WORLD NEWS Diary Dates Mines and Money Online Connect 31 August – 02 September 2021 VIRTUAL EVENT https://minesandmoney.com/online MINExpo INTERNATIONAL 2021 13 – 15 September 2021 Las Vegas, USA www.minexpo.com
International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2021 25 – 27 October 2021 Virtual & Melbourne, Australia www.imarcglobal.com
China Coal & Mining Expo 2021 26 – 29 October 2021 Beijing, China www.chinaminingcoal.com Iron Ore Conference 2021 08 – 10 November 2021 Virtual & Perth, Australia www.ausimm.com/ conferences-and-events/iron-ore AIMEX 2021 16 – 18 November 2021 Sydney, Australia www.aimex.com.au Mining Indonesia 2021 17 – 20 November 2021 Jakarta, Indonesia www.mining-indonesia.com
To stay informed about the status of industry events and any potential cancellations of events due to COVID-19, visit Global Mining Review’s events page: www.globalminingreview.com/events
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July/August 2021 // global mining review
AUSTRALIA Caterpillar Holdings Australia acquires Minetec
from Codan
C
aterpillar Holdings Australia Pty Ltd has announced its acquisition of Australia-based Minetec Pty Ltd from Codan Ltd. Specialising in communications technology for mining, Minetec supplies high-precision tracking and data communications networks, as well as a purpose-built set of software applications that address both productivity and safety for underground mining. Part of Caterpillar’s ongoing focus on providing mining solutions for safety, autonomy and productivity, the acquisition demonstrates a commitment by the company to the expansion of Cat® MineStarTM Solutions for integrated underground operations. Since 2018, Caterpillar and Minetec have worked under a collaborative agreement to develop and deliver technologies targeting the unique challenges faced with underground hard rock mining operations. The result has delivered unique site solutions that have expanded the capabilities of MineStar to offer real-time, GPS-type tracking for the underground space. As part of the acquisition agreement, Codan will provide manufacturing services to Caterpillar for up to 5 years to ensure a successful transition and continuous supply to customers.
CANADA Vale invests CAN$150 million to extend life of
Manitoba operations
V
ale has announced a CAN$150 million investment to extend current mining activities in Thompson, Manitoba, by 10 years while aggressive exploration drilling of known orebodies holds the promise of mining well past 2040. The Thompson Mine Expansion is a two-phase project. The recent announcement represents Phase 1 and includes critical infrastructure such as new ventilation raises and fans, increased backfill capacity, and additional power distribution. The changes are forecast to improve current production by 30%. Coupled with the announcement, Vale is continuing an extensive drilling programme to further define known orebodies and search for new mineralisation. The Thompson orebody was first discovered in 1956 by Vale (then known as Inco) following the adoption of new exploration technology and the largest exploration programme to-date in the company’s history. Mining of the Thompson orebody began in 1961.
ZAMBIA Castillo Copper to commence geophysical campaigns
C
astillo Copper Limited has announced the appointment of Geophex Surveys, an experienced geophysical consultancy firm, to under-take comprehensive induced polarisation surveys across the Luanshya and Mkushi Projects, which are located within Zambia’s copper-belt. Given the scale of the campaign, it will take 6 – 8 weeks to complete and fully analyse the results; however, reconciling these findings with known anomalous areas at surface should identify priority targets to drill.
