The Australian Mining Review December 2025 Edition

Sandvik introduces AutoMine Interoperable Access Control System Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced the AutoMine Interoperable Access Control System (ACS) for autonomous underground mining. Designed to improve productivity and increase operational flexibility, the AutoMine Interoperable ACS builds on the AutoMine flexible safety zone by enabling non-Sandvik, third-party autonomous equipment to operate seamlessly in AutoMine access-controlled isolated zones. With AutoMine Interoperable ACS, a fleet of underground loaders, trucks, drills and auxiliary equipment can now be managed with one safety system. It increases the flexibility between Sandvik and third-party automated equipment by allowing access to a shared automated zone at different times. Each machine...

Ravensthorpe reopens on nickel surge FIRST Quantum Minerals expects to ship its first nickel concentrate from its mine in Ravensthorpe, WA, by April this year. The first shipment of sulphur, a vital component of nickel production, arrived through the Esperance port last week. The Canadian company has made significant upgrades to the processing plant since acquiring it in February 2010 for the cut-throat price of $340m. The plant cost BHP Billiton $3b to build and commission. When it was closed in 2017, it was the nickel project’s second major closure and loss of jobs. The mine is wholly owned by First Quantum and currently employs around 250 people with another 100 jobs projected to be filled. Locals and residents from...

Evolution Mining awards plant expansion works contract for Mungari Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) has awarded a contract to GR Engineering Services (ASX:GNG) for plant expansion works at the Mungari project in WA. Work is expected to total $155m and falls within the budget and schedule of Evolution’s commitment to invest $250m to increase Mungari’s processing capacity from 2mtpa to 4.2mtpa. Evolution managing director and chief executive Lawrie Conway says the contract award is a major milestone for the company.   “It secures the critical processing plant infrastructure within our budgeted costs, locking in over 60% of the project costs, and secures a delivery time within the approved project schedule,” he said. “Completion of...

LEADING safety footwear company Blundstone recently released a new range of premium rubber-soled safety work boots that feature a host of leading innovations. The boots, known as the XFoot Rubber, have received high praise during wear tests, with one tradesman claiming them to be the “the most comfortable boots” he’d ever worn. The boots feature bamboo lining, which provides revolutionary thermal regulation in addition to deodorising, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. In addition to these properties, the boot design incorporates breathability and allows for fast drying. “Keeping the foot dry and cool is an important factor in promoting overall foot health,” Blundstone chief executive officer Steve Gunn said. “A number of innovative features combine to place this new range of boots...