May 2025

BCI Minerals (ASX: BCI) announced that it has transitioned to full-scale operations at its Mardie salt and potash project. This now marks the Pilbara as the home of the world’s third-largest salt project. This follows approval from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on the projects updated Groundwater Monitoring and Management Plan (GMMP). The project, located 80km south-west of Karratha in WA, is the first salt operation Australia has seen in nearly three decades and has an expected operation life of 60 years. The Mardie project is anticipated to produce more than 5.35mt of industrial salt annually, making it the largest salt project Australia has ever seen. It is projected to contribute nearly $5b to…

Extending Equipment Lifespan with Fourthane Solutions The Australian mining industry continually faces the challenge of maximising operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact. In this context, the circular economy emerges as a key model for transitioning towards more sustainable mining practices. Fourthane, a Chilean company with a global presence, has positioned itself as a strategic ally by offering solutions that extend the lifespan of critical equipment, reducing waste and operating costs. Solutions that Make a Difference Since its founding in 1996, Fourthane has developed repair and protective coating technologies that keep essential components operational—even under extreme conditions. Products such as Fourthane Red, designed for quick and easy conveyor belt repairs; Fourthane Black Lines, specially formulated to resist abrasion and impact on…

  In the challenging environments of Australia’s mining regions, reliable transport is more than a convenience — it’s critical to safety, compliance and operational success. That’s why more operators are turning to Bus 4×4 Hire, Australia’s largest and most experienced dedicated 4×4 bus hire provider.  With over a decade of experience, Bus 4×4 Hire supplies long and medium-term rentals across the mining, infrastructure, government and tourism sectors. Each vehicle is engineered for Australia’s harshest conditions, providing every customer, MORE GO.  Built for remote sites Every Toyota HiAce and Coaster in the fleet features the Bus 4×4 GoKit Conversion, a proprietary 4WD system that provides each vehicle with superior off-road capabilities. With full-time high and low-range 4×4, increased ground clearance and…

Denco powers the mining frontline In mining, earthmoving machinery like haul trucks, loaders, and excavators, endure extreme loads for long hours in unforgiving environments. Performance and reliability are non-negotiable. At the core of every heavy-duty engine powering these workhorses are two critical components—turbochargers and fuel injection systems. These systems are responsible for optimising engine efficiency, improving power output, reducing fuel consumption, and lowering emissions—all critical in keeping operations running smoothly and cost-effectively. As mining operations push deeper and further, the need for robust, high-performance diesel technology has never been more important. Turbo specialists, Denco Diesel & Turbo (Denco), understand that breakdown isn’t an option, and vehicles need to perform at their best, no matter the load, conditions, or site location…

From May 20th to 22nd 2025 Brisbane Convention Centre will host a plethora of speakers and innovative industry legends at the Global Resources Innovation Expo 2025 (GRX25). An exciting evolution of the highly renowned Austmine Conference, GRX25 is an international ‘by industry, for industry’ conference and exhibition. A strategic collaboration between leading bodies in the resources sector, GRX25 is a partnership between Austmine and AusIMM. Austmine has been the leading industry association for the Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector for over 35 years. AusIMM is the peak body for professionals in the resource sector, representing a diverse global community involved in all aspects of the mining industry. This collaboration is dedicated to uniting global leaders, innovators and…

Keech Bendigo’ 90-Year Legacy Leading the G.E.T Market and Beyond The Derwent Industries – Keech Bendigo business unit represents 90 years of excellence in Australian manufacturing, rooted in the rich heritage of our Bendigo foundry. The legacy has established us as a leader in the Ground Engaging Tools (G.E.T) market, both domestically and internationally, with a reputation for innovation, expertise, and superior craftsmanship. As the only 100% Australian-owned and operated G.E.T manufacturer, we produce our entire range at the Keech facility in Bendigo, Victoria. By maintaining all production in-house, we ensure stringent quality control and support Australian industry, avoiding reliance on offshore imports. Our latest innovation, the FEENX range, is a testament to this history. Developed over two years, it…

  Servicing the complex infrastructure requirements in large-scale mining operations is not an easy task. You’re not only dealing with technical engineering specifications and multiple processes, but managing tight deadlines and specific labour needs. That’s where a trusted partner with the right expertise and know-how becomes such an integral piece in the puzzle.  JTH Asset Management is one company that’s stepped things up in this space, delivering comprehensive construction, maintenance, and consulting services across Queensland. Headquartered in Mackay, the company is renowned for its expertise in structural, mechanical, piping, and electrical disciplines, supporting a diverse range of projects from coal and critical minerals preparation plants to port infrastructure.  JTH’s service portfolio encompasses the full lifecycle of construction projects, including initiation,…

Gekko Systems, an award-winning global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, and commercialisation of mineral processing technology and services, is celebrating two decades since the installation of its innovative mineral processing plant at the Ballarat Gold Mine, which is now owned by Victory Minerals. Gekko Systems is known for its strong technical and client support capabilities, and has maintained significant collaboration with the Ballarat Gold Mine. Gekko’s success in delivering cutting-edge solutions has made it a trusted partner for the Ballarat Gold Mine and other mining companies around the world. The processing plant at the Ballarat Gold Mine, entirely designed and constructed by Gekko, continues to operate mostly with its key original high-quality equipment in place. This plant is a low-energy,…

Screening solutions for Australian mining

Screening solutions for Australian mining

Leading lubrication providers take great pride in ensuring that their products are dispatched in accordance with or below the ISO4406 cleanliness expectations set by major equipment OEM’s. However, the journey from storage to service can expose fluids to significant contamination. Multiple fluid transfers and aging or poorly maintained site infrastructures can introduce large quantities of damaging contaminants into stored fluids. To meet the exacting ISO4406 cleanliness standards of equipment OEMs, filtering stored fluids at the point of dispense is crucial. Workshops use high-pressure pumps to transfer lubricants and oils from remote storage facilities through long lengths of pipework to service bay hose reels. In such systems, efficient filters with high dirt-holding capacities are essential. They should also be easy to…

Turning the valve on innovation Established in 2004, Delatite Valves has carved a niche in the valve manufacturing industry by delivering high-quality, Australian-made valve solutions tailored to meet the harsh demands of mining. It specialises in the design, manufacture, and global distribution of metal seated ball valves and globe-style control valves, ensuring optimal performance in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, and slurry applications. At the heart of Delatite’s operations is a philosophy centred on saving clients time and money through trusted and proven valve solutions. This client-centric approach is evident in their hands-on methodology, which involves collaborating closely with customers from the initial design phase to delivery. The company’s product portfolio is both diverse and specialised. Their metal seated ball valves…

Modec connect solution

Murchison Mining Services (MMS) provides specialised underground project and infrastructure solutions, supporting mining operations across Australia with fabrication, construction and engineering expertise. Since its establishment in 2016 by Chris Piggott, the company has grown into a key player in underground mining services, working with a team of over 50 personnel to provide site-specific solutions that improve efficiency and safety. Fabrication and engineering are central to MMS’s operations.  The company have a well-earned reputation in manufacturing custom mining infrastructure, ventilation shaft components, rising main pipework and structural steel. A focus on precision machining and welding allows for tailored designs that meet the unique challenges of underground environments. MMS’s escapeway ladders and ventilation doors are built for durability which guarantee long-term reliability…

The smart future of valve monitoring For decades, Modec has collaborated across industries to offer versatile portable actuators. By understanding market demands, they have pioneered a monitoring solution aligned with Industry 4.0 and IoT technologies. Key features: Seamless integration: A smart sensor connects to Modec actuators without any modifications to your installation. Data management made simple: Transmits torque, speed and rotation data via Bluetooth to a secure mobile and web application for effortless analysis. Team organisation: Assign user roles with varying access levels to streamline operations. Valve insights on-the-go: Input and access critical valve data anywhere, anytime. Effortless data collection and analysis What does Modec Connect measure Free mode: Real-time measurement of torque, speed and revolutions. Guided mode: Provides steps…

In the world of mining, efficiency is king. Yet, in Australia’s expansive mining sector, there is a tendency to overlook one critical component that can significantly impact operations: slurry pump maintenance. While this might seem like a minor issue amidst the vastness of mining operations, the reality is that neglecting the upkeep of slurry pumps can lead to substantial, often unanticipated expenses. Slurry pumps are essential for transporting solid-liquid mixtures in mining. They handle abrasive and corrosive materials, leading to wear and tear. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure their reliability, longevity and optimal performance. Operational disruptions The immediate consequence of poor slurry pump maintenance is operational downtime. When these pumps fail, the entire mining operation can come to a…

Australian Pump Industries, known for their popular Aussie Mine Boss series of high-pressure water blasters, have now developed a range of high-pressure drain cleaning Jetters with operational capabilities up to 5,000psi. The brainchild of Aussie Pumps’ Chief Engineer John Hales the Mine Boss Jetters come on heavy duty hot dip galvanised steel trailers with tandem axles, powered by diesel engine drive. “The feedback we were getting from mines all over the country was the need for robust, heavy duty machines, in both Class A and Class B classification,” said Mr Hales. The break point between Class A and Class B is 5,600bar/litres.  The bar/litre factor is in line with the Standards Association. It is the multiplication of the pressure capability…