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A suite of new tools to help WA mining companies create safer workplaces for women is now available as part of the State Government’s Respect in Mining program. The Respect in Mining program is designed to support small and medium mining companies to increase awareness and knowledge of the gendered drivers of violence, the impact of gender inequality on women’s safety and economic security, and the impact of gendered division in leadership and decision making. The tools and resources in the program will provide guidance to mining companies on how to set clear standards and procedures for expectations of behaviour, and identify and appropriately respond to incidences of sexual assault and sexual harassment in the workplace. WA Women’s Interests Minister…

Mine operators are always looking for a global partner that can supply specialised and custom-engineered heavy slurry transport equipment and systems that reduce downtime, lower total cost of ownership and increase efficiency. In 1871, Johannes Klein invented a unique boiler feed apparatus and, together with investors Friedrich Schanzlin and Jakob Becker, set up Frankenthaler Maschinen- & Armaturen-Fabrik Klein, Schanzlin und Becker (KSB). For over 150 years, KSB has innovated in the fields of pumps for an increasing range of industries and applications. KSB now owns and operates 27 manufacturing sites and has subsidiaries and representatives in over 100 countries to provide product service and maintenance support. KSB acquired GIW Industries of Grovetown, USA in 1988. GIW has been manufacturing slurry…

Steelwrist has appointed Walkers Hammers in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania and Total Rockbreaking Solutions in Western Australia as its new authorised dealers for sales and support of Steelwrist products. Walkers Hammers and Total Rockbreaking Solutions provide solutions to Mining and Construction contractors and also all of the major Excavator manufacturers across many different applications including Civil, Demolition and Recycling. With extensive experience in the local markets and with a customer base and contacts across the machine dealer network, these partnerships promise to deliver knowledgeable and reliable service and exceptional products to the regions. Initially, the focus will be on the introduction of Steelwrist Automatic Oil products to the existing clientele. Steelwrist Australia will work closely with Walkers Hammers and…

Nine participants of Glencore’s 2023 New South Wales Indigenous Pathways Program (IEPP) have graduated and secured full-time work in the Hunter region, NSW, with ambassador and former NRL premiership winning half Scott Prince praising their stellar efforts. The 26-week program, run yearly, provides work readiness and training opportunities for Indigenous Australians who live on, or have connection to, the areas in which Glencore Coal operates in the region. Glencore Indigenous programs coordinator Carrie Bendeich says the graduates have gained essential job skills and developed a strong foundation for their future careers in the industry. “This program is designed to create opportunities and inspire Indigenous Australians to reach their career goals,” she said. “The graduation ceremony marks a significant milestone for…

Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) has awarded a contract to GR Engineering Services (ASX:GNG) for plant expansion works at the Mungari project in WA. Work is expected to total $155m and falls within the budget and schedule of Evolution’s commitment to invest $250m to increase Mungari’s processing capacity from 2mtpa to 4.2mtpa. Evolution managing director and chief executive Lawrie Conway says the contract award is a major milestone for the company.   “It secures the critical processing plant infrastructure within our budgeted costs, locking in over 60% of the project costs, and secures a delivery time within the approved project schedule,” he said. “Completion of the plant expansion will enable Mungari to significantly increase gold production while reducing all-in sustaining cost by…

Albemarle Corporation has signed agreements with Caterpillar Inc to collaborate on solutions to support the full circular battery value chain and sustainable mining operations. The collaboration aims to support Albemarle’s efforts to establish Kings Mountain, North Carolina in the US, as the first-ever zero-emissions lithium mine site in North America, utilising next-generation, battery-powered mining equipment. In return, Albemarle’s North American-produced lithium will be made available for use in Caterpillar battery production, with further research opportunities between the two companies on battery cell technology and recycling techniques. Albemarle energy storage president Eric Norris says the company is committed to building a more resilient world. “Our partners are critical to achieving that impact, and this collaboration with Caterpillar exhibits how we ‘walk…

The Queensland Government is set to invest up to $30m to Alpha Sapphire, a subsidiary of Alpha HPA (ASX:A4N) for the production of sapphire glass. The investment, which is through the $100m Queensland Critical Minerals and Battery Technology Fund (managed by the Queensland Investment Corporation), will accelerate the delivery of two purpose-built furnaces used to ‘grow’ sapphire glass at Alpha HPA in Gladstone, Queensland. These units, Phases A and B, will allow Alpha HPA to produce more than 4tpa of sapphire glass from high purity alumina (HPA). Due to its durability, sapphire glass is ideal for use in micro-LEDs and smartphone screens. The local production of sapphire glass will allow Queensland to capture significant value in the advanced materials supply…

Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) has executed a $1b contract with Byrnecut Australia for underground mining services at the Kathleen Valley lithium project. In August 2023, a letter of award was issued and the execution of the contract between both companies is the final milestone in the highly competitive and technically comprehensive tender process. Preparatory works are underway at Kathleen Valley ahead of Byrnecut’s mobilisation in the coming weeks, with the development of multiple declines from the Mt Mann box cut estimated to commence on schedule in November 2023. The $1b contract will last four years and comprises operating costs, sustaining capital and capital associated with the operation of the underground mine. Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano is pleased…

A dropped object, no matter its size, weight, or the height it falls from, poses a safety risk on the worksite. Any inherent hazards of this nature can also have a detrimental impact on productivity, which in turn can hit an assets’ bottom line. Whether it’s a mine, offshore oil and gas platform, refinery or power generation plant, road, rail or infrastructure project, or a food processing facility, dropped objects present a constant danger, particularly when working at heights. Unfortunately, many companies often overlook or underestimate the damage caused by falling objects, their impact force, and the potential likelihood of death that can result. According to Safe Work Australia’s ‘Key WHS Statistics Australia 2022’ report, a total of 169 fatalities…

The latest technology solutions in mining will be on showcase at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition on 11-12 October. New to the 2023 exhibition is the Decarbonisation Zone, featuring smart and sustainable solutions for companies to meet ESG requirements and understand electrification and energy-saving opportunities. The International Copper Association Australia is supporting the Decarbonisation Zone and chief executive John Fennell says decarbonisation is both the industry’s biggest challenge and its greatest opportunity for change and innovation. “Mining smarter and greener is here to stay, but it needs a broad, industry wide response given its importance to the Australian and world economies, as no one company or industry can do it…