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Abbot Point gearing up for cyclone season.

Abbot Point Operations storming ahead with wet weather preparations

Abbot Point Operations (APO) has kicked-off Bowen’s biggest severe weather prep plan to ensure the multi-billion-dollar North Queensland Export Terminal is ready for the cyclone season ahead. APO general manager Damien Dederer said the business activated its Severe Weather Committee each October to review and test the coal export terminal’s systems, people processes and infrastructure, which includes some of the largest manmade structures in the Whitsundays. Six 40m tall stacker-reclaimers and a trestle jetty that stretches 2.75km offshore to a wharf supporting two shiploaders are among the plant and equipment used to export about 35mt of thermal and metallurgical coal from Bowen and Galilee basin mines each year. “The wet season is part and parcel of living in North Queensland…

(Image source: Bravus) RACE Live uses real-time intelligence to collect data from dozens of points in the supply chain, including other rail network managers, coal loading facilities, port operators and planned maintenance works.

Bowen Rail Company leads the RACE with tech innovation

Bowen Rail Company’s (BRC) RACE Live will be showcased as an example of excellence in innovation at the 2024 Australasian Rail Industry Awards. RACE Live was developed in partnership with Brisbane-based software developer Polymathian to improve safety and productivity when railing coal from the Queensland Carmichael mine to port for export. BRC general manager Brendan Lane says RACE Live’s shortlisting as a finalist in the Freight Rail Excellence category at the rail industry’s national awards reflects the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and improvement. “Our aim since establishing our business in Bowen in North Queensland in 2020 has been to do things a little differently to advance the safety, environmental and economic standards of the rail industry,” he said. “We’ve…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) Workers undertaking scheduled electrical systems maintenance on the bypass circuit of the Carmichael mine’s CHPP.

Rock your work-life balance as more jobs become available at Carmichael mine

Bravus Mining and Resources and major contracting partner DRA Global are seeking to add skilled operators, technical trades and maintenance crew to the team that keeps the Carmichael mine’s Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) running smoothly. DRA Global senior vice president – APAC East Michael Carretta says the business was recruiting about 20 new site-based roles to support the operation and maintenance of the multi-million-dollar facility that processes the raw coal, sort it into grades and stockpile it for loading onto trains. “At DRA, we’re proud of our contribution to the Carmichael mine, which began over five years ago with design, construction and commissioning of the CHPP and Train Load Out. Today, our team provides high-value operations and maintenance…

The North Queensland Export Terminal features "turtle-friendly" amber lighting on its infrastructure.

Queensland turtle hatchlings’ glowing first journey

Design features at the North Queensland Export Terminal north of Bowen are ensuring turtle hatchlings see the light as nature intended. Abbot Point Operations manages the operations and maintenance of the multi-billion-dollar facility and has incorporated “turtle-friendly” amber lighting on terminal infrastructure visible from the ocean, to allow hatchlings a smoother path to the sea. Abbot Point Operations general manager Damien Dederer says the specially designed lighting is just one example of how smart thinking and smart technology supports ecosystems to thrive around an operating port. “The North Queensland Export Terminal is one of Queensland’s busiest ports, exporting about the same total volumes as the Port of Brisbane did in the last financial year,” he said. “The greater Port of…

NewsProjects & Operations

Liontown and China’s Canmax secure lithium deal

Liontown Limited (ASX: LTR) has signed an offtake agreement for 150,000wmtpa of spodumene concentrate with world-leading lithium manufacturer Canmax Technologies. The agreement assures the supply of spodumene concentrate over 2027 and 2028 from Liontown’s Kathleen Valley project in WA.

Alcoa Australia staff volunteering with vinnies

Alcoa volunteers support Vinnies WA

Alcoa Australia (ASX: AAI) sent 40 employees to volunteer for St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) in Mandurah and Bunbury earlier this week. The volunteers donated their time to lend a hand, supporting activities including receiving, unpacking and sorting donations and displaying stock. Under the Alcoa Foundation Community Impact Campaign, Alcoa also donated nearly $130,000 towards the Vinnies Passages Youth Engagement Hub in Peel. The hub offers a safe, welcoming space where vulnerable young people aged 12-25 can access essential services such as food, showers, laundry, internet, clothing and phone charging. Vinnies WA homelessness services manager Roberta O’Connor says Vinnies WA is grateful for Alcoa’s support. “Over the past year, 718 young people accessed Vinnies’ Passages hubs, having engaged in…

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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…