Tag: FMG

FMG: Gaines Takes the Reins

FMG: Gaines Takes the Reins

FMG’s third chief executive Elizabeth Gaines. All images: FMG. BY ELIZABETH FABRI THE resignation of Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) long-term boss Nev Power in February marked the end of an era for the iron ore giant. But it hasn’t taken long for new chief Elizabeth Gaines to begin paving a legacy of her own, as FMG diversifies into new markets and commodities, and advances its $US1.275billion Eliwana project. Less than six months since her promotion from chief financial officer to chief executive, Elizabeth Gaines has settled well into the FMG driver’s seat. When announced as Nev Power’s replacement back in November, it was clear Ms Gaines had some big shoes to fill – who can forget Mr Power’s resolute leadership in…

Robots will take over: Hitachi

Robots will take over: Hitachi

Image: Hitachi. BY ELIZABETH FABRI WITHIN a decade Australian mines will be operated almost entirely by autonomous machines, according to global group Hitachi. Game-changing technologies such as remote and integrated operation centres, driverless vehicles, and advanced analytics are set to be “commonplace” across the entire industry by 2030. “Such advances in technology are predicted to increase productivity and reduce costs by up to 25 per cent, which will have a significant impact on retaining Australia’s competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region, in addition to major positive social impacts such as the ability for mining employees to work in metropolitan areas,” Hitachi stated. “Hitachi also predicts that by 2030 most mines will have fully integrated IoT systems that will connect all…

Fortescue Metals Group: Star Power

Fortescue Metals Group: Star Power

All images FMG. BY ELIZABETH FABRI NEV Power is preparing to step down after six and a half eventful years at the FMG helm – leaving some mighty boots to fill. The seasoned executive reflects on his time at FMG and the company’s next chapter, as it embarks on the $US1.5 billion Eliwana project and examines diversification beyond iron ore. Rewind the clock four or five years and it’s hard to believe FMG is the same company that stands here today. In 2012/13, the iron ore miner was staring death in the face, drowning in a $US13 billion pool of debt just as the iron ore price was continuing its slow decline to late-2015 lows of $US38/t. Many outsiders feared…

FMG autonomous truck strategy in gear

FMG autonomous truck strategy in gear

Image: FMG. BY ELIZABETH FABRI FORTESCUE Metals Group (FMG) will add more autonomous trucks to its fleet in FY18 as part of the company’s strategy to improve safety, productivity and efficiency across its Pilbara operations. Announced on 27 June, the FY18 innovation projects included converting up to 12 793F trucks to autonomous haulage technology (AHS) at Solomon Hub, the rollout of AHS across the Chichester Hub project, a relocatable overland conveyor trial at Cloudbreak mine, and IT network upgrades at Cloudbreak and Christmas Creek. Fortescue said about 100 haul trucks would be converted to AHS at the Chichester Hub to deliver on the 20 per cent productivity improvements recorded at Solomon since the company’s deployment of 56 AHS vehicles from…