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The New Era of Pump Wear Technology The efficient operation of slurry pumps in the mining industry is critical, with pump wear technology playing a significant role in monitoring and maintaining pump performance. One innovative solution that is making waves in the industry is the KSB GIW® SLYsight technology. This advanced slurry pump wear monitoring technology is revolutionising the way pump wear is detected and managed, leading to improved pump performance and longer equipment lifespan. Understanding Slurry Pump Challenges The transportation of abrasive and corrosive mixtures in mining operations is the task of slurry pumps, but this duty inevitably results in considerable wear and tear on the equipment. These pumps face a rigorous demand that poses a significant challenge in...

First production achieved at Kathleen Valley The first spodumene concentrate has been produced at Liontown Resources’ (ASX: LTR) Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA. Following progressive commissioning of the process plant, ore has been processed through the entire crushing, milling and flotation circuit, culminating in first concentrate produced. Liontown will now focus on completing the remaining commissioning activities in the non-critical path areas of the plant and finishing construction of critical underground infrastructure. Full nameplate production of 3mtpa is expected by the end of Q1 2025 with lithium recoveries expected to be optimised over the next 12 to 18...

North West Queensland eyes sustainable future The Queensland Government has announced funding to support the implementation of the North West Queensland Regional Transformation Strategy. Following extensive community, local government and industry consultation, the plan identifies key economic strengths and industry priorities based on the region’s unique geography, resources and workforce skills. To kickstart the transformation, the Queensland Government will provide $22.05m from the $200m Regional Economic Futures Fund for 19 Queensland Government and council-led projects. This includes $7.4m for TAFE to deliver renewable energy and critical minerals training, including via Queensland’s first Renewable Energy Training Truck and $750k for a co-designed investment plan to...

BHP and Lundin Mining to acquire Filo Corp for $4.52b BHP (ASX: BHP) and Lundin Mining Corporation have agreed to acquire Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) listed Filo Corp through a Canadian plan of arrangement. Total consideration for the acquisition is $4.52b (C$4.1b) and BHP’s total cash payment for the transaction is expected to be around $3.2b (US$2.1b). This values Filo Corp at $36.36 (C$33) per share, a 32.2% premium to its 30-day volume weighted average price on the TSX. The acquisition will be implemented by a court-approved plan of arrangement and requires Filo Corp shareholders in accordance with Canadian corporate and securities laws. BHP chief executive...

BHP celebrates autonomous operations at Spence BHP’s (ASX: BHP) has celebrated three months of 100% autonomous operations at its Spence mine in Chile. In April 2024, Spence achieved full autonomy after converting its fleet of 33 CAEX 980E-5 AT trucks and five drill rigs, and since then, 80mt of material has been moved with zero safety incidents. A delegate from the Pampa Norte operation, where Spence is located, received executives from Komatsu to celebrate the milestone. In the field, the delegates visited the Spence truck shop and see the results of this first stage of operation. The visit was led by...

First production at Kathleen Valley imminent Construction of the process plant was substantially completed in the June quarter at Liontown Resources’ (ASX: LTR) Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA. Construction of the process plant was substantially complete by the end of the quarter, achieving 99% overall completion. Dry plant After beginning dry plant commissioning ahead of schedule in March, Liontown used the June quarter to focus on increasing throughput and driving circuit optimisations in the crushing circuit to the fine ore bin. At the end of the quarter, 58kt of crushed ore was stockpiled for commissioning the SAG mill and wet plant. Wet plant Efficiently...

Conditions satisfied for Illawarra Metallurgical Coal sale All conditions relating to the sale of South32’s (ASX: S32) Illawarra Metallurgical Coal in NSW have been completed with the transaction expected to be complete in September 2024. In February 2024, South32 announced it had entered a binding agreement to sell Illawarra to an entity owned by Golden Energy and Resources and M Resources for $1.98b (US$1.3b) plus a contingent consideration of up to $533m (US$350m). The sale was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions which have now been completed. When announcing its intention to sell Illawarra,...

Many Peaks divests Queensland exploration permits Many Peaks Minerals (ASX: MPK) is divesting its 80% ownership in two Queensland exploration permits to focus on its flagship projects in Côte d'Ivoire. The sale is pursuant to a sale agreement entered into with EMX Broken Hill. Simultaneously, Many Peaks has also confirmed it will not be exercising its rights to execute and option to acquire a 100% interest in the Yarrol and Mr Steadman projects in Queensland. The sale agreement and termination of the option agreement are part of Many Peaks’ strategic review which aims to ensure...

$250m deal to supercharge renewables in the Northern Territory The Federal and Northern Territory governments have signed a $250m deal as part of the Rewiring the Nation Program. Through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, the funds will create hundreds of new jobs and see the power grid upgraded and expanded across the Territory, supporting major transmission projects and bolstering grid strength. The $250m investment will also accelerate the rollout of transmission projects across the Territory, with the first wave of these to be completed before 2030. The Northern Territory has also signed...

Newmont delivers ‘solid’ quarter Gold mining company Newmont (ASX: NEM) has delivered ‘strong’ Q2 2024 results, producing nearly 2.1m gold equivalent ounces from its operations. Notably, attributable gold production decreased 4% from the previous quarter to 1.6moz due to lower production at the Cerro Negro mine in Argentina after operations were suspended following the fatalities of two members. Operations were also suspended at Telfer in WA as further work was completed to improve the safe operation of the tailings storage facility. Second quarter production was also impacted by lower production at Lihir, Papua New Guinea, due to heavy rainfall impacting mine sequencing and at Akyem,...