Editions

Contents

Compressed air, clean power Transmission repairs and replacements made easy Driving innovation and reliability in Australia’s heavy industries Continuous innovation Expert equipment maintenance solutions TrackHAWC by FMS Group is state-of-the-art track show system designed for superior performance in tough operating conditions Widespread thunderstorms captured by DTN APAC’s Oracle and TLN across remote Australian mining areas Power of innovation Breathe easier work safer The remote exploration drilling specialists Why self priming wins Viva Energy opens new Karratha lubricants facility Complete dust suppression solutions Mining’s digital revolution Wear products you can rely on Proven performance and smarter savings with ITR Pacific’s Futura GET range The Wear Plate difference High-performance polyurethane lined pipe CMI 11kV Aluminium Adapter for above ground mining Varnish removal made easy Minesite – Village fitouts, designed for life beyond the shift Australia’s stand out crane company Conveyor Idler Failure got you (Shut)down? Leading fleet information management software Don’t waste on waste Modec Connect Solution When failure is not an option Preparing for the heat: protecting workers from heat-related risks Smart Crushing, adapted to you HIGHLUX Smart Solar Lighting Broons combination roller is ideal for mining operations Stope bollards Steuler expands your horizons Shaping the future with aerial and underground LiDAR Engineering solutions for field applications The future of electric lifting Speed Queen Australia’s first fluorite project Securing ‘ex-China’ graphite supply Smart mining, shared Country Mining Matters Glencore’s Ulan Coal Complex: Shaping the future underground Is Dutch Disease still plaguing Australia? Australia must focus on fluorine Good, old-fashioned hard yakka Australia’s slice of silica AIMEX 2025: South Australia stakes its claim in global mining AEGC2025: Shaping the future of geoscience in Perth The Australian Mining Review November 2025 Edition

Compressed air, clean power

atlas copco - Aircube - mining

The mining industry is at a pivotal moment. As global demand for critical minerals like lithium, copper and nickel surges — driven by the clean energy transition — miners are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. The challenge is clear: extract more, impact less.

Atlas Copco, a global leader in industrial solutions, is helping mining operations meet this challenge head-on with advanced compressed air technologies that are efficient, reliable and built for the harshest environments.

Mining’s new mandate: efficiency meets responsibility

Mining companies today are expected to do more than deliver raw materials. They must also demonstrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. That means reducing energy consumption, cutting emissions and improving operational resilience. Atlas Copco understands this shift and has aligned its solutions with the evolving priorities of the mining sector.

From powering drills and ventilation systems to supporting ore processing and dust suppression, Atlas Copco compressors are embedded in nearly every stage of the mining lifecycle. But these aren’t just machines — they’re enablers of safer, cleaner and more efficient operations.

Core applications: air where it matters most

Atlas Copco compressors are engineered to support a wide range of mining applications:

  • Drilling and blasting: powering rotary and percussion drills and safely detonating explosives.
  • Ventilation and refuge stations: delivering clean, breathable air in underground environments.
  • Ore processing and refining: supporting smelting, pneumatic tools, and instrumentation.
  • Coal washing and mineral separation: enhancing flow and energy efficiency with GA250 VSD units.
  • Dust suppression and slurry pumping: powering systems that maintain environmental and safety standards.
  • Heap leaching and pneumatic conveying: Using low-pressure blowers for large-scale extraction.

Technology that drives sustainability

One of Atlas Copco’s most impactful innovations is its Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology. VSD compressors automatically adjust motor speed to match air demand, reducing energy consumption by up to 35% (with latest innovative VSDs technology up to 60%). This not only lowers operating costs but also significantly cuts carbon emissions — an essential step for mines working toward net-zero targets.

In addition, SMARTLINK, Atlas Copco’s real-time monitoring platform, enables predictive maintenance and performance optimisation. By identifying issues before they become problems, SMARTLINK helps reduce downtime and extend equipment life — critical in remote or high-risk mining environments.

Turnkey solutions: built for the mine, ready for the future

Atlas Copco doesn’t just supply equipment — it delivers engineered solutions tailored to the unique demands of mining sites. Its turnkey skid-mounted compressor systems are a prime example. Designed in close collaboration with customers and built to local compliance standards, these plug-and-play systems are pre-tested, transportable and ready to operate in even the harshest conditions.

A standout example is the G160 medium-voltage skid-mounted compressor, which includes electrical modifications, pressure vessels and ducted inlet/outlet packages. These systems are fully compliant with above- and below-ground mining regulations and can be equipped with air conditioning and dust protection for maximum reliability.

AIRCUBE™: compressed air, anywhere

For remote or temporary mining operations, Atlas Copco offers the AIRCUBE™ — a containerised compressor room that delivers high-quality compressed air wherever it’s needed. Fully integrated and pre-commissioned, the AIRCUBE™ is a true plug-and-play solution.

Key features include:

  • Customisation: choose from a wide range of compressors, dryers and smart add-ons.
  • Durability: built to operate in temperatures from -40°C to +45°C.
  • Safety: dual doors for easy access and emergency egress.
  • Efficiency: VSD options for lower energy use and emissions.

Whether it’s a greenfield exploration site or a brownfield expansion, the AIRCUBE™ offers flexibility without compromising performance.

Supporting the energy transition

As the world accelerates toward electrification and renewable energy, the mining industry plays a crucial role in supplying the raw materials needed for batteries, wind turbines and solar panels. Atlas Copco supports this transition by providing solutions that are not only efficient but also aligned with science-based climate targets.

The company’s compressors and blowers are designed to reduce lifecycle emissions, support water management through oil-free technologies and integrate seamlessly with digital monitoring systems. This makes them ideal for operations focused on ESG performance and long-term sustainability.

Safety first: protecting people underground

Compressed air isn’t just about powering tools — it’s about protecting lives. In underground mining, Atlas Copco compressors are vital for:

  • Ventilation: ensuring a constant supply of clean air.
  • Dust Control: reducing airborne particles that can cause respiratory issues.
  • Explosion Prevention: powering spark-free pneumatic tools in gas-prone environments.
  • Emergency Preparedness: supporting refuge chambers and pressurised escape routes.

By enabling safer working conditions, Atlas Copco helps mining companies meet their duty of care to workers while maintaining operational continuity.

In a sector where downtime costs millions and sustainability is no longer optional; Atlas Copco compressors are more than just machines — they’re strategic assets. Whether you’re drilling for copper or refining lithium, these systems are built to keep your operation running cleaner, smarter and stronger.