Author: joanne@australianminingreview.com.au

Metso is introducing the 5th Generation MP Hydraulic power unit for Nordberg® MP cone crushers, designed for easy maintenance, enhanced safety and standardisation. Metso mining crusher products vice president Andrew Lingenfelter says the company has built a strong reputation among customers for delivering reliable power units for MP cone crushers, supported by a robust installed base. “As even very reliable customers’ existing units age and components in the older units become obsolete, obtaining replacement quotes can be challenging for customers,” he said. “The new power unit simplifies this process, enabling us to quickly provide quotes for replacement units with readily available components. “With increased standardisation, we can maintain stock or place orders for long lead-time assemblies, ensuring faster delivery times…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) and BHP (ASX: BHP) have provided funding through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII) to support the Hedland and Newman Safe Spaces programs led by government and codesigned with locally based Aboriginal Community Control Organisations. The Safe Spaces program is to provide essential support and safety for at-risk children and young people in the Pilbara region. The partnership has committed up to $22m over the next five years. The programs provide a temporary Safe Space and transport home for unsupervised and vulnerable children and young people on the streets at night in the Town of Port Hedland and Newman. Beyond immediate safety, these programs will facilitate culturally responsive follow-up services that address underlying challenges faced by at-risk…

Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) U.S. Borax has donated about $955,855 (US$600,000) to three organisations to support relief efforts for communities directly impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region. The Kern County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank will each receive a donation of about $318,618 (US$200,000). The funds will help support immediate disaster response services, including providing emergency food and supplies, as well as helping with long-term recovery efforts such as essential fire equipment replenishment and rebuilding communities affected by the fires. U.S. Borax chief operations officer James Low says local communities in Los Angeles and Kern County have supported them throughout its 150-year history in California. “This…

Perenti (ASX: PRN) announces Barminco and Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) are extending their current contract for the provision of underground mining services at the Duketon operations, comprising both the Rosemont and Garden Well underground mines in the goldfield’s region in WA. Providing long-term visibility and certainty for both parties, the initial alliance-style agreement of three years will extend to an additional contract term of 12 months until March 30, 2028. The contract’s value is approximately worth $180m for underground development, production and support services with no new capital growth required. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says collaborative and long-term client relationships create enduring value. “The Barminco and Regis alliance agreement enables a framework for value creation and…

Downer Group (ASX: DOW) is partnering with Wodonga TAFE to launch scholarships to support women from Albury-Wodonga in Victoria to pursue a career in the building and construction industry. The Downer Building and Construction Women’s Scholarship sits alongside several other important successfully delivered plans including two defence projects at Benalla Munitions Facility and the Riverina Redevelopment Program across Wagga Wagga and Wodonga, which generated ongoing employment opportunities and brought new capabilities, technologies and training initiatives to the local community. The two scholarships are valued up to $6,000 each and are open to women enrolled in the Certificate IV Building and Construction (Site Management) with Wodonga TAFE. The aim of the scholarships is to reduce financial barriers some students may experience…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) will acquire Red Hawk Mining (ASX: RHK) by way of a $254m off-market takeover bid. Red Hawk is the owner of the Blacksmith Project, an undeveloped iron ore project located in WA, 30km west of Fortescue’s Solomon operations in the Western Hub. The total Blacksmith mineral resource estimate is 243mt at 59.3% iron. The offer price represents an attractive premium of 29% to Red Hawk’s 30-day volume weighted average price (VWAP). The cash consideration under the offer delivers immediate worth to Red Hawk shareholders and provides certainty, noting the significant risks to the development of greenfield iron ore projects. The Red Hawk board unanimously recommends shareholders accept the offer at both the base offer price and, if…

Five PR 776s have been delivered to a mine site in WA for Liebherr-Australia’s new partnership with Western Plant Hire (WPH). Through Barrooghumba WPH JV, one of WPH’s fully incorporated 50:50 joint ventures with local Indigenous businesses and their communities, these machines have been installed at a mine in the Pilbara. The delivery of these 70t dozers specifically marks the beginning of Liebherr-Australia’s relationship with WPH. Liebherr-Australia technical support advisor specialist for dozers Tony Di Prima says the PR 776 has improved tremendously over the years. “The redesigned cabin offers exceptional operator comfort with a spacious, ergonomic layout and low sound levels,” he said. “Plus, its powerful engine, intelligent drive system and hydrostatic travel drive provides excellent productivity and manoeuvrability.…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has formally endorsed the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, an initiative committed to setting clear deadlines for the phase out of fossil fuels globally. It is the largest global company and the first major industrial business to endorse the initiative. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative announced that it had accepted Fortescue’s endorsement. Fortescue says the decision vindicates the company’s transparent pursuit of its Real Zero 2030 target, with the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative undertaking a detailed, months-long analysis of Fortescue’s commitments before accepting its endorsement. Real Zero entails the elimination of fossil fuels, rather than reliance on voluntary carbon offsets or carbon capture and storage. The announcement was made…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has completed the final crushing plant construction and truck load out circuit operational at Ken’s Bore at Onslow Iron in the West Pilbara region, WA. The project now boasts three NextGen modular crushing plants, designed and developed in-house. Operated by CSI Mining Services, a fully owned subsidiary of MinRes, the modular crushers consume less energy and deliver significantly lower dust and noise emissions. Each crushing plant has a capacity of 12.5mtpa and will support the project’s ramp up to nameplate capacity of 35mtpa. The truck load out circuit will help optimise the haulage operation. This is underpinned by MinRes’ dedicated, private haul road running from Ken’s Bore to the Port of Ashburton. Delivering a more…

Mine sites in WA could be fully powered by renewable energy in a few years, Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers found. ECU PhD student Mehrdad Ghahramani’s research evaluates cost-performance trade-offs in hybrid energy systems, focusing on risk management under various uncertainty scenarios. To date, diesel generators and other conventional energy sources have dominated mining operations. However, these resources are associated with high costs, environmental impacts and logistical challenges. Mr Ghahramani says the mining industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable energy practices due to its significant energy consumption and the global push toward reducing carbon emissions. “Many companies are exploring hybrid energy systems, which integrate conventional fossil-fuel-based generators with renewable energy sources like solar and wind,” he said. “Currently, one…