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After 60 years of copper mining, Glencore is set to close the Mount Isa Mines underground copper operations (Enterprise, X41 and Black Rock) and copper concentrator in H2 2025. Mount Isa Mines’ other metals assets including the copper smelter, George Fisher mine, zinc-lead concentrator and lead smelter in Mount Isa, plus the copper refinery in Townsville, will continue operating. Glencore conducted a range of studies and reviews to further extend the life of the mines but unfortunately it has not been possible, and they have reached the end of mine life. These studies also revealed that the remaining mineral resources aren’t economically viable due to low ore grades, there are areas where safe extraction can’t be achieved and ageing infrastructure.…

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has launched a new exclusive sales event celebrating the extraordinary rare masterpieces of nature. Known as The Beyond Rare Tender, the collection showcases 48 lots of polished diamonds, including pink and red diamonds from the Argyle diamond mine and yellow diamonds from Rio’s Diavik diamond mine. Rio Tinto chief executive Sinead Kaufman says this tender is a new chapter for the company. “The Beyond Rare Tender is a new chapter for Rio Tinto’s diamonds business and a testimony to the ongoing demand for highly collectible natural diamonds,” she said. “Rio Tinto has a rich history of innovative diamond sales and marketing events and this carefully curated collection of rare jewels will be in strong demand by the…

Representatives from the world’s largest mining companies, Anglo American, BHP, Glencore, Rio Tinto and Vale have confirmed their attendance for this year’s Resourcing Tomorrow event. Representatives from the world’s largest mining companies, Anglo American, BHP, Glencore, Rio Tinto and Vale have confirmed their attendance for this year’s Resourcing Tomorrow event and will join other leading mining companies including Anglo Gold Ashanti, Antofagasta Minerals, Barrick, B2 Gold, Eldorado Gold, Endeavour Mining, Freeport McMoRan, Newmont, Sibanye Stillwater, Teck Resources, and Wheaton Precious Metals. As Europe’s largest mining event, Resourcing Tomorrow: Accelerating the Energy Transition takes place in London on the 28-30 November and is poised to be yet another agenda-setting edition for the industry, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among professionals in the field. Resourcing Tomorrow unites all stakeholders in the mining industry, including global…

In the dynamic world of industrial technology, where precision, reliability, and efficiency are paramount, one name has consistently stood out as a beacon of excellence: Oli Electric and Pneumatic Vibrators. With manufacturing centres in China, Malta, and Italy, Oli has solidified its reputation as a global leader in the field of vibration technology. At the heart of Oli’s success lies an unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. This commitment is evident in the company’s state-of-the-art Research and Development laboratory, where engineers and scientists tirelessly work to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the realm of vibration technology. Their dedication to research ensures that Oli’s products remain at the forefront of industry advancements. One of the key pillars of Oli’s…

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced AutoMine Core, a comprehensive automation platform for mass mining applications to support customers ramping up from manual operation to a fully autonomous production. Built on Sandvik’s AutoMine Fleet and Manual Production Monitoring (MPM) solutions, AutoMine Core provides users with multiple levels of interaction for Sandvik and third-party original equipment manufacturer (OEM) fleets. It provides access to industry-leading solutions for data collection and analysis, underground connectivity and an advanced fleet of automated equipment options. AutoMine Core also includes solutions for optimising mass mining, which integrate seamlessly with Sandvik products, providing insights to optimise operational safety and productivity. Acting director of product line and customer projects automation Ty Osborne commented on the platform. “AutoMine is…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has opened a new state-of-the-art technical innovation centre in Kidlington, United Kingdom, to develop and produce batteries for the first generation of Extreme H, a new motorsports series beginning in February 2025. The $36m (US$23m) site will focus on the technical development, testing and prototype production of batteries and zero emission powertrains for a wide range of applications, including motorsports, mining haul trucks, and other off-road and automotive applications. Fortescue executive chairman and founder Dr Andrew Forrest says the new technical innovation centre in Kidlington will drive decarbonised motorsports and also lead the way to decarbonising heavy industry. “Fortescue bought Britain’s best racing battery maker not only to help decarbonise our own operations, but to help other…

Monash University researchers have developed a new lithium-sulphur battery design with a nanoporous polymer-coated lithium foil anode that reduces the amount of lithium required in a single battery. PhD student Declan McNamara, Professor Matthew Hill, and Professor Mainak Majumder of Monash Engineering, with Dr Makhdokht Shaibani of RMIT University, outlined in their recent paper, “A Nanoporous Permselective Polymer Coating for Practical Low N/P Ratio Lithium Metal Batteries”, how applying the nanoporous polymer directly onto the lithium foil anode created a new battery design that used less lithium, had more energy per unit volume, lasted longer and would be half the price of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries are an emerging energy storage technology that utilise metallic lithium and sulphur to…

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has addressed the Pilbara 2023 Conference, calling WA’s northwest region the decarbonisation “engine room” of the State and for the Indo-Pacific region. As a globally significant resources region, Pilbara represents around 19% of WA’s gross state product, 3.4% of Australia’s gross domestic product and 33% of national exports, according to Minister King. “But it also accounts for significant emissions,” she said. “It is estimated that industry in WA accounts for 35% of National Safeguard Facility emissions – and the WA Government estimates the Pilbara region alone accounts for about 23% of WA’s emissions. “It’s also fair to say that deployment of renewable energy in the Pilbara is less advanced in comparison with other Australian energy…

Caterpillar dealer WesTrac has launched a new technology experience centre in Tomago, NSW to showcase the latest in equipment, technology and innovation. The new state-of-the-art centre provides customers with hands-on experience to demonstrate the advantages of using the latest Cat products and technology in the mining and construction industries. The centre features a dedicated remote operator station where visitors can remotely operate a Cat 320 Next Generation Hydraulic Excavator, located in the on-site WesTrac dig pit. This operator station can also be configured for the remote operation of multiple other Cat machines, from mini excavators and skid steer loaders to large equipment such as dozers and drills. The technology experience centre also includes the latest in 3D printing solutions and…

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has committed an additional $1.7m to the Australia-Japan Innovation Fund (AJIF) to promote research and academic projects between the two countries and further collaboration between industry, educational institutions and governments. The commitment was signed at the 60th Australia-Japan Annual Joint Business Conference which was held in Melbourne from October 8 – 10. Rio has been the sole funder of the initiative since it was established in 2018 and has funded about $5m in operating costs and research grants since then. Rio Tinto chief executive Australia Kellie Parker says the company is pleased to make another commitment. “Science and technology are paramount in tackling today’s global challenges. We are pleased to make a second commitment to the AJIF…

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is seeking feedback for the decommissioning of petroleum and geothermal energy property, equipment and infrastructure in WA onshore areas and State coastal waters. The draft policy and guideline were prepared following industry feedback received on the Draft Decommissioning Discussion Paper which was released for consultation in September 2022. The materials outline DMIRS’ expectation for decommissioning and provide clear guidance to registered holders on their decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations. DMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Division’s acting executive director Dan Endacott says the department will emphasise the importance of proactively managing decommissioning and rehabilitation. “Safe, timely and responsible decommissioning is a key priority for DMIRS, and these guidance materials outline the appropriate level…