Category: Features

Evolution Mining executive chairman Jake Klein speaking at IMARC. Image: IMARC.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   EVOLUTION Mining executive chairman Jake Klein had a clear message for delegates at the recent International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne: the industry was experiencing a “cognitive bias” towards gold prices, with lack of sufficient returns rolling in for gold investors.   Evolution's Mr Klein – who has steered the mid-tier miner’s growth since its inception seven years ago—questioned how many gold projects across the country delivered on what was promised in feasibility studies, shedding light on the industry-wide issue of narrow returns for investors. “I started in the gold industry 25 years ago and gold prices were around $US250 an ounce and...

Box cut and mine portal. All images: Heron Resources.   BY JESSICA CUMMINS   HERON Resources has a lot to celebrate, with underground mining now underway at its flagship Woodlawn zinc-copper project, and commissioning on track to begin by the end of this year.   Heron's high-grade Woodlawn project in NSW is a highly prospective zinc-copper deposit, 50km northeast of Canberra. Following the completion of its Feasibility Study in mid-2016, underground mining began at the project in September, with commissioning expected to commence within the next couple of months and first shipment marked for the first quarter of 2019. The high-grade, long-life mine is well placed to participate in a zinc market facing a significant supply shortfall, producing on average 40,000 tonnes...

By October 2018, the water level at the main pit was down about 20m from where it was when Mt Gibson began dewatering. Image: Mount Gibson Iron.   THE rebuild at Koolan Island is now 90 per cent complete and on track for completion in March next year, less than five years after Mount Gibson Iron was forced to close it following extensive flooding. Amy Blom spoke with incoming Mount Gibson Iron chief executive Peter Kerr about the rebuild and what else lies on the horizon for the miner.   Q. Koolan Island closed in 2014 following extensive flooding. What led to the decision to rebuild the seawall?   Mount Gibson approved the rebuild of the seawall in April 2017...

BHP conducted the first blast at its South Flank project in September. Image: BHP.     BY AMY BLOM   MINING giant BHP is on time and on budget to deliver its multibillion dollar South Flank project, having taken off with a flying start in July.   South Flank has made a rapid start in its first three months of construction, according to project director Simon Thomas. Speaking at a WA Mining Club lunch in Perth on 25 October, Mr Thomas said BHP already had more than 600 people working on the project, with local contractors such as NRW, Clough, CPB and Decmil mobilised to site. He said September quarter highlights included an expansion of the Mulla Mulla village facilities...

GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta. Image: GFG Alliance. Photography: Sean Kelly.     BY ELIZABETH FABRI   IT’S been another big year for British billionaire Sanjeev Gupta and his global powerhouse GFG Alliance, with expansions in Australia, the US and Europe cementing the company as a leader in steel manufacturing and renewables. Moving into 2019, the company’s Australian division will accelerate further with an ASX listing on the cards, and plans underway to develop an electric vehicle manufacturing hub.   Three years ago GFG Alliance executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta made headlines for his rescue and revival of a number of distressed metals, mining, engineering and power generation operations in the UK. The acquisitions came at a time when the UK...

Crushed ore cone at Nolans processing plant. Image: Resolute Mining. Photography: Roslyn Budd.   BY AMY BLOM   DESPITE almost closing Ravenswood mine in 2016, Resolute Mining has now announced a 14-year mine life with staged plans to return to 5 million tonne per annum open cut mining. Along with Ravenswood, its operations in Africa and a dedication to increasing output through new technology, Resolute expects to grow annual production to 500,000 ounces by 2021.   Innovation and experience was the key to successfully extending the life of the Ravenswood mine in QLD, according to Resolute Mining chief executive and managing director John Welborn. Just over two years ago, the Ravenswood gold operations were hanging in the balance, with the Mt Wright...

Image: the city of Dubbo.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   AT the geographic heart of NSW lies the regional centre of Dubbo – the largest city in the Orana region with an impressive and growing economic profile. A new wave of mining projects is set to give the town a boost, with added jobs and flow-on benefits to local business.   Dubbo businesses already supply goods and services to a number of mining operations around the region and the promise of new mines is set to increase opportunities. Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said mining was a growth industry in the region, with businesses expanding and taking advantage of the city’s strategic location and junction for road, rail and air freight services. “From heavy...

Northern Minerals aimed to be the first significant world producer of dysprosium outside of China. Image: Northern Minerals.   BY AMY BLOM   LESS than two months after achieving mechanic completion at its $56 million Browns Range Pilot Plant, Northern Minerals produced its first rare earth carbonate and followed it up with a plan to double production. The company is now on the hunt for more quality rare earth mineral deposits.   Northern Minerals is speeding ahead with its flagship Browns Range project after producing its first final product in October, and announcing plans that could double output. The announcements were followed by news that Northern Minerals had entered into a $25 million subscription agreement with NRE Industrial Group on October...

Caval Ridge is a high-quality, hard coking mine in the northern section of Bowen Basin. Image: BHP.   BY AMY BLOM   BMA Coal has posted record production at several of its mines as metallurgical coal continues to strengthen. With construction of its Caval Ridge Southern Circuit project steaming ahead, BMA is set to continue production growth into FY19.   BMA Coal is set to accelerate growth and productivity with construction of its Caval Ridge Southern Circuit (CRSC) project on track to be completed by the end of the year. When complete, the $270 million project will result in an 11km overland conveyor system, which will transport coal from the Peak Downs mine to the coal handling preparation plan (CHPP)...

Metro Mining had completed 17 shipments from its Bauxite Hills mine by September. Image: Metro Mining.   BY AMY BLOM   METRO Mining is continuing its successful ramp up of Bauxite Hills mine, bolstered by strong alumina prices and high Chinese demand.    Metro Mining is shaping up to finish the year on a strong note following a number of major successes coming out of its flagship Bauxite Hills mine in QLD. The miner began first production at Bauxite Hills in April, 10 months after construction commenced, with most construction taking place in just five months. First shipment left the Port of Skardon in early May. Then in August, Metro was named the leading emerging company at the 2018 Diggers and Dealers...

The final Cliffs iron ore shipment in June.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   RECORD lithium exports coupled with an eleventh hour purchase of Cliff’s closing Koolyanobbing iron ore mine has put the Southern Ports Authority – particularly Esperance – in the spotlight through 2018. Moving into the new year, opportunities are expected to continue across its diversified commodity mix.   Since the amalgamation of the ports of Albany, Bunbury and Esperance in 2014, it’s been full steam ahead for the Southern Ports Authority. In FY18 total exports came to 30.9mt as the ports continued to benefit from WA’s growing economy, with newcomers such as bauxite coming on board. Iron ore, mineral sands, and nickel have been key contributors to the...