Industry FocusNews Sandvik launches new development drill rig Sandvik has launched its next-generation automated development drill rig, the DD423i, which offers 34.5% more drilling coverage than legacy models.
FeaturedNews Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight A high-tech research project between Bravus Mining and Resources and Queensland scientists has created a new model to uncover the secrets of rare bird species. The joint project with researchers from ecology consultancy E2M has provided new information about the habitat and daily movements of the black-throated finch, using an AI-supported radio tracking program. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the latest findings from the research project are an important part of Bravus’ commitment...
Industry FocusNews Rehabilitation at Ranger uranium mine continues The Federal Government has issued a new rehabilitation authority to Energy Resources Australia (ERA) to continue rehabilitation activities at Ranger uranium mine in the Northern Territory.
FeaturedNews Weir to acquire Micromine Weir to acquire Micromine Weir is accelerating its strategy for sustainable digital mining after entering a binding agreement to acquire Mining Software Holdings (Micromine) for $1.3b (£657m). Micromine is a top-tier global software provider to the mining industry, with comprehensive solutions across the upstream mining value chain. It supports critical mining operations from exploration through mine design and planning, operational scheduling and mining operations in hard ore, soft ore and underground applications. Weir chief executive Jon Stanton says the combined force of Micromine and Weir will create a sector-leading globally scaled platform to optimise performance...
DevelopmentsNews Global iron ore and steel conference cancelled THE 23rd Global Iron Ore and Steel Forecast Conference, scheduled to take place in Perth next week, has been cancelled amid concerns over the potential spread of the coronavirus. The conference will be rescheduled to later this year at the same venue, The Westin Hotel Perth. Informa Australia resources conference director Alexandra Bennet said all existing registrations and sponsors will be transferred to the new conference dates of 1 and 2 December. “We were greatly looking forward to welcoming to the conference but this reschedule is in the best interest of the health and welfare of all involved and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused,” she said. The conference is a premier annual event for the...
News Rio Tinto commits further $1.7m to Australia-Japan Innovation Fund Rio Tinto commits further $1.7m to Australia-Japan Innovation Fund Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has committed an additional $1.7m to the Australia-Japan Innovation Fund (AJIF) to promote research and academic projects between the two countries and further collaboration between industry, educational institutions and governments. The commitment was signed at the 60th Australia-Japan Annual Joint Business Conference which was held in Melbourne from October 8 - 10. Rio has been the sole funder of the initiative since it was established in 2018 and has funded about $5m in operating costs and research grants since then. Rio Tinto chief executive Australia Kellie Parker says the company is pleased to make another commitment. “Science and technology are...
News Heat exchanger installed at Hazer Group’s commercial demonstration plant Heat exchanger installed at Hazer Group’s commercial demonstration plant A heat exchanger (800HT) has been successfully installed at Hazer Group’s (ASX:HZR) commercial demonstration plant (CDP). Following successful heat-treatment, the replacement heat exchanger has been shipped to site and successfully installed at the CDP, completing a significant milestone for the project as it approaches mechanical completion. The hot reactor main fabrication assembly is in the final stages, shortly enabling the start of final machining and heat treatment prior to delivery and installation. Hazer confirms that the CDP remains on schedule to begin phase two of its operation ‘hot operations’ to produce hydrogen and graphitic carbon in 2023. Managing director and chief executive Glenn...
News Stage one Flat Rocks Wind Farm hits construction milestone Stage one Flat Rocks Wind Farm hits construction milestone Stage one of the Flat Rocks Wind Farm in WA has hit a milestone with more than half of the 18 wind turbines in place. This wind farm is part of a power purchase agreement (PPA) between BHP and Enel Green Power — a leading multi-national renewable energy company. Once complete, stage one of the Flat Rocks Wind Farm will provide enough renewable energy to fully power BHP’s Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter and Kambalda Concentrator every year, based on current requirements. Nickel West Asset President Jass Farrell says it’s impressive to see the scale of the wind turbines and the co-existence of power...
