Driving Australian Mining since 1982

Image: Rio Tinto.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   AUSTRALIA’S mining sector has an opportunity to cement itself as a world-leader in the robotic space, according to new research by The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision.   Its newly launched Robotics Roadmap revealed mining was already ahead of other sectors, but the path to commercialisation was a key barrier in transitioning robotics from the R&D phase to market-ready product. Driverless trucks and drones were already deployed across major operations, delivering productivity efficiencies, improved safety, and cost savings. However, other areas to be unlocked included robots for mining in hazardous and remote geographic areas; using robots to mine on-demand when resources were required; developing independently aware robotic systems to reduce reliance on...

THE proposed $8 billion merger between Gloucester Coal and Chinese-owned Yancoal Australia has reached another milestone after receiving approval from the Australian Federal Government. Deputy Prime Minister Wayne Swan issued a statement in early March stating that the merger had been given the go-ahead subject to certain conditions. Firstly, the merged entity, Yancoal, must remain headquartered in Australia, and continue production and supply arrangements on a commercial basis. Secondly, Yancoal is required to list on the ASX by the end of this year. In late December 2011, Gloucester announced the proposal to the ASX. Both parties carried out due diligence regarding the merger and it was completed by early March, with some amendments. The primary modification was that Yancoal must...

Fruta del Norte mine is currently under construction with first gold expected in late 2019. Image: Lundin Gold.   BY ELIZABETH FABRI   NEWCREST will invest $US250 million to acquire a 27.1 per cent interest in Canadian miner Lundin Gold, which is developing the Fruta del Norte gold project in South East Ecuador.   The 340,000 ounce per annum Fruta del Norte project, currently under construction, is aiming for first production by the end of 2019. Under the deal, Newcrest has the right to appoint two directors to the Lundin Gold board, and one of its nominated directors to a project advisory committee that will oversee Fruta del Norte development. The companies have also signed a binding Heads of Agreement...

North West Queensland eyes sustainable future The Queensland Government has announced funding to support the implementation of the North West Queensland Regional Transformation Strategy. Following extensive community, local government and industry consultation, the plan identifies key economic strengths and industry priorities based on the region’s unique geography, resources and workforce skills. To kickstart the transformation, the Queensland Government will provide $22.05m from the $200m Regional Economic Futures Fund for 19 Queensland Government and council-led projects. This includes $7.4m for TAFE to deliver renewable energy and critical minerals training, including via Queensland’s first Renewable Energy Training Truck and $750k for a co-designed investment plan to...