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Once the transaction is completed, UFR will be part of Digital Mining Technologies, a division within the business area Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

Sandvik to acquire Universal Field Robots in Q4 this year

Sandvik to acquire Universal Field Robots in Q4 this year Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire Universal Field Robots (UFR) with the transaction expected to close in Q4 CY24. UFR is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, and provides autonomous interoperable surface and underground mining solutions. Sandvik president and chief executive Stefan Wilding says “Universal Field Robots is an important strategic addition to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions”. “ will strengthen our growth potential and provide key capabilities in the development of our mining automation solutions portfolio going forward,” he said. With about...

(Image source: Bravus Mining & Resources) Details about how the technology was used have been published in the international journal Animal Biotelemetry, which will help conservationists learn more about other less-tracked species.

Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight

Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight A high-tech research project between Bravus Mining and Resources and Queensland scientists has created a new model to uncover the secrets of rare bird species. The joint project with researchers from ecology consultancy E2M has provided new information about the habitat and daily movements of the black-throated finch, using an AI-supported radio tracking program. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the latest findings from the research project are an important part of Bravus’ commitment...

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) (L-R) WRC Mayor Ry Collins and BRC general manage Brendan Lane at the official opening of the Collinsville pump track.

Collinsville kids ride high at Bowen Rail Company-funded ‘pump’ bike track

Collinsville kids ride high at Bowen Rail Company-funded ‘pump’ bike track There were plenty of thrills and a couple of spills as Bowen Rail Company and Collinsville residents celebrated the official opening of the Queensland town’s eagerly anticipated $300,000 ‘pump’ bike track. Located in Darcy Munro Park, the Collinsville pump track is designed for skateboarders, bike and scooter riders to make their way over a series of rollers, jumps and berms by generating momentum through up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing. Bowen Rail Company fully-funded the...

(Image source: BHP) BHP tabled revenue of $82b (US$55.7b) in FY24, primarily as a result of higher realised prices across iron ore and copper.

BHP delivers record volumes at WAIO in FY24

BHP delivers record volumes at WAIO in FY24 BHP (ASX: BHP) had a strong FY24, with record production achieved at its Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), Spence and Carrapateena operations. Revenue increased 3% from the prior corresponding period to $82b (US$55.7b), primarily as a result of higher realised prices across iron ore and copper, with sales volumes increasing 3% and 5%, respectively. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 4% to $42.7b (US$29b), while underlying attributable profit was up 2% to $20.1b (US$13.7b). BHP chief executive Mike Henry commented on...

(Image source: Fortescue) The Billion Opportunities program supports individual First Nations businesses, helping build a stronger and more resilient economic future.

Fortescue celebrates $5b milestone in First Nations contracts

Fortescue celebrates $5b milestone in First Nations contracts Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) Billion Opportunities program has celebrated more than $5b in contracts and sub-contracts awarded to 200 First Nations businesses since its launch in 2011. Focusing on sustainable development, the Billion Opportunities program supports individual First Nations businesses, helping build a stronger and more resilient economic future. To amplify the program’s impact, Fortescue has been in partnership with ANZ since 2017 to provide funding to First Nations businesses. Fortescue chief executive Dino Otranto commented on the program. “The success of the Billion Opportunities program is credit...

CuFe says it will focus on progressing its suite of prospective assets including the advanced Tennant Creek copper and gold project and the Yarram iron ore project in the Northern Territory as well as a raft of prospective exploration projects.

CuFe to sell iron ore mine to Newcam Minerals

CuFe to sell iron ore mine to Newcam Minerals CuFe (ASX: CUF) will sell the iron ore rights to its WA JWD iron ore mine to Newcam Minerals for $12m cash, citing challenging conditions in the iron ore market. The JWD mine will suspend operations while the ownership transition occurs to preserve the value of ore in the ground. Iron ore prices have been declining all year from a peak of $141.45 per tonne at the...

The terms agreed with NAIF include a commitment by De Grey to continue to engage closely with the Kariyarra People, the Native Title holders of the land on which Hemi is located.

$150m boost for De Grey’s Hemi gold project

$150m boost for De Grey’s Hemi gold project De Grey (ASX: DEG) is progressing on the development of the WA Hemi gold project after receiving a $150m loan from the Federal Government’s Northen Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). De Grey managing director Glenn Jardine says the company appreciates the strong support for the development shown by NAIF and acknowledges the important role played by the Federal Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King and the Federal Northern Australia Special Envoy Luke Gosling. “Hemi is an...

In its 31st year, the VMRC is a critical part of the mining industry’s efforts to support highly trained rescue personnel.

Cornwall coal mine wins best overall at VMRC

Cornwall coal mine wins best overall at VMRC Mines across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania took part in the Minerals Council of Australia’s (MCA) Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) from August 23 – 25. Organised by MCA Victoria, the VMRC is a major annual safety training exercise involving simulated rescue scenarios for mine emergency response teams. Scenarios were hosted by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine and the Central Deborah gold mine, both of which are in Victoria. Cornwall Coal won best overall at the event, with Ballarat gold mine coming in second and Mandalay Resources’ Costerfield...

Pilbara Minerals’ strategic objective to enter lithium chemical manufacturing also progressed as planned, with production commencing at the POSCO Pilbara Minerals JV chemical plant in South Korea.

‘Disciplined Delivery’: Pilbara Minerals FY24 results

‘Disciplined Delivery’: Pilbara Minerals FY24 results Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) made significant strides in safety and production and is set to capitalise on several promising projects, despite a softer lithium pricing environment. Spodumene concentrate production increased 17% to 725.3kdmt from FY23. Safety metrics also improved with the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate reduced by 27% to 3.4 compared to FY23. These results follow the opening of Pilbara Minerals new crushing and ore sorting facility at its Pilgangoora operation in WA, the final component in the P680 project. The P1000...

(Image Source: The University of Queensland) Professor Esteban Marcellin at the AIBN lab.

Transitioning the world’s biggest companies to net zero

Transitioning the world’s biggest companies to net zero A new $60m Biosustainability Hub at The University of Queensland will use synthetic biology to help the world’s biggest businesses transition to net zero. Funded by government, industry and UQ, the Biosustainability Hub aims to be a one-stop-shop for big companies to transform their production practices and create carbon neutral economically viable products and materials. UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) Biosustainability Hub director Professor Esteban Marcellin says the facility is the first of its kind in Australia and co-locates research groups and industry who share a vision to transition society to net...

(Image source: Komatsu) The launch of the program coincides with the start of National Skills Week, which runs from August 19-23.

Komatsu youth program showcases STEM skills for heavy industries

Komatsu youth program showcases STEM skills for heavy industries Komatsu Australia has launched a program which will help develop young talent and showcase the diverse range of opportunities available in the mining and construction sectors around the country. The program targets school and university students and recent school leavers and will include initiatives like promoting STEM directly through schools, technical workshops and seminars tailored to students and educators, work experience and placements throughout Komatsu. Komatsu Australia general manager for people experience Zara Carey says the program will help prepare the next generation of industry leaders...