Turning waste into wealth

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) A Bowen Rail Company trail hauling coal from the Carmichael mine along the Carmichael Rail Network.

No Detours ahead as fauna- friendly crossings share the line on the Carmichael Rail Network

Coal from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland is making its way to port on a rail line where cutting edge freight technologies are rivalled by the sophistication of fauna-friendly crossings. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the 200km Carmichael Rail Network includes hundreds of design features to support local biodiversity on a line also setting new standards for freight transport. “The design means not only does our coal get to port using safe and efficient rail operations, but it also allows local fauna to thrive,” he said. “Coal is hauled by Bowen Rail Company trains on the Carmichael Rail Network through an area of central Queensland that is home to…

Regarded as one of the most comprehensive dedicated software businesses in the mining industry, Micromine brings complementary domain expertise to Weir.

Weir to acquire Micromine

Weir is accelerating its strategy for sustainable digital mining after entering a binding agreement to acquire Mining Software Holdings (Micromine) for $1.3b (£657m). Micromine is a top-tier global software provider to the mining industry, with comprehensive solutions across the upstream mining value chain. It supports critical mining operations from exploration through mine design and planning, operational scheduling and mining operations in hard ore, soft ore and underground applications. Weir chief executive Jon Stanton says the combined force of Micromine and Weir will create a sector-leading globally scaled platform to optimise performance across the mining process. “In Micromine, we are adding an established, high-quality business and proven performer that is complementary to Weir’s aftermarket-focused business model and current digital solutions,” he…

Weir says its highly engineered technology enables critical resources to be produced using less energy, water and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership.

Weir secures $48m contract for new phase of greenfield phosphate projects

The Weir Group has been awarded a $48m (£25m) contract for separation solutions at the OCP Group’s Benguerir and Louta greenfield phosphate projects in Morocco. The full order, which includes a range of both WARMAN slurry pumps and CAVEX hydrocyclones, will be recognised in Q3 of 2024. This will support the continued construction of the Louta project and the tripling of production from the Benguerir project, where Weir has previously provided similar separation and desliming solutions based on its energy efficient technology. Weir chief executive Jon Stanton says the company is pleased to have secured this major contract. “It represents a strong endorsement of our WARMAN and CAVEX ranges that provide energy efficient separation at scale to support our customer’s…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden in front of his haul truck ride.

Digging coal is the goal for Cowboys co-captain

Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden has shown he’d have no trouble swapping footy boots for steel caps in the distant future when he’s ready to transition to a life after rugby league. The superstar five-eighth looked right at home behind the wheel of a massive Caterpillar 796AC haul truck during a trip to the Carmichael mine to shoot the new “Digging Coal, Kicking Goals” campaign that celebrates the Platinum Partnership between Bravus Mining and Resources and the Cowboys. Mr Dearden says the visit, including a lap of mining operations sitting in the haul truck’s trainer’s seat, gave him an even greater appreciation of what the partnership between the Townsville-headquartered business and National Rugby League club meant to regional Queenslanders. “My dad…

The MRIWA seeks to sponsor studies into areas that stimulate and amplify activities of high value to WA.

Mining scholarships now open

The Minerals Research Institute of WA’s (MRIWA) 2026 scholarships are now open to WA students undertaking postgraduate minerals research. These will be awarded to four exceptional WA students to support research endeavours into current gaps or innovations in mining that will directly benefit WA, help students to access and collaborate with the mining industry and continue the development of the minerals research workforce in WA. WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says the WA Government is committed to supporting the growth and the diversity of the state’s research workforce. “MRIWA scholarships provide a unique opportunity for researchers to connect with industry, academia and government,” he said. “Successful applicants will join the current 22 MRIWA PhD scholarship recipients in this…

The orders keep coming for Metso concentrate and tailings filtration

The orders keep coming for Metso concentrate and tailings filtration

Metso has reported repeat orders for its concentrate and tailings filtration technology totalling over $17m (EUR$10m) for Q3 CY25. Most of the orders the Finnish machining giant received were for filter modernisations and upgrades, as well as full-scope replacements of HRT thickeners, including the new ReactorwellTM and Thickener Vane FeedwellTM systems, which are part of the company’s Metso Plus portfolio. Metso vice president, beneficiation and dewatering services, product commercial support Felipe Bañados says proactive maintenance is shaping customer decisions, with reliability fuelling interest in concentrate filtration solutions. “In thickeners, growth is fuelled by sustainability and water management initiatives, with older equipment being retrofitted with advanced technology to enhance reliability and to ensure cost-effective, environmentally responsible operations. We are delighted that…

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been selected to construct a 164MW / 905MWh Muchea Battery north-east of Perth in WA for Neoen in partnership with Tesla. Muchea Battery is Neoen’s first six-hour long-duration storage asset and will be equipped to support the WA’s energy reliability and transition to renewables. UGL has been contracted to help prepare the site for the installation and connection of 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and to design and construct a 132kV substation, including the installation of high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks and footings. ACS Group and HOCHTIEF chief executive and CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan Santamaria says the contract is another milestone in the groups’ commitment to enabling Australia’s energy…

Tivan acquires NT critical minerals project

Tivan acquires NT critical minerals project

Tivan (ASX: TVN) has fully acquired the Molyill project, a tungsten and molybdenum deposit North-East of Alice Springs. Thor Energy (ASX: THR) and joint Molyhill owner Investigator Resources (ASX: IVR) will receive $8.75m over three years from Tivan for 100% ownership over the project. Molyhill is situated next to Tivan’s Sandover fluorite project, also purchased from Thor Energy in November 2024. Molyhill boasts a JORC Code mineral resource estimate of 4.6mt with 12,100t (.26%) of tungsten trioxide, 4400t (.09%) of molybdenum, as well as 2050t (.04%) of copper. The project was exploited in a small-scale open-pit mining operation in the 1970s and early 80s and was slated to be redeveloped for the same purpose in 2005 before economic downturn made…