Precision drilling Australia’s latest rig rebuild PDR05

(Image source: Weir) Weir at MINExpo International 2024.

Showcasing Weir’s all-of-mine capabilities at this year’s MINExpo INTERNATIONAL

Exhibiting at this year’s MINExpo INTERNATIONAL conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, Weir showcased its market-leading brands and unveiled a range of new innovative technologies and solutions. Weir launched its ESCO® NEXSYS™ GET Lip System for rope shovel dippers, which lowers lip maintenance requirements, extends tooth and adapter life, and ultimately provides miners with longer uninterrupted shovel operation. Additionally, Weir unveiled its double-deck banana screen, ENDURON® ELITE Screen. Available in a range of sizes, the largest of which has a deck measuring 4.3m by 8.5m and weighs nearly 50t, the screen is driven by two exciters, whereas competitor machines of a similar size require three. These two technologies form an integral part of Weir’s commitment to deliver transformational flowsheet solutions in…

North Queensland exports power Queensland’s prosperity

North Queensland exports power Queensland’s prosperity

A new report has highlighted the multi-billion-dollar contribution the North Queensland Export Terminal (NQXT) north of Bowen in North Queensland makes to local, state and national economies. North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) commissioned the study to examine the economic and social impact of three Queensland east coast ports it is port authority for — Hay Point, Mackay and Abbot Point. The North Queensland Export Terminal is located within the Port of Abbot Point. The study found activity at the Port of Abbot Point contributed almost $10b to the Queensland economy each year and supported more than 8000 jobs across the mining, construction, transport and wholesale trade industries. NQXT general manager Mark Smith said the report was further evidence of the…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) A Bowen Rail Company trail hauling coal from the Carmichael mine along the Carmichael Rail Network.

No Detours ahead as fauna- friendly crossings share the line on the Carmichael Rail Network

Coal from Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichael mine near Clermont in central Queensland is making its way to port on a rail line where cutting edge freight technologies are rivalled by the sophistication of fauna-friendly crossings. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the 200km Carmichael Rail Network includes hundreds of design features to support local biodiversity on a line also setting new standards for freight transport. “The design means not only does our coal get to port using safe and efficient rail operations, but it also allows local fauna to thrive,” he said. “Coal is hauled by Bowen Rail Company trains on the Carmichael Rail Network through an area of central Queensland that is home to…

(Image source: Weir) Weir’s redefined flowsheet solution includes market leading Enduron® HPGR technology.

Weir awarded $102m (£53m) redefined flowsheet contract for Reko Diq greenfield copper-gold project in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province

The first call-off order of $50m (£26m), which includes both ENDURON® large format High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) and wet screens, will be recognised in Q3 with the remaining orders booked later in 2024 and early 2025. Weir Group (Weir), a global mining technology leader, has been awarded the contract to provide industry-leading energy efficient, sustainable solutions to the Reko Diq copper-gold project, a 50% owned greenfield development by Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick). The tier one copper project is located in the Chagai district of Balochistan and is targeting first production in 2028 with an estimated mine life of more than 40 years. During the first phase of the project, Weir will provide fine grinding, separation and tailings solutions. Featured…

The orders keep coming for Metso concentrate and tailings filtration

The orders keep coming for Metso concentrate and tailings filtration

Metso has reported repeat orders for its concentrate and tailings filtration technology totalling over $17m (EUR$10m) for Q3 CY25. Most of the orders the Finnish machining giant received were for filter modernisations and upgrades, as well as full-scope replacements of HRT thickeners, including the new ReactorwellTM and Thickener Vane FeedwellTM systems, which are part of the company’s Metso Plus portfolio. Metso vice president, beneficiation and dewatering services, product commercial support Felipe Bañados says proactive maintenance is shaping customer decisions, with reliability fuelling interest in concentrate filtration solutions. “In thickeners, growth is fuelled by sustainability and water management initiatives, with older equipment being retrofitted with advanced technology to enhance reliability and to ensure cost-effective, environmentally responsible operations. We are delighted that…

Fuel tax rebates exceed cost of transition to renewables

Fuel tax rebates exceed cost of transition to renewables

More than $57b in fuel tax rebates have been banked by Australia’s mining companies since FY07 and according to a new analysis, this will exceed $84b by 2030. According to the Climate Energy Finance (CEF) analysis, the Fuel Tax Credit (FTC) has cost taxpayers $122.7b in total, and its primary beneficiaries include mining, agriculture and transport, with mining receiving nearly half of the total sum. BHP (ASX: BHP) was FY24’s largest FTC beneficiary, garnering a $627m rebate. Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) received $416m, and Glencore received $364m. CEF recommends a substantial reform of the existing scheme, capping Australia’s FTC at $50mpa per company with credits exceeding the cap retained only if reinvested into phasing out diesel. An analysis by Fortescue…

Mental health matters at mineral resources

Mental health matters at Mineral Resources

In 2024, Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) became the first resources company in WA to deploy a team of in-house mental health clinicians to its mine sites across the state. Known as Mind Matters, the team includes seven highly qualified clinicians who work on a rotating 4:3 roster on site and in Perth, alongside two Perth-based clinicians. This ensures support is accessible to employees in remote locations as well as those based in the city. The investment encourages open, honest conversations about mental health and enables employees to access professional support at the earliest opportunity. Importantly, the service is provided free of charge for employees and their immediate family members. Now in its second year, Mind Matters is led by head of…

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been selected to construct a 164MW / 905MWh Muchea Battery north-east of Perth in WA for Neoen in partnership with Tesla. Muchea Battery is Neoen’s first six-hour long-duration storage asset and will be equipped to support the WA’s energy reliability and transition to renewables. UGL has been contracted to help prepare the site for the installation and connection of 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and to design and construct a 132kV substation, including the installation of high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks and footings. ACS Group and HOCHTIEF chief executive and CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan Santamaria says the contract is another milestone in the groups’ commitment to enabling Australia’s energy…