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Redflow (ASX: RFX) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Queensland’s largest energy generator, Stanwell Corporation. The MOU sets out Redflow’s and Stanwell’s intention to collaborate on the development and deployment of Redflow’s X10 battery for use in a 400MWh large-scale project. This project will serve as a potential anchor order for Redflow’s planned manufacturing facility in Queensland. An initial feasibility study will conduct technical and commercial due diligence for a 5MWh X10 battery project at the Stanwell Future Energy Innovation Training Hub. During the feasibility study, Redflow and Stanwell will negotiate definitive legal project agreements for the supply, installation and operation of the battery project. The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed in the second half of…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) achieved first underground firing at its Mt Marion lithium operation in WA. Full development earthworks targeting a depth of 350m are expected within the next 18 months. Mt Marion general manager Marcelo Avecilla says the underground cut marks an important step forward in Mt Marion’s transition to an open pit and underground operation. “We’ve always considered Mt Marion a world-class asset and having recently doubled our underground Resource, MinRes is now working hard to deliver an exciting new phase for the mine,” he said. “We’re expanding our lithium workforce to strengthen our technical and operational expertise, while partnering with experts in underground mine planning, geotechnical, ventilation and operational readiness to streamline Mt Marion’s evolution.” This…

The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) plans to reform vocational education and training (VET) packages, becoming one of the first Jobs and Skills Councils to do so. AUSMASA will examine 15 different Certificate II pathway qualifications in the automotive training package. Qualifications will be redesigned based on their purposes to respond to changing workplaces and industries. This follows guidance from the Qualification Reform Design Group which proposed a revised system that moves away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Federal Skills and Training Minister Brendan O’Connor says this reform reflects the analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia that identified common skills across occupations and industries. “This would recognise and value what workers already know, and not force them to slide down…

The Karora Resources board has unanimously recommended shareholders back its upcoming merger with Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX). For the merger to proceed, two-thirds of Karora shareholders will be required to vote in favour of the transaction on July 19. All Karora directors and senior officers have entered into agreements with Westgold to vote in favour of the transaction. The merged company will operate across two WA goldfields which includes four production centres. It is expected to become a top five Australian gold producer, with a market cap of $2.4b and 400kozpa of production exclusively from WA. The new entity will be listed on both the ASX and Toronto stock exchange with financial resources of about $160m. A final court hearing…

BCI Minerals (ASX: BCI) has signed a binding agreement with CSL Australia to provide transhipment services for the Mardie Salt and Potash project in WA. Transhipping eliminates the need for towage and pilots, providing a cost-effective alternative to a deep-water port. This method is expected to perform well in Mardie’s weather conditions. The transhipper will travel 12-15 nautical miles from BCI’s jetty loadout facility to load ocean-going vessels with a deadweight of up to 207kt, offering Mardie a significant advantage over competing projects which cannot load vessels of this size. BCI managing director David Boshoff commented on the agreement. “BCI Minerals is very pleased to sign this major contract with CSL for a vessel specifically designed for the Mardie salt…

Macmahon (ASX: MAH) has been reappointed as the mining contractor at Anglo American’s Dawson South project in Queensland. The Dawson South project forms part of the Dawson Mine, a large open cut metallurgical and export thermal coal mine as well as one of Australia’s longest established coal mines. Macmahon will continue to provide open cut mining services using its current workforce, including load and haul, and equipment maintenance. The spending requirements and capital intensity for this work are significantly lower following the sale of Macmahon’s Dawson South equipment fleet earlier this year. While an exact figure wasn’t announced, the equipment was sold at market rates which were at or above book value, for cash consideration which is expected to result…

Efficient dust control is critical for maintaining a safe and productive work environment. Enter CURTpro, the latest innovation in automatic dust management from EmiControls, designed to address the unique challenges faced by mining operations. CURTpro sets a new standard in dust control with advanced features, ensuring optimal performance, ease of use and seamless interconnectivity. CURTpro’s automated management system offers unparalleled control by monitoring all dust controllers, spray systems and connected components of a plant in real-time. This smart, easy-to-operate system allows for complete customisation and configuration to suit specific operational areas. Linked sensors enable CURTpro to react automatically to changing conditions, ensuring optimal dust suppression without constant human intervention. This reduces the burden on workers and enhances resource utilisation. One…

In the dynamic world of mining where innovation and demand meet, it’s easy to overlook components critical to trouble free operations. Mining equipment is subjected to high loadings of abrasive airborne dusts and contaminants, that may directly contribute to premature engine wear or even the catastrophic failure of a modern engine. While unscheduled maintenance is a costly exercise, the greater expense comes from reduced vehicle availability. High-efficiency air filters are an investment to safeguard the health of your equipment optimising productivity and equipment longevity. Incremental improvements can offset big operational costs elsewhere. Efficiency isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the cornerstone of filtration success. Premium air filtration systems are essential to achieve optimal engine performance and efficiency.  Don’t let air…

CSI Mining Services, a subsidiary of Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN), has begun operations in Queensland with the transport of bauxite ore for Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Weipa operation. This contract marks CSI’s first project in Queensland, the first time operating at a bauxite mine site and the first time using multiple quad road trains. Mineral Resources chief executive mining service Mike Grey says it’s been a busy time for the company since being awarded the contract earlier in the year. “CSI has worked closely with Rio Tinto to transport the Kenworth C509 quad road trains from WA to Queensland, with them being transported via a roll-on, roll-off vessel to Weipa and then driven 30km to the Andoom mine site,” he…

Stanmore Resources (ASX: SMR) announced it will begin halting mining operations at the Mavis Underground coal project in Queensland from the end of June 2024.  This follows a strategic review that determined the project, given its relatively short mine life, has proven to be uneconomic under current market conditions and coal prices.  The review cited comparatively higher costs driven by the challenging ramp-up and lower production volumes achieved to date.  The Mavis Underground pit, part of the larger Millenium project, will be closed and sealed, with the Millennium Complex as a whole expected to reach steady state minimum expenditure care and maintenance regime by the end of 3Q 2024.  The potential Millennium underground development option will be unaffected by the…