Multotec Group of Companies | Powering up and going strong

Rio Tinto commits further $1.7m to Australia-Japan Innovation Fund Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has committed an additional $1.7m to the Australia-Japan Innovation Fund (AJIF) to promote research and academic projects between the two countries and further collaboration between industry, educational institutions and governments. The commitment was signed at the 60th Australia-Japan Annual Joint Business Conference which was held in Melbourne from October 8 - 10. Rio has been the sole funder of the initiative since it was established in 2018 and has funded about $5m in operating costs and research grants since then. Rio Tinto chief executive Australia Kellie Parker says the company is pleased to make another commitment. “Science and technology are...

PRIMARY global platinum producer Anglo American is considering divesting its South African-based platinum group metals (PGM) assets to focus attention on its other, open pit extraction projects. Formerly a fundamental division of the giant’s global asset portfolio, Anglo American’s PGM tenements have remained unproductive for nearly three months due to ongoing worker strikes and industrial unrest. About 80,000 miners from around the Rustenburg platinum belt are on strike and have given an ultimatum not to return to the shafts until their minimum monthly wage is doubled to 12,500 rand (US$1189). However, Anglo has repeatedly stated the demand would devastate its platinum subsidiary, if met. Anglo chief executive Mark Cutifani told Reuters that while the company “liked” PGM, the division was...

Alcoa and Aurizon (ASX: AZJ) will run a world-first trial on Alcoa’s Pinjarra–Kwinana rail route in WA, testing battery-electric technology to cut emissions from heavy rail operations.

Perenti secures $420m in contract extensions Perenti’s (ASX:PRN) underground mining businesses have been awarded contract extensions valued at $420m. The extensions include: A 12-month $125m contract extension to continue underground development and production at the Gold Fields Agnew underground gold mine. A 12-month $180m contract extension at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi underground gold mine in Ghana. A two-year $115m contract extension of existing underground development and production work at Roxgold’s Yaramoko underground mine in Burkina Faso. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says the company is pleased with the extensions. “We pride ourselves on enduring relationships, so we are especially pleased to be continuing our relationship with these long-term clients,” he said. “Our...