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‘Massive boost’ for NSW critical minerals sector

Published: 18 Oct 24

The New South Wales government on Friday announced a A$250-million royalty deferral initiative for critical minerals projects and said it would examine the implementation of a rapid assessment framework for minerals mining projects. The initiatives are the first actions of the state government’s new critical minerals and high-tech metals strategy, which sets a vision for New South Wales to become a global leader in critical minerals.

Olympic Dam copper mine halted on power outages, severe electrical storms

Published: 18 Oct 24

Global miner BHP's Olympic Dam copper mine faces power disruptions after severe electrical storms ravaged transmission infrastructure in the northern regions of South Australia, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Friday. Australia's second-biggest copper mine, which is located 560 km north of Adelaide, has suspended operations and switched its surface infrastructure to minimal maintenance using on-site backup generators, the BHP spokesperson said.

Spot gold tops $2 700 as metal extends its record-breaking run

Published: 18 Oct 24

Gold topped $2 700 an ounce for the first time, as an escalating conflict in the Middle East saw traders flock to safety. Bullion reached climbed as much as 0.3% to $2 700.47/oz, after Israel said it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Palestinian group’s attack on southern Israel that triggered a year-long war in Gaza.

GM Battery module assembly at GM's Spring Hill Assembly in Tennessee

After Nevada lithium deal, GM eyes other sources for EV minerals supply

Published: 18 Oct 24

General Motors is eyeing further North American investments in lithium and other critical minerals used to build electric vehicles after boosting its investment in a Nevada mine to nearly $1-billion earlier this week, an executive said on Thursday. The US automaker on Wednesday said it would form a joint venture with Lithium Americas to develop the Thacker Pass lithium mine, North America's largest source of the battery metal.

Improving safety, efficiency in supply chains

Published: 18 Oct 24

Noting the complexity of South Africa’s mining environment, which is typically associated with its sizable value chain, telematics solutions provider Webfleet sales director Justin Manson advocates for greater safety and efficiency for mining vehicles to help accelerate sector growth. Highlighting the company’s safety expertise, Manson notes the challenge of ensuring that mine vehicles – ranging from small two-seater pick-up trucks, tipper trucks, staff transportation and supervisor vehicles – do not deviate from travelling at prohibited speeds.

An image of the COPROD attached to the Simba E60 drill rig

Proven drill improves post-blast fragmentation

Published: 18 Oct 24

After successful drilling results shown at an underground operation of Chile-based copper miner Pucobre, mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc is introducing its COPROD rock drilling system, to be used with Epiroc’s range of Simba drill rigs, which will ensure better fragmentation after blasting operations. Historically only available for surface drilling equipment, the COPROD system will be available for underground miners with its incorporation into Epiroc’s Simba platform.

An image of the AECI location tag placed on the Peruvian region in the South American continent

Manufacturer eyes Peru entry with development project

Published: 18 Oct 24

South African explosives and chemicals company AECI has acquired land in Peru for a development project, bolstering its position as a mining services provider in the well-endowed South American region and as part of its bold strategy to further internationalise its mining services business. Since its successful expansion into Brazil and Chile in 2020, AECI’s entry into Peru establishes the company as a dominant player in one of the world’s most dynamic mining regions, the company states.

Blasting products for safe, efficient, productive operations

Published: 18 Oct 24

With intelligent blast design and modelling capabilities, explosives and blasting systems manufacturer Orica launched its Next Gen SHOTPlus suite of applications on September 24 at this year’s MINExpo, held in Las Vegas, in the US. Powered by the Orica Digital Solutions Platform, Next Gen SHOTPlus unlocks the power of the Model Through Time – a cloud-hosted, spatiotemporal, digital replica.

Standalone technical services improve value-add

Published: 18 Oct 24

Bulk explosives and blasting technology supplier BME has launched its Global Blasting Technical Services (GBTS) as an external and standalone offering to customers. While GBTS was previously part of BME’s basket of solutions, the company recognised the importance of leveraging its skilled technical capabilities to benefit the market for several reasons, says BME technology and marketing GM Nishen Hariparsad.

Application specifics to drive new product development

Published: 18 Oct 24

Developing products under proper environmental conditions is being emphasised by mining equipment manufacturer The Baughan Group as providing sustainable commercial solutions to South Africa’s coal mining sector. The range of products in the company’s portfolio includes various bulk materials handling solutions, such as shuttle cars, feeder breaker machines, scoops and conveyor chains.