April 2026

Mining operations located near the coast face a reliability challenge that is often underestimated — premature failure of motors and alternators due to salt exposure and persistent humidity. From coastal processing plants and ship-loading facilities to offshore infrastructure, rotating electrical equipment operating in marine environments is subjected to conditions far more aggressive than those typically considered in standard industrial designs. Salt-laden air accelerates corrosion of mechanical components while moisture ingress into windings can degrade insulation systems. Combined with continuous high-speed operation, these factors significantly increase the risk of electrical and mechanical failure. In many marine environments, generator and motor assemblies that would normally operate for extended periods can begin experiencing serious degradation at around 8,000 operating hours. For mining operators,…

When I got the call that I would be taking on a new role at Pump & Abrasion Technologies, an old colleague asked where I would be working. I said, excitedly, “Pump & Abrasion Technologies.” He replied: “I hope you’re ready – whatever was good enough yesterday will not be good enough tomorrow.” I remember thinking: Challenge accepted. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a company with that kind of mindset? A company where the future is limitless. I started my journey with Pump & Abrasion Technologies in South Africa. From day one, the culture was tangible. You could feel it in the air. The way people conducted themselves – disciplined, focused, intentional. Always on time, always prepared. There…

As the mining sector embraces electrification and automation, reliable power and energy management has become essential to operational success. Unplanned supply disruptions are extremely costly — not only impacting production and capital expenditure but also posing risks to worker safety. Having a trusted power solutions partner is therefore vital to maintaining safe, productive operations. A true end-to-end service provider, PBE Rutherford provides complete lifecycle management of mining cables among its many other capabilities. Through its manufacturing and overhauls division, PBE Rutherford designs and manufactures large-scale high-voltage equipment including substations, load centres, switchboards and flameproof enclosures. Its team also provides refurbishment and re-certification services. PBE Rutherford has successfully delivered numerous microgrid and electrical infrastructure projects, including grid-connected and off-grid remote power…

War in the Middle East has pushed energy security back to the centre of the market, with disruptions to Qatar’s LNG sector raising fresh concerns about global fuel supply. Across three days in early March, state-owned energy giant QatarEnergy said it had ceased LNG production, halted some downstream production lines and declared force majeure to affected buyers. Supply concerns deepened in the weeks that followed, when missile attacks hit Ras Laffan Industrial City, home to the world’s largest LNG export complex, causing major damage to key facilities. QatarEnergy said the attacks had cut the country’s LNG export capacity by 17%, a significant blow to a supplier that accounts for about one-fifth of global LNG supply. With the Strait of Hormuz,…

The current energy crisis has exposed the weaknesses of a global energy system reliant on fossil fuels. Not only are fossil fuels limited in supply, but they are also controlled by a concentrated region — making supply susceptible to large scale disruption. As a result, most of the world is dependent on imported energy sources and free-flowing international trade. During times of crisis, this majority is left at the mercy of unpredictable global leaders and escalating geopolitical disputes. As the conflict in the Middle East unfolds, global fuel prices have seen a dramatic rise and, for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the Federal Government has tapped into Australia’s fuel reserves.  United Nations general secretary António Guterres…

Australia’s lithium miners have wasted no time seizing the opportunities ushered in by a recovery in pricing. After a year lying low while focusing on optimising its expanded Pilgan plant and improving operating metrics, PLS has shifted to growth, with the miner approving the restart of its Ngungaju processing plant, one of two processing plants at the Pilgangoora project. The plant is expected to add about 200ktpa of spodumene concentrate capacity with production resuming in July 2026. The move suggests confidence is returning among stronger lithium producers and their customers. PLS had preserved the plant as an option through the weaker price environment, indicating that the restart was made possible by sustained improved market conditions and customer demand. The restart…

Pacific Islands may receive “less than a CEO’s annual income” if deep sea mining goes ahead For the US, controlling key resources is now almost indistinguishable from power projection. This has become increasingly noticeable with deep sea mining. Seabed minerals have gained geopolitical importance in recent years as the energy transition drives up critical mineral demand and supply chain concentration raises security concerns around choke points. Countries are seeking to diversify supply chains in numerous ways, from forming progressive bilateral trade frameworks, increasing domestic production investment and now exploring non-terrestrial resources. Rich in polymetallic nodules containing nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese — metals crucial to green energy infrastructure and advanced technologies — the sea floor of the Pacific Ocean is…

With nearly five decades of Pilbara operations behind them, Byblos Constructions has built a reputation defined by three words: Driven. Dedicated. Dependable. From remote mine infrastructure to operational village upgrades, the company continues to deliver practical, high-quality construction solutions across some of Western Australia’s most demanding environments. A Foundation Built on Hard Ground Byblos Constructions Pty Ltd has been a Pilbara-based company since 1976 and remains proudly family-owned by directors Edward and Joseph Rouphael. Over that time the business has grown from a small regional contractor into a trusted delivery partner to major resource clients including Rio Tinto, Sodexo and Monadelphous. A key part of the company’s strength lies in its connection to the region. Byblos employs a large number…

Australia’s approach to tailings management is evolving rapidly. Stricter international standards, rising environmental accountability and the growing cost of water are forcing mining operations — from the Pilbara to the Hunter Valley — to rethink how they manage the fine waste left behind after mineral processing. At the forefront of this shift is a technology that has steadily built credibility across coal, gold, copper, nickel and iron ore sites: the solid bowl decanter centrifuge. For many years, tailings storage facilities (TSFs) have been the industry norm — large, engineered dams designed to hold slurry waste. Across Australia, billions of cubic metres of tailings are currently stored in these facilities, the majority still active. While remote locations and strong engineering practices…

Established in 1990, Excess Power Equipment (EPE) is an Australian owned and locally operated company. The team at EPE strives to always be the best at what they do, drawing on more than 36 years of local operational experience in conjunction with a wealth of additional knowledge from our dedicated team (some of whom have worked in the industry for more than 55 years). EPE provides specialist high voltage electrical equipment encompassing the supply, manufacture and construction of products and services throughout Australia and overseas. The team at EPE understand the individual needs of clients operating within the region and provides tailored solutions to meet every expectation. Today, EPE’s facilities encompass about 12,500m2, consolidated in Maddington, WA, hosting an extensive…

In an industry where efficiency and risk management are critical, digitalisation and automation are reshaping how field geology is carried out. Cloud-based collaborative platforms and 3-D data set visualisation tools are fundamentally changing how resource geologists and exploration crews make decisions and operate on site. Veracio believes that better data leads to better decisions, and supports safer, more efficient and more sustainable mining operations. By delivering advanced technologies that enhance the speed and reliability of core scanning and downhole data, Veracio provides high-quality, quantitative datasets to support exploration and operations. Since 2009, Veracio has been pioneering core scanning innovations and continues to lead the industry through advanced technologies, deep scientific expertise and global support. “We’re not taking any short cuts…

With more than four decades of expertise behind them, Australian Weighing Equipment (AWE) has become one of the most trusted names in the weighing industry. After 40 years working alongside some of the largest mining operations in Australia, the team at AWE has seen firsthand how accurate weighing can redefine efficiency, safety, and profitability across the entire mining value chain. From exploration and extraction to processing, transportation, and export, weighing is a silent but essential component of almost every mining activity. The benefits reach far beyond simply “knowing the numbers.” Precise measurement underpins critical operational decisions, supports compliance, and ensures that the entire system flows smoothly. Why Weighing Matters in Mining Mining companies depend on reliable weighing systems for a…

Cranecorp Australia is a leading provider of crane hire and lifting solutions, delivering exceptional service to Australia’s mining industry while helping lift industries and build sustainable regions across Western Australia. Across Australia’s mining sector, crane and lifting operations have evolved from a support function into a critical driver of safety, productivity and reliability. As mine sites operate under tighter shutdown windows, rising safety expectations and greater logistical complexity, lifting now sits at the centre of construction, maintenance and sustaining capital works. Mining operators are no longer seeking equipment alone, but experienced partners who understand site constraints, plan proactively and deliver consistently under high?risk, time?critical conditions. For more than 30 years, Cranecorp Australia has supported the mining and resources industry across…

If you have been around site long enough, you already know when electrical gear is built properly and when it is going to fall apart after a few weeks in the dust and vibration. Mennekes has spent more than 80 years building plugs and sockets that survive the kind of environments most equipment never will. There is a reason they are the global benchmark. CMI Electrical is now the exclusive distributor, bringing Mennekes into Australia, so you have finally got local access to gear that is engineered for the work you do every day. As a mining engineer, you need equipment that does not crack, melt, seize, or corrode when it is covered in fines or pressure washed. Mennekes designs…

When performance matters most, certainty is everything. In mining, power is not simply a utility – it forms the backbone of any operation, with even short interruptions causing significant operational, financial and safety consequences. That is why, when power matters most, reliability is critical. Allight delivers engineered generator solutions for standby and prime power applications across Australia, supporting industries including mining, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, utilities, infrastructure and data centres. Backed by globally proven technology and nationwide lifecycle service capability, every system is designed to perform and built to last. Globally Proven Technology. Delivered Locally. As an authorised Australian OEM distributor for FG Wilson, Allight represents one of the world’s most established generator manufacturers. With more than 50 years of heritage…

Humma Cranes is approaching its 30-year milestone with a product range built around heavy lift pick and carry cranes that are designed for the conditions mining operators face every day. Launched in 1996, Humma emerged at a time when the articulated pick and carry crane market was ready for a change. The business was developed around a new design concept aimed at addressing the practical demands of mine site lifting, with a focus on durability, safety and performance in demanding operating environments. Over the past three decades, that design philosophy has helped Humma build a presence across mine sites in Australia and overseas with a range that includes the Humma 25, 35 and 55, with the Humma 45 scheduled for…

What began as a modest drilling operation in Ballarat Victoria has evolved into a powerhouse of innovation in the global mining industry. Over the past 25 years, Titeline Drilling has transformed from a regional contractor into a trailblazer in autonomous underground drilling, driven by a deep well of expertise and a bold vision for the future. Founded in 2001 by seasoned industry professionals — Bill Ricciardi, Michael Ashton, Stephen Gavin and David D’Astoli — Titeline quickly made its mark by contributing to major mineral discoveries such as Prominent Hill, Carrapateena and Hillside. Today, the company continues to support exploration efforts in key regions like Olympic Dam and the Tanami Desert, applying its mastery in both surface and underground diamond drilling.…

A total capability set Engineered Installations Group (EIG) is redefining what it means to be a full-service partner in the resource sector. While engineering excellence remains their foundation, the company has evolved into a powerhouse of comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that cover everything from custom hardware manufacturing to on-site labour support. From its beginnings as a specialised division of Harness Master Wiring Systems (HMWS), EIG has rapidly emerged as a leader in providing intelligent, integrated installation solutions designed for the most demanding heavy industries, including mining, transport and commercial sectors. The company’s ethos is clear — in critical industries, there is no room for error. EIG’s strength lies in its ability to handle the full scope of a project’s physical and…

In an industry where reliability, safety, and efficiency define success, Practon Group has emerged as a trusted and transformative partner to Australia’s mining industry. Specialising in innovative electrical and engineering services, the company provides practical solutions that keep critical infrastructure operating at peak performance while reducing downtime and costs. With decades of combined expertise across its leadership team, Practon Group brings deep knowledge of both surface and underground mining operations. From greenfield construction to ongoing site operations, the company’s track record demonstrates its ability to tackle the unique challenges of remote and demanding environments. “Our clients trust us because we don’t just deliver equipment or services — we deliver solutions that work in the real world of mining,” says Adam…

Girth gears are used to drive large, rotating systems such as dryers, rotary kilns or horizontal mills. Traditional girth gears generally consist of two to four segments and are assembled together for processing. This requires extremely large and expensive machines for production, handling and heat treatment. Besides this, the size of component parts creates disadvantages regarding casting quality and heat treatment. SEW-EURODRIVE has simplified manufacturing, transport and assembly with its flexible segmented girth gears. This innovative concept is divided into several identical segments, meaning the component parts are short and easy to handle. More than the sum of individual gears By combining the latest materials engineering and state-of-the-art manufacturing methods, the SEW-EURODRIVE girth gears avoid the disadvantages of the traditional…

Machine downtime, whether expected or not, is costly and often unavoidable. DMM Engineering (DMMeng) provides high-quality portable machining services so its team can continue to provide the same exceptional standard of service — no matter how remote. DMMeng has been operating since 1987, providing the mining industry with a range of capabilities including design, fabrication, machining and engineering maintenance services. The team has extensive experience with in-situ machining capability for on-site or workshop-based machining and a fabrication division that can tackle all jobs big and small from site repair, installation to erections. “With our on-site machining, clients can ensure daily operations keep running as effectively as ever,” DMMeng Director Brendan Pyle said. “We understand what downtime really costs you. With…

By Felix Levesque Severe thunderstorms impacted southwest WA and the Perth region on Sunday, December 14, 2025, triggering Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts (DTA) by DTN for industries and businesses across the region. DTN’s Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts notify businesses of approaching thunderstorms based on intensity and movement, providing advanced notice to allow for timely action. Three alert levels are offered: Level 1 (blue), Level 2 (yellow), and Dangerous Thunderstorm Alert (red). Alert levels are based on lightning frequency and density, with colour-coded track polygons indicating areas likely to be impacted within the next 30 minutes. These early warnings can be incorporated into Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) for industries such as aviation, shipping, transport, and utilities, where lightning poses a serious risk…

Export from Newcastle to Paradip Port in India of 2 x P&H 4100 KOMATSU Rope Shovels for Thriveni Earth Movers Project dates: 7th April 2025 to 5th May 2025 Heaviest component: Revolving Frame = 143.00t Largest component: Boom Assay = 21.11 x 7.3m 7x20gp and 4×40 OT = 11 containers BBK units with a total of 4916.06 CBM The Challenge: Securing the right ship at the right price in a competitive market where clients have access to vessel owners. Dealing with port, road and police authorities, moving, and storing out-of-gauge and heavy lift cargo. Securing permits for ports, roads, police, and power lines. Moving and coordinating cargo from laydown yards in Newcastle and Brisbane to receive cargo under the ship’s…

Exporting a LeTourneau Front Loader from Australia to South Africa for Equipment Mining Project dates: December 2024 – 8 February 2025 3 break bulk units of a LeTourneau L1850 front loader Heaviest unit: Main body – 70 tonnes (out-of-gauge in every dimension) Other units: Bucket and rear assembly The Challenge: The client had been searching for a solution for nearly three months when they turned to Magellan. Other forwarders had proposed routes via Brisbane or Mackay, adding time and cost. Magellan instead managed road transport from Mackay to Townsville before the Christmas curfew, repositioned lifting gear from Singapore to meet the vessel schedule, and overcame shore crane constraints during night loading – all while ensuring smooth discharge and clearance in…

The proven MOBILAIR e-power series has been redefined with the launch of the M 50E SFC (Sigma Frequency Control). This precision-manufactured compressor combines cutting-edge German engineering with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Designed to set a new benchmark for portable screw compressors, the M 50E SFC offers a high-performance solution that protects both your equipment and the ecosystem. The M 50E SFC is specifically engineered for environmentally sensitive job sites where sustainability is a priority. It features an integrated condensate management system that actively prevents oily water from discharging into the soil, ensuring environmental compliance. As with all e-power MOBILAIR compressors, separated condensate is collected in a dedicated container for safe disposal, and an optional compressed air aftercooler is…

KSB introduces the GIW® VMD vertical slurry pump, engineered for the toughest mine site conditions. Keeping slurry moving efficiently is one of the toughest challenges in mining. Abrasive materials, variable flow conditions and harsh environments can quickly wear down equipment and disrupt operations. To help operators overcome these challenges, KSB has developed the new GIW® VMD vertical slurry pump, designed to deliver reliable performance and simplified maintenance across demanding mine site applications. “Mining and industrial operations run under challenging conditions that require efficient processes and minimal downtime,” says Tyler Ferguson, Engineering Product Manager at KSB GIW®. “The VMD was engineered with that reality in mind. Its rugged, customisable design provides customers with a pump that is both dependable and adaptable…

Diesel will power Australia’s mines for years to come, but it won’t be the only fuel on site for much longer. Emissions regulations, renewable diesel trials, rising AdBlue consumption, electrification and hydrogen pilots along with the steady expansion of lubricant storage are reshaping what a modern mine site fuel farm looks like. Where as diesel once did most of the work, operators now need to store, separate and dispense multiple hydrocarbons safely whilst wanting full visibility on every litre used. A diversifying fuel landscape Several trends are driving the change. AdBlue or diesel exhaust fluid is already part of the conversation around refuelling with mining fleets adopting selective catalytic reduction (SCR) engines at pace. Storing AdBlue requires dedicated, contamination-free tanks:…