April 2025

In the rugged and demanding world of mining and construction, equipment durability is a cornerstone of operational success. Downtime due to equipment failure can lead to significant operational setbacks, driving up costs and delaying projects. North Queensland Hardfacing (NQHF), established in 1996, has risen to the challenge of minimising these disruptions. As a leading supplier of tungsten hardfaced cutting edges and Ground Engaging Tools (GET), NQHF has made a name for itself by offering products that dramatically increase the wear life of equipment, thereby reducing downtime for repairs and maintenance. Serving key regions across Australia, NQHF’s commitment to quality, innovation and customer service has made it a trusted partner in the industry. A commitment to excellence Since its inception nearly…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has completed its acquisition of Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM) for $9.95b (US$6.7b), establishing the miner as a major lithium producer, with one of the world’s largest lithium resource bases. This makes Rio the ultimate parent company of Arcadium Lithium, which will become Rio Tinto Lithium, and will also include the Rincon lithium project. Rio Tinto Lithium aims to grow the capacity of its Tier 1 assets to over 200ktpa of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) by 2028. Complementary technologies and geographies offer compelling value driven by accelerating volume growth in a rising market, projecting significantly higher EBITDA and operating cash flow in the coming years, according to Rio. Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm comments on the…

Ramelius Resources (ASX: RMS) is set to acquire all remaining Spartan Resources (ASX: SPR) shares that it does not already own. The transaction will create a leading Australian gold producer with a combined group mineral resource estimate of 12.1moz of gold and ore reserve of 2.6moz of gold, according to the companies. The merger sees complementary and proximate assets coming together, with significant work already undertaken to optimise synergies between Mt Magnet and Dalgaranga. As a result, the combined group is  looking to increase production to more than 500koz by FY30. Spartan executive chairman Simon Lawson says this is a highly attractive and transformational combination which the company believes represents a great outcome for Spartan shareholders. “The combined group will…

The future of mining camp furniture is here

Located in WA’s Eastern Goldfields region, the King of the Hills (KOTH) underground gold operation, has long been a cornerstone of the region’s mining industry. Its history stretches back decades, having passed through various hands and operational strategies, yet remaining a pivotal asset in the Australian gold sector. In 2024, a significant development reshaped its trajectory — Red 5 merged with Silver Lake Resources in a $2.2b billion deal, forming Vault Minerals (ASX: VAU) and marking a new chapter in KOTH’s ongoing success. This merger, one of the most significant in recent years, consolidated two of Australia’s mid-tier gold producers into a single powerhouse, unlocking synergies and increasing operational scale. Evolution of King of the Hills KOTH was initially developed…

There’s a scattered pool of resources across the globe that our carefully laid future plans rely on. Without critical minerals, the technologies that enable the promises of a clean, secure and efficient future are not possible. The energy transition is accelerating, quickly becoming a significant driver of mineral demand. If countries fully implement the national energy and climate pledges they have announced, mineral demand for clean energy technologies would more than double by 2030 and triple by 2040, reaching nearly 35mtpa, according to the IEA. Despite outlooks of a fired-up future demand, critical mineral supply chains are still vulnerable to disruption. While the potential for disruption of any commodity is ever present, the risk is heightened when production and processing…

In the heart of Queensland’s Bowen Basin, Goonyella Riverside stands as a mining icon that has seen more than four decades of operation. Known for its large-scale, reliable output, today it’s transforming into something unexpected: a model for innovation and automation in one of the most established coal operations in the world. The transition to autonomous haulage systems (AHS) represents a coming together of legacy infrastructure and cutting-edge technology. As mining companies around the world look to integrate automation, Goonyella is quickly becoming a leading example. It’s a retrofit of existing operations, not a project designed from the ground up. Some might be quick to call this a paradox. After all, integrating the old with the new doesn’t always seem…

Over the past 18 months Curragh has undergone one of the most deliberate and complex transformations in Australian coal mining. Nestled in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, the site comprises the large-scale Curragh open-cut operation and the newly commissioned Mammoth Underground mine. Together, they form Coronado Global Resources’ (ASX: CRN) flagship Australian asset. Following a tough 2022 of weather disruptions and unremarkable output, 2023 marked a turning point toward stability. By early 2024, Coronado had laid the groundwork for what it now calls “disciplined, margin-focused growth.” Coronado has layered operational upgrades, process refinements and decarbonisation pilots onto an already established mining foundation. In FY24, Curragh produced 8.3mt of saleable coal, representing more than half of Coronado’s global output. With Mammoth Underground contributing…

Iluka Resources (ASX: ILU) is spearheading a significant development in Australia’s critical minerals sector with the construction of the country’s first fully integrated rare earths refinery. Located at the Eneabba mineral sands mine, about 280km north of Perth, this landmark project is set to enhance Australia’s role in the global rare earths supply chain. With construction progressing steadily, the refinery is expected to commence production in 2026, processing valuable rare earths from Iluka’s own operations as well as potentially from third-party sources. Diversification & phased development The Eneabba rare earths refinery marks a transformative step for Iluka and Australia’s broader mining landscape. Traditionally known for its production of zircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks (rutile and synthetic rutile), Iluka’s venture…

From Telecommunications to Gas, Water and Electrical networks, underground infrastructure is critical for Mining, Energy and Civil projects. Based in Perth, Boretech Contracting has built a strong reputation as a leading utilities contractor, providing specialist installation services across WA. Boretech was founded by Patrick Dunne and Stephen Roberts, two experienced professionals in civils and project management. With more than 50 employees & over 200 items of plant, their leadership has positioned the company as a trusted partner for large-scale infrastructure projects, consistently delivering safe and cost-effective solutions. A leader in Rock Directional Drilling Boretech is widely recognised for its expertise in Hard Rock Directional Drilling, playing a key role working in the Mining & Renewable sector, Western Power, Telstra Network,…

For over a century, Applied Industrial Technologies has been a trusted partner for industries that rely on precision-engineered solutions to keep operations running. Across Australia and New Zealand, the company supplies essential components and provides hands-on technical expertise to improve equipment performance and longevity. Industries such as mining, construction, manufacturing and transport depend on Applied’s knowledge to prevent delays and improve overall productivity. Beyond simply supplying industrial products, Applied takes an active role in helping businesses extend the life of their assets. Equipment failure is costly, both in lost time and unplanned repairs, which is why Applied integrates preventative maintenance strategies and advanced monitoring systems to reduce unexpected failures. By analysing wear patterns and operational data, the company allows customers…

The Adelaide Convention Centre will play host to Australia’s premier underground mining conference, spanning three days from April 7-9. With about one in three Australian mines operating underground, this is a significant sector of the total market and represents billions of dollars in turnover from a wide variety of minerals and metals — from gold in Kalgoorlie, to coal in the Hunter Valley and copper in South Australia. Underground mining presents a unique set of challenges in order to operate safely and profitably in the current climate, which makes events like the Underground Operators Conference such an invaluable tool for both miners and mining equipment and service suppliers. It provides a forum for the sharing of ideas, the presentation of…

In WA’s North Perth Basin, Image Resources (ASX: IMR) is taking a calculated next step. The Atlas mineral sands project, now advancing towards first shipments, is a measured and deliberate extension of an established model. That model is Boonanarring — the zircon-rich operation located 80km north of Perth that set a new benchmark for Image. Commissioned in late 2018 and brought online within its $53m capital budget, the mine hit nameplate capacity by its second month and became cashflow positive within its first year. By 2021, Image had not only repaid its $50m loan facility ahead of schedule but also returned value to shareholders with two consecutive years of dividends. The final ore at Boonanarring was mined in September 2023,…

Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL) has been busy establishing a growth platform that will springboard the company to its place as a 200,000ozpa gold giant. The miner saw 2024 as a major mining productivity enabler for the flagship Bellevue Gold Project, with works that will set the project up for the long-life, large-scale operations required to actualise the company’s production ambitions. Works involved underground infrastructure upgrades, including ventilation and pumping systems, and the commissioning of additional jumbos to boost development rates. The results of these efforts are already being seen, as development rates increased in the second half of 2024, with a culmination of record development advance in the month of December (more than 1,400m). This positions the project to unlock…

Selecting the right submersible pump for a job is crucial, especially in the demanding conditions of mining and underground mining. While some pumps may function in the short term, using an incompatible pump can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs and potential safety risks. “In the underground mining sector, there’s often a desire for a single pump to handle multiple challenges, but in reality, each application requires a tailored solution,” Tsurumi Australia Managing Director Michael Woolley said. “When the wrong pump is used, its lifespan can be significantly reduced, leading to higher maintenance costs and downtime” stated Mr Woolley. At Tsurumi Australia, our focus is on providing the right pump for the right application — ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency. To…

Effective security is more than just access control, alarm systems and surveillance; it involves a comprehensive approach to safety management, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ADT Security, with over 20 years of experience in the mining industry, understands this holistic perspective and delivers integrated solutions tailored to each business’s unique needs. Effective risk management is a key component of any robust security strategy. ADT’s expertise goes beyond traditional security measures, including considerations such as fatigue management, which ensures employee life safety. By addressing factors that contribute to fatigue, businesses can reduce accidents and enhance overall operational efficiency. Compliance with industry standards and regulations is another important part of comprehensive security. ADT assists businesses in navigating complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring that…

How to enhance comfort in the camp kitchen, community areas and beyond with big ass fans. In Australia, between 2013 and 2019, over 1,700 workers’ compensation claims were linked to heat exposure highlighting the importance of effective cooling solutions. Mining camps, especially in remote locations, are essential hubs for team members who are away from home, needing to rest and revitalise before long shifts. Proper rest is essential for maintaining productivity and safety, but without adequate ventilation and cooling, workers may struggle to recuperate, leading to fatigue, decreased performance, and a higher risk of heat stress. Big Ass Fans provide a powerful, energy-efficient way to improve airflow, reducing perceived or ‘felt’ temperature by up to 6°C and driving comfort in…

Reliable water supply and effective wastewater management are critical challenges for remote mining, construction and industrial sites. Many operations struggle to find water treatment solutions that are scalable, transportable and designed for Australia’s tough conditions.  EcoFarmer delivers an all-in-one water treatment system designed for remote and industrial environments, offering wastewater treatment, potable water purification and storage in a single package. Its cutting-edge technology and a modular design meet the highest environmental and industry standards, offering an adaptable, cost-effective system.  Business development executive Peter Conway says EcoFarmer’s team has worked tirelessly to ensure complete compliance with Australian regulations. “We have invested enormously in design and research to create a final product that meets the stringent environmental standards required under Australian legislation,”…

As Australia’s leading liquid control specialists, Coerco’s Multi-Float® hose and cable floats reflect a commitment to product innovation and quality engineering. For almost 20 years, these flotation solutions ensure pipeline, hose, and cable stability in the most challenging industrial environments. From mines and industrial infrastructure to dewatering operations and water treatment facilities, Coerco’s purpose-built Multi-Float® products provide reliable, durable, and adaptable flotation systems for projects in Australia and abroad. Originally developed in 2008 for a Cooljarloo slurry pipeline project, these versatile, durable and adaptable floats have gained popularity across Australian mining, municipal, and renewable energy projects. They have since been successfully deployed in large-scale projects around the world. Manufactured in Australia, thoroughly tested, and compliant with international standards, the Multi-Float®…

One of the most innovative pump manufacturers in the country would have to be Australian Pump Industries. This 30-year-old start-up has achieved amazing things just by listening to customers and that applies, particularly, to the mining industry. “Our inspirations come from talking to users of the products and understanding the weaknesses and strengths as they report, and we see the evolution of mining pumps and high-pressure water blasters” said Aussie Pumps Chief engineer John Hales. The drilling mud pump challenge This attitude is particularly effective when it comes to both water well and exploration drill rig support. It’s in that arena that by constant experiences of the product in the field the company has come to produce what they consider…