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Sandvik launches surface drilling training simulator Sandvik Mining is introducing a new simulator designed to accelerate operator competence and enhance the efficiency of automated drilling operations. The new AutoMine Surface Drilling Training Simulator — available for all i-series surface drill rigs — delivers a realistic, safe and cost-effective training environment that prepares operators and specialists for the demands of modern mining. Sandvik Mining learning solutions automation head Anu Pyysalo comments on the simulator. “The AutoMine Surface Drilling Training Simulator bridges the gap from classroom learning to operational readiness by giving operators an immersive, hands-on environment to practice,...

Black Cat goes underground Black Cat Syndicate (ASX: BC8) has commenced underground mining at Majestic, located about 45km southeast of Kalgoorlie, WA. Macmahon Underground (ASX: MAH) has been awarded the contract for underground mine development, production services and associated works at Majestic and have commenced underground mining activities. The initial production target from Majestic is 776kt at 3.2g/t for 80koz gold, of which about 63% is already in ore reserve (at $2300/oz). Drilling from underground positions will commence as soon as possible. This is to further grow resources which are drill restrained and remain...

Rio Tinto reports fatal incident at Simandou An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) SimFer mine site in Nzérékoré, Guinea on August 22. Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm comments on the incident. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic event as well as the wider community,” he said. “We will offer all the support we can at this very difficult time and a...

FMG reports 41% profit drop Amid weak iron ore prices, Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has reported its lowest profit since FY19 in the company’s FY25 results. The company’s FY25 net profit after tax (NPAT) came in at $5.24b , a significant drop from the $8.78b reported in FY24. Revenue for FY25 was $24b , a 15% drop on FY24 underpinned by an 18% decrease in hematite average revenue of $131/dmt . Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $12.2b was 26% lower than FY24 — $16.4b — the underlying...

Liebherr supports breast cancer research Liebherr-Australia has unveiled a $50,000 cheque to the National Breast Cancer Foundation at Hancock Iron Ore’s Roy Hill mine in WA.  The donation amount was based on the number of buckets of material moved by a Liebherr R 9800 excavator at the site during the month of June as part of the Every Bucket Counts campaign.   Liebherr-Australia managing director Trent Wehr says the company is proud to support the initiative and efforts to support breast cancer research and improve patient care in Australia.  [caption id="attachment_47281"...

CSIRO supporting critical minerals SMEs CSIRO has opened applications to its free eight-week online program, Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals, for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  The program is designed to help SMEs with innovative ideas investigate new research and development (R&D) opportunities, refine their concepts and better position themselves for growth in Australia's critical minerals sector.   CSIRO critical minerals lead and Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub Operations Group chair Dr Chris Vernon says the program helps connect businesses with research expertise and industry knowledge.   “We’re at a unique moment where global supply chains are being rewritten and Australia is...

MinRes showcases the power of lithium As part of the three-day Resources Technology Showcase (RTS), held in Perth last week, Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) delivered its Secret World of Lithium installation.   This year’s RTS focused on key minerals that power daily life, the perfect backdrop to highlight lithium’s place at the heart of the world’s energy revolution, enabling rechargeable batteries essential for electric mobility, renewable energy storage and portable electronics.    With demand forecast to grow in the coming decades, MinRes’ ongoing investment in world-class operations and downstream processing is positioning the company at the forefront of the global supply chain.   Through a combination of lighting, sound and...

PLS boosts STEM skills across the Pilbara Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has partnered with the Centre of Resource Excellence (CoRE) Learning Foundation to enhance STEM education for Port Hedland students.  The collaboration will support the delivery of the Powering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Port Hedland STEM Learning Program — a hands-on learning initiative designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and prepare students for future STEM careers.  The funding from PLS will see 300 students from Baler Primary School take part in the program and, through interactive, real-world projects, explore the role of...

BHP backs next generation Goldfields jobs BHP (ASX: BHP) has contributed $5m to the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development to support apprenticeships and traineeships in the Goldfields region.  The funding will support 35 new apprentices and trainees through the Group Training Organisation wage subsidy program, launched in 2022, to help small to medium-sized businesses to take on apprentices and trainees.   BHP WA Vice president Annabelle Blom says the company supports local training and provides opportunities...

Recycling lithium batteries for a sustainable future New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has highlighted that tapping into used batteries as a secondary lithium source not only helps reduce environmental impact but also secures access to this valuable resource. The global lithium-ion battery market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 13%, reaching $87.5b by 2027, with lithium consumption forecast to increase from 390kt in 2020 to about 1600kt by 2026, according to ECU PhD student Sadia Afrin. However, only about 20% of a lithium-ion...

Rudd highlights Australia’s critical minerals significance Australia Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to become a critical minerals and rare earths superpower.   This week in Washington, at a forum hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Dr Rudd highlighted the strengths of the Australian mining industry that position it as a key partner in countering China’s dominance over global supply chains.   Dr Rudd says Australia has the biggest mining industry and the largest mining companies in the world.   “The President recognises the size of these companies and...