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Nickel Industries (ASX:NIC) is trialling electric vehicles (EVs) within its operating fleet as part of its strategy to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon intensity by 2035. These vehicles will be deployed across Nickel Industries’ IMIP and Hengjaya operations, with each electric vehicle expected to deliver significant emission savings compared to traditional vehicles. Nickel Industries managing director Justin Werner commented on the electric vehicles. “We are very pleased to announce the introduction of EVs to our operations as we strive to become the world’s pre-eminent global nickel company with an unrivalled platform of diversified, low-cost, sustainably produced nickel products, underpinned by global best practice mining standards,” he said. “With the recent opening of our Hengjaya mine to IMIP haul road…

BHP (ASX:BHP) has signed an agreement with one of the world’s largest steelmakers — China’s HBIS Group — in a bid to lower blast furnace carbon emissions. The partnership will see the companies trial direct reduced iron (DRI) production and utilisation of BHP iron ores in blends and progress a separate enhanced lump stage two trial. To support the development of alternate steel production, the companies will trial commercial-scale DRI production using BHP iron ores in blends at HBIS’s newly commissioned DRI plant. The DRI plant uses hydrogen-rich gas byproducts in the steelworks to convert ore into a metallic iron product that is further refined for steel. Additionally, the enhanced lump stage two trial will focus on the existing blast…

Queensland Pacific Metals (ASX:QPM) has produced more than 62kg of high purity alumina (4N HPA) from the Lava Blue demonstration plant. QPM and Lava Blue recently completed the first campaign of the HPA demonstration plant operation with work aiming to confirm the HPA flowsheet for the TECH project and produce samples for offtake marketing purposes. HPA produced from the demonstration plant has been split into six 10kg blends and has been transported to the United States. These blends have been assayed with results exceeding 4N purity. QPM’s technical and market team have been working closely with a specialised US consultant in identifying potential offtake partners. The initial focus has been on the LED market (sapphire glass). The TECH (Townsville Energy…

The Northern Territory has recorded its highest ever mineral exploration expenditure, with $74.4m spent in the September quarter. This figure is up 30% from the same quarter last year and surpasses the previous record of $71.6m set in the September 2011 quarter. Notably, the Northern Territory’s 30% increase was much higher than the Australia-wide increase of 5%. Mineral exploration in the Territory for 2023 is currently on track to be the highest calendar year expenditure on record. Northern Territory Mining Minister Nicole Manison commented on the growth. “These latest figures show the world is quickly transitioning to renewable energy — and the Territory’s critical minerals are in high demand,” she said. “The Territory’s resources sector, both in exploration and production,…

Quantitative assessment of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives provides robust and defensible data to support compliance, stakeholder engagement and business sustainability goals. Whatever your pathway to identifying, planning, and implementing your ESG initiatives, environmental monitoring data plays a key role in supporting your decision making. The saying “if you can’t manage it, you can’t measure it” has never been truer. Novecom Pty Ltd supports businesses in measuring their environmental performance and is a leader in compliance and operational environmental management solutions. Novecom’s innovative approach to environmental monitoring facilitates business operators knowing what their environmental impacts are in near real-time. Social licence to operate is something you earn No longer is maintaining compliance with regulatory instruments the indicator of good…

Melbourne, Australia – The Weir Group PLC, a global mining technology leader, has completed a comprehensive study that highlights a significant opportunity to reduce energy use and emissions in comminution, the rock crushing process that is key to minerals extraction, and that consumes around 3% of the world’s electrical power each year1. The study shows that replacing conventional technology with innovative new solutions can cut energy use by 40% while also avoiding 50% of CO2e emissions. Speaking at a COP28 panel discussion hosted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and moderated by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), Paula Cousins, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Weir revealed the details of the study that…

A brand new PC4000 excavator has been delivered at Batchfire Resources Callide mine, built and tested one month ahead of its first start-up. Komatsu worked alongside the Callide team to ensure a successful delivery of the PC4000 which was customised for the unique operational requirements the Callide site and built to withstand Queensland’s harsh mining conditions. Komatsu regional manager – mining equipment Scott Harrington commented on the machine. “This excavator needed to be a tough, high-productivity machine while also offering the highest levels of fuel efficiency and operator safety,” he said. “It was a big feat, but the collaboration between both parties meant a great outcome.” The new excavator will operate around the clock at Callide, work more than 400…

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) will replace its entire fossil diesel consumption with renewable diesel at its Kennecott copper operation in Utah from 2024. The fleet of 90 haul trucks and all the heavy machinery will begin the transition to renewable diesel from the first quarter of next year, along with consumption from the concentrator, smelter and refinery. This transition will reduce Kennecott’s scope one carbon emissions by around 495ktpa of carbon dioxide, comparable to eliminating the annual emissions of more than 107k cars. Rio is targeting reduction in scope one and two carbon emissions of 50% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The renewable diesel is made from renewable biogenic materials sources in the United States. It will be supplied…

Less than a year after Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) signed a Mining Convention with the Government of Gabon, the mining giant’s first product from its Belinga iron ore project is ready for shipment. This marks the first time the company has exported iron ore from a port outside of Australia. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto is pleased with the progress following the signing of the Mining Convention on 8 February 2023. “This is a truly remarkable achievement by the team in such a short period of time and marks a key milestone in the early-stage mine development in Gabon,” he said. “This project has the potential to revolutionise our portfolio and ultimately create a product that will be…

Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) has agreed to buy an 80% interest in the Northparkes copper-gold mine in NSW from CMOC Group Limited for a total cash consideration up to $722m (US$475m), with Sumitomo Metal Mining and Sumitomo Corporation retaining their 20% interest in the JV. Evolution has also agreed to enter into an offtake agreement with IXM S.A., a subsidiary of CMOC, under which IXM will purchase from Evolution copper concentrates produced from the Northparkes mine equal to Evolution’s 80% attributable interest over the life of mine’s existing ore reserves. In addition, Evolution will assume the obligations of CMOC Limited as guarantor under the Triple Flag Metal purchase and sale agreement, under which Evolution will deliver a percentage of its…

Janette Hewson has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). She will be replacing outgoing chief executive Ian Macfarlane who is retiring from the role at the end of the year. QRC president Adam Lancey says Ms Hewson is well known for her leadership and experience. “Janette will lead the QRC at a time when the industry faces changes, challenges and opportunities as the sector continues to power Queensland’s economy while providing the minerals and materials needed for decarbonisation,” he said. “Under her leadership, the QRC will continue to prioritise and promote the highest industry standards in health and safety, diversity and inclusion and environmentally responsible operating practices.” Ms Hewson has more than 25…