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Zapping rocks with a high-voltage pulse – similar to a lightning strike – could be the answer to decarbonising the mining industry according to researchers from The University of Queensland. Researchers from UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute have developed and are commercialising high voltage pulse (HVP) technology, which uses a short-pulsed discharge similar to a lightning strike, to selectively break mineralised ores while keeping barren rocks intact. Project leader Dr Christian Antonio says their HVP technology, in the process of being commercialised, could significantly reduce energy consumption and essentially help decarbonise the mining industry. “Mineral processing is the most energy intensive part of mining and is a significant consumer of energy globally,” Dr Antonio said. “This technology makes it possible to…

A 100% electric bus transported its first passengers from the airport to Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora operation in WA’s northwest region today. The new bus, developed in partnership with local Port Hedland business Northfleet, is the first 100% electric major permanent mobile equipment to operate at Pilbara Minerals’ lithium mine, replacing a diesel fuelled bus that is estimated to have used approximately 12,000L of diesel every year. The bus is understood to be the first electric bus to operate in the East Pilbara. Pilbara Minerals managing director and chief executive Dale Henderson welcomes the new addition to the site. “As a leading producer of lithium battery raw materials, we are committed to supporting the global energy transition and this includes at…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will acquire Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters, which owns and operates the Boyne Island aluminium smelter in Gladstone, Queensland. On the completion of the transaction, and the recent agreement to acquire Sumitomo Chemical Company’s 2.46% interest in Boyne Smelters, Rio’s interest in Boyne Smelters will increase to 73.5%. The acquisition, which is for an undisclosed price, is subject to various conditions, including approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, and it’s expected to be finalised in the second half of 2024. Upon completion of the transaction, the Boyne Smelter joint partners will be Rio Tinto (73.5%), YKK Aluminium (9.5%), UACJ Australia (9.29%) and Southern Cross Aluminium (7.71%). Operating since 1982, Boyne Smelters is Australia’s…

Much-loved community initiative, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, is set to continue providing free access to books for children across the Narrabri region after securing funding support from the local community and businesses, including Whitehaven Coal. The free book gifting program is dedicated to inspiring children to love reading from an early age. Each month, enrolled children from birth to age five receive a high-quality, age-appropriate book in the mail, free of charge. Since its inception in Narrabri in 2022, the program has gifted free books to 271 children in the Shire. The Narrabri program initially received funding from the NSW Government, however, recently, the Narrabri Shire Council announced that funding for new enrolments would cease from 1 July 2024,…

The Port Hedland facility is the flagship Enduron high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) service centre in the region. The facility supports major operations in the Pilbara region, including the Iron Bridge project. Port Hedland serves as a critical hub for the mining and resources industry in Australia, driving economic growth and success for the important iron ore region. The new facility bolsters Weir’s national network of sixteen service centres and will support customers and their operations across the Pilbara region. Weir regional managing director Kristen Walsh says the facility will provide best-in-class service while advancing sustainable progress across the Pilbara. “The new centre at Port Hedland will support our key customers in the region, providing Weir’s best-in-class service and expertise,” she…

Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) MC driver training program has celebrated the 100th candidate participating in the initiative. Beginning in October 2023, the program upskills people with an existing multi combination (MC) truck licence with the skills and knowledge to drive 330t quad road trains. The program has a 93% retention rate and graduates are placed at Mineral Resources and client sites across the Pilbara and Goldfields regions. The 100th participant Kelly Mottan says it’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to upskill and drive 330t payloads. “I’ve previously worked in the mining and logistics industry and after driving dump trucks I knew the next thing I wanted to do is drive quad road trains,” she said. “I saw…

Curtin University has been named as operator of WA’s new GreenTech Hub. The hub will help build state-wide capability and capacity in green technologies and services. It will also stimulate growth in skills and knowledge, plus support the creation of jobs and developing new industries. The hub will be operated by Curtin University and is funded as part of the agreement between State Government and Chevron as operator of the Gorgon joint venture, a consortium including the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Osaka Gas, MidOcean and JERA. WA Innovation, Digital Economy and Science Minister Stephen Dawson congratulated Curtin on the appointment. “To be operated by Curtin University, this new stand-alone GreenTech Hub will play a key role in fostering…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is set to sell its 49% interest in the Onslow Iron project’s haul road to Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners for $1.3b. The 150km fully sealed and fenced dual lane haul road links the Ken’s Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton and is equipped with fibre optic cabling to support Mineral Resources’ autonomous road trains. Mineral Resources will retain majority ownership and exclusive rights to use, operate and maintain the Onslow haul road, ensuring seamless mine-to-ship delivery of iron. Proceeds are payable in cash and comprise upfront consideration of $1.1b and a deferred consideration of $200m that is subject to achieving a 35mtpa run rate for any quarter before June 30, 2026. Mineral Resources managing…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will invest $8m over five years to enhance conservation land management and support Traditional Owner ranger programs in the Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks. In partnership with WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the Pilbara Conservation Project will protect areas of high conservation value and integrate Traditional Owner’s knowledge of the land into conservation land management. This includes weed management, feral animal control and bushfire management at Karijini, Millstream Chichester and other high conservation value Pilbara sites, through implementation of the Pilbara Conservation Strategy. The project will also support ranger training and fee for service work for Aboriginal Ranger Groups. Rio Tinto vice president health, safety, environment and communities Cecile Thaxter commented on…

MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM) and Murdoch University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to investigate research opportunities for metal extraction. Under the MOU, MTM and Murdoch will examine ways to use flash joule heating (FJH) technology to develop new research in mineral extraction and processing to enhance the recovery of metals and minerals. The two parties will aim to establish research programs and infrastructure at Murdoch for testing mineral waste streams and developing new mineral processing solutions for primary ores. MTM will also leverage Murdoch’s experience to research and commercialise FJH technology, and the parties will seek joint funding, including grants from Australian, US and industry sources. The FJH technology was recently licensed to MTM by Rice University…

Aggreko launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Plan (RAP) during National Reconciliation Week (NRW), with special guest speaker Cathy Freeman. Aggreko launched its first RAP during National Reconciliation Week 2020, which provided the blueprint for the organisation’s commitment to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, acknowledge the history and build closer relationships. To commemorate the milestone of being one of the first companies in the hire and rental industry to begin its second RAP, Australian Olympian Cathy Freeman was invited to deliver a keynote speech to employees and key customers. Chef Nornie Bero of Mabu Mabu provided catering. Aggreko AusPac managing director George Whyte commented on the launch. “Our business is committed to making a positive difference to the…