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NSW Global Operator Challenge winner announced Operator Tim Lamb from Edgeworth has become NSW’s best Cat® machinery operator following the thrilling State Final of the Caterpillar® Global Operator Challenge, held at WesTrac’s dig pit in Tomago. The 34-year-old, who works with Daracon Group, outperformed nine other finalists in the challenges, designed to test the skill, accuracy and agility of competitors. Tim was crowned state champion and will join WA’s champion Max Harris on an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where they will compete against international operators at the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in October. (Image source: WesTrac) The NSW GOC 2025...

Automation Solutions - Machine Tending Robot Systems Australian businesses, especially those in remote areas where finding skilled labour can be difficult, often face labour shortages and resulting bottlenecks due to expensive machines that often sit idle. To help companies overcome these challenges and improve their operations, Automation Solutions offer tailor made robotic systems. Automation Solutions specialises in providing innovative robotic solutions such as machine tending and material handling cells, which can streamline manufacturing operations. These robotic systems handle raw materials and finish products that can run unmanned throughout the day and night, allowing mining companies to extend machine run time and achieve a sharp increase in output. By reducing the labour required to produce finished machined parts, businesses can redirect...

Advancements in Slurry Pump Technology: Enhancing Monitoring and Maintenance with GIW® SLYsight and RAMSL Together, GIW® SLYsight and RAMSL represent significant advancements in pump technology, making slurry pump monitoring and maintenance more efficient and less burdensome. GIW® SLYsight: Real-Time Insights into Pump Health Traditionally, monitoring the condition of slurry pumps has been a challenge. Operators typically see the pumps at the beginning of their life when they are new and at the end when they are worn out, leaving a significant gap filled with guesswork. SLYsight changes this by offering daily insights into the pump's condition, allowing operators to monitor critical aspects such as internal clearances, which are crucial for managing wear. With SLYsight, operators can now observe the pump's performance...

Liebherr-Australia and Mineco deliver on new partnership Liebherr-Australia celebrated its new partnership with Mineco — an Australian-based mining services provide — with the handing over of a brand-new R 9150 excavator set to go to work at Mount Arthur coal mine in NSW. The commissioning of this excavator highlights Liebherr-Australia’s continued growth in the 150-tonne class mining segment in Australia and reinforces the company’s commitment to providing innovative and efficient solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the Australian mining industry. Liebherr-Australia’s Mount Thorley branch will provide Mineco and its...

Metso launches next-gen cone crushers Metso is extending its Nordberg® HPe series™ to larger crushing capacities for both aggregates production and high-demand mining applications with the introduction of the HP600e, HP800e and HP900e cone crushers. Metso aggregates HP Cones product manager Ilkka Somero says the evolution of the cone crusher technology brings multiple benefits and presents a true step change in terms of performance, uptime, serviceability and application coverage. “We are excited to expand the Nordberg® HPe series and bring to market a wider offering of these high-performance crushers fit for different production purposes,” he...

Taruga taps into Thowagee Taruga Minerals (ASX: TAR) has launched field exploration at its newly acquired Thowagee Project in WA’s northern region, ushering the start of a promising new phase in the company's base and precious metals strategy. Located within a 416.5km² tenement package, Thowagee is surrounded by Taruga’s existing licence applications and includes the historically productive Thowagee mine. The former operation extracted polymetallic ore from hydrothermal quartz veins, with 1956 records indicating the recovery of 15.2t of lead and 5878g of silver. More recent historical sampling has revealed high-grade outcrop potential. Rock chip results have returned grades of...

Gallium confirmed in rare earths product at North Stanmore   Victory Metals (ASX: VTM) has confirmed the presence of gallium in its final mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product from the North Stanmore clay-hosted rare earths and critical minerals project in WA. The announcement positions Victory as one of the most advanced gallium-focused projects in the country, with 358g/t gallium oxide confirmed in MREC produced during metallurgical testing. The company believes it is the first Australian operation to recover gallium in a final MREC product. Victory chief executive and director Brendan Clark says the achievement strengthens Australia's critical minerals...

MinRes transhipper fleet expands to four-strong Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) transhipping operation at Onslow Iron has welcomed its newest addition, with the MinRes Rosily entering service as the fourth vessel in its growing fleet. The 123m, 20,000t capacity transhipper arrived in Exmouth in February before completing a successful testing and commissioning phase off the coast of Onslow. It now joins MinRes ships Airlie, Coolibah and Bundarra, all working to support the project’s staged ramp-up to its 35mtpa nameplate capacity. MinRes executive marine general manager Jeff Weber says the arrival marked another key step in the project’s delivery. “Our transhipping operation is an integral component of Onslow Iron’s innovative transport solution...

Isaac resources precinct fosters collaboration Construction has officially commenced on the $41.7m Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, marking a major step toward building regional capability in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. The project is set to deliver a purpose-built hub for training, research and industry collaboration in one of Australia’s most productive mining regions. Backed by $39.7m from the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund and $2m from the Federal Government, the precinct is being delivered by the Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Resources Centre of Excellence and Country Universities Centre. The project’s goal is to foster a more skilled and diversified local workforce by supporting education, reskilling and applied research in areas such as mine rehabilitation and future land use....

Whitehaven ushers in 2025 graduates Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has officially welcomed its 2025 graduate intake, hosting a two-day induction in Gunnedah, NSW aimed at preparing the next generation of professionals for careers across its mining operations. 12 graduates have joined the business across a range of disciplines including engineering, operational technology, geology and environmental science. The event marked the start of Whitehaven’s two-year graduate program, which combines structured rotations with on-the-job learning and formal development sessions. Whitehaven’s graduate program is a structured initiative focused on developing future leaders through a combination of hands-on training and formal development. Graduates are rotated across sites and offices, where they’ll...