Rebuilding the land, restoring the future

(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…

Purple trays hit the pit as part of Carmichael mine Peer Supporter Program

Purple trays hit the pit as part of Carmichael mine Peer Supporter Program

Bravus Mining and Resources has unveiled the newest and biggest Peer Supporters for the industry-leading mental health program run at its Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland. Bravus Mining and Resources health and safety manager Graeme Furnell said two of the operation’s fleet of 200t CAT 796AC mining trucks had been fitted with trays painted in ‘Peer Supporter purple’ to remind the workforce that support is available should they be going through a tough time. “More than 1200 workers live at Carmichael during their swing and over time we’ve built a great sense of community among the people here,” he said. “A big part of that is we all look after each other’s mental health and wellbeing while we’re…

Weir joins International Copper Association

Weir joins International Copper Association

The International Copper Association (ICA) has announced The Weir Group (Weir) as its newest member. Weir is a global leader in mining technology and innovation, this partnership reinforces ICA’s mission to connect the entire copper value chain. Weir provides world-class engineering solutions by utilising materials science expertise with intelligent automation to produce end-to-end mining technologies. Founded in 1871, Weir continues to pave the path to smart, efficient and sustainable mining. Weir’s chief executive Jon Stanton said that the company is delighted to join the ICA. “Copper has such a critical role to play in the energy transition and full value chain approach is required to accelerate the productivity and sustainability improvements needed to support future demand,” he said. “Delivering the…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) A drone taking flight within the study area.

Bravus Mining and Resources takes groundwater monitoring to new heights at the Carmichael mine

Bravus Mining and Resources’ high-tech approach to groundwater research near the Carmichael mine in central Queensland has earned national recognition in a prestigious industry award. The regional Queensland business has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Environmental Management and Sustainability category at the 2024 Australian Mining Prospect Awards for applying military-grade drone technology to discover and protect previously unknown groundwater springs. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the company has partnered with Eco Logical Australia to add multispectral and thermal imaging to its comprehensive scientific programs that help to safeguard the health of the Great Artesian Basin-fed Doongmabulla springs. “Carmichael has some of the strictest environmental conditions of any resources project in Australia’s history,”…

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Fortescue delivers first BYD battery to WA

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has delivered its first large-scale BYD Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to North Star Junction (NSJ) in a move to decarbonise its Pilbara iron ore operations. As part of Fortescue’s larger Real Zero strategy, the NSJ BESS is the first in a planned 4-5GWh rollout of large-scale energy storage systems. The installation comprises 48 energy storage containers providing a total capacity of 250MWh and capable of delivering up to 50MW of power for five hours. Powered by BYD’s Blade Battery technology, the NSJ BESS will store renewable energy generated during the day and supply green power to Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) network overnight. Fortescue metals and operations chief executive officer Dino Otranto comments on the project.…

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NewsProcurement & Suppliers

Northern Star partners with Sandvik for underground fleet investment

Northern Star (ASX: NST) has selected Sandvik to supply Toro TH663i underground trucks and Toro LH621i and Toro LH517i intelligent loaders for its underground operations in WA.The i-series platforms offer advanced connectivity, real-time analytics, automation readiness and superior maintainability, enabling high payloads, lower operating cost per ton and safer work sites, according to Sandvik.Sandvik load and haul business line manager Andrew Dawson comments on the partnership.“We are proud to partner with Northern Star on this significant fleet investment,” he said.“This order underlines our commitment to delivering equipment and services that help our customers meet their productivity, safety and sustainability targets in underground operations.”The deal was confirmed in Q4 CY25 with deliveries expected to commence in Q1 CY26 and to continue throughout the year.

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NewsTechnology & Innovation

Rio Tinto’s first Pilbara-made railcar

The collaboration between Rio Tinto, Gemco Rail and CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock will see 100 railcars being manufactured to support local production capacity in WA.This railcar marks the completion of 40 WA-made iron ore railcars manufactured in Gemco Rail’s Perth facility, with the remaining 60 expected to be manufactured in the new, purpose-built facility in Karratha. The Karratha facility is expected to create up to 25 local jobs.

Hellyer gold mine forced to cease operations

Hellyer gold mine forced to cease operations

The Tasmanian Government has directed Hellyer Gold Mines to halt its operations immediately, citing “multiple and significant non-compliances with financial and operational requirements”. Hellyer has been accused of owing about $1m in royalties to the Tasmanian Government. Tasmania Business, Industry and Resources Minister Felix Ellis says the reasoning behind the decision is to uphold accountability and consistency across regulatory standards. “When a company extracts and sells Crown-owned mineral, it must meet its obligations,” he said. “This action is necessary to prevent those matters worsening.” According to Minister Ellis, Hellyer has received extensive opportunities to comply under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995 but has failed to meet obligations. In a statement, Hellyer Gold Mines reported the notice was issued without…