities.  Baker Hughes is one company helping asset owners navigate these challenges while balancing factors such as risk, cost, and performance.  The…

Barminco has received a development contract for underground exploration at Spartan Resources’ (ASX: SPR) Dalgaranga gold project in WA. The $18.3m contract allows for 2350m of development to deliver twin decline access for the establishment of underground drilling platforms to in-fill and extend mineralisation within the Never Never, Pepper, Four Pillars and West Winds areas. All of these high-grade gold zones are located along an 800m-long, semi-continuously mineralised horizon. The exploration drill drive designed to run parallel and adjacent to the horizon to provide underground drill platforms to more effectively design these areas as well as explore for further high-grade shoots. Spartan managing director and chief executive Simon Lawson says the company is delighted to be working with Barminco. “All…

Green iron grade concentrates have been produced using saline water on ores from Magnetite Mines’ (ASX: MGT) Razorback iron ore project in South Australia. Using a trial-and-error approach, a laboratory testwork program identified a method using saline water produced premium-grade concentrates suitable for green iron production. Concentrate grades of up to 69.9% iron and less than 2% silica and alumina were achieved, similar to results using fresh water. The testwork program used a bulk sample from the Iron Peak deposit, representing a limited portion of the planned mining inventory. Additional testwork is required to confirm the efficacy of saline water across all the deposits, which may exhibit different processing characteristics. Magnetite Mines chief executive Tim Dobson commented on the milestone.…

Sandvik will introduce innovative new solutions and showcase its latest technologies at mining’s largest tradeshow, including battery-electric and diesel-electric equipment to help customers improve their sustainability. Sandvik will have its latest innovations on display at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL® 2024 in Las Vegas, September 24-26, including its new Toro™ diesel-electric truck demonstrator and latest battery-electric concept surface drill rig. Sandvik’s 1950m2 (21,000ft2) exhibit at Central Hall 3, booth #7415 will demonstrate its vision for the “future of mining,” a theme that emphasises its focus on the technologies and solutions that will help customers mine more sustainably without compromising productivity or efficiency. Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions president Mats Eriksson commented on this. “As the mining industry helps drive the global green transition…

The Northern Territory Government has signed two Memorandum of Understanding’s (MoU) with Japan Organisation for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The MoU’s strengthen economic and strategic trade ties between the Northern Territory and Japan, ties which underscored $7.7b worth of goods exported from the Northern Territory to Japan in 2022/23. Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler commented on the MoU’s. “By strengthening our collaboration with key trading partners like Japan, we are bolstering the Northern Territory’s emerging critical minerals sector and creating more working opportunities for people across the Northern Territory.” The first MoU, signed by Ms Lawler and JOGMEC executive vice president Hiroshi Kubota, establishes a framework for cooperation in various energy sectors, including natural gas, carbon capture and…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has celebrated the shipment of 4bt of iron ore from WA’s Pilbara to China, a milestone reached 51 years after the first shipment. Over more than 50 years, China has become Rio’s largest customer with around 250mt of iron ore shipped there every year. The 4bt of iron ore shipped is enough to produce the steel needed for around 45,000 Sydney Harbour Bridges or more than 23,000 Beijing National Stadiums. Rio iron ore chief executive Simon Trott commented on the milestone. “China has been a critical partner for Rio Tinto and for Australia’s mining industry for more than five decades,” he said. “China’s strong demand for high-quality minerals such as iron ore has generated substantial opportunities…

Australia’s newest exploration company Ordell Minerals (ASX: ORD) has debuted on the ASX following a $6m initial public offering (IPO). Ordell’s key asset is an 80% interest in the Barimaia gold project which is located in the Murchison region of WA. Barimaia is an advanced exploration project with significant drilling results of 15m @ 11.4g/t gold from 74m and 5m @4g/t gold from 43m. Exploration by previous owner Genesis Minerals (ASX: GMD) identified an extensive gold system with historical reverse circulation drilling highlighting shallow open pit potential. In addition to Barimaia, Ordell holds the Goodia lithium project and the Fisher South gold project, both of which are also in WA. The Goodie project hosts confirmed pegmatites which are yet to…

A new research program from the CSIRO will supercharge critical minerals technology and strengthen international collaboration on critical minerals science.

In mining and industrial operations, fixed plant, material handling, mineral processing, energy generation and storage equipment all have increasing electrical and control maintenance requirements. However, servicing and maintaining these is diverse and spans multiple specialisations.  Currently, the market is facing a lack of quality skilled resources to maintain customers’ electrical, controls and instrumentation assets. Specific maintenance routine requirements for rapidly expanding renewable energy networks and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is adding a strain to the electrical maintenance industry, increasing costs and inefficiencies.  Since 2019, the Perth-based LECE Group have been growing as a sought-after electrical maintenance partner for the industrial, resources and grain industries. The multidisciplinary team provides specialised electrical maintenance and support services for clients and assets across…