Author: Chloe Coutinho

Metso is launching the Next Generation Fluid Bed Roaster, encompassing all the features developed and implemented in recent roaster projects executed globally. The Next Generation Fluid Bed Roaster is a reactor with improved individual components and digital tools to enable more efficient and stable roasting plant performance. Metso fluid bed technology director Jörg Hammerschmidt says the company is excited to launch the product. “It is a logical progression in this digital age, combining advanced roaster equipment and enhancements as well as a suite of digital solutions for greater operational efficiency,” he said. “The upgraded roaster is designed to adapt to operational changes, improving overall process control while ensuring safety, availability and production KPIs.” The Next Generation Fluid Bed Roaster increases…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has introduced a new decarbonisation fund to support the company’s interim emissions reduction target and long-term ambition of net zero by 2050. Since July 1, 2024, all projects under MinRes’ operational control — including operational sites, exploration sites, warehouses and corporate offices — are charged for every tonne of emissions they produce. Funds generated from the initiative will be invested in MinRes decarbonisation initiatives spanning power generation and material movement, such as electrification and automation of mining, haulage and transport systems. The fund also supports the purchase of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), which will be surrendered for regulatory compliance purposes under Australia’s Safeguard Mechanism. MinRes operations are charged the preceding month’s average generic ACCU…

South32 (ASX: S32) is continuing its partnership with the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence (PGCNV), a WA organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Research by UN Women has found that almost one in three women experience violence in their lifetime — and in 2023 a woman was killed by partners or family members every 10 minutes. South32 chief legal and external affairs officer Kelly O’Rourke says the crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. “There is no excuse for violence against women and girls,” she said. South32 is proud to support organisations which are working to address the causes and impacts of domestic and family violence, such as PGCNV. For more than 30 years,…

The WA Government is acting to provide assistance to its critical lithium industry, supporting thousands of local jobs and the State’s push to become a global battery minerals processing hub. WA’s lithium industry has grown rapidly in recent years to be the biggest hard rock industry of its type in the world, supplying approximately 50% of the world’s lithium. However, the industry has experienced a sudden and unexpected plunge in the price of lithium this year, which has prompted some mine and processing plant suspensions, impacting jobs. In response, the WA Government will provide support to lithium miners in the ramp-up phase of production and downstream processing facilities for a period of up to 24 months, after which lithium prices…

Winsome Resources’ (ASX: WR1) recent scoping study for the Adina lithium project in Quebec, Canada, has affirmed the project’s competitive edge. With growing momentum behind clean energy initiatives, lithium remains a top priority for the US, Canada and Australia, as these governments work to reduce reliance on overseas sources and bolster domestic production. Winsome Resources managing director Chris Evans says Adina is forecasted to supply over 20% of the global lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) shortfall at the end of this decade, with an expected annual output of around 40kt LCE. “Commissioning is indicatively scheduled for 2028, strategically aligning with the projected supply gap and underscoring its importance to the global lithium market,” he said. “The approach has been a prudent…

Around 1200 Queensland residents and families turned out to Blackwater’s May Day fairgrounds for Whitehaven Coal’s Community Open Day. The event brought together people from as far as Emerald and Rockhampton to enjoy an exciting day of free activities, kid’s rides, market stalls and entertainment, as well as information stands for the community to learn more about the coal mining industry. Whitehaven Coal’s chief operating officer Ian Humphris says it was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to residents, local businesses and the broader community who have supported the company since it began operations in the region earlier this year. “Whitehaven is incredibly proud to be a part of this community and we recognise the important role we have…

Spartan Resources (ASX: SPR) has taken an important step towards the re-start of its Dalgaranga gold project (DGP) in WA following the receipt of all key regulatory approvals required to allow the mining and processing of underground ores to proceed. Approvals have been received from both the WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) and the WA Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) for the mining and processing of underground ores at the DGP along with modifications to the mill. Full approvals have been received to transition from development to full-scale mining and production activities of underground ores, following the completion of the current Juniper exploration drill drive decline development. Installation and operation of a ball…

Anglo American has agreed to sell its portfolio of Australian steelmaking coal mines that it operates in Australia to Peabody Energy for a cash consideration of up to $5.8b (US$3.775b). This will generate up to $7.5b (US$4.9b) in aggregate gross cash proceeds, including the already announced sale of Anglo American’s interest in Jellinbah for approximately $1.7b (US$1.1b). Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad says the sale of the company’s steelmaking coal business is another important step towards delivering the strategy that it set out in May to create a world class copper, premium iron ore and crop nutrients business. “Through focus, asset quality and outstanding growth options, Anglo American will offer a highly differentiated investment proposition supported by strong cash…

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) welcomes the introduction to Parliament of the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia Bill, which provides substantial incentives for critical minerals processing and hydrogen production. CME chief executive officer Rebecca Tomkinson says timely passage of the legislation would implement two key budget announcements from earlier this year aimed at capturing more investment to support strategic industries. “Australia’s resources, including our critical minerals, have a key role to play in the energy transition,” she said. “This measure recognises the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting industry to level the playing field in what is an intensely competitive global market. “Passage of the legislation would set an important investment signal for further value adding activities…

Four years of hard work has paid off for 28 Alcoa apprentices who celebrated the end of their education and training at a special ceremony and awards night last week. They are the latest cohort to complete apprenticeships at Alcoa’s mines and refineries, gaining trade qualifications in heavy diesel and mechanical fitting, fabrication and electrical instrumentation. Nine of the 2024 graduates from across Alcoa’s refineries and mine sites received accolades for their efforts, recognised for their outstanding attention to safety performance and as apprentices of the year for each site. At the time of the awards ceremony, six of the 28 graduates in the 2024 cohort had secured ongoing roles with Alcoa, while another 10 had opted to take on…

ByoMax has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) to establish the company as a key potential supplier of ByoCoke for Green Steel WA’s Collie green steel mill in WA. Under the terms of the LOI, ByoMax will undertake investigations and confirm that it will supply up to 20,000t of ByoCoke annually to the Collie green steel mill. ByoMax specialises in bioengineering waste biomass as a sustainable replacement for coal and coke in hard-to-decarbonise sectors. ByoCoke, crafted from waste biomass, can replace traditional coal and coke without compromising production quality or efficiency. According to ByoMax, its advanced bioengineering process removes over 97% of alkaline, heavy metals and volatile elements typically associated with slagging, reduced combustion kinetics, corrosion and product defects,…