VOLUME 117/6 | JULY 2025
A safe mine is a profitable mine
Mine safety is about more than technology. Change management and data insights are important, too. Hexagon integrates systems for collision avoidance, operator alertness and vehicle intervention into your mining workflows. On top of that, we partner with customers to engage and re-engage operators in a cycle of continuous improvement.
CELEBRATING SURFACE PIONEERS
Mining technology has come on strong in recent years, with surface operations becoming a playground for innovation. Automation, electrification and a new era of digitalisation are unlocking pioneering technologies, delivering enhanced production, safety and environmental outcomes for mining companies.
To celebrate the best in surface mining, the July edition of Australian Mining sees a range of METS companies – from OEMs to engineering firms to technology providers and contractors –showcase their offerings.
This includes Bradken, Caterpillar, Komatsu, MASPRO, RPMGlobal and Boom Logistics, among others, each discussing various solutions and methodologies that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Bradken graces the cover with its advanced mill liner technology in tow.
The company’s core strength lies in its ability to design wear liner products and digital solutions tailored to the unique operational needs of its customers.
Bradken is also prioritising sustainability, recently embarking on an initiative to recycle more than 2000 tonnes of unused mill liners.
Caterpillar discusses best practices for dozer operation, while Komatsu’s GD9557 motor grader is front and centre; with its power, accuracy and toughness underlined, this machine has been purpose-built for Australian mining conditions.
Elsewhere, Australian Mining spotlights Tivan, which is looking to develop Australia’s first fluorite mining operation, while five years on from Juukan Gorge, we look at how the country’s mining industry is working with Traditional Owners to avoid future incidents.
With Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) returning in September, BHP has been announced as the naming rights sponsor of the AIMEX Mining Pavilion. Australian Mining takes a closer look at what’s in store for the event.
Other events in the spotlight include PNG Expo, WA Mining Exhibition and QME, and we wrap-up GRX25, which took place in Brisbane in May.
Happy reading.
years, supporting customers by adopting solutions to meet changing requirements. Its portfolio of mill liner solutions, including highperformance alloys and rubber-composite liners, ensures compatibility with a range of mining environments. Composite liners have become a standout Bradken solution, incorporating materials such as rubber, alloy, and cast inserts. These liners offer tailored resistance to specific wear mechanisms like corrosion, abrasion and impact, supporting high volume and throughput. Whether it’s improving service life, increasing uptime, supporting decarbonisation, or creating new value streams, Bradken continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
JOHN MURPHY
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CHRISTINE CLANCY
MANAGING EDITOR
TOM PARKER
Email: tom.parker@primecreative.com.au
JOURNALISTS
OLIVIA THOMSON
Email: olivia.thomson@primecreative.com.au
DYLAN BROWN
Email: dylan.brown@primecreative.com.au
ELIZA FREEMAN
Email: eliza.freeman@primecreative.com.au
Tom Parker Managing Editor
CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER
JANINE CLEMENTS
Tel: (02) 9439 7227
Email: janine.clements@primecreative.com.au
SALES MANAGER
JONATHAN DUCKETT
Mob: 0498 091 027
Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS
JAMES PHIPPS
Mob: 0466 005 715
Email: james.phipps@primecreative.com.au
ROB O’BRYAN
Mob: 0411 067 795
Email: robert.obryan@primecreative.com.au
ART DIRECTOR MICHELLE WESTON michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au
SUBSCRIPTION
Cover image: Bradken
A fluorite revolution
Tivan is leading Australia’s entry into the global fluorite supply chain, building an industry from the ground up.
12 SURFACE MINING
Smarter, greener liner solutions
Bradken is setting new industry standards by combining advanced mill liner technology with a strong commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.
20 SURFACE MINING
Mastering mine shutdowns
Tier 1 contractor Boom Logistics has become a trusted partner in delivering safe, efficient
32 SURFACE MINING
For the long haul
The Haulmax 3900 series of trucks encompasses more than 25 years of Elphinstone experience and research in mining haulage applications.
34 INDUSTRY EVENTS
BHP heads to AIMEX
BHP has been announced as the naming rights sponsor of the 2025 AIMEX Mining Pavilion.
40 GRAPHITE
Charging the graphite resurgence
Quantum Graphite is poised to become a major supplier of high-purity, scalable graphite with its Uley 2 project in SA.
Reaping rich rewards
Hexagon Drill Assist increases equipment lifespan, enhances drill operator performance and improves blasting outcomes.
58 INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
Spearheading drilling solutions
Master Drilling helped resolve engineering challenges at a gold miner’s operation with the help of two consulting firms.
76 INDUSTRY EVENTS
Leading the way at WIIA
Becky Felstead took home the Excellence in Mining award at the recent Women in Industry Awards in Melbourne.
FOLLOW THE LEADERS: THE LATEST EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST EXECUTIVE MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE MINING SECTOR, FEATURING RIO TINTO, FORTESCUE, EVOLUTION MINING AND PLS.
Rio Tinto chief executive officer (CEO) Jakob Stausholm is set to step down from his role in late 2025 after being at the major miner for seven years.
Stausholm joined Rio Tinto in 2018 as executive director and chief financial officer (CFO), before becoming CEO in January 2021.
“Under Jakob’s leadership, Rio Tinto has restored trust with key stakeholders, aligned our portfolio with the commodities where demand growth is strongest, built a diverse and talented management team and set a compelling growth trajectory,” Rio chair Dominic Barton said.
“Our focus on these things is undiminished and our strategic priorities are unchanged. This is a natural moment to appoint Jakob’s successor, as we look ahead to our next phase in which we will double down to deliver greater operational performance to realise the full potential of our assets.”
Stausholm has played a major role in shaping Rio’s strategy for the energy transition and laying the groundwork for a decade of profitable growth.
He will continue in his role and remain on the board while the company looks to appoint his successor.
“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Rio Tinto, one of the great mining and materials companies in
the world,” Stausholm said. “We have built on Rio Tinto’s historic strengths to deliver profitable, stable growth and significant shareholder value. I know the company will continue to thrive long into the future.”
Elsewhere, Dino Otranto has been promoted to Fortescue CEO of metals and operations, after previously being solely head of the company’s metals business. In this expanded role, Otranto will oversee global electrification, decarbonisation and hydrogen production.
“This new leadership cements our One Fortescue commitment to operate as an aligned team driving innovation, delivering value, and accelerating our transition to a successful and profitable green future,” Otranto said.
Agustin Pichot moved into the role of Fortescue CEO growth and energy on July 1.
“Fortescue has a clear and resolute vision to eliminate emissions and decarbonise profitably,” Pichot said. “In this unstable market where most others are wavering, the world is replete with opportunities. We are seizing on this instability to grow and harness new innovations emerging in green metals, energy and technology.”
The appointments of Otranto and Pichot coincide with the retirement of Fortescue Energy CEO Mark Hutchinson and chief operating officer Shelley Robertson.
In the gold sector, Evolution Mining has chosen Frances Summerhayes as its new CFO, taking effect in early September.
“I am delighted that Fran is joining Evolution and our leadership team as chief financial officer,” Evolution managing director and CEO Lawrie Conway said.
“It is an exciting time in our business as we deliver against our strategy and build a premier global gold company.
Joining us from BHP, Fran brings extensive experience and strong financial acumen and will be a welcome addition to our team.”
Summerhayes was previously BHP’s vice president finance for its Minerals Americas division for a little more than four years.
She also held the position of head of finance for BHP’s Iron Ore business and served in several other senior finance roles across the Big Australian.
With 20 years of industry knowledge and experience under her belt, Summerhayes brings international experience across a range of commodities, having worked throughout South and North America, as well as South Africa.
“It is a privilege to be joining Lawrie and the team at Evolution Mining, continuing to execute the strategy with a strong portfolio, disciplined capital allocation and unlocking long-term stakeholder value,” Summerhayes said.
Evolution isn’t the only miner experiencing a CFO change.
Pilbara Minerals (PLS) CFO Luke Bortoli is stepping down to pursue other opportunities.
The company said Bortoli will remain in his role during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover. At the time of writing, a formal search process was underway to identify Bortoli’s successor, with internal and external candidates to be considered.
PLS managing director and CEO Dale Henderson thanked Bortoli for his contributions during a pivotal period in the company’s growth.
“On behalf of the board and the broader team at PLS, I would like to thank Luke for his valuable contribution during his time with the company,” Henderson said.
“Luke has played a key role in strengthening our financial and operational platform during a period of significant growth and transformation.
“Notable achievements include securing the company’s $1 billion revolving credit facility and supporting the successful acquisition of Latin Resources, among other major milestones. We wish Luke all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Pilbara Minerals said further updates regarding the CFO appointment will be provided in due course.
the volvo advantage
YOUR mINING DREAM TEAM
Innovative designs focusing on power, efficiency, and operator comfort. Eco-friendly operations with smart connectivity for optimal fleet management.
A FLUORITE REVOLUTION
TIVAN IS LEADING AUSTRALIA’S ENTRY INTO THE GLOBAL FLUORITE SUPPLY CHAIN, BUILDING AN INDUSTRY
Tivan Limited has rapidly positioned itself as a trailblazer in Australia’s emerging fluorite sector.
After a change of control two and a half years ago, Tivan quickly shifted focus from a struggling predecessor to a promising new critical mineral opportunity.
“We had to find a different project path quickly and we did that with the acquisition of Speewah in early 2023,” Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson told Australian Mining
The company initially concentrated on the large vanadium and titanium resource at Speewah, located in northeast Western Australia, working on vanadium and associated minerals processing technology.
However, vanadium proved challenging to commercialise due to depressed prices and immature offtake markets.
A major turning point came when fluorite was added to Australia’s critical minerals list, a move that unlocked government grants and significant industry support.
“At the end of 2023 there was a really important announcement from Canberra, when fluorite was included on the critical minerals list,” Wilson said.
“We switched our priorities straight away and announced the Speewah Fluorite Project at the end of January 2024. It’s been our dedicated focus since that time.”
A strategic pivot Fluorite has never been mined in Australia at scale but its strategic applications in semiconductor manufacturing and electric vehicle batteries create major global demand.
Tivan’s existing relationships in Japan positioned it to capitalise on this opportunity.
“We recognised it has really important strategic use cases, principally in semiconductors and EV (electronic vehicle) batteries, as well as the shift in China’s profile from net exporter to net importer over the past decade,” Wilson said.
This led to a binding joint venture with Japanese trading giant Sumitomo Corporation, announced
in May, marking a major milestone for the company.
“It was a year-long journey to reach the binding joint venture,” Wilson said.
Having shifted its focus to the Speewah Fluorite Project, Tivan quickly secured support from the Australian Government.
“We were awarded the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals grant and major project status in early December of last year,” Wilson said.
“This went some way to legitimise fluorite in the eyes of investors. Like lithium 10 years ago, no one had heard of fluorite before.”
The Australian Government’s signalling helped close a perception gap, validating fluorite’s role in national strategies, including the battery initiative and energy transition.
“Major project status aids facilitation of key workflows, particularly environmental sign-offs, which can sometimes get caught up between state and federal jurisdictions,” Wilson said.
Wilson said fluorite’s strategic importance to Australia’s economy has
FROM THE GROUND UP.
grown significantly, particularly as the country looks to expand its role in global technology supply chains.
“Despite Australia’s success in mining, we have never been upstream of the semiconductor sector,” he said.
“Semiconductors are arguably the most important supply chain in the global economy and demand is escalating with the AI (artificial intelligence) wave.”
Tivan’s project will be the first Australian operation to directly feed semiconductor supply chains in Asia.
“Those supply chains are fragile and contested and we have the opportunity to play a pivotal role,” Wilson said.
EV batteries are another major fluorite market, with its elemental properties making it irreplaceable for battery performance.
“Fluorinated chemicals are in the separators, binders, anodes, pretty much everywhere in next-generation lithium-ion batteries,” Wilson said.
With China currently dominating the market, Australia’s emergence as a fluorite supplier could influence strategic supply chains.
TIVAN’S
SPEEWAH FLUORITE PROJECT IS LOCATED IN NORTH-EAST WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
historical occurrences,” Wilson said. It found Sandover near Alice Springs, a project that could surpass Speewah in grade and size. Early field surveys confirmed the project’s potential, and drilling is planned for October.
“It might become the most significant fluorite resource on the planet. We think it’s that important,” Wilson said.
“This gives us a unique commercial position in Australia’s critical minerals sector.”
Unlike fragmented lithium ownership, Tivan controls both major fluorite resources, having completed the acquisition of Sandover in March.
“That dominant position appeals to trading houses like Sumitomo, who want to work with companies that have strong capabilities and reputational standing, and that have long-duration assets,” Wilson said.
With Sumitomo having never previously invested in critical minerals, the joint venture is a landmark deal.
“It speaks to the strength of the project and our team,” Wilson said.
“It’s highly unusual for a major Japanese trading house to invest this early in a critical minerals project with a junior company.”
Tivan is now advancing a feasibility study for late this year, with definitive feasibility and final investment decision targeted in the third quarter of 2026.
With a footprint in Speewah and Sandover, plus a third exploration project in Timor-Leste, Tivan’s progress provides great potential.
“Our mission is to build a strategically important company across northern Australia,” Wilson said.
Tivan’s rapid rise and strategic partnerships position it as the leader in Australia’s first fluorite industry. With strong government support, international partnerships, and a clear pathway to production, Tivan is driving Australia’s entry into a critical global supply chain. AM
TIVAN IS FAST-TRACKING ITS CRITICAL MINERAL AMBITIONS WITH A DEDICATED FOCUS ON FLUORITE.
IMAGE: BEN BROADY
IMAGE: STEPHEN WALSH
REFLECTING ON JUUKAN GORGE
FIVE YEARS ON FROM JUUKAN GORGE, HOW DOES THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY WORK WITH TRADITIONAL OWNERS TO AVOID FUTURE INCIDENTS?
In May 2020, Rio Tinto was searching for iron ore at its Brockman 4 mine in Western Australia when it conducted a blast at Juukan Gorge, situated in the Hamersley Range within the Pilbara region.
The blast resulted in the destruction of Aboriginal heritage sites, including two culturally significant rock shelters.
The blast at Juukan Gorge took place after the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Traditional Owners advocating for its protection.
Since the incident, several changes have been made on operational and legislative levels to help ensure similar instances never happen again.
Operational change
Rio Tinto has also introduced measures to increase transparency in terms of its approach to cultural heritage protection via communities and social performance (CSP) practices.
Rio Tinto has at least 500 CSP professionals working on 60 operations across 41 countries.
“In 2021, the board conducted a joint exercise with the executive committee to learn the lessons from the destruction of
the rock shelters at Juukan Gorge, and the group’s response to the tragic events,” Rio Tinto said on its website.
Following the exercise, Rio Tinto committed to “promoting an inclusive, open and transparent culture that empowers people to raise and escalate concerns on operational and ethical issues” and “applying a more values-driven approach to guide decision making” through care, courage and curiosity.
The company also created a Juukan Gorge Legacy Foundation in 2022 to provide financial support to the foundation to progress major cultural and social projects and established a committee to facilitate communication about the desired rehabilitation of Juukan Gorge in 2023, among other initiatives.
Ahead of the five-year anniversary of the Juukan Gorge incident, the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto signed a co-management agreement.
Advisory group Jarden defines co-management as a Traditional Owner-led initiative that acts as a framework for mining companies and Traditional Owners to work together and collaborate in mine
exploration, planning, closure and rehabilitation. It sets out expectations and responsibilities for all project stages, and ensures mining companies have social licence to operate and that significant sites are protected.
The agreement between the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto is designed to ensure knowledge-sharing and joint design is at the heart of Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations on PKKP Country, allowing significant heritage to be preserved and co-managed.
“The effect of this agreement is that PKKP Traditional Owners will receive certainty that our important places on Country will be protected from mining, while at the same time Rio Tinto will receive certainty around where they can develop much earlier in the mine cycle,”
Pinikura Traditional Owner and PKKP Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Terry Drage said.
“Ultimately, this is good for us as Traditional Owners, and it is good for business.”
Rio Tinto chief executive officer (CEO) iron ore Simon Trott reflected on how the Juukan Gorge incident changed the company.
“Simply put, (the Juukan Gorge incident) should never have happened, and for that we will forever be sorry,” he said.
“Through the open and gracious sharing of knowledge and experiences, the PKKP have helped to shape a renewed approach to managing cultural heritage protection and mining activities.”
The First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance and the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) are calling for the Federal Government to prioritise cultural heritage reform.
“Traditional Owners and the mining industry have done the hard work to find common ground and now it’s over to the (Federal) Government to honour its commitment to our people,” First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance co-chair Leon Yeatman said in May of this year.
“We may not agree on everything all the time, but on this, we agree it is time to act. These cultural sites are not only sacred to Aboriginal people; they should also be sites of national pride as proof of the world’s oldest continuous culture.
“The distress caused to the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura People
THE PILBARA REGION IS HOME TO MANY ABORIGINAL HERITAGE SITES.
THE MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA IS ADVOCATING FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITISE CULTURAL HERITAGE REFORM.
by the destruction of the caves must be recognised and action finally taken so this cannot be repeated.”
Yeatman pointed to identifying those who speak for Country on a federal level as a good starting point.
“This will provide protection and certainty for community and industry so business can create new economic assets and opportunities while protecting our cultural assets,” Yeatman said.
MCA CEO Tania Constable said the mining industry has used the last five years to regain trust from Traditional Owners.
“There is broad agreement on the way forward, and we are now looking for the (Federal) Government to ... work alongside the MCA and the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance to provide a once in a generation change and see this as a genuine opportunity for healing,” Constable said in May.
Legislative change
Rio Tinto CEO in May 2020, JeanSebastien Jacques, apologised for the destruction of Juukan Gorge and said the company would cooperate with the Northern Australia inquiry and support WA’s reform of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, which was led by WA’s the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Ben Wyatt.
The Federal Government’s ‘Never Again’ report was released in December 2020, highlighting “the disparity in power between Indigenous peoples and industry in the protection of Indigenous heritage, and the serious failings of legislation designed to
protect Indigenous heritage and promote Native Title”.
Recommendations from the report included Rio Tinto committing to:
• a moratorium on mining in the Juukan Gorge area
• rehabilitating the Juukan Gorge site
• conducting a review of all agreements with Traditional Owners
• committing to a stay of all actions under section 18 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972
• pledging a voluntary moratorium on section 18 applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972
• returning all artefacts to the PKKP People.
The WA Government introduced the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 to prevent similar incidents to Juukan Gorge from happening in the future.
The Bill came into effect in July 2023. Under the legislation, WA landowners were required to check if cultural heritage sites were present on the land before undertaking anything which may compromise the sites.
However, following public workshops, education sessions, and consultation with key stakeholders, the WA Government made the decision to revert back to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, with several key amendments:
• The newly formed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council taking on the role of the committee that was established under the 1972 Act to make ministerial recommendations
• Proponents and Native Title parties will have the same right of review
for Section 18 decisions, with clear timelines and an ability for the Premier to call-in a decision of ‘state significance’, to act in the interests of all Western Australians
• When a Section 18 has been approved, making it a requirement for the owner to notify the minister of any new information about an Aboriginal site.
Today, the WA Government is assessing the Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in the state’s mining industry alongside the National Native Title Tribunal.
Commencing for a four-month period from June, the targeted review comprises on-Country meetings, targeted roundtables and workshops.
improve the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of WA’s current Native Title and
Aboriginal cultural heritage processes by analysing the interaction of consultation processes under current legislation, the capacity of relevant stakeholders to participate in these processes, and how these procedures deliver social, economic and community benefits
It will also determine how the current Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes contribute to WA’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Legislative amendments will not be considered under the review.
Looking ahead, it is clear maintaining positive relationships with Traditional
SMARTER, GREENER LINER SOLUTIONS
BRADKEN IS SETTING NEW INDUSTRY STANDARDS BY COMBINING ADVANCED MILL LINER TECHNOLOGY WITH A STRONG COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.
With more than 100 years of expertise in the design and manufacture of mining solutions, Bradken delivers innovative wear parts that improve wear life, productivity and throughput, while boosting efficiency and safety.
Bradken’s ability to offer customers comprehensive mill liner solutions includes its scrap metal buyback program.
In a recent initiative aiming to enhance sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic customer alignment, Bradken collaborated with a customer to clear over 2000 tonnes of unused mill liners, unlocking scrap buyback credits and bringing both parties towards greater mutual alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Bradken proposed a new scrap buyback credit agreement that provided a consistent and fair market pricing agreement, while supporting the customer to more efficiently manage mill liner waste as a transition towards a more sustainable liner lifecycle.
The collaboration resulted in an alignment with the customer’s sustainability goals and Bradken’s future circular economy strategy, which focuses on closing the loop on the circularity of mill liners in a transparent and traceable manner. Steel from the liners is now being returned to foundries for recycling.
According to research from the Steel Manufacturers Association, each tonne of recycled steel saves an estimated 74 per cent of emissions compared to when it is produced from virgin material.
This initiative not only highlights the tangible benefits of a forward-thinking scrap strategy but also the power of collaborative innovation between Bradken and its customers. This is a step towards greater resource and operational efficiency, with potential for enhanced tangible outcomes –cementing Bradken’s role as a trusted mill solutions partner.
For another Australian-based customer, Bradken’s expert mill solutions team provided recommendations to use the company’s composite liners. This solution supported an increase in the service life of their discharge end liners, reduced the quantity of liners required, and enabled increased throughput.
The customer’s high-impact conditions required the installation of additional liners. Bradken’s team provided a composite liner solution that met the mill grinding conditions and reduced the weight and quantity of the additional liners.
An industry pioneer
Bradken is a market leader for the design, manufacture and supply of mill liners to the global mining industry, specialising in innovative wear liner products and digital solutions for AG, SAG, ball and rod mills.
With a global team backed by engineering solutions, advanced data analysis, and simulations, Bradken’s mill solutions team of experts provides recommendations that enhance the operational productivity, safety, efficiency and energy consumption for a customer’s mill processing operations.
The company’s range of composite liners incorporates materials such as rubber, alloy and cast inserts, offering distinct advantages for applications across various wear mechanisms, including corrosion, abrasion, impact, and mill volume and throughput.
Bradken is on a journey to become carbon-neutral by 2030 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, through a combination of process efficiency, electrification and procurement of renewable energy. The company has already seen a reduction in process emissions, and its global foundries are shifting away from gas use.
Buying back its own scrap instead of using virgin steel helps to reduce emissions in the supply chain, and maintain the quality of product material, while also supporting customers and suppliers with their Scope 3 emission carbon goals.
BRADKEN HAS EARNED ITS REPUTATION THROUGH A COMBINATION OF TECHNICAL INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER-FOCUSED ENGINEERING.
BRADKEN SPECIALISES IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, AND SUPPLY OF MILL LINERS.
Paving a sustainable future
Looking ahead, Bradken’s ambitions remain firmly focused on aligning high-performance product development with responsible environmental practices.
Supporting this commitment, up to 75 per cent of the energy used in Bradken’s manufacturing processes comes from renewable energy sources, and up to 98 per cent of the materials used in its liner production are sourced from recycled scrap and returned products.
What sets Bradken apart is its ability to integrate these environmental goals without compromising on product performance or operational value for its customers.
Its holistic approach ensures customers are not only investing in advanced mill liner systems but are also partnering with a company that shares their values around efficiency, safety and sustainability.
As the mining sector faces increasing pressure to improve output while reducing environmental impact, Bradken’s position as a trusted partner becomes even more important.
The company’s dedication to engineering excellence, coupled with a genuine commitment to reducing the mining industry’s carbon footprint, ensures its mill liner solutions encapsulate both innovation and responsibility. Whether it’s improving service life, increasing mill uptime, supporting decarbonisation efforts, or creating new value streams from waste, Bradken continues to deliver solutions that go beyond wear performance.
It’s this combination of product innovation, environmental foresight and collaborative customer engagement that cements Bradken’s position as a leader in mining mill solutions. AM
SMARTER ROTARY SCRUBBERS
WITH MINING COMPANIES ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULT OREBODIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA, EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE SCRUBBING HAS BECOME ESSENTIAL.
With large feed capabilities, reduced maintenance requirements and site-specific adaptability, McLanahan’s rotary scrubbers are helping miners across Australia streamline ore processing from pit to plant.
In the competitive Australian mining industry, where operational efficiency and equipment reliability are non-negotiables, McLanahan’s rotary scrubbers are proving to be gamechangers in mineral processing.
Mining operations across the country are faced with challenging orebodies that demand robust and efficient scrubbing.
McLanahan’s rotary scrubbers are built for these exact conditions. Capable of processing large feed sizes of up to 300mm and handling high throughput capacities, these machines are ideally suited to primary ore washing applications.
The scrubbers are particularly effective in removing lights and loamy clays, and similarly soluble deleterious materials from a variety of ore feeds.
The result is a cleaner, more consistent feedstock that enhances downstream processing efficiency.
Inside the drum, internal lifters create a vigorous tumbling action that breaks down contaminants and liberates valuable minerals.
This pre-treatment step improves the quality of the material and optimises plant performance at every stage that follows.
Every orebody is different, and that is reflected in McLanahan’s approach. The company works closely with miners to customise its rotary scrubbers to suit the feed characteristics, throughput targets, and infrastructure constraints of each site.
MCLANAHAN’S ROTARY SCRUBBERS ARE HELPING AUSTRALIAN MINERS STREAMLINE ORE PROCESSING FROM PIT TO PLANT.
This approach was illustrated through a South Australian mine site that aimed to double its processing capacity from 200 to 400 tonnes per hour.
Instead of simply upsizing the machine, McLanahan’s engineers redesigned the unit. They reduced the scrubber barrel length and expanded the trommel screen area to maintain scrubbing efficiency while boosting screening capacity.
The result was a tailored, highperformance solution that met the customer’s requirements while maintaining quality and efficiency.
McLanahan combines experience with innovation to solve complex processing challenges.
Efficiency and throughput are only half the equation, with strong equipment life and reliability being just as important.
McLanahan’s rotary scrubbers are designed with durability in mind, with key features such as self-aligning trunnion assemblies, wear-resistant liners and heavy-duty structural supports all contributing to reduced wear and lower maintenance demands.
The self-aligning trunnion assemblies address a common issue in rotary equipment – misalignment.
these assemblies extend component life and improve uptime.
To complement its rotary scrubbers, McLanahan offers condition monitoring systems to track machine health in real time.
Predictive maintenance strategies can be implemented to minimise unscheduled downtime and extend service intervals, supporting lower total cost of ownership for mining operators.
McLanahan’s legacy in equipment manufacturing spans more than 190 years, and that experience is reflected in every piece of equipment it delivers.
But just as important as the product itself is the support that comes with it.
McLanahan has invested in a strong local presence across Australia, offering technical support, commissioning, training and spare parts to ensure ongoing success for its customers.
This service has paid dividends for sites like those in the Pilbara, where rapid-response field teams and in-depth knowledge of local conditions have helped keep operations on track.
As the mining industry pursues greater efficiency and more sustainable operations, rotary scrubbers are becoming a valuable tool in reducing waste and improving resource recovery.
By removing unwanted materials early in the process, these machines help ensure only high-quality ore enters further processing stages, contributing to more efficient energy and water use across the plant.
McLanahan is also exploring new ways to support sustainability through improved automation, condition monitoring and design enhancements that reduce power consumption.
For Australian miners looking to optimise operations in today’s market and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow, McLanahan’s rotary scrubbers offer a smart and scalable solution. AM
MCLANAHAN DESIGNS ITS ROTARY SCRUBBERS WITH DURABILITY IN MIND.
OPTIMISE YOUR MINING OPERATIONS
MAXIMISE UPTIME • INCREASE RELIABILITY • BOOST PRODUCTIVITY
MASPRO’s high-performance parts and components for surface drill rigs - used across quarrying and mining - are engineered to outperform in the toughest conditions. Precision-built and fully compatible with leading OEMs, every product is designed to maximise uptime, extend equipment life, and deliver superior reliability. Backed by relentless innovation and rigorous testing, MASPRO parts give your operation a critical edge - cutting downtime, driving productivity, so you lead, not follow.
PURPOSE-BUILT FOR AUSTRALIAN MINES
Komatsu has raised the bar with the launch of its GD955-7 motor grader. This machine combines power, and toughness to meet the unique challenges of Australia’s mining sector.
With an operating weight of 46,740kg and delivering a formidable 426 horsepower from a Komatsu SAA6D140E engine, the GD955-7 is engineered for serious work.
The GD955-7 matches the demands of large mining operations and large off-road haul trucks to deliver higher productivity, reduced operating costs and extended component life in even the most rugged environments, Komatsu said. A standout feature is its productivity advantages, made possible by its high horsepower, increased operating weight, and 5.5m moldboard as standard, with an optional 6.1m blade.
Compared with the previous GD825A-2 model, the GD955-7 can grade more efficiently and productively than its predecessor, due to its enhanced power and wider working range.
“Productivity and durability have been front of mind in the GD955-7’s development,” Komatsu said.
“With high horsepower, a longer wheelbase, and a larger standard blade, the GD955-7 can grade between 33 per cent (with 5.5m blade) and 46 per cent (with 6.1m blade) more area per hour than the GD825A-2.”
The 50 per cent increase in operating weight means the GD955-7 can easily grade a hard-packed road surface.
In addition, the expanded tread and increased axle weight keeps work stable in various conditions.
The GD955-7 features a lock-up torque converter transmission with dual auto and manual modes. This enables the machine to shift seamlessly between torque converter drive for smooth control and direct drive for optimal efficiency.
Operation in auto mode prevents engine stall during grading should the grader encounter unexpected high load grading conditions.
The torque converter not only enhances controllability during tough grading tasks but also reduces shift shock, contributing to a smoother operating experience.
An articulate auto-centre return system, fingertip blade controls, palm steer and lever combination help to ensure operators can work comfortably and confidently in any terrain. A conventional steering wheel is also provided for increased control during high-speed tramming.
Komatsu has gone to great lengths to improve the operator environment in the GD955-7. Inside the ROPS (roll-over protective structure)/FOPS (falling object protective structure) cab, operators will find an ergonomically designed console with fingertip controls, reduced arm movement,
and improved visibility from a wide, hexagonal layout.
A high-comfort operator seat, electric height-adjustable control consoles, low interior noise levels (75 decibels), and powerful air-conditioning contribute to a safer, more productive workspace.
Added conveniences such as a lunchbox tray, multiple power outlets, a mobile phone holder, and a seven-inch colour LCD monitor with maintenance and operation data further enhance the operational interface experience.
Komatsu’s KomVision offers a bird’s eye view of the work area, providing high visibility to blind spots in the grader’s working vicinity.
The GD955-7 incorporates several maintenance features to limit downtime. These include a bearing type circle that eliminates the need for frequent circle play adjustments, and an automatic greasing system that reduces manual servicing. Servicing is made easier with ground-level access to major service points, including refuelling and drain ports for engine, hydraulic, and transmission fluids.
Centralised filters and long oil change intervals (up to 2000 hours for hydraulic oil) help to further streamline routine maintenance and boost machine availability.
Modularity has been incorporated into the major powertrain components, resulting in reduced downtime during major component change intervals.
The GD955-7 also includes Komatsu’s Komtrax Plus system, which remotely monitors machine health and performance, allowing fleet managers to access vital data such as fuel consumption, engine hours, and maintenance intervals from anywhere. This helps to optimise equipment utilisation and reduce operating costs.
Durability is core to the GD955-7’s design, with its redesigned front and rear frames – constructed with high-tensile steel plates and optimised powertrain layouts – delivering a frame life double that of its predecessor.
Komatsu has engineered this machine to handle the extreme heat, dust and terrain of remote Australian sites, all while maintaining peak performance.
The GD955-7 includes intelligent fuel management modes, allowing operators to choose between productivity, economy, or middle-speed mode to suit specific tasks. These modes are designed to help extend component life, reduce tyre wear and lower fuel consumption based on site conditions and operational demands.
Backed by Komatsu’s national support network, customers receive expert guidance from machine selection through to ongoing product support.
With the GD955-7, Komatsu has delivered a production grader to meet the growing demands of Australian mining operations. AM
KOMATSU BUILT
BUILT TO LAST
MASPRO’S ROTATION HEADS ARE DESIGNED FOR THE HARSHEST OF SURFACE DRILLING CONDITIONS.
Since 2006, MASPRO has engineered solutions for the most rugged mining environments.
Driven by customer collaboration and a commitment to quality, MASPRO’s rotation heads have become a trusted solution for miners requiring longevity, reliability, and performance across their drilling operations.
“Productivity and durability is our focus,” MASPRO regional business development manager Matthew McCulloch told Australian Mining
“Our heads are Australian-made, robust, and quality assured. We’ve engineered modifications to prevent premature failure and help our Tier 1 mining customers reach the production hours they require.”
These enhancements were not made in isolation. MASPRO worked with a leading mining client experiencing consistent rotation-head failures in highproduction environments.
The customer sent back failed units, which were dissected and analysed by MASPRO’s engineering and sales team.
“We re-engineered the internal parts of
downtime, lower costs, and ultimately improve productivity,” McCulloch said.
MASPRO’s rotation heads are fully compatible with OEM drill rigs, specifically the Epiroc D65.
While the external design remains unchanged to allow for seamless integration, the internal modifications set the rotation head apart.
“MASPRO delivers high-
customer support.
MASPRO doesn’t just sell equipment, it works closely with its clients to continuously improve outcomes.
After initial trials, a Tier 1 client conducted a full cost-benefit analysis, comparing the MASPRO heads with OEM alternatives.
“The results showed significant savings over 12 months – not just in unit
it’s premature wear, material performance, or system compatibility, MASPRO continues to develop engineered solutions tailored to specific operating conditions.
This is central to MASPRO’s business model, as the company continuously advances its mining product technology to keep pace with the evolving needs of the industry.
DRIVEN BY A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY, MASPRO’S ROTATION HEADS HAVE BECOME A TRUSTED SOLUTION FOR MINERS. MASPRO
Bringing you our world of expertise
We are now better equipped than ever to help you to optimise your comminution and material handling operations for maximum performance, safety and efficiency. Our industry leading expertise in crushing, screening, feeding, loading and wear protection allows us to bring you an unrivalled equipment line-up. We underpin this unique offering with our expert process knowledge, full range of digital tools, high quality OEM spare parts, consumables and life-cycle services.
Scan the QR code to discover why we are the industry’s partner in eco-efficient mineral processing.
MASTERING MINE SHUTDOWNS
TIER 1 CONTRACTOR BOOM LOGISTICS HAS BECOME A TRUSTED PARTNER IN DELIVERING SAFE AND EFFICIENT MINE SHUTDOWNS ON-TIME AND ON-BUDGET.
Boom Logistics’ expansive services offering means the company is always busy.
“We’re a Tier 1 contractor and the only publicly listed crane company in Australia,” Boom Logistics director
of operations Lester Fernandez told Australian Mining
“By virtue of that, we have a national client base, whether it be gold in WA and the Northern Territory, the copper belts of South Australia, or the coal hubs of Queensland and New South Wales.
“We have 16 strategically located depots across the country, including key service centres in Port Hedland, Newman, Leonora, Mackay, Olympic Dam and Singleton. Boom is never far from where we’re needed the most”
The safe delivery of mine shutdowns is a key capability of the company.
Plan to succeed
Boom Logistics understands that shutdowns are a critical window for equipment upgrades, repairs and preventive maintenance – all essential for long-term performance.
They also help to prevent critical failures, where the sudden breakdown of equipment can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost revenue per hour.
Boom Logistics general manager – west Chris Vas emphasised that effective shutdowns hinge on preparation and teamwork.
“The success of every shutdown is contingent on how much effort goes into planning, and then it’s about operational execution,” Vas told Australian Mining
“To achieve this, open communication within your team and with the client is paramount. It doesn’t matter how well you plan or how well you think you can execute the shutdown; if you’re not talking to one another, it can go downhill very quickly.”
Vas said communication is borne from internal and external relationships, something on which Boom Logistics prides itself.
“The best shutdown teams are those that are the best connected,” Vas said. “This is a key focus for Boom Logistics, where a culture of connectivity is fostered across Boom’s national operations.
“We have the operational expertise to deliver a shutdown, but we’ve also established the team camaraderie to execute to plan while meeting or exceeding client expectations.
“It’s important that the shutdown team is engaged and delivering safely, and building camaraderie is a key enabler of this.”
Gearing up
So exactly what goes into preparing a mine shutdown?
“We do a lot of detailed front-end planning,” Vas said.
“We seek to understand the client’s needs, then it’s a case of putting the puzzle pieces together, ensuring the right resources are available and optimised to the specific site.
“Then it comes down to execution. This involves frontline leadership and supporting our crews – being in it with them, while constantly communicating with other working groups and the client to ensure the shutdown is on track.”
During the planning phase, Boom Logistics goes out and assesses the site
well in advance. This helps the company bed down a shutdown strategy tailored to specific site requirements.
“Compliance is critical in the shutdown space,” Fernandez said.
“Compliance is the right people for the job and the right assets for the scope of works.
“Chris’ operations team, our regional managers and superintendents go out and assess site well before the shutdown occurs to understand site specifications. We then come up with a plan that gets finessed, optimised and tweaked as the shutdown nears.”
Fernandez provided some pearls of wisdom for effective shutdowns.
“The best preparation is having the crane and crew ready, positioned and on standby the moment they’re required – because there could be a crew of 50 or more personnel relying on them to remove and reinstall critical plant components, such as screens, feeders or belts,” he said.
“The timing of that puzzle piece being delivered is critical to the success of each subsequent puzzle piece, and
there are many other cogs that must be sequenced to ensure the success of an entire shutdown.
“Putting all those puzzle pieces together safely and effectively at the right time is where Boom Logistics excels.”
When a planned shutdown takes place, there is also potential for emergent work to take priority. This could take the form of a critical breakdown.
“A breakdown could occur and suddenly the planned works are not the first priority,” Vas said. “We have to be quick enough and agile enough to shift and adapt our operations.”
Fernandez said carrying out a shutdown can be akin to playing “threedimensional chess”, particularly when emergent work takes precedence.
“Whilst we might move an asset or crew from point A to point B to accommodate emergent work, it’s just as important to be able to adjust or reorder your list of priorities on the fly,” he said.
“It’s a fine and complex balance to get right: ‘I’m moving this job here, that comes here, and that goes there’. This reorganisation is carried out by
the frontline supervisors and staff in conjunction with our operations team.”
Firing on all cylinders
Boom Logistics recently delivered a successful shutdown for an iron ore operation in Western Australia, which was achieved through detailed planning, clear communication, and coordinated execution.
“The shutdown was executed effectively through extensive preplanning, which started months before,” Vas said.
“We visited site to understand the work scope, the technical aspects involved, and the resourcing required.
“Pre-planning was most of the job, ensuring we had all our ducks in a row –from resource allocation to mobilisations and everything in-between – and then it came down to execution.”
Vas said Boom’s frontline leadership came to the fore to ensure the shutdown was delivered safely and on-schedule.
“We are really proud of our output and what we delivered to the client, and we have received great feedback from
them as well,” he said. “The shutdown was successful for both parties.”
Beyond shutdowns
Boom Logistics’ expansive mining services offering extends beyond planned shutdowns , with the company also known for its day-to-day maintenance capabilities.
Boom supports most assets on-site, with cranes assisting reclaimer builds, conveyor maintenance, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) installation and removal, and major plumbing and hydraulic upgrades, to name a few applications.
“We’ve been on a really strong growth trajectory over the last three years, and this is sustainable, profitable growth, not just growth for growth’s sake,” Fernandez said.
“We want to go where we can add value and where we are valued. This methodology has helped us establish strong relationships across the mining industry, enabling us to consistently deliver shutdowns and maintenance works safely and effectively.”
MINE SHUTDOWNS ARE A CRITICAL WINDOW FOR EQUIPMENT UPGRADES, REPAIRS AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.
STRENGTH IN UNITY
BY PAIRING BARRACUDA
BUCKETS WITH HERCULES TRUCK BEDS, SCHLAM OFFERS MINERS AN INTEGRATED SOLUTION TAILORED FOR SURFACE MINING IN HARD ROCK ENVIRONMENTS, WHERE EVERY CYCLE AND PASS COUNT.
In the world of surface mining, particularly in Australia’s hard rock mining sector, every tonne counts.
With operations running at scale and equipment operating under intense conditions, efficiency, durability and optimisation of the load and haul cycle are critical.
It is no longer enough to focus on one component – true value is found when each element works in harmony.
Schlam’s evolution as a global leader in load and haul attachments has seen the company embrace this challenge by engineering a complimentary system that brings together the loading and hauling ends of surface mining operations.
Through its Hercules mining truck beds and Barracuda mining buckets, Schlam delivers a high-performance, pass-matched solution designed for the rigorous demands of today’s mining operations.
Leading in material hauling efficiencies
Schlam’s flagship Hercules mining truck bed, first introduced in 2003, has become a fixture in hard rock mines across Australia and around the globe.
The Hercules range is known for its unique curved design, which not only facilitates easier and cleaner material discharge but, according to Schlam, enables a payload increase of more than 10 per cent compared to standard beds.
Built specifically to perform in the challenging environments common to hard rock surface mining, Hercules beds are constructed from highstrength steel and are engineered with thicker wear materials in high-impact zones, while maintaining lightness in structural areas
Their proven performance includes examples like Hercules A0071, which operated for 16 years in the Western Australian goldfields before retirement.
As Schlam nears the milestone of delivering its 3000th Hercules mining truck bed, the company continues to evolve its product range to meet the shifting demands of modern mining.
The recent launch of the Hercules Ultra, an advanced truck bed engineered specifically for ultra-class mining trucks,
represents the next step in Schlam’s journey as a global leader in load and haul innovation.
“We develop our products based on the specific site needs of our customers, forever working on our principle of working ‘stronger together’,” Schlam Payload managing director Hendrik Mueller said.
“A lighter and stronger truck bed enables miners to carry more ore, which not only translates into increased payload but also savings in terms of fuel and ultimately carbon emissions.”
Precision loading
At the front end of the load and haul cycle, Barracuda mining buckets deliver Schlam’s solution for precision loading in hard rock mining environments.
Engineered for excavators and wheel loaders, these buckets are carefully customised to suit ground conditions, material properties and sitespecific requirements.
“The mining bucket is the business end of the load and haul process, so it’s important to match the right bucket with your haul equipment,” Schlam vice president of innovation and strategic focus Amit Bareja said. “Filling a haul truck with three and a half buckets rather than three is inefficient no matter which way you spin it.”
That principle lies at the heart of pass matching, the process of aligning the bucket size and fill factor with the haul truck’s capacity to ensure optimal loading with the fewest number of passes. Misalignment often leads to underloading (wasting payload potential) or overloading (increasing mechanical stress and compliance risk), both of which are costly.
“Not correctly payload matching excavator, shovel and wheel loader buckets with haul trucks means the mine risks giving away productivity and money with every load,” Bareja said.
By pairing Barracuda buckets with Hercules truck beds, Schlam offers miners a complete, integrated solution tailored for surface mining in hard rock environments, where every cycle and every pass counts.
Built for durability and serviceability
The Barracuda range continues to evolve, with the T2 model representing a major leap in durability and maintainability. Designed in close collaboration with miners, the Barracuda T2 bucket features two distinct zones: a structural base, and a replaceable highwear lower shell.
The replaceable lower shell is engineered without the need for heel shrouds or liner packs, making it lighter and easier to service. Constructed from thickened steel to wear down to a pre-defined threshold, it can be rapidly swapped out during scheduled maintenance, significantly reducing downtime.
The T2’s design also removes the risk of stored energy hazards common with traditional rolled wear plates. Its unique configuration makes it up to 15 per cent lighter than conventional buckets, Schlam said.
The first Barracuda T2, commissioned at a major Pilbara iron ore mine in 2022, has clocked more than 10,000 hours. T2s are now operating across surface mining operations throughout Australia.
One notable deployment came in 2023 when Fortescue introduced Australia’s first operational electric excavator, a Liebherr R 9400 E, fitted with a specially designed Barracuda T2, further
highlighting Schlam’s ability to deliver future-ready equipment for a loweremissions mining landscape.
From the outset, Schlam has focused on a core belief: “Built for miners, with miners”. This ethos not only applies to product development but continues through the ongoing support it provides its customers.
“Our sales and technical support teams work closely with our customers to ensure that every product that we build is uniquely designed and built to meet specific site requirements,” Mueller said.
“We’re also further growing our after sales support, ensuring that the customer experience is exceptional at every step.”
The on-site support provided by Schlam’s Product Life Cycle Care program includes payload optimisation, wear mitigation and planning for asset longevity, all backed by Schlam’s teams and manufacturing facilities in Australia and key global markets.
Global strength, local focus Schlam’s evolution as a global mining partner is also underpinned by significant investment in advanced manufacturing, especially at its main production centre in WA.
The company has adopted LEAN manufacturing, introduced robotics and automation, and developed digital production systems, allowing it to increase throughput without compromising safety or quality.
The result is a production line capable of delivering customised Hercules and Barracuda units for the world’s leading miners, including BHP, Fortescue, Glencore, Northern Star and Newmont.
“With the help of our customers and our own people, we’ve developed into a truly global company, providing leading load and haul solutions to leading global miners,” Mueller said.
In surface mining, where load and haul is the backbone of daily operations, Schlam’s integrated Hercules and Barracuda solution offers a significant competitive edge, the company said. The synergy between loading and hauling
equipment helps to ensure precise pass matching, maximising each truckload while minimising machine wear and energy use.
For Australian miners in the hard rock sector, this is more than a product pairing – it’s a high-value system engineered for the realities of mining operations.
As demand grows for efficiency, sustainability and safety in surface mining, Schlam continues to evolve, showing that when the mining bucket, the mining bed and the team behind them are working together, performance takes care of itself. AM
SCHLAM’S PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE CARE PROGRAM OFFERS SUPPORT TO FURTHER ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY AND ASSET LONGEVITY.
A BARRACUDA T2 BUCKET DEPLOYED ON AUSTRALIA’S FIRST OPERATIONAL ELECTRIC EXCAVATOR.
CATERPILLAR CONTINUALLY MAKES ENGINEERING UPGRADES TO HELP CUSTOMERS GET MORE VALUE OUT OF THEIR DOZERS.
BOOSTING DOZING CYCLE PRODUCTIVITY
Cat large dozers are common to mines and quarries around the world, serving as both production and support machines in multiple applications.
While experienced personnel make operating look easy, implementing specific techniques can help maximise dozer productivity and efficiency.
Caterpillar continually makes engineering updates and incorporates innovative technology solutions to help customers get more value out of their dozer investment. Plus, application experts and equipment trainers focus on training operators and encouraging best practices.
The operator is key to maximising dozer efficiency, performance and productivity. Using the wrong techniques can significantly reduce overall productivity, so it is critical that even experienced operators understand and execute dozing best practices.
• Load the blade downhill, maintain a steady dozing pressure, and minimise unloaded travel distance
While there are dozens of dozer operation best practices, a good starting point is the dozing cycle itself.
Caterpillar application experts have studied multiple slot dozing scenarios and identified techniques that can make the dozing cycle more efficient and productive.
Dozing technique efficiency
While it’s a common dozer practice in mining, the back-each-pass technique – where the operator starts each pass at the back of the cut and uses the length of the cut at a uniform depth – is the least productive and has the highest cost. Efficiency and productivity suffer because the machine travels the entire length of the cut in both directions.
Efficiency suffers, however, from loading the blade uphill, and the slot is not fully utilised throughout the cut.
“Even though it is pushing shorter distances, the dozer is pushing uphill, which reduces productivity and increases fuel burn,” Metz said. “Like back-eachpass, it will also create windrows.”
Most efficient
With the front-to-back technique, the operator starts at the front of the slot and progresses towards the back with each pass. This approach enables the blade to be loaded downhill, creating a slot that can be utilised throughout the whole cut.
“A slot will help hold the material in front of the blade, so there’s no spillage or windrows, maximising the load on the blade,” Metz said.
“This technique uses the weight of the machine to more efficiently load the blade downhill while reducing the average push distance significantly.”
General operating technique
Dozers are ideal tools for a variety of applications, from production dozing to reclamation operations. Regardless of application, Caterpillar application experts recommend several general best practices:
• Most applications dictate dozing in first gear with a fully loaded blade to achieve maximum productivity
• Reverse in second gear, when applicable, to reduce unloaded time
• Steer with blade tilt cylinders rather than steering clutches when the blade is loaded
• Minimise corner loading, prying and impact dozing to only required passes
“A dozer is not being productive in reverse,” Caterpillar large dozer product application specialist Corey Metz said.
“With back-each-pass, the dozer traverses a longer average push distance as it travels the entire length of the slot for each pass. The blade isn’t loaded while pushing downhill since the blade is gradually loaded over the length of the slot.
“Since this technique is not utilising a slot, there’s also the risk of material spilling out of the blade, creating windrows, especially during the first few passes.”
Dozing back-to-front increases efficiency but is not the most efficient. Commonly used for stockpile applications, the operator progresses from back to front of the slot, so push distance is reduced with each pass as the dozer works to the front of the cut.
Push distance is a key metric when measuring dozer productivity. The
average push distance on this technique is about half that of back-each-pass, and the amount of time spent in reverse is reduced. The carry cycle gets longer with each pass as the dozer progresses from the front to the back of the slot.
Metz said a dozer with a large load pushing slowly will out-produce one that pushes a smaller load faster.
“A dozer can only push so much material in a higher gear, so it takes, for example, four passes in second gear to push the same amount of material that could be pushed in three passes in first,” he said.
“With an increased number of passes, the operator spends more time in reverse and isn’t pushing full loads. This makes the machine work harder while reducing productivity.”
Improper dozing technique can negatively impact dozing efficiency. Coaching operators on a proper dozing technique can lead to significant cost-per-tonne benefits for a CATERPILLAR DISCUSSES
Mill Liner Solutions
Bradken® is a leading mill liner solutions provider, we specialize in delivering innovative products tailored to suit AG, SAG, Ball, and Rod Mills.
Our customers strive for safety, productivity, and efficiency in their mineral processing operations. That’s why we offer a diverse range of mill lining solutions, including steel and rubber-composite liners, each solution is designed to meet application requirements across various conditions.
Bradken® leverages over 100 years of expertise in parts design and manufacturing, combining advanced data analysis and expert simulations to help customers optimize productivity, throughput, availability, safety, efficiency, and energy consumption.
Our team is focused on delivering quality Mill Solutions targeted to improve mill operations through optimised liner designs, manufacturing expertise and advanced material innovation.
DYNAMIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
RPMGLOBAL SHEDS LIGHT ON WHY A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ASSET MANAGEMENT BEGINS WITH DYNAMIC LIFECYCLE COSTING.
Mining companies are always looking for ways to maximise the performance of their fleets. However, every site is different and has specific requirements.
This is something RPMGlobal, a software solutions provider with more than 50 years’ experience, understands.
With headquarters in Queensland, RPMGlobal uses deep domain expertise to address the needs of miners in more than 125 countries.
One of the company’s flagship offerings is its AMT asset maintenance software, a digital solution that optimises maintenance strategies by providing real-time insights.
“AMT was introduced in 2002, originally developed for Caterpillar to manage complex maintenance contracts between OEM (original equipment manufacturer) dealers and customers,” RPMGlobal product manager – asset management Antonio Carioca told Australian Mining. “The goal was to offer a dynamic and transparent system to manage asset maintenance and lifecycle costing at a component level. It was created by maintenance and finance professionals and has since evolved into a global standard for asset management in mining.”
Built for mining
Designed for the mining sector by industry experts, AMT uses dynamic lifecycle costing (DLCC), a method that regularly updates the lifecycle cost of every asset based on real-time maintenance and operational data from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
“AMT is not just another CMMS (computerised maintenance management system) or ERP bolt-on,” Carioca said.
“It complements and enhances ERPs like SAP by providing specialised functionality that these systems lack and bespoke spreadsheets try, often poorly, to fill the gap.”
DLCC forecasts don’t only feature costs; they cover all maintenance requirements, including components, parts, availability and labour resources.
AMT measures component performance against an operation’s budget and allows users to analyse historical performance by failure mode, symptoms and cause of failure.
The software also possesses multiple versions of an asset’s maintenance strategy to perform predictive analysis without impacting the machine’s current strategy.
This allows users to trial and test different scenarios to evaluate the best maintenance strategy for each
AMT’S DYNAMIC LIFECYCLE COSTING REGULARLY UPDATES THE LIFECYCLE COST OF EVERY ASSET BASED ON REAL-TIME MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONAL DATA.
AMT ALLOWS USERS TO TRIAL AND TEST DIFFERENT SCENARIOS TO EVALUATE THE BEST MAINTENANCE STRATEGY FOR EACH MACHINE WHILE GAINING REALTIME BUDGET VARIANCE ANALYSIS.
machine while gaining real-time budget variance analysis.
“It continuously adjusts the plan based on real-world occurrences, giving users accurate, real-time visibility into maintenance needs and budgets,” Carioca said. “Align that with powerful ‘what-if’ scenario capabilities and extensive integration, and AMT is the ideal tool to manage all your maintenance needs, whether it’s right now or in five years’ time.
“It’s the de facto industry standard and helps operations manage costs, component rebuilds, equipment availability, and contract forecasting across a wide variety of fleets.”
Ease of use
AMT is available to use on a computer or mobile app, and is available in various forms, including AMT4SAP, AMT for OEMs, and AMT for contractors.
“While there are core AMT capabilities that are applicable to every customer, we also have specific ‘flavours’ of AMT,” Carioca said.
“OEMs and dealers use AMT for contract management, rebuild tracking, and quoting. Miners use it for budgeting, benchmarking and variance analysis, and contractors focus on quoting and maintaining high availability at low cost.
“Each of these could mix and match different modules and add features such as the mobile app or work management as needed. This segmentation ensures each group gets a solution tuned to their needs while still powered by the same
RPMGlobal uses its decades-long expertise, implementation teams, data integration specialists, and onsite training capabilities to seamlessly integrate AMT at various mining sites.
“The system’s flexible architecture allows it to integrate with ERPs, historian data, and planning systems,” Carioca said. “There’s a strong focus on change management and user adoption.
“We have a dedicated deployment and customer success team with years of experience that ensures not only proper implementation but also
A winning solution worldwide AMT has seen great success around the globe, with the software being used to manage or track more than 60 per cent of the world’s large mining equipment.
“Customers often highlight improved maintenance forecasting accuracy, reduced unexpected failures, and greater confidence in budgeting,” Carioca said.
“One client mentioned they avoided millions of dollars in component overhauls in a single year due to AMT’s early warnings.”
Carioca said AMT complements and works alongside RPM’s other scheduling, planning, simulation and operations tools.
These include XECUTE, RPMGlobal’s short-term planning and execution solution; and XPAC, a mid-term and strategic scheduling tool that considers the unique characteristics of almost any mining operation.
“Since RPMGlobal acquired AMT via iSolutions in 2016, it has become a core part of RPM’s offering,” Carioca said.
“AMT helps bridge long-term plans with day-to-day execution by ensuring assets are available when needed. It’s a critical part of RPM’s digital mine ecosystem.”
Digitisation and automation are
swiftly growing more and more popular across several industries.
In a bid to further transform operational efficiency, RPMGlobal is always adapting its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the mining industry.
“RPMGlobal is embedding meaningful AI (artificial intelligence) capabilities into AMT to deliver practical, data-driven
Mining companies across five continents rely on our mining tire expertise, independent supply and our KalPRO innovation tools and solutions.
We’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for tire performance and fleet use—all while protecting technicians and promoting sustainability at every stage of tire life.
value,” Carioca said. “For example, AMT Insights, which is released in August, will act as a built-in AI consultant, constantly analysing data to deliver actionable insights across strategies, work orders, and budgets.
“Looking ahead, AI will also support automated short-term planning, machine-learningdriven reliability forecasting, and
AMT’S DETAILED SHORT-TERM PLANNING AND SCHEDULE MODULE.
intelligent data cleansing through the upcoming Data Tuner module.
“These enhancements will further reduce manual effort, sharpen decisionmaking, and maximise the benefits AMT delivers across the mining process chain.”
RECLAIMING EFFICIENCY
KOMATSU’S RF-5 RECLAIM FEEDER IS TAKING THE AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES INDUSTRY BY STORM.
Mining companies are always looking for ways to maximise productivity on-site.
Enter Komatsu’s RF-5, a reliable feeder designed with ease of use at the forefront.
“The RF-5 was developed in 2019 and launched to the market in 2020,” Komatsu Mining product support manager – crushing Daniel Hurse told Australian Mining
“We previously had a broad range of feeders. The RF-5 has allowed us to provide a standard offering to the global market, with common stock available worldwide, reducing the lead time on the machines.”
Komatsu’s reclaim feeders are constructed with a drag chain or chain and flight conveyor, drawing material in from a stockpile at a controlled rate.
The machine then feeds the material to a downstream system such as a conveyor.
“A reclaimed feeder could be used to draw material from a stockpile that needs to be sized down,” Hurse said. “Or it’s at the other end, supporting the final product being fed into a plant or taken away to another site.”
Ideal for a range of industrial materials such as aggregates, coal and iron ore, the RF-5 has a throughput of up to 4000 tonnes per hour and a power rating range of more than 370 kilowatts.
Hurse highlighted the low cost of ownership and operation as another key benefit of the machine.
“There’s minimal installation costs and site preparation in setting up a reclaimed feeder – all you need is some solid, flat ground,” he said. “It’s a low cost-per-tonne machine with minimal wear components, making it easy to install, operate and maintain.”
Operating in fixed or semi-mobile installations, the RF-5 can be easily moved and relocated depending on the needs of the mining operation.
The machine boasts a heavyduty design with steel components, supporting an operating life of more than 20 years. The system’s components are the same as other Komatsu machinery, reducing lead times across the fleet.
“Whether it’s gone through our feeder breaker and our double roll sizes, resulting in the final product, or whether it’s feeding one of our crushers, the RF-5 is designed to be loaded by Komatsu trucks, loaders, dozers,” Hurse said.
“It fits in seamlessly with our broader product offerings.”
A plug-and-play machine, the RF-5 can be fitted with a control system supporting local or remote operation.
“Our remote monitoring and data logging system assists in tracking machine wear and pain points, with data available to the customer to help maintenance planning,” Hurse said.
“The customer may have their own control system we can tap into, or we can go with the links so they can access that data.”
Any maintenance issues logged can be turned into actionable insights to enrich decision-making.
The RF-5 can also operate while electric and automatic lubrication is taking place, further reducing downtime. These capabilities are sweeping the resources sector, with one RF-5 machine available for purchase in Australia.
“It’s a cost-effective, reliable machine to get material from the ground onto a belt,” Hurse said. “It’s versatile and suited to any application. We have a machine that can meet the customer’s needs straight away.
THE RF-5 RECLAIM FEEDER SERVES MATERIAL TO A DOWNSTREAM MINING SYSTEM SUCH AS A CONVEYOR.
REDEFINING SLOPE STABILITY MONITORING
Canary Systems has developed a comprehensive slope stability monitoring system to help open-pit mines streamline their approach to safety.
The company offers a full portfolio of monitoring tools that bring together instrumentation, hardware, software, and support in one cohesive solution.
By consolidating data from multiple geotechnical and remote sensing sources, Canary Systems provides mines with an integrated overview of slope conditions.
The company’s core software platform, MLSuite, enables users to ingest and analyse data from a wide range of devices including prisms, radar systems and piezometers.
This integration enables early detection of ground movement and potential slope instability, giving mines a better opportunity to act before issues escalate.
MLWeb, the web-based data visualisation component of MLSuite, features advanced charting tools that correlate multiple datasets including prism velocity, pore pressure, and radar displacement, helping users identify patterns and changes over time.
Surface and sub-surface data can be viewed in 3D, and users can apply spatial
MLWeb also supports manual and automated data collection, and offers flexible import tools, logger programming, calculations, and data validation features. This enables mine staff to convert raw data into meaningful information, displayed in a web-based 2D and 3D environment.
With the help of GIS-enabled decision-making tools, the focus shifts from manual processing to strategic safety planning.
On-site success rates
Solutions from Canary Systems have already been deployed at complex mine sites globally, demonstrating strong results in challenging conditions.
At a large open-pit mine located on a stratovolcano, hundreds of instruments are being monitored, including piezometers, inclinometers and prisms, along with weather and flow stations.
The site integrates InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar), radar, and DTS (data transformation services) data within MLWeb to evaluate slope behaviour and identify unstable areas. Alerts are issued based on trigger action response plan (TARP) levels, taking into account the severity and frequency of slope movement and changes in pore pressure.
Another example is the Coeur Rochester mine in Nevada, US, where
positioned in the dumping area. Two MLGPS units were also deployed to measure 3D slope movement and provide continuous updates on terrain deformation. One GPS unit was placed at the top of the dumping area while the other served as a data relay point, transmitting information to the server. In addition, 50 prisms that had previously been installed in the pit were integrated into MLWeb for a unified view.
Within the platform, alerts were configured to match specific tolerance thresholds, and graphical outputs allowed for detailed analysis of trends and deviations.
This implementation delivered several key benefits, including improved data collection efficiency, reduced manual workload, and a central access point for geotechnical teams.
Automated monitoring at scale
At a major gold mine in the Dominican Republic, Canary Systems replaced manual processes with an automated monitoring solution.
Prior to the upgrade, the mine relied on manual instrument readings and spreadsheet analysis, which proved timeconsuming and less responsive.
In order to improve performance, Canary Systems installed more than 80 MLRemote units and two
CANARY SYSTEMS IS SUPPORTING OPEN-PIT MINING OPERATIONS WITH INTEGRATED SLOPE STABILITY SOLUTIONS.
The solution allowed automated collection of data from more than 200 instruments across two pits, a processing plant, and a tailings facility.
MLWebHardware was used to manage connections and organise programming for remote data collection across the site.
New data is now recorded hourly, and additional monitoring tools such as radar, prisms, inclinometers and InSAR have been integrated into the same platform.
To support site-wide access and 3D data processing, a multi-server deployment was implemented.
Despite dense vegetation and complex connected to the MLBase system using a
The site now receives scheduled automated reports, eliminating the need for manual spreadsheet analysis and enabling compliance with International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) reporting requirements.
By automating the data collection process, the mine achieved more consistent decision-making, greater insight into infrastructure performance, and reduced operational risk. This has led to safety improvements and longterm cost savings.
Canary Systems’ innovative slope stability monitoring system is enabling open-pit mines to detect ground movement early, respond faster to changing conditions, and maintain safer working environments.
By combining automated data collection, multi-source integration, and near-real-time analysis, the company continues to drive more effective slope management and deliver strategic value to mining operations worldwide. AM
GD955-7 Grader
THE HAULMAX 3900 SERIES OPTIMISES EXTENDED HAULAGE AND SUPPORT APPLICATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.
FOR THE LONG HAUL
THE HAULMAX 3900 SERIES OF TRUCKS ENCOMPASSES OVER 20 YEARS OF ELPHINSTONE EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH IN MINING HAULAGE APPLICATIONS.
In the mining industry, having an efficient, reliable, and productive extended haulage solution is critical to success.
Elphinstone, a wellestablished Caterpillar original equipment manufacturer (OEM) solutions customer, recognised a gap in the haulage market by investing in Haulmax in 2007. The company relocated the manufacturing of the Haulmax 3700 series from Brisbane to Tasmania shortly after, releasing the Haulmax 3900 series in 2009.
The Haulmax 3900 series was originally designed as a dump truck to fill a gap in the market between traditional mining dump trucks and conventional on-highway trucks.
“The Haulmax 3900 extended haulage series was developed to operate on cycles up to 50km,” Elphinstone regional sales and support manager Nick Furmage said.
“The narrow design is suited to haul roads approximately 15m wide, which cost considerably less to build and maintain. Therefore, the longer the distance, the larger the cost saving.”
Since acquiring the Haulmax brand, Elphinstone has enhanced the trucks’ design against tyre performance indices to maximise vehicle payloads over longer haulage distances. Dump
body configurations include 41m3, 59m3, and 90m3 capacities.
A key feature of the Haulmax 3900 range is the dual-axle rear-wheeldrive configuration, which provides a braking surface area of 100,568cm2 and facilitates superior retardation in downhill applications.
Operate in comfort
The trucks are also equipped with a spacious two-person cab featuring adjustable lumbar support and air suspension seats, ensuring operator comfort.
“The independent front suspension system and rear independently mounted A-frame axle assemblies, combined with a long wheelbase, offer unrivalled levels of safety and comfort,” Furmage said.
“The Haulmax 3900 series offers excellent traction and stability in soft and slippery operations. The combination of the truck’s narrow width, low centre of gravity, long chassis and eight-wheel-drive configuration provides safe and superior operator control.”
The 3900 chassis is a deep box-section construction that incorporates castings in high-stress areas with full-penetration wraparound welds designed for a minimum life of 60,000 hours.
“Elphinstone’s research and development team identified several operations within Australia and abroad
that would benefit from integrating the 3900 chassis with a service unit (fuel and lube) and water truck (dust suppression) module,” Furmage said.
The Haulmax 3900 can be configured to suit additional applications.
Pioneering performance
The Haulmax 3900 series powertrain is built with optimal performance and productivity in mind, comprising a Cat seven-speed planetary power shift transmission and a C27 diesel engine with advanced combustion engine reduction technology (ACERT).
The Haulmax 3900 delivers constant power and torque in all conditions.
“The Cat lock-up torque converter combines maximum rim pull and cushioned shifting of torque converter drive with the efficiency and performance of direct drive,” Furmage said.
“The lock-up torque converter engages at approximately 8km per hour, delivering more power to the wheels.”
An alternative to exhaust gas recirculation, Cat’s ACERT technology reduces emissions, optimising fuel injection, air management, electronic controls, and exhaust after-treatment.
Fuel efficiency is also at the forefront through the MEUI (mechanically actuated electronic unit injection)
system, which precisely shapes the combustion cycle to decrease chamber temperatures and emissions.
“The ECM (electronic control module) uses advanced engine management software to monitor, control and protect the engine using self-diagnosing electronic sensors,” Furmage said.
“The computerised system senses operating conditions and power requirements to always adjust the engine for peak performance.”
The success of the Haulmax 3900 series is attributed to the Haulmax payload and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), designed to measure, display and record payload data, providing maximum productivity over extended distance hauls.
Payload information is relayed to the operator via a remote display screen fitted to the loading unit, ensuring load placement is accurate and every truck leaves the pit with its target payload correctly placed.
A total haulage solution
The Haulmax 3900 range comprises a dump truck and cab chassis, which can be configured as either a service truck, water truck or tow tractor for a lowboy trailer.
The four configurations allow Elphinstone to deliver a total haulage
solution to accommodate customer- and site-specific haul requirements.
“All Haulmax 3900 configurations are suited to open-pit sites, but more specifically long-haul applications where roads are less than 15m wide and distances travelled can reach 35km or more, beyond the application of a typical rigid mining truck,” Furmage said.
The Haulmax 3900 series has been successful in helping to reduce the cost per tonne and total cost of ownership (TCO) on several mine sites around Australia and overseas.
“There are numerous mine haul trucks in the market, but (they) are not capable of travelling on narrow haul roads over long distances,” Furmage said.
Powered by a proven CAT powertrain, Haulmax 3900 customers can utilise the global Cat dealer network, with 95 per cent of all serviceable parts being authentic Cat components.
“All Elphinstone products, technical assistance, support and access to spare parts are available through the global Cat dealer network with additional support from the Elphinstone product support and parts teams,” Furmage said.
A proven partnership Elphinstone values longstanding and proven partnerships with Support Vehicles Australia (SVA) and BARD, both recognised as quality manufacturers in Western Australia. In 2021, the unit exceeded 50,000 hours in operation and is still going strong. The customer has since purchased an additional 18 units stationed at numerous sites throughout Australia.
The selection of the highest quality manufacturing materials and components ensure SVA and BARD modules provide safety to the operator and longevity to both the module and the Haulmax 3900.
reliability, safety and operator comfort. With more than 120 trucks sold globally, the Haulmax 3900 range is working on sites in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, South Africa, and New Caledonia. AM
Scan to see the 3 modes of operation in action
BHP HEADS TO AIMEX
BHP HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS THE NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR OF THE 2025 AIMEX MINING PAVILION.
BHP HOPES TO POTENTIALLY DOUBLE ITS COPPER PRODUCTION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
Now in it its 140th year, BHP is the cornerstone of Australia’s copper industry and among the world’s largest producers of the metal. With leading mining operations in South Australia and Chile, BHP is poised to meet the growing demand for copper, which the company predicts will increase by 70 per cent by 2050.
The major miner has been growing its copper portfolio, recognising the metal’s growing importance in meeting global commodities demand – driven by population growth, rising living standards, and the energy transition.
The company is represented by major copper operations in Chile, Spence and Escondida, the latter of which is known as the largest copper producer globally.
BHP delivered record nine-month group copper production of 1.5 million tonnes over the period ending March 31, driven by a 20 per cent increase at Escondida and strong underlying performances across all other operated copper assets.
BHP is focused on delivering copper growth through organic growth options in Chile, South Australia, Argentina and the US. The company is advancing its Copper SA assets, with three underground mines at Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena, which feed a centralised smelter and refinery at Olympic Dam. There is also an exploration project at Oak Dam, which could be a future fourth mine in the province.
Copper SA is assessing the optimal pathway to support its phased strategy
to increase BHP’s South Australian copper production to 500,000 tonnes (t) of refined copper cathode by the early 2030s and then potentially up to 650,000t by the mid-2030s.
In recognising the company’s ambition for growth, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) has welcomed BHP as the naming rights sponsor of its Mining Pavilion for 2025.
To be held at Adelaide Showground from September 23–25, AIMEX will bring local and international mining suppliers and industry professionals together while highlighting the latest industry developments.
As part of its sponsorship, BHP will be a key highlight of the AIMEX Mining Pavilion, where the company will showcase its established copper operations and significance as a major player in South Australia.
The AIMEX Mining Pavilion is making its return in 2025, serving as a dedicated epicentre for industry innovation on the exhibition floor. It will provide companies the opportunity to showcase their initiatives and projects, engage with the community and suppliers, and drive recruitment.
Prime Creative Media marketing manager mining events Rebecca Todesco said AIMEX 2025 is committed to attracting the best in the business to spark great conversations and facilitate real ways to connect.
“The AIMEX 2025 Mining Pavilion gives key mining companies a dedicated space to showcase their initiatives and engage with the community and industry,” Todesco said.
THE AIMEX MINING PAVILION WILL FACILITATE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS.
“These are some of the industry’s most prominent contributors and we are excited to welcome these organisations and provide them with a platform to highlight their contributions to the industry and communicate their initiatives and advancements.”
BHP representatives will also contribute future-facing insights to AIMEX’s conference program.
Building on its deep history of supporting the latest industry movements, AIMEX’s free-to-attend conference will encompass industry insights, case studies and thought leaders speaking about current and future mining developments.
The conference will be a chance for attendees to hear from BHP firsthand regarding the challenges and trends affecting the industry, and the innovations shaping the future of mining.
“We are thrilled to welcome BHP as the sponsor of AIMEX’s Mining Pavilion,” Todesco said.
“With its significant footprint and long-standing leadership in the industry, we are excited to platform and showcase the important contributions BHP continues to make in its industry.”
Taking place across two conference stages – the main stage and the technology, research and development stage – the AIMEX conference program will showcase the very best of the AsiaPacific resources sector.
And at a time where the industry is constantly evolving, the insights will be especially welcome. AM
AIMEX 2025 will be held at Adelaide Showground from September 23–25. To lock in your involvement, register at aimex. com.au/getinvolved
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CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
IN THEIR SECOND DECADE, THE PROSPECT AWARDS STAND AS THE NATION’S ONLY AWARDS PROGRAM SOLELY DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE ACROSS THE MINING AND MINERAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY.
Promising to be its biggest and best instalment yet, the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards will take place at one of South Australia’s most iconic venues – the Adelaide Oval.
Each year, the Prospect Awards recognise individuals and companies making outstanding and innovative contributions to the resources sector.
With 12 categories on offer, including Discovery of the Year, Engineering Success of the Year, and
Among the standout winners in 2024 was Buru Rehab, an Indigenousowned mine rehabilitation and earthworks business based in Western Australia.
The company took home the Indigenous & Community Engagement Award for its on-Country road maintenance and civil work project in collaboration with Mineral Resources (MinRes).
This win has enabled Buru Rehab to expand its capacity and take on larger, more complex civil works projects.
Platform for Indigenous voices
Todd told Australian Mining that the Prospect Awards represent a vital platform for Indigenous businesses to share their work and voice.
“The Prospect Awards give Indigenous companies the exposure they require to spread their important messaging,” Todd said. “We need to heal our Country, and we need people to listen to us.
“The awards hold a really important place in the mining industry and a lot of the miners have the opportunity of attending.”
With Buru Rehab’s greater visibility since the 2024 Prospect Awards, the company can educate the wider industry about the value of Indigenous-led approaches to land restoration.
“We’ve received exposure to a wider community,” he said. “A lot of those people are wanting to know what Aboriginal people are doing themselves to try and heal their country.
“How we do it is by teaching each other the way Indigenous people like to do it and aligning that with the best practices government is
Buru Rehab highlighted the increasing focus on mine rehabilitation and the vital role Indigenous people play
Todd said rehabilitation must begin the moment mining activities cease, and that Aboriginal communities are best placed to lead
“The one thing I’d like the broader industry to understand is that this Country needs to be healed, and it needs to be healed by Aboriginal people,” he said.
The power of nominating Todd encourages businesses to consider nominating for the Indigenous & Community Engagement Award. His advice for future nominees is to be clear about their goals and their reason for engaging in this space.
He believes many new entrants to the mining industry want to drive sustainability but may lack the cultural understanding needed to do so meaningfully.
“I encourage miners to reach out to businesses like ours that are fully Aboriginal, engaged throughout Western Australia, and make sure they help junior miners understand what healing country really means,” Todd said.
Guests will kick off the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards with a networking cocktail hour, set against the stunning backdrop of Adelaide’s riverbank precinct and sweeping city skyline views.
AM
The 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards will be held on September 24 in Adelaide as part of Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX). To nominate, attend the event, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit prospectawards.com.au/get-involved/
A GLOBALLY SIGNIFICANT EVENT
MULTIPLE MAJOR MINERS SHARED HOW THEY ARE DELIVERING LONG-TERM VALUE AMID MARKET VOLATILITIES AT THE 2025 BANK OF AMERICA GLOBAL METALS, MINING & STEEL CONFERENCE.
From commodity market fluctuations to tariffs, 2025 has so far proven to be an eventful year.
This is especially the case for the global mining sector, which has seen industry-wide changes and challenges over the last 12 months.
Such challenges include the lithium and nickel downturn primarily caused by a supply surplus, and the recent 25 per cent tariffs on all aluminium and steel imports entering the US.
But while these headwinds have posed short-term challenges, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Taking place in Barcelona, Spain, from May 13–14, the 2025 Bank of America Global Metals, Mining & Steel Conference served as an opportunity for key decision-makers to discuss ongoing trends and challenges in the industry.
Australian Mining takes a look at some of the highlights from the conference.
WAS
BHP
BHP chief executive officer (CEO) Mike Henry highlighted the Big Australian’s consistent asset performance and operation expansions.
Henry said BHP provides a “point of stability” as governments and businesses try to navigate uncertainties in the global market.
“Our focus on operational excellence has enabled us to establish ongoing industry-leading performance,” Henry said. “For the last five years, consistent with the strategy that we set out in 2020, WAIO (Western Australia Iron Ore) has been the lowest cost major iron ore producer in the world.”
Henry credited BHP’s operational systems to driving efficiency across its iron ore and copper mines.
“We’re taking what we learn and applying it across the business,” he said. “This is already delivering strong results at Escondida (in Chile).
“But we’re not stopping there. Even at the assets where BHP’s operating system is most advanced, there are still further opportunities to improve.”
The ongoing improvements at Escondida have accelerated projects, which are now expected to deliver an extra 400,000 tonnes (t) of copper over the five-year period ending in the 2030–31 financial year (FY31).
“This allows us to fill the dip in our production profile and extend our medium-term guidance of 900,000 to one million tonnes (Mt) per year over FY27 to FY31,” Henry said.
“So there’s positive momentum building in the Escondida growth program. It’s expected to support annual copper production from our Chilean assets, including Pampa Norte, of around 1.4Mt, on average, through the 2030s. That’s half a million tonnes per year more than if we did not invest further.
“While our industry is cyclical, BHP’s focus on operational excellence supports our ability to reliably deliver strong performance … sector-leading margins … and consistently high cash flows.
“But it is not just generating cash that makes us resilient in these uncertain times – it is also how we allocate it.”
Rio Tinto
Following its $US6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, Rio Tinto is looking to become a leading supplier of lithium in the near future.
Rio Tinto Lithium – Arcadium’s new name – aims to grow the capacity of its Tier 1 assets to over 200,000t of lithium carbonate equivalent per annum by 2028.
Aiding this goal is the Rincon project in Argentina, which received approval for a $2.5 billion expansion in December 2024 and is set to be Rio’s first lithium mine.
“(It’s) producing right now, and we are progressing with a full-scale project,” Rio CEO Jakob Stausholm said.
“We now are perhaps the world’s second largest holder of lithium. It’s for us to develop that lithium; the world needs it.
“We are a leader of DLE (direct lithium extraction) technology and we can, with the resources we have, bring in production at the lowest cost point, so we are very excited about that.”
Stausholm touched on Rio’s iron ore business, which includes the Simandou project in Guinea, considered to be the world’s largest untapped iron ore project.
“We have what I would call the ‘jewel of the crown’: our iron ore business,” Stausholm said. “We have rejuvenated that over the last few years.
“We have got replacement mines in place in the Pilbara (region of WA), we have secured roads for the long-term future, we are developing Simandou at speed, and the iron ore business is now stronger than it has been for a long period of time.”
Rio’s aluminium and copper portfolios are also expected to deliver long-term value.
“We have a tremendous energy transition business in terms of the Western world’s largest aluminium business,” Stausholm said. “It’s developing extremely well at the moment, becoming more and more profitable every month (and) production is going really, really well.
“Secondly … we have a very strong growing copper business, with a strong pipeline – Oyu Tolgoi’s ramp up is going extremely well.
“We have got all the key infrastructure in place, we are following the schedule to minute detail, and we will produce 50 per cent more copper at Oyu Tolgoi this year than last year.”
South32
As South32 prepares to farewell its inaugural CEO Graham Kerr, the company is focused on reshaping its portfolio to gain higher exposure to base metals.
“The repositioning of our portfolio has increased our exposure to higher margin businesses in attractive commodities while reducing complexity and unlocking capital to invest in our pipeline of growth options,” Kerr said.
“At the same time, we have added copper to our portfolio and through Hermosa (in the US), we’re significantly increasing our exposure to zinc.”
The Hermosa project is backed by the Taylor zinc-lead project, which is anticipated to become one of the world’s top 10 zinc mines.
“Our portfolio today is focused on high-quality operations and growth options in base metals,” Kerr said. “Since the demerger, we’ve divested lowmargin capital intensive assets in coal and manganese alloys, including South Africa Energy Coal and last year’s sale of Illawarra Metallurgical Coal.
“We’ve also added a 45 per cent interest in the Sierra Gorda copper mine in Chile, which is at its scale, high margins, (and has) multiple organic growth options to increase future production. We’ve also embedded a deep pipeline of opportunities in advanced study and exploration phases.”
bauxite deposits is crucial for its aluminium refineries.
“We’re still on track for approvals in early 2026,” Beerman said.
“When we’re fully phased in, we would expect to pick up about one million metric tonnes of alumina production per year.”
Once fully operational in 2027, the new mining areas are projected to increase alumina production by approximately 1Mt annually, reduce alumina production costs by $15–20/t, and extend the life of the company’s WA refinery operations.
Alcoa currently has three key alumina refineries in WA. Pinjarra has a 4.7Mt capacity and Wagerup has a 2.9Mt capacity, while Kwinana – which is being curtailed – has a 2.2Mt capacity.
Beerman noted that alumina prices have stabilised at $350/t and Chinese refinery curtailments could provide further support.
“The tightness in the bauxite market has eased,” she said.
“If we looked at the first quarter of 2025, you’re seeing about a 35 per cent year-over-year increase of bauxite flowing from Guinea into China.”
Taylor is expected to hit first production in the first half of FY27 and Sierra Gorda is targeting a final investment decision in the first quarter of FY26.
“(We’ve) simplified and repositioned our portfolio towards higher margin businesses,” Kerr said.
“Our commodity exposure is aligned to attractive, long-term demand drivers in a decarbonised world.”
Alcoa
Alcoa revealed it is on track to access higher-grade bauxite by 2027, pending approvals in WA.
Executive vice president and chief financial officer Molly Beerman said the expansion into higher-grade
Alcoa is also continuing its dialogue with the US Government for tariff relief.
“We really appreciate (the US Government’s) support of the aluminium industry in trying to increase domestic production,” Beerman said.
“However, that will take time. And until then, we’ll focus on tariff relief and operating safely and stably as well as increasing our competitiveness.”
While the mining industry understands that resource markets will regularly experience variations, companies have had to weather storms from all angles.
Luckily, several miners in Australia have foundations in place to ensure it can ride whatever wave arises. AM
ALCOA IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST SUPPLIERS OF BAUXITE, THE PRIMARY ORE FOR ALUMINIUM METAL EXTRACTION.
SOUTH32’S TAYLOR DEPOSIT IN THE US IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE ZINC PRODUCTION IN 2027.
QUANTUM’S FLAGSHIP ULEY 2 PROJECT ON SA’S EYRE PENINSULA IS PUSHING TOWARDS COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION.
CHARGING THE GRAPHITE RESURGENCE
QUANTUM GRAPHITE’S ULEY 2 PROJECT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IS POISED TO BECOME A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF AN INCREASINGLY ESSENTIAL CRITICAL MINERAL.
Quantum Graphite managing director Sal Catalano is clear in describing the company’s flagship Uley 2 project in South Australia.
“This is not a science experiment,” he told Australian Mining “It’s a real project, with real returns, ready to go.”
As the world races towards cleaner energy and battery technologies, Quantum Graphite is an emerging player ready to deliver scale, reliability and innovation in a global critical minerals market working in the context of geopolitical uncertainty.
Uley 2, which is located about 365km from Adelaide on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, is at the centre of this push as it moves towards commercial production.
With integrated technology, worldclass resources and strategic global positioning, Quantum is creating what Catalano described as “a purified tonnes solution that matters”.
“We’ve got one of the highest-grade flake graphite deposits in the world,” Catalano said.
Clean, scalable and close to market
Uley 2 stands out in a competitive landscape thanks to its purity, grade and infrastructure advantage. The shovel-ready project has sealed road access to port, existing processing infrastructure, and environmental approvals in place.
“The southern Eyre Peninsula gives us scale without environmental bottlenecks,” Catalano said. “It’s dry, remote and resource-rich, which is
QUANTUM GRAPHITE MANAGING DIRECTOR SAL CATALANO.
exactly the kind of location you want for long-term, expandable operations.”
The Uley 2 orebody boasts low levels of transition metals and impurities,
making it ideal for downstream purification without resorting to hydrofluoric acid, a process used in lower-grade African concentrates that
faces rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) scrutiny.
“Our material is naturally clean,” Catalano said. “It’s a huge advantage, both environmentally and operationally.”
The initial development phase is targeting 55,000 tonnes (t) of concentrate per annum, with the plant design and infrastructure already scoped for a expansion to 100,000t.
“We think demand will force our hand. Between 2027 and 2030, purified tonnes will be in high demand,” Catalano said. “We’re building now to be ready for that surge.”
What differentiates Quantum is not just its Uley 2 resource, but the company’s end-to-end control over technology and product pathways.
Quantum has exclusive purification intellectual property via its relationship with Sunlands Co, a thermal energy storage company developing alternative graphite applications beyond lithium-ion batteries.
“We’ve had the technology from the beginning; other producers are still testing,” Catalano said. “We’ve already proven our pathway and built the downstream connections.”
The partnership with Sunlands also creates offtake certainty and opens a
gateway to new energy markets such as thermal energy storage, a rapidly growing complement to battery storage.
“Everyone is chasing battery anode material, but we’re opening up markets beyond that,” Catalano said.
“Graphite has far more use cases, and our product can meet those specs.”
Strategic US presence
Quantum’s international strategy includes a graphite processing facility in the US state of South Carolina, designed to bring purified tonnes into the US supply chain.
“If you’re serious about energy materials, you need to be in the US,” Catalano said. “There is deep capital, streamlined approvals and industrial scale, and they’re actively looking for partners like us.”
South Carolina’s infrastructure and regulatory support impressed Quantum. From port facilities to permitting pathways, Catalano praised the state’s “refined and collaborative” approach to investment.
“We’re working with people who understand our timelines,” he said.
“It’s not just ‘follow the rules’, it’s ‘here’s how we help you succeed’. That makes all the difference.”
Quantum is currently in advanced due diligence with US Ex-Im Bank and quasi-sovereign financiers, with the expectation of financial close in the near term.
“We’re close,” Catalano said.
“The only barrier has been the lack of transparent graphite pricing, but we’re working with strategic partners who understand the long-term value here.”
Quantum’s vision goes beyond building a single project.
As the company aims to anchor a graphite supply hub on the Eyre Peninsula, it’s supporting other producers and creating a critical mass for sovereign downstream capability.
“Unless we build something like the graphite hub, individual juniors will get picked off,” Catalano said.
“We want to be part of a coordinated Australian response to a Chinesedominated market.”
Quantum is also one of the few producers that has never relied on China for its commercialisation model.
“We’ve never positioned ourselves as suppliers to the Chinese supply chain,” Catalano said. “We’re here for Western buyers looking for scale, reliability and ESG-compliant material.”
Transforming regions, creating jobs
Beyond global strategy, Quantum aims for its developments to help transform the communities in which it operates.
According to Catalano, Uley 2 has the potential to become the largest employer on the southern Eyre Peninsula.
“It’s a huge opportunity for regional South Australia,” he said. “These are high-value, high-skill jobs that will have a generational impact.”
Surrounding development agencies have also recognised the potential scale of Quantum’s operations compared to traditional local industries like fishing or agriculture.
“We’re talking about an industry many times the size of what the region’s seen before,” Catalano said.
With financing near completion, approvals secured and graphite demand on the rise, Quantum is positioned to deliver what the market needs most: sovereign, scalable, ESG-aligned graphite supply.
“We’ve built our model around control, scale and trust,” Catalano said. “We’re not here to ride the battery wave. We’re here to help power the global energy transition.” AM
IMAGES: QUANTUM GRAPHITE
QUANTUM GRAPHITE MANAGING DIRECTOR SAL CATALANO (LEFT) AT THE PORT OF CHARLESTON IN SOUTH CAROLINA.
REAPING RICH REWARDS
HEXAGON DRILL ASSIST INCREASES EQUIPMENT LIFESPAN, ENHANCES DRILL OPERATOR PERFORMANCE AND IMPROVES BLASTING OUTCOMES.
In the mining cycle, drill and blast (D&B) is arguably the most important step to get right.
D&B operations impact the entire mining process, from equipment efficiency, through crushing and grinding circuit performance to recoveries and final product quality. Efforts targeted at optimising the blasting process can pay huge dividends downstream, reducing costs and energy consumption.
Hexagon’s holistic approach to D&B incorporates solutions to improve yield, fragmentation and dilution.
The newest addition to this solutions suite is Hexagon Drill Assist, an automated drilling application designed
requirements, reduce technology maintenance needs, and provide added value through data generated during the drilling process.
Drill Assist functions as an automation layer above the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) control system. It uses OEM rig sensors to manage drilling processes and collect data. The drill algorithm uses artificial intelligence (AI) and eliminates the need for manually entered parameters, which dramatically reduces manual management of a rig.
The solution is now available for rotary and down-the-hole (DTH) hammer drilling as well as multi-pass applications.
“While the AI algorithms have not
including the ability to hammer drill and track multi-pass hole depth, have been implemented,” Hexagon senior product manager Curtis Stacy said.
“The multi-pass system requires no additional sensors to track the rod length down the hole. The rod add and remove functions are still performed by operators.”
Drill Assist can be installed within a work week and training is just as fast.
“We successfully trained an operator by text message during a night shift at a North American iron ore mine,” Stacy said.
“It’s that simple to use.”
It’s also simple to disengage and can be turned off at the push of a button,
HEXAGON DRILL ASSIST IS COMPATIBLE WITH EXISTING OEM SYSTEMS, ENABLING A SMOOTH INSTALLATION.
Drill Assist still does not affect the OEM control systems. The drill remains as purchased, with no additional technician training and minimal additional maintenance.
The automated drilling application was developed and trialled at a US copper mine before launching globally. It was recently deployed to an iron ore project in South America, where it delivered exemplary benefits.
“The miner was struggling with hole quality issues, primarily drill to depth,” Stacy said. “This resulted in a significant amount of re-work prior to blasting. The AI-based hole-quality algorithms, along with high-precision machine guidance, eliminated the driller-induced errors and reduced the amount of re-work required to only those holes that were impacted by adverse environmental conditions.
“The initial productivity results achieved in the copper mining
BEATING THE AI HYPE
BRENNAN IS HELPING AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANIES OPTIMISE THEIR AI INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROCESSES.
BRENNAN
IS HELPING MINERS UNDERSTAND HOW TO DEPLOY AI WHERE IT MATTERS MOST.
A(AI) is a lot more than a buzzword in Australia’s mining sector.
It’s become an emerging tool for improving efficiency, boosting safety, and navigating complex logistics.
For Brennan, Australia’s leading independently-owned systems integrator, mining is a key frontier for another kind of AI: applied innovation.
Brennan head of data and analytics Alex Shuttleworth is helping mining companies understand how to deploy both types of AI where it matters most.
“We’re seeing AI make a real difference in logistics, particularly around mine-to-port operations,” Shuttleworth told Australian Mining.
“It’s an area that’s been under continuous innovation for years, and now AI is giving miners new tools to optimise how material moves from site to shipment.”
Shuttleworth said mining companies tend to approach AI in one of two ways: centralised innovation labs or distributed access across business units.
“Innovation labs allow mining companies to test ideas that show potential return on investment (ROI), even if they’re not fully proven yet,” Shuttleworth said.
“These centralised teams tend to see more consistent success, but the distributed model – where every team is empowered to experiment with AI – can yield more unexpected, gamechanging ideas.”
Finding the balance between structure and experimentation is key, especially
While general-purpose AI tools have their place, mining operations require more specialised solutions to address complex, process-driven challenges.
“A lot of what Brennan does is about improving semi-manual processes,”
Shuttleworth said. “You can’t rely on generic tools, like ChatGPT. They’ll certainly offer answers when prompted, but they won’t always be accurate or safe.”
Instead, organisations should be looking to design narrow-purpose AI bots that work together to automate multi-step processes.
For example, one bot might classify a maintenance request while another verifies whether enough information is provided to proceed, all without human intervention.
“It’s about chaining together specialised bots to create real-world outcomes,” Shuttleworth said. “That’s where AI gets powerful for mining.”
Safety depends on structure In an industry where safety is paramount, improper use of AI can carry serious risks.
Shuttleworth highlighted the importance of data quality and separation when training AI models.
“You don’t want your AI mistaking maintenance documents for two different haul trucks,” he said. “If the data’s not clean and segregated, the AI might combine them and that could lead to operational errors or safety incidents.
“Before you even begin to automate, you need a clear understanding of where your data lives, what it means, and who should access it.”
foothold in mining is currently in planning, scheduling and logistics.
“We’re seeing the biggest uptake in back-office functions, including shift planning, supply chain management and workforce logistics,” Shuttleworth said. “AI is helping teams make faster, more informed decisions.”
Powering performance with sovereign compute Brennan is partnering with an Australian AI organisation to access a local supercomputer optimised for AI training.
With more than 1000 graphics processing units (GPUs) and in excess of 200 AI engines, Brennan offers mining companies the ability to train models locally, without sending sensitive data offshore.
“For our customers, that means stronger data sovereignty, better security, and access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure without massive overhead,” Shuttleworth said. “It also makes AI more affordable by allowing smaller data sets to be used effectively.”
How
miners can get started For mining companies beginning their AI journey, Shuttleworth’s message is clear: start with your data.
“Cleanse and prepare your data. That’s the first step,” he said. “Then make AI tools accessible so staff across the business can begin experimenting.
“Once they see the productivity benefits, you’ll get more grassroots ideas coming up – and those are often the best ones.”
iterative, micro-innovation approach.
“If you launch a two-year AI project today, it’ll be outdated by the time it’s done,” he said. “Take small, measurable steps and scale what works.”
When measuring ROI, miners need to think beyond the dollars.
“Success might look like cost savings, but it could also be risk reduction, faster compliance, or better supplier coordination,” Shuttleworth said.
“We’re helping customers track AI’s impact across four key areas: saving money, making money, reducing risk, and improving outcomes for stakeholders.”
As AI tools evolve at a rapid rate, Shuttleworth urges mining companies to stay practical.
“Data cleanliness and governance is super, super important,” he said.
“Once you’ve got that done, then the way that you go about adopting AI is important as well.
“You need to have a broad base of people familiar with it. Then you also need to have an area where specialists work on ideas that have value to the company.
“And if you’re investing in technology, make sure your team has the skills. AI engineers are expensive and in short supply, and the tools change every few months.”
For those who are ready to act, AI offers real value.
“Miners have always been innovators, this is just the next phase,” Shuttleworth said.
“With the right foundations, AI can help them mine smarter, safer and more sustainably.”
Master Drilling Australia sets the industry standard with world-class boring technology for vertical and horizontal underground production and development.
Drawing upon our 35-years experience and drive for innovation, MDA is committed to spearheading essential projects across Australia.
As an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), we develop cutting-edge technologies that drive precision, efficiency, and safety in our services across industries. Our expertise, combined with a proactive approach, is shaping a new era in the Australian market.
MADISON TECHNOLOGIES PRIDES ITSELF ON GUIDING MINERS THROUGH THE FULL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY.
ENABLING THE DIGITAL
TRANSFORMATION
MADISON TECHNOLOGIES IS GUIDING AUSTRALIAN MINING COMPANIES THROUGH THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WITH ENGINEERING-LED SOLUTIONS.
Aligning technology initiatives with broader business is essential for executive buy-in.
As industries adapt to the digital evolution, emphasis on real-world impact becomes even more critical.
Through a collaborative and tailored approach, Madison Technologies is helping customers transition from proof of concept (PoC) to proof of value (PoV), ensuring technology investments deliver real-world results.
“Our true point of difference is our ability to use real-world mining experience and combine this with a solutions-driven operational technology offering,” Madison Technologies solutions engineer team lead Corey Nesbitt told Australian Mining
“By being engineering-led, we can continually adapt technically and work towards our goal of being best suited for mining conditions.”
This goal is particularly important in Western Australia, where environmental conditions are among the word’s strictest.
Madison Technologies works closely with miners to customise hardware and systems that meet extreme requirements around vibration, temperature and reliability.
A standout example involved a major miner in the Pilbara that was dealing with underperforming industrial networking switches due to excessive shock and vibration.
“Working directly with the end user, we redesigned a bracket to better support the switches,” Madison Technologies regional sales manager Clint Elliot told Australian Mining.
“That collaboration led to a more robust, fit-for-purpose solution now deployed across the company’s Pilbara and Goldfields operations.”
Madison Technologies delivers more than just products; it brings engineeringled insight to the front end of mining projects, helping customers specify, validate and integrate solutions tailored to their environment. This begins with PoC to test technical feasibility and extends to PoV, where tangible business benefits are demonstrated.
By helping customers move from PoC to PoV, Madison Technologies is improving uptime, safety, and cost efficiency across mine sites.
Its tailored, engineering-led solutions help to ensure technology investments deliver measurable returns, whether
it’s reducing downtime through better system reliability or cutting maintenance costs with pre-configured, fit-forpurpose hardware.
As outlined in its whitepaper, ‘From Proof of Concept to Proof of Value’, this transition is essential for gaining
MADISON TECHNOLOGIES REGULARLY DELIVERS CERTIFIED PROGRAMS TO ENSURE MINE PERSONNEL ARE CONFIDENT USING EQUIPMENT.
executive buy-in and delivering return
“Chief executive officers and decisionmakers now demand clear evidence of tangible value, not just theoretical feasibility,” the whitepaper stated.
Nesbitt said pre-sales is part of Madison Technologies’ DNA.
“We invest heavily in pre-sales consultation and post-sales support,”
“We work with customers to get the right fit that ticks all the boxes, and post-sales support is just as important. We even pre-configure systems, so they’re plug-and-play once they arrive on-site.”
Training also plays a vital role, with Madison Technologies regularly delivering certified programs to ensure mine personnel are confident using equipment, reducing downtime and increasing autonomy.
“There’s a huge appetite for training, especially in WA,” Elliot said.
“It’s not just about product knowledge – it’s about enabling the customer to diagnose, troubleshoot and support the technology long-term.”
Madison Technologies’ agility allows it to form genuine partnerships, not just transactional relationships.
“We are not trying to undercut integrators or OEMs (original equipment manufacturers),”
integrated in their ecosystem.”
This ecosystem mindset also extends to supplier relationships.
“We stay in constant contact with OEMs about their roadmaps and feed customer feedback back to them,” Nesbitt said.
“It’s a two-way conversation that leads to better outcomes.”
With mining operations under increasing pressure to digitise safely and cost-effectively, Madison Technologies’ approach is grounded in real-world
stakeholder trust.
“We don’t just want to move a box,” Nesbitt said. “We want to be embedded in the customer journey from pre-sale to deployment to ongoing improvement, and that’s how we deliver value.”
As mining operations become increasingly complex and data-driven, the need for adaptable, site-specific technology solutions has never been more vital.
Madison Technologies continues to meet this demand by genuinely
over short-term transactions, offering tailored support that extends beyond installation.
By embedding itself into the operational fabric of clients’ projects, Madison Technologies ensures each deployment is fit-for-purpose and future-ready.
And with engineering expertise, local presence and collaborative mindset to boot, Madison has become a key enabler of innovation in Australia’s resources sector. AM
Since 2008, Timken’s advanced coating technologies have been delivering proven results in the most demanding surface mining environments— maximizing productivity and reducing downtime.
THE KEY TO MINE ELECTRIFICATION
AS THE MINING INDUSTRY MOVES TOWARDS NET-ZERO TARGETS, VECTOR IS PROVIDING RELIABLE SOFTWARE THAT CUTS EMISSIONS AND SIMPLIFIES OPERATIONS.
With a legacy that began in the late-1980s, Vector has long been a quiet powerhouse behind the communication systems embedded in modern vehicles.
Vector’s traditional business lies in automotive software development, continuously working closely with global car manufacturers to ensure seamless communication within and between vehicles.
Nowadays, the German-based software specialist is leveraging its longstanding experience and knowledge to bring cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to heavy industry and the mining sector.
“In 2018, we started to enter the electric charging infrastructure space,” Vector charging infrastructure business development lead Peter Guse told Australian Mining.
“That includes not only road vehicles, but also off-road and off-highway applications. It’s one of our youngest teams but also one of our fastest growing.”
Guse estimates that Vector currently supports around 90,000 global
The company supplies software stacks to vehicle and EV manufacturers around the world, quickly becoming a market leader in automotive communications.
On the infrastructure side, Vector develops control units for charging stations, vSECC, and software that allows operators to manage multiple charging stations through a centralised system known as vCharM.
Test and simulation tools allow engineers to verify and troubleshoot their systems pre-deployment – a critical step in maintaining reliability. Guse said this high standard of testing is what sets Vector apart.
“We are best suited for missioncritical operations,” he said. “You don’t want your car to stop on a motorway.
“Likewise, our mining clients can’t afford downtime. We bring them the same level of reliable, high-quality software that we’ve refined over decades in the automotive space.”
Vector understands mining Vector’s entry into the mining sector is well underway. The company secured its first Australian mining contract last year, supplying charging management
VECTOR IS ACCELERATING THE TRANSITION TO ELECTRIFICATION WITH RELIABLE, HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHARGING SOLUTIONS.
implementation and offer 24–7 monitoring once the system is live.”
Vector has also played an important role in standardising electric charging since 2009. The company’s experience, combined with first-hand access to evolving standards, has positioned it at the forefront of megawatt charging solutions – a game-changer for large-
unique challenges and demands necessitate Vector’s capabilities and drive for sustainability.
“It was impressive for us to learn how committed the Australian mining sector is to decarbonisation,” Guse said.
“These companies have a high level of technical expertise and are very motivated to drive electrification. That makes them ideal partners.
“Mining customers are highly competent and have very specific requirements. Having a partner who understands both the technology and the industry is key. We’re excited to be
Powering the road to net-zero
Though Vector’s specialty remains in software, its roadmap is broadening.
VECTOR HAS BEEN IN THE ELECTRIC CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE SPACE SINCE 2018.
The company continues to strengthen its hardware offerings, particularly where software-enabled solutions demand robust integration.
The company’s long-term vision is clear: enable customers to operate more simply, reliably and sustainably.
“Our mission is to simplify the complexity for our customers,” Guse said. “We want to deliver solutions
“The connection between the energy sector and vehicle sector is key to electrification and it needs to be driven by software. We’re proud to be driving that transition in Australia and beyond.”
From enabling automotive decarbonisation to now helping mines cut emissions and streamline operations, Vector is playing a growing role in global efforts to reach net-zero. AM
BME’s AXXIS™ range – Silver, Titanium, and CEBS – delivers world-class electronic initiation trusted by mines across five continents.
Built for precision, safety, and sustainability, AXXIS™ empowers engineers and blasters to achieve consistent, high-performance blasts – even in the most demanding conditions.
• AXXIS™ Silver – Proven reliability for quarries and mid-sized mines.
• AXXIS™ Titanium – Advanced control with best-in-class safety and data capabilities.
• AXXIS™ CEBS – Centralised blasting with unmatched scale and efficiency.
With AXXIS™, you don’t just initiate blasts –you initiate progress.
AXXIS™ Silver
AXXIS™ Titanium
AXXIS™ CEBS
SAFER BEARING CHANGEOUTS
LOOKING FOR A SAFER AND EASIER WAY TO INSTALL AND REMOVE BEARINGS FROM CATERPILLAR 785, 789 AND 793 STEERING ARMS? GEOGRAPHE HAS THE SOLUTION.
In haul truck maintenance, safety and efficiency are nonnegotiables. Yet when it comes to replacing steering arm bearings on Caterpillar 785, 789 and 793 haul trucks, traditional methods like hammering, jacking, and the use of liquid nitrogen have long posed serious safety risks to maintenance teams.
These techniques can often introduce hazards such as crush injuries, heat exposure, and uncontrolled component movement.
Geographe’s latest innovation in specialised tooling, the Ball Stud Bearing Installation and Removal Tool (BSBIRT), offers a safer, more efficient alternative.
The BSBIRT is designed in response to customer feedback and real-world maintenance challenges, removing the need for high-risk techniques and putting technician safety first.
Its hydraulic operation eliminates exposure to heat, impact and manual force, helping crews avoid hot works, permit delays and potential manual-handling injuries during bearing removal.
In doing so, it helps reduce the risk of injury caused by forceful removal, awkward lifting positions, or extreme temperature exposure.
The result is a more predictable and less hazardous process that aligns with broader site safety initiatives and minimises maintenance delays.
“With the BSBIRT, you don’t need to rely on a hammer or jack anymore,” Geographe innovations project manager Andre Duckitt told Australian Mining
“Whether a new technician or a seasoned fitter is using it, the result is the same: safer, more efficient bearing removal and installation.”
GEOGRAPHE IS TRANSFORMING MINING MAINTENANCE WITH TOOLS THAT PRIORITISE TECHNICIAN SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY.
also features built-in guidance systems and a user-friendly design. This ensures that even under pressure, crews can remove and install split shell bearings without damaging steering components or increasing physical strain on personnel. This is particularly valuable during tight maintenance windows or during periods of labour shortages when less-experienced technicians may be performing complex tasks.
Duckitt explained that the tool was developed following feedback from multiple mine sites experiencing the same bottleneck.
“We’d consistently hear that steering arm bearing changeouts were creating issues during planned Caterpillar haul truck overhauls,” he said.
“The process often required input from multiple departments, hot works permits, extra people, and the movement of heavy parts between workstations. All of that adds time, complexity, and safety risk.”
After extensive trials across several mine sites in Western Australia, the tool has already demonstrated its ability
to improve safety and uptime. Crews reported faster changeouts, fewer delays from waiting on permits, and greater confidence in the repeatability of the task.
From an operational standpoint, the BSBIRT supports a proactive maintenance strategy by reducing unexpected breakdowns and wear caused by incorrect installation or removal.
For maintenance and reliability managers, tools like the BSBIRT help ensure jobs are completed the right way, the first time, without unsafe shortcuts.
For supply chain and procurement teams, it reduces reliance on workaround tooling or expensive third-party labour.
And for health, safety and environment (HSE) staff and senior leadership, the BSBIRT provides a practical example of safety-driven innovation in action.
This development is part of a broader push by Geographe to deliver safer tooling that supports efficient, standardised maintenance procedures, especially for mining operations managing large fleets across remote or high-pressure environments.
“Specialised tooling like the BSBIRT reflects a real shift in mining maintenance culture,” Duckitt said.
“It’s not just about getting the job done anymore. It’s about doing it safely, efficiently and with a solution you can rely on every time.”
Geographe’s BSBIRT is now in production. It is expected to be available to Australian customers in late 2025, with international availability from early 2026. AM
GEOGRAPHE’S BALL STUD BEARING INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL TOOL MAKES BEARING CHANGEOUTS SAFER AND FASTER.
The BSBIRT
Less Downtime. Lower Costs. Smarter Charging.
Out here, things need to work. Vector brings 35 years of software know-how and EV charging smarts from Europe’s automotive world to the rugged conditions of Australian mining.
We don’t build chargers, we make them work better. With vSECC.MCS handling the high power comms and vCharM keeping your charging stations under control, Vector helps you power up heavy vehicles reliably, efficiently, and to standard.
Keen to electrify your fleet? Let’s talk.
vector.com/evcharging
UNLOCKING A HISTORIC COPPERBELT
AUSTRALIAN MINING SPOKE WITH BELTZ MINING FOUNDING DIRECTOR NKANDU BELTZ ABOUT HOW THE COMPANY HOPES TO UNLOCK ONE OF THE WORLD’S LARGEST REPOSITORIES OF COPPER.
Behind every business is a story worth telling.
This is especially true for Beltz Mining and its founding director Nkandu Beltz, who began her career in media and communications.
“I studied journalism and news writing, and I’ve worked with different media houses in Australia and Africa,” Beltz told Australian Mining. “I’ve also completed numerous business courses and a human behaviour course.
“There were a couple of reasons I went into the mining sector, one being justice for my people. I come from Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. I grew up in Ndola, which is the heart of the Copperbelt.
NKANDU BELTZ FOUNDED BELTZ MINING IN 2019 TO POSITIVELY IMPACT THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF ZAMBIA.
“Even though Zambia is the secondlargest producer of copper in Africa, and was the fourth largest globally at some point, it remains one of the poorest countries on Earth.
“I felt I kept on telling the story; people would listen to it and then they would go back to their lives. I thought ‘This is my home, these are my people, I’ve got access to land, I come from a copper country and I live in Western Australia, the mining capital of the world’. So why not connect the two?”
From that beginning, Beltz Mining was born in 2019.
When building the company from the ground up, Beltz recognised the importance of assembling a good team.
“When I looked at the companies listed on the ASX (Australian Securities
Exchange), not many of them had Africans on their boards,” Beltz said.
“I thought if we’re going to talk honestly about advancing African minerals, we really need to have Africans at the decision-making table.
“Nobody would give me a board seat in the mining sector because I didn’t have the mining background, connections or qualifications. But mining is a business, and just like any other business, it needs to be profitable.
“And that’s how I decided to gather a team to look for ground to explore.”
An Australian publicly unlisted company, Beltz Mining owns various mineral exploration rights in Zambia through its Zambianregistered subsidiary Kopano Mineral Resources.
Exploring for copper and gold, Beltz Mining currently has two greenfield projects in Zambia.
“The first, Mwekera, lies within the old Copperbelt in Ndola,” Beltz said. “I love it because it’s 26km from my childhood home and 16km from the city.
“We’ve got access to infrastructure. There are roads, rail, water, power lines, and it sits on the border of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It contains approximately 7.5km strike length of classical copper bearing, Lower Roan stratigraphy and has highly deformed Mwashya group sediments that host the Frontier copper mine only 7km north of our property.
“There are some copper showings with quite high grades in this area, so we’re talking about the presence of bornite, chalcopyrite and malachite as well.”
The second project is Luswishi North, which is in the North-Western Province of Zambia, situated on the northern margin of the Luswishi dome within the ‘Domes’ region, known for its highgrade copper, gold and silver deposits.
“We recently completed a geochemical sampling program over 15km strike length of highly prospective Roan stratigraphy,” Beltz said.
“We are looking forward to receiving these results.
“I love working in that part of the country and carrying out exploration with my team. And, so far, we are getting some encouraging results.”
Mwekera has historical drilling data to support Beltz Mining’s exploration.
“The company that used to own the licence (for Mwekera) didn’t do extensive work on the project,” Beltz said. “When we acquired it, we felt very lucky because it’s one of the most highly prospective grounds that everybody wants.
“We have completed geochemical work and the results were quite positive. We’ve also done some magnetics and recently completed an IP (induced polarisation) survey, both of which produced some good results and highlighted several drill targets.
“When we completed the geochemical work, we found coherent copper anomalies from 180 to 2280 parts per million, which may indicate the presence of copper mineralisation. We know there is copper, but we don’t know how deep or wide it goes, so our next stage is to go and drill.”
Beltz Mining has also completed geochemical work at Luswishi North.
kilometres of land, but we had to reduce it by half,” Beltz said. “We’ve now got slightly above 250 square kilometres, which is still quite large.
“We completed the initial geochemical work and are awaiting results. Historic data covering a small part of the tenement looks promising, as do a number of other mineral occurrences. But Jeffrey Foster, who is our recent board member and a brilliant geologist, decided that we should go back and build on the earlier geochemical work, and this time we make it tight.
“We are waiting for the results from our lab in Zambia, but it is an area that already has several existing projects, and the area is predominantly known for copper-gold deposits.”
Zambia, an iconic region for copper mineralisation, celebrated 100 years of copper mining in October 2024.
“Zambia sits on one of the world’s largest sedimented-hosted copper belts,” Beltz said. “What makes Zambia a good jurisdiction to work in is it gained independence in 1964 and is one of the safest countries in Africa. The Zambian Government does not restrict you in terms of how much money comes in and out of the country, so you have 100 per cent authority to take all your profits out.
law has been very consistent. Zambia is a British colony, so our legal system is similar to the UK.”
Beltz also pointed to Zambia’s status as a landlocked country.
“We are surrounded by eight countries and we’ve got access to port,” Beltz said. “Even though you are working in Zambia, you can still get to Tanzania, South Africa, Angola, Namibia or Mozambique without any problems. You can get things in and out.
“Now that the Zambian Government has invested in significant exploration, we’re beginning to understand the mineralisation of the country. There is quite a lot to discover. It’s not just copper, but also gold.”
To unlock this potential, Beltz Mining is working towards ASX listing by targeting an initial public offering (IPO) for the second half of 2025.
“If successful, the ASX listing will help us expand our mineral portfolio,” Beltz said. “Then we will also have enough money to invest into our initial two projects.
“We are in talks with other companies to complete some acquisitions so we can have a healthy-looking portfolio not only in Zambia, but also in Southern Africa. We’re very much looking forward to diversifying.”
“Copper will always be there,” she said. “I know investing in us will
I don’t think you could go wrong in investing in our projects.” AM
BELTZ MINING IS EXPLORING FOR COPPER AND GOLD THROUGH ITS TWO GREENFIELD PROJECTS IN ZAMBIA.
BELTZ MINING HAS COMPLETED GEOCHEMICAL WORKS AT LUSWISHI NORTH AND MWEKERA IN ZAMBIA.
WHY GOLD PRICES ARE SKYROCKETING IN 2025
SURGING GOLD PRICES HAVE BEEN UNDERPINNED BY INVESTOR APPETITE FOR STABLE ASSETS AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY.
Gold demand has hit historic highs Australia-wide in 2025, surging past $5000 per ounce (oz).
The World Gold Council’s March quarter report also revealed a strong boost in global demand. With inflation in Australia remaining unpredictable, the growing significance of gold as a safe haven is becoming increasingly evident.
“In nominal terms, it is a record high,” head of Asia Pacific and global head of Central Banks World Gold Council Shaokai Fan told Australian Mining
“We’ve had many, many record highs this year and last year alone. Every day, we seem to be breaking new ones.”
Australia is a key player in the global gold resurgence. Bar and coin demand in Australia rose 44 per cent to 3.1 tonnes in the March quarter, the strongest year-on-year growth across Asia Pacific markets.
Overall, Australian gold consumption jumped 23 per cent compared to the previous year. Australian gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) also recorded positive inflows each month of the quarter, amounting to US$255 million, or 2.8 tonnes.
These inflows lifted total assets under management to a record US$4.5 billion, or 45.3 tonnes.
What’s driving the prices?
The World Gold Council attributes the record-breaking momentum to a combination of economic pressures and investor behaviour.
Key drivers include weakening momentum for the US dollar, persistent inflation, tariff threats and sustained central bank demand.
The unprecedented price increase has investors and miners on high alert, as geopolitical tensions and economic instability continue to reshape
“A lot of investors (have) turned to gold as a result, driving up the price,” Fan said. “The quarter one gold demand trends data we just released showed that demand was very, very strong.”
While gold prices have rallied, Fan said late-April 2025 saw some retracement as political tensions
“The White House has stepped away from some of the more extreme rhetoric,” he said. “That brought a little more confidence back into risk assets and, conversely, gold declined slightly.
“But the underlying factors are still there. If that uncertainty continues to reign, I think investors will still be quite
Central banks extended their goldbuying streak into a 16th consecutive year, adding 244 tonnes to global reserves in the March quarter. While this represents a 21 per cent decline year-on-year, it remains well above the quarterly average.
“Central banks have bought historic amounts of gold, over 1000 tonnes each in the past three years,” Fan said.
“The Central Bank of Poland was the biggest buyer in the first quarter. These institutions are recalibrating how they manage reserves amid rising global uncertainty.”
With the Australian gold price at record highs, local miners are enjoying expanded margins and renewed investor interest. Despite the price surge, recycling volumes fell, suggesting investors were holding rather than cashing in.
“Historically, when gold prices rise, recycling also rises, but we actually saw recycling volumes dip during quarter one,” Fan said.
“It means that despite higher prices, investors are expecting even higher prices to come and are holding onto their gold.”
This reduced recycling activity may encourage the sector to innovate more sustainable recycling methods and reduce dependence on traditional extraction.
It also opens opportunities for investment in circular economy initiatives that minimise environmental disruption.
As gold prices climbed, jewellery demand fell to its lowest quarterly volume since the COVID pandemic in 2020. However, the market remained relatively resilient in value terms.
Global consumer spending on gold jewellery grew nine per cent year-onyear to US$35 billion, with every market except China recording increases in value despite high prices.
“Jewellery demand is a little more linked to the gold price and economic sentiment,” Fan said.
“As the gold price has risen and economic sentiment weakens, we saw a fall in jewellery demand in the first quarter, which I expect will continue.”
Major miners on the move Australia’s top producers are benefiting from the convergence of record prices and strong operational performance.
Newmont has produced 1.5 million attributable ounces in the March quarter, 1.3 million of which came from its Tier 1 assets.
“We remain firmly on track to meet our 2025 guidance,” Newmont chief executive officer Tom Palmer said.
“We’re continuing our journey towards creating the world’s leading gold and copper portfolio.”
Ramelius Resources has produced 80,455 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1492 per ounce and is fast-tracking its long-term mine life strategy.
The company has revised its fullyear guidance to between 290,000–300,000 ounces.
“The March 2025 quarter has delivered our second consecutive quarter of record underlying free cash flow, with $223 million generated in the period and $487 million year-todate,” Ramelius managing director Mark Zeptner said.
the quarter, generating $120 million in free cash flow alone, with Penny continuing to impress generating $35 million.”
Northern Star Resources has delivered 385,441 ounces at an all-in sustaining cost of $2246 per ounce. Despite challenges in the KCGM mill expansion, the company remains confident.
cash position, and free cash generation is expected to significantly increase
prices,” Northern Star managing director Stuart Tonkin said.
As the world faces geopolitical shifts, policy unpredictability and monetary recalibrations, gold is once again proving its resilience.
Fan said the current run reflects more
He also highlighted one of gold’s most enduring qualities: its scarcity.
“Gold is limited. You can’t produce more of it, and it can’t be tampered with by policymakers,” he said. “That in itself gives it long-term value.
“When the power structures designed
influence, places Australia’s gold mining industry in a strong position amid global uncertainty.
As demand continues to rise, the sector’s focus on responsible, environmentally conscious production will be key to maintaining its global
AUSTRALIA IS A KEY PLAYER IN THE GLOBAL GOLD RESURGENCE.
GROWING WITH THE TIMES
In the Australian mining industry, where uptime is king and capital efficiency is critical, solutions-based equipment hire has become a cornerstone of modern operations. At the heart of this shift is Stratquip, a growing hire company undergoing a rebrand to reflect its evolving identity and expanding capabilities.
Set to become Aquaflo Hire from July, Stratquip is preparing for a new era of innovation, investment and customerfirst service, all while maintaining the same experienced team and deep knowledge of pumping systems and site support right around Australia.
“We’re planning for a bigger and better future,” Stratquip branch manager Mark Edwards told Australian Mining
“We’re doubling our footprint with a new premise in Coolum (Queensland) and significantly increasing workshop capacity, workforce, and equipment range.
“It’s healthy, sustainable growth that positions us to respond even faster to customer needs.”
Why hire?
The hire model has become increasingly attractive in a mining market driven by agility, safety and capital conservation.
Stratquip business development manager Daniel Hungerford told Australian Mining the business has long understood why mining companies prefer to hire rather than buy.
“It’s about putting capital where it earns the best return,” he said. “Miners want to invest in trucks and diggers, assets that produce revenue, not necessarily pumps, even though pumps are essential.”
Hiring also means operators are not carrying a long-term capital burden.
“Most of our hires come with delivery, servicing and full support,” Hungerford said.
“And our team is just a call away should any issues arise. We’re here to make sure you can keep moving water.”
For Hungerford and his team, equipment hire is not about shipping out a pump and hoping it does the job – it’s about custom solutions built around customer challenges.
“From the beginning, we’ve focused on understanding what our clients need and tailoring the best solution,” he said.
“Whether it’s dewatering, dust suppression, or site evaporation, we bring not only the right equipment, but the right thinking behind it.”
Stratquip’s advantage lies in its people, many of whom have a background in mining, construction or trades.
“We don’t just hire salespeople,” Edwards said. “We hire people with field experience, then teach them the sales side.
“That means when a customer calls, they’re getting someone who understands the problem and speaks their language.”
Rapid response
Downtime can cost mining operations millions of dollars, especially during the wet season in tropical areas such as north Queensland.
Stratquip has built a reputation for fast, reliable service – even over holidays and long weekends.
“Our team has responded to urgent calls on Christmas Day and New Year’s,” Hungerford said.
“We’ve gotten pumps on trucks overnight to keep pits operational. It’s just part of the commitment we’ve built.”
That responsiveness is enabled by deep in-house capability: a team of engineers, fabricators, mechanics,
STRATQUIP HAS A FLEET OF PONTOON-MOUNTED DIESEL PUMPS KITTED OUT WITH DEWATERING INCLUSIONS.
and auto electricians all working under one roof.
“Having the right people on-site means we can solve almost anything, fast,” Hungerford said.
Investing in the future
Stratquip isn’t standing still, with the company recently expanding its inventory, including six new pump sets, fuel cells from 1500 to 11,000L litres, and new evaporators.
The company also purchased a heavyduty telehandler and upgraded workshop cranes to improve turnaround times.
“We follow what we call the productivity loop,” Edwards said. “Every time we grow through a hire, a sale or a project, we reinvest. More people, more training, more equipment. It’s a cycle that’s been spinning faster each year.”
This cycle is supported by the company’s alignment with Truflo Pumps. While the two operate independently, hire and sales often collaborate, especially when a customer needs an interim hire while having a pump-set custom built.
“It’s hand-in-hand,” Edwards said. “Sometimes capex (capital expenditure) approval and then the design and manufacture of a tailor made dewatering system can take time.
In the meantime, Stratquip steps in to bridge that gap.”
At its core, Stratquip’s model is about building lasting relationships, not just ticking off hire contracts.
“We spend time walking through each project with the client,” Hungerford said.
“Before we quote, we look at all aspects of the project and what will be most efficient long-term solution.”
That level of insight has led to long-term hires that span 24–36 months, built on trust, reliability, and consistent performance.
As Stratquip transitions into Aquaflo Hire, its team is proud of the journey but even more excited about what’s ahead.
“There’s a reason customers keep coming back,” Hungerford said. “We don’t just provide pumps, we provide confidence and real solutions.” AM
IMAGES: STRATQUIP
L–R: MARK EDWARDS AND DANIEL HUNGERFORD INSPECT A PUMP BEFORE DISPATCH FOR HIRE.
Save money, work smarter and drive safer with Geotab’s telematics technology
By David Brown, AVP, Geotab, Asia Pacific
Australia’s mining industry is currently grappling with a labour crunch and increasing regulatory and political challenges, which means managers need to be more cost-conscious than ever.
Your vehicles are an obvious place to start. Geotab’s innovative open platform for fleet and asset management helps project managers track assets, increase equipment uptime and lower operating costs seamlessly. Here are three reasons why Geotab’s telematics technology can benefit your mining operations.
Track and locate equipment, while ensuring maximum utilization
Effective cost control in mining operations begins with clear visibility of your equipment. Mining sites are bustling environments and the use of telematics enables data collection from any vehicle on-site. Our technology connects directly to the vehicle’s computer, monitoring metrics like fuel consumption and engine hours. This ensures each piece of equipment is optimally utilised and cost is accurately measured. Knowing the precise location of your equipment at all times helps avoid unnecessary leasing of additional machinery due to misplacement. Furthermore, real-time equipment tracking, which seamlessly switches between cellular and satellite networks, guarantees continuous monitoring and cost tracking, even on remote sites.
Enjoy Fuel Tax Credit Rebates with our data automation
Fuel Tax Credit Rebates can offer substantial savings for mining businesses, especially if they use a lot of fuel. However, those savings could be far less if an accountant had to spend valuable hours collecting and untangling the data in order to get the payment processed. Geotab’s solutions can make the process much easier. Our telematics technology can accurately measure on and off-road usage, which is essential data used to claim fuel tax credit rebates. On mining sites, where the focus is on engine hours rather than distance travelled, our devices effectively tracks fuel usage and economy, even when vehicles are stationary and idling, ensuring you can maximise your rebate claims.
Access everything seamlessly on our single platform
Geotab offers the greatest possible flexibility for any kind of project. Our device can be attached easily to any vehicle—regardless of manufacturer—and send the data to the same platform. Installation is simple, giving you visibility over the whole project and enabling you to track fuel efficiency, fuel burn, RPM, battery oil, engine health, and other key indicators.
Furthermore, through the multi-streaming function, contractors can be granted access to a database for a fixed duration. When the contract ends, their visibility to the site will cease, and the contractor can reassign it to someone else.
Our devices are built to withstand tough conditions on work sites. They are ideal for heavy mining equipment, construction, utilities, powered assets and trucks. Also, selected models are IP68 and IP69K rated with impact, water and humidity-resistant housing.
Begin your journey with Geotab today and move into a future where every trip is safe, and every operation is efficient. With our help, you can track your valuable assets, increase equipment uptime and lower your operating costs.
For more information, visit geotab.com/au/
SPEARHEADING DRILLING SOLUTIONS
Since 2020, Master Drilling Australia has maintained a strong and collaborative working relationship with one of the world’s largest gold companies.
The partnership saw Master Drilling successfully execute its first project in Australia at a major gold operation.
Following this feat, Master Drilling has commenced a new project at the site as part of the mine’s expansion.
The company was tasked with addressing challenges such as ground stability at the top of the shaft, designing the collar cap, and implementing safety controls tailored to the gold operation’s unique environmental conditions.
Master Drilling said the project has been in the pipeline since mid-2023, with mobilisation taking place in December 2024.
“A particularly complex aspect of the project was establishing a raise bore rig within an existing shaft at mid-level – a task requiring precision, innovation and extensive technical knowledge,” Master Drilling said. “Given the longstanding relationship between our companies and our reputation as the largest raise bore company in the world, the gold miner reached out to Master Drilling for support.
“Our proven track record and recent advancements in remote drilling capabilities positioned us as the ideal partner to tackle these challenges.”
Adopting a multifaceted approach, Master Drilling began the project by analysing geotechnical data to identify the most efficient and safe excavation methods.
The gold mine faced issues with a weathered zone that extended 50m from the surface, compromising structural integrity.
“One key issue identified was the occurrence of overbreak and underbreak in the ground conditions,” Master Drilling said.
“Through collaboration, a carefully developed methodology was implemented to successfully mitigate these challenges, ensuring the integrity of the excavation process.
“The analysis highlighted poor ground conditions at the top of the shaft, which required the design and installation of a specially engineered collar cap. This collar cap provided the necessary stability and support while also serving as a foundation for primary works following the excavation’s completion.”
Engineering and environmental consultancy firm pitt&sherry provided its geotechnical expertise to the design of the complex collar cap.
“pitt&sherry has collaborated with Master Drilling on a variety of projects,
providing specialist shaft geotechnical and structural engineering expertise,” pitt&sherry said.
“Our existing relationships has enabled us to provide geotechnical and structural design expertise for the project. The project is unique in its complexity and challenges, and pitt&sherry is proud to have collaborated with Master Drilling and the gold miner to achieve a workable solution.”
Master Drilling also worked with engineering consultants Hatch, which contributed to the design of a critical safety control mitigation component.
“The Hatch team designed the unique pentice as per the gold miner’s request and have designed the structures to contain a Master Drilling raise bore machine,” Hatch regional mining director AUA Vic Fitzmaurice said.
“Safety in design and practical construction requirements in confined underground conditions were seamless
between the gold miner, Master Drilling and Hatch.”
Master Drilling, alongside partners pitt&sherry and Hatch, drew on leading practices and cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every stage of the geotechnical analysis was addressed comprehensively.
“This allowed us to identify potential risks, optimise excavation methods, and design solutions that align with the unique geological conditions at the site,” Master Drilling said.
“By combining our in-house expertise with insights from external professionals, we ensured the geotechnical analysis was not only robust but also tailored to meet the specific challenges of the project.”
Alongside the geotechnical analysis, Master Drilling has integrated its advanced remote drilling capabilities at the gold mine and constructed a shaft with a 6.3m diameter and 160m depth.
HATCH’S PENTICE HEAD FRAME DESIGN ENSURED SAFETY AT THE MINE.
HATCH DESIGNED THE PENTICE AND ITS STRUCTURES AT THE MINE TO CONTAIN A MASTER DRILLING RAISE BORE MACHINE.
“This cutting-edge technology enhances safety, efficiency and productivity, allowing us to tackle complex tasks with confidence,” Master Drilling said.
“Our approach involves breaking down the challenges into manageable components, meticulously analysing every detail, and developing practical solutions. This methodology ensures sound execution and a successful outcome for this project.”
Master Drilling’s solutions have received an array of positive feedback from the gold miner.
“The company has specifically acknowledged the effectiveness of our collaborative approach, the innovative solutions we’ve brought to the table, and the professionalism of our team
mutual trust and shared commitment to achieving outstanding results, even when faced with unique challenges.
“This recognition not only reinforces our dedication to excellence but also highlights the value of the partnership we share with the gold miner as we continue working towards the successful
at the mine and potentially other sites owned by the gold miner.
“We are working closely with their team on extending the scope of the project to address additional requirements,” Master Drilling said.
“As we move forward, we are excited about the potential to expand our
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR INCREASED OPERATING LIFE
TIMKEN’S
INNOVATIVE BEARING AND COATING SOLUTIONS ARE HELPING OPERATIONS RUN LONGER, STRONGER AND MORE RELIABLY.
Bearings carry the weight of critical mining machines.
Timken, a global leader in industrial motion products, continues to drive innovation with its advanced tapered roller bearings and engineered surface (ES) coatings. In use in Australia since 2008, Timken’s ES coatings are proven in the country’s mining environment.
These technologies are engineered to extend operating life, protect against harsh conditions, and reduce long-term maintenance costs across heavy-duty applications.
Precision under pressure
Timken’s tapered roller bearings are proven to withstand the ever-increasing loads found in many mobile equipment applications where total cost of ownership and reliability are paramount to a mining operation.
Timken national mining manager Mark Davies said that what truly sets Timken apart is its decades of proven
TIMKEN’S PRECISIONENGINEERED
TAPERED ROLLER BEARINGS HELP MINING EQUIPMENT GO THE DISTANCE.
industry experience combined with the performance of its products.
“Timken has been in the bearing business for 125 years,” Davies told Australian Mining
“We specialise in tapered roller bearings, which are used extensively throughout the mining industry in most mobile equipment in use today.”
Built for a range of mobile equipment from draglines to dozers and haul trucks, Timken’s robust, precision-engineered bearings and ES coatings allow components to last longer, even when operating in extreme mining conditions.
How ES coatings transform performance
Alongside materials and manufacturing innovation, Timken’s ES coatings offer an extra layer of bearing protection.
These thin-film coatings are designed to combat wear and corrosion, and reduce friction, helping extend bearing life in even the harshest environments.
“Mine sites are hot and dusty environments. Ingress can be
detrimental to lubrication, which can damage the bearing,” Davies said. “Timken has developed a solution to combat this and extend operating life.”
Timken’s ES coatings are engineered from decades of materials engineering experience to offer a nano-composite, metal-carbide matrix that creates a hard, low-friction surface that resists smearing and scuffing damage under stress.
These coatings are ideal for debrisladen lubricants and high-load environments where conventional bearings wear out quickly.
With products backed by materials and surface technology and tested in Australian conditions, Timken’s ES coatings range can reduce friction, protect against ingress damage, and handle severe operating conditions found across the mining industry.
“We’re one of the only companies that mass-produces ES coatings for tapered roller bearings,” Davies said.
From maintenance to market expansion
Timken’s approach extends well beyond the product itself.
The company provides training to repair companies and mining clients across Australia and can offer advice to technicians during installation and maintenance.
ENGINEERED FOR EXTREME MINING CONDITIONS, TIMKEN’S ADVANCED BEARINGS AND ES COATINGS DELIVER LONG-LASTING PERFORMANCE UNDER PRESSURE.
“Determining if a bearing is okay to reuse or needs to be replaced is one of the hardest calls to make for many companies,” Davies said.
“We conduct a lot of training for mining customers in damage analysis and fitting techniques, and provide ongoing product support in the field.”
Davies said a number of industry operators are likely already utilising Timken’s advanced technologies.
“Many mining companies are actually already using Timken technologies without even knowing it,” Davies said.
“When equipment is repaired off-site, customers don’t always see the high-quality Timken components that go back in.”
Timken’s close partnership with the mining industry’s largest original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet managers has allowed the company to refine its coated product offering for critical applications.
“We’re starting to see customers request only ES-coated products, which is fantastic,” Davies said.
“That means we’re supporting mining customers and making their operations more cost effective and reliable.”
By increasing awareness of how extended-life coatings and bearings can reduce total ownership costs, Timken hopes to drive broader adoption across the Australian and global mining industry.
From workshop to worksite, Timken provides solutions that are built to last, tested under pressure, and engineered to perform. AM
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MINING
ASIA-PACIFIC’S INTERNATIONAL MINING EXHIBITION
23-25 SEPTEMBER 2025
Adelaide Showground, South Australia
Register to attend AIMEX’s inaugural event in South Australia
QME RETURNS IN 2026
ONE
OF THE
AUSTRALIA’S LEADING MINING EVENTS IS GEARING UP FOR A RETURN IN JULY 2026.
For more than three decades, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has been a premier event on the state’s mining calendar.
After a record-breaking instalment in 2024, where more than 5000 visitors descended on Mackay Showgrounds, QME will make its return in July 2026, again taking place in Mackay – the beating heart of Queensland’s mining industry.
With hundreds of suppliers, live demonstrations, a thought-provoking leadership series, and an array of delegate networking opportunities, QME is the ultimate showcase of supplier innovation and excellence and will platform the world-class capabilities of Queensland.
Following a successful rebooking phase, QME 2026 is officially open to the industry, with some of the sector’s biggest names already snapping up their spots.
Hitachi, Motion, Regal Rexnord, Brooks/XCMG, Eaton, Flexco and MATO Australia have already signed on for next year. They will be accompanied by the likes of WEG Industries, ATOM, Busch ANZ, Endress & Hauser, Hidrive, Hoses24, Radical Torque Solutions and Sime Darby Group at QME 2026.
Prime Creative Media general manager events Siobhan Rocks said it’s an honour to continue the legacy of the event that has been a cornerstone of the Mackay mining calendar for years.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to see the event return in 2026,” Rocks told Australian Mining. “QME has such a rich history, and we’re proud to build on that legacy with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
“Each edition is a chance to evolve while staying true to what makes it special. We’re excited to write the next chapter alongside the passionate people who drive the industry.”
Rocks said the team is excited to get back to Mackay and connect with the mining community in Queensland.
“Connecting with the local industry is at the heart of what we do,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing familiar faces, meeting new ones, and celebrating the innovation and talent that make the region so unique.”
QME 2026 also sees the return of the Bowen Basin Mining Club (BBMC) as a key partner whose support over the years, Rocks said, has helped shape the event into what it is today.
“Their presence reflects the strong community behind this event, and we’re excited to work together again,” she said.
Rocks is also happy to have QME align with the Queensland Mining Awards again for 2026.
“Celebrating excellence in the industry alongside our event adds an extra layer of excitement and reinforces the strong sense of community we’re all part of,” she said. “It’s a great way to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that drives our industry.”
The BBMC hosts the state’s premier biennial mining industry awards –the Queensland Mining Awards –celebrating the spirit of innovation, excellence and collaboration across the sector.
The glittering awards gala will make its return alongside QME in 2026, once again recognising the outstanding innovations and productivity improvements implemented by mining companies, contractors and suppliers alike.
“QME is always such a significant celebration of the mining industry, so hosting our awards in the midst of that celebration helps to elevate QME even further,” BBMC director Jodie Currie said in a statement.
Currie said co-locating the events is significant – not just for the region but for the sector.
“This is the biggest event for the Queensland mining industry, not just
for Mackay,” Currie said. “Going to the Queensland Mining Awards is a perfect opportunity for people to make the most of their networking, and we’ve already seen a strong indication that the event will be quite large again in 2026.”
QME 2026 will also see the return of the QME Mining Pavilion, where key mining companies and contractors will be on-site to showcase their initiatives and foster invaluable connections within the Queensland mining community.
The likes of BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), Glencore, Whitehaven Coal, Anglo American, Bravus, MacKellar Group and BUMA appeared at the QME Mining Pavilion in 2024. AM
QME 2026 will be held in Mackay from July 21–23. To take part in the event, visit queenslandminingexpo.com.au/getinvolved
QME 2024 WAS A RECORD
FEDERAL RESOURCES MINISTER MADELEINE KING SPEAKING AT QME 2024.
UNEARTHING CRITICAL MINERALS IN MINE WASTE
Agovernment-backed project to recover critical minerals and high-tech metals from mine waste is delivering promising results across New South Wales. The identification of 28 active and legacy mine sites as potential sources of previously overlooked minerals supports the NSW Government’s 2024–35 Critical Minerals and HighTech Metals Strategy.
Led by the Geological Survey of NSW (GSNSW), the state’s mine reuse project is applying advanced scientific methods to mine waste and tailings to detect untapped resources.
More than 1200 samples have been collected and subjected to high-precision chemical analysis, revealing elevated levels of 11 critical minerals and hightech metals, including copper, cobalt, silver and antimony.
These findings could help reactivate dormant mine sites, support the 190 critical minerals exploration titles already in progress and attract further investment in the state.
First-pass success
Chief geoscientist and head of the GSNSW Dr Phil Blevin said the purpose of the project was to explore the potential for critical minerals in previously mined waste.
“The idea behind the project was to investigate the possibility that there may be critical minerals in previously mined waste,” Blevin said.
“Very little systematic work had been done previously to assess the amount of those metals.”
Historically, these metals were not analysed due to their perceived lack of economic value, but growing demand has shifted their importance.
“This project was to do a first-pass assessment across the state for those metals that in the past have tended to be ignored,” Blevin said.
While the results have not indicated deposits ready for immediate mining, they have already sparked significant interest, prompting companies to investigate sites further.
“There have been enough interesting results that have come back for some tailings to encourage companies to undertake exploration in their own right,” he said.
Some key discoveries included unusually high cobalt levels in the Cobar region, along with positive signs for copper and silver across various parts of NSW.
Encouraging indications for these metals were found not only around Parkes in the central part of the state, but also in Broken Hill and the
Golden waste
Testing has been conducted at active and historic mine sites across NSW, including the Peak gold mine, Tritton copper mine near Cobar, RASP and Southern Operations near Broken Hill, and Stratford mine in the Upper Hunter.
Sampling has also been carried out at former sites including Queen Bee, Great Cobar and Nymagee in the far west, and Endeavour Elura and Endeavour McKinnons in the central west.
Previous exploration had uncovered gold in tailings at the Mineral Hill site, while tin was found at Ardlethan in the Riverina.
The project is part of a national program led by Geoscience Australia and the Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland, working with RMIT and state-based geological surveys. Samples were collected using hand augers capable of reaching depths of up to 5m, allowing for comprehensive vertical sampling of tailings.
Once extracted, materials were sent to analytical labs for elemental analysis at low detection limits and mineralogical testing, with the hope of identifying the mineral host, which is critical for determining the feasibility of processing.
Recovered tailings can serve broader purposes, serving as an input for road base material and high-purity silica for
THE STRATEGY IS TRANSFORMING MINE WASTE INTO A NEW FRONTIER FOR CRITICAL MINERAL EXPLORATION.
repurposing mine waste opens the door for renewed economic activity and employment.
“Governments are very interested in post-mining land use opportunities,” Blevin said. “The restarting of old mines and the processing plants will provide a new lease of life in local communities in terms of jobs.”
Encouraging exploration
As with all GSNSW initiatives, the project aims to generate precompetitive geoscientific data that can reduce risk and encourage exploration investment.
“Only one in 500 exploration licences in New South Wales results in a mine,” Blevin said. “So anything that we can do
NSW’S MINE WASTE PROJECT IS BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO OLD SITES.
risk is seen as a benefit.”
GSNSW has made the data publicly available through its MinView platform and the DIGS digital information system to support further exploration and discovery.
Blevin hopes miners will see the significant environmental, community
state-backed initiative.
“We would like exploration companies and existing mining operations to have a close look at the results,” he said.
“We’ll be using that to try encourage new investment into New South Wales as part of the state’s drive for critical minerals and high-tech metals.” AM
LITHIUM PROJECTS PRIMED FOR PRICE RETURN
MINERS ACROSS AUSTRALIA ARE READYING FOR THE UPCOMING LITHIUM PRICE BOOM, AS THE COMMODITY CONTINUES TO PLAY A KEY ROLE IN TECHNOLOGY AND THE ENERGY TRANSITION.
As cornerstone of modern technology and the global energy transition, lithium has experienced significant price volatility over the past decade. While it has recently seen a downturn, forecasts suggest a resurgence is on the horizon, driven by accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption and expanding energy storage needs.
Fitch Solutions subsidiary Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) forecasts a 30 per cent increase in lithium carbonate prices in 2025, averaging $20,000 per tonne (/t), driven by robust EV demand and tightening supply.
A price rollercoaster Lithium prices soared from 2015–2018, fuelled by the expanding EV market and
WHILE LITHIUM IS EXPERIENCING A DOWNTURN, FORECASTS SUGGEST A RESURGENCE IS ON THE HORIZON.
increased demand for renewable energy storage solutions.
By 2019, however, an oversupply led to a price decline, exacerbated by the COVID pandemic’s impact on global economies and EV production.
The market rebounded in 2021, with renewed demand and strategic EV initiatives in Europe and Asia.
A significant ‘lithium rush’ in 2022 further drove up prices, prompting new mines and exploration projects.
But by late 2022, lithium prices began to decline once again. BMI reported at the time that lithium carbonate prices, which peaked at over $70,000/t in 2022, fell to an average of $15,500/t in 2024.
Now, as the lithium sector considers the prospect of a price return, several Australian projects are strategically positioned to capitalise on a rebound.
Tabba Tabba
Wildcat Resources’ Tabba Tabba project in Western Australia has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the lithium sector.
The project boasts a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 74.1 million tonnes (Mt) at one per cent lithium oxide (Li₂O), with an impressive 94 per cent classified under the indicated category.
This substantial resource is underpinned by more than 114,000m of drilling, highlighting the project’s robust potential.
The Tabba Tabba project encompasses a 3.5km-long lithium–caesium–tantalum (LCT) pegmatite field, comprising at least six significant pegmatite bodies: Leia, Luke, Chewy, Tabba Tabba, Han, and The Hutt.
Each of these bodies exhibits promising resource potential, aligning with Australia’s dominant position in global lithium supply.
Wildcat’s advanced resource and strategic location position it well to seize opportunities in a consolidating and growing lithium market.
Andover
The Andover project, located in the west Pilbara region of WA, has been a focal point of significant lithium exploration.
Azure Minerals, prior to its acquisition, confirmed the presence of a “major lithium mineralised system” at Andover, particularly at Target Area 3 (TA3).
Drilling results from TA3 include notable intercepts such as 102.5m at one per cent Li₂O from 393.5m,
88.4m at 1.53 per cent Li₂O from 38m, and 62.5m at 1.53 per cent Li₂O from 268.5m.
These results help to underscore Andover’s potential as a lithium project of global significance.
SQM and Hancock Prospecting completed a $1.7 billion acquisition of Azure Minerals in May 2024, securing the Andover project.
The project’s pegmatite swarm spans 9km east–west and up to 5km north–south, comprising hundreds of outcropping pegmatites.
While post-acquisition updates have been limited, the project’s substantial resource base and strategic significance suggest continued development under the new ownership.
Mt Ida
Delta Lithium’s Mt Ida project in WA’s eastern Goldfields province is a dual commodity asset, rich in both gold and lithium.
The project covers approximately 170km2 of the Mt Ida-Ularring greenstone belt.
Mt Ida boasts a combined inferred and indicated MRE of 14.6Mt at 1.2 per cent Li₂O, with the Sister Sam prospect alone containing 9.3Mt at 1.3 per cent Li₂O.
Delta initiated a strategic review of the Mt Ida project in September 2024 to determine the optimal development path for this lithium-gold asset.
Higginsville
Kali Metals, which debuted on the ASX in January 2024 following a spin-out from Kalamazoo Resources, holds an extensive exploration tenure of approximately 3854km2.
The company’s flagship project is the Higginsville lithium district in southern WA, adjacent to well-known hard rock lithium mines such as
Mineral Resources’ Bald Hill and Mt Marion mines.
At the Spargoville prospect within Higginsville, Kali has identified spodumene-bearing pegmatites.
A maiden reverse circulation drilling program in April 2024 returned 10m intersections averaging around one per cent Li₂O, with some high-grade zones over 4–5m.
In October 2024, Kali announced a significant expansion of its joint venture with SQM, aimed at boosting exploration projects in the Pilbara.
Abbotts North Premier1 Lithium’s Abbotts North project, located in the Abbotts Greenstone Belt of WA, is an early-stage asset with promising potential.
The Buttamiah prospect within the project has yielded surface samples containing up to 1.25 per cent Li₂O from its pegmatites.
Premier1 has released drilling results confirming the continuation of the Abbotts North system, with up to 0.41 per cent Li₂O intersected from 11 reverse circulation drill holes.
The company also holds the Yalgoo and Montague projects, which are being evaluated for future lithium production potential.
As the global demand for lithium continues to rise, driven by the proliferation of EVs and renewable energy storage solutions, these Australian projects are strategically positioned to meet future supply needs.
Their development and expansion will be critical in solidifying Australia’s role as a leading lithium producer on the world stage. AM
LITHIUM IS A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND THE GLOBAL ENERGY TRANSITION.
FUTURE-READY TRANSPORT FOR MINING CREWS
FIFO WORKERS OFTEN ENDURE LONG STINTS OF TRAVEL TO GET TO SITE. VDI AUSTRALIA IS MAKING LONG-DISTANCE CREW TRANSPORT SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT.
As mining operations push into more remote parts of Australia, the industry’s transport demands have grown in complexity.
Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) and longdistance shuttles require vehicles that combine rugged durability with comfort and efficiency.
Yutong, one of the world’s largest bus manufacturers, is meeting this challenge head-on by offering purpose-built solutions that deliver safety, reliability and operational value.
Backed by VDI Australia, Yutong has made a strong push into the mining market, with a growing focus on delivering mine-spec buses that match the unique needs of each site.
“When the bus arrives, it’s effectively ready for service,” VDI national sales manager Sara Clark told Australian Mining. “The idea is to provide a turnkey solution that doesn’t require additional modifications or delay.”
Safety is critical for mining companies, especially when transporting workers across long distances or challenging terrain.
Yutong’s buses are equipped with leading safety features as standard, including autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control, and 360° cameras.
For zero-emission models, such as Yutong’s battery-electric buses (BEBs), the company has implemented a proprietary system known as YEA
integrates the vehicle body and electric systems for enhanced safety.
This includes five layers of protection for the lithium-ion batteries, addressing common concerns regarding battery
“The electric safety system gives operators peace of mind when considering EVs for their fleets,” VDI Queensland account manager Paul Lancaster told Australian Mining
Yutong’s BEBs are also fitted with regenerative braking to improve energy efficiency and extend driving range – key benefits in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
While safety is paramount, passenger comfort is also critical, especially for workers who spend hours travelling to and from site.
Yutong has designed its buses to incorporate reclining seats, USB ports, climate-controlled air conditioning and air suspension.
These features directly support fatigue management, which is an important consideration for workplace health, safety and environment leaders in the mining sector.
“The noise level inside our diesel buses is already very quiet, and the electric models are even quieter,”
Lancaster said. “That’s important when you’re dealing with fatigue and longdistance trips – a quiet, smooth ride makes a big difference.”
Yutong buses are also highly configurable. If a client wants more legroom for passengers, the seating layout can be adjusted to suit.
“Mining companies often want more seat space, so we can reduce seating from 53 to 49 if needed,” Lancaster said.
“They come with all the essential comfort features like map pockets, side armrests and USB ports, and each row of seats has a passenger service unit that includes individual air-conditioning vents – everything you’d expect in a high-spec bus.”
Yutong has been tailoring its designs for mining clients across Australia.
Current projects include site-specific builds for companies in the Bowen Basin and north-west regions of Queensland.
“Some clients specifically request pantograph luggage doors instead of the standard top-hinge doors,”
YUTONG BUSES ARE HIGHLY CONFIGURABLE, INCLUDING THEIR SEATING LAYOUT.
YUTONG HAS A GROWING FOCUS ON DELIVERING MINE-SPEC BUSES THAT MATCH THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF EACH SITE.
Lancaster said. “Miners walking past the bus could accidentally hit their heads. A standard feature on Yutong mid-to-full-size models, the pantograph bin doors open parallel to the vehicle to prevent that.”
Additional safety features include Guardian fatigue monitoring systems, which tracks driver alertness and reports real-time data back to the operations team.
“When there’s a safety risk, the system can alert both the driver and a remote team, which can intervene if needed,” Clark said. “That’s a gamechanger when it comes to preventing incidents before they happen.”
Other additional safety options include CCTV surveillance, fire suppression systems, seatbelt warning systems, anti-rollaway alarms and lockable battery and starter isolators.
In addition to safety and comfort, ensuring vehicles remain operational in remote environments is also critical to maintaining workforce schedules and minimising downtime.
Yutong, through VDI, is actively building out its national service network to support operators wherever they’re based.
“We’re adding new service agents every week,” Clark said.
“Once we know a bus is going to a particular region, we’ll start looking for service support there.”
VDI also works with customers’ existing service partners or in-house workshops to streamline maintenance and warranty repairs.
“It doesn’t have to be back-to-base. We’ll engage with whoever the operator trusts,” Clark said. “When more complex needs arise, we’ve got direct access to factory technicians, including representation here in Australia.”
Yutong’s partnerships with component manufacturers such as Cummins, ZF, and Allison strengthen its after-sales support network.
And its telematics system, Link+, adds more value for fleet operators. Each new bus comes with the Yutong Link+ advanced telematics system fitted as standard, allowing operators to monitor performance, driver dynamics and vehicle diagnostics in real-time.
“The fleet operator is able to view vast amounts of live data, such as location, speed and diagnostic codes,” Clark said. “Triggers and alarms can be customised to inform that operator of any events during a trip.
“The Link+ system is not only a powerful diagnostics and fleet management solution; it’s also able to provide geo-fencing, vehicle charging management and report generating.”
Geo-fencing supports a virtual safety boundary. Once a bus enters a certain setting, the vehicle can be limited to a desired speed automatically.
“This is particularly useful for setting speed limits in depots and school zones,” Clark said.
“This is carried out remotely, with no need to make changes to the vehicle.”
As the Australian mining industry accelerates its transition to safer, more efficient, and lower-emission operations, Yutong – through VDI – is stepping up with transport solutions designed to meet the moment. From mine-ready diesel buses to
cutting-edge electric models, the company is helping operators modernise their fleets without compromising on comfort or reliability.
“Yutong’s battery-electric buses are a cornerstone of the company’s sustainability strategy,” Lancaster said. “And across the board, we’re committed to supporting the industry’s future – whatever that looks like – with vehicles built to perform in Australia’s toughest conditions.” AM
A LEGACY CELEBRATED AT WA MINING
THE WA MINING CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION PROVIDES THE PERFECT PLATFORM TO PROMOTE UPCOMING PRODUCTS, WITH ONE KEY SPONSOR PLANNING TO DEBUT AN ACQUISITION.
Gearing up for its WA Mining Conference & Exhibition (WA Mining) debut in 2025, networking drinks sponsor SRO Technology has a clear message: Ramsey is back.
The process instrumentation and weighing solution specialists are set to showcase the newly revived Ramsey Flex Integrator v1.5 range at the Perth event, marking a major milestone since acquiring the Ramsey product line in early 2024.
“We’re really excited to be part of WA Mining 2025 – it’s a great fit for us as we ramp up our presence at key industry events across Australia,” SRO Technology general manager David Steel told Australian Mining
“Since we acquired the Ramsey product line, we’ve been focused on bringing new life to Ramsey’s most renowned products.
“WA Mining will provide a great opportunity to celebrate the Ramsey brand coming back to market with existing and new customers who’ve been waiting years for these solutions to return.”
WA Mining will bring together leading voices from across industry, government and academia to address key themes shaping the future of mining. This includes education and training pathways, the implementation of sustainable practices across operations, and resource optimisation.
WA MINING WILL BRING INDUSTRY LEADERS TOGETHER IN A SINGLE LOCATION.
spanning far and wide across the state, WA Mining works to assemble important industry leaders in one location, fostering collaboration, sparking innovation and accelerating business outcomes.
SRO’s weighing and instrumentation teams will be on hand to highlight the company’s expertise in product supply, maintenance, retrofitting, servicing and auditing.
“WA Mining is a great opportunity for us to connect face-to-face with the
moving,” Steel said.
“It’s the perfect platform to connect with the mining community and showcase the latest from SRO Technology, especially as we continue to expand our partnerships across the state.”
Beyond new technology, SRO is focused on solving critical challenges for the resources industry, including digital transformation, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
“Our latest tech, including the Ramsey Flex Integrator v1.5 range, is designed to meet specific customer needs by improving data accuracy and greater system integration,” Steel said. “We’re here to help mining operations across the west coast run more efficiently.”
A strong focus on customer relationships and technical responsiveness underpins SRO’s approach to growing its WA footprint.
“Creating an engaged, responsive and capable technician team that can deliver outcomes for customers,” Steel said. “Our focus is on customer outcomes first and foremost.
“We have a local team in Perth with decades of experience who can support on-site, solving problems and keep operations running regardless of the technology deployed at the time.”
Steel emphasised the critical role face-to-face engagement plays at events like WA Mining, saying it is “huge” for building trust and long-term industry partnerships.
THE ICONIC ADELAIDE OVAL WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER The most prestigious awards for the Australian mining and
EMBRACING A NEW ERA
GRX25 UNITED GLOBAL LEADERS TO SHOWCASE MINING INNOVATION, FOSTER COLLABORATION, AND CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGY.
The inaugural Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25), held in Brisbane from May 20–22, firmly established Australia as a global hub for mining innovation, drawing more than 1300 delegates from more than 20 countries.
Hosted by Austmine and AusIMM, the event showcased cutting-edge technologies, international collaboration, and industry excellence across the mining and METS (mining equipment, technology and services) sectors.
At the core of GRX25 was the exhibition floor, featuring pioneering companies providing solutions for key industry challenges.
Australian Mining was on hand to check in with some of the exhibitors at the first-ever GRX25.
Peter Newfield, global head of marketing for Sandvik’s Screening Solutions division, was especially pleased with the calibre of attendees at the event.
“GRX is proving to be an excellent forum for the industry to interact with our experts and experience our latest offerings and leading digital innovations firsthand,” he told Australian Mining
“We’ve had some really interesting conversations with conference delegates keen to explore how we can help them make mineral processing, safer, more productive and eco-efficient.”
Hexagon director of regional marketing – mining division Kimberley
Lim praised the forward-looking themes of GRX25, with many presentations and discussions focused on issues like digital mining, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the state of the critical minerals industry.
“With so many shows on the mining calendar, it’s important to have a fresh theme and GRX25 has been effective in bringing a strong future focus to its first event,” Lim told Australian Mining
Sefar managing director – Oceania Max Wijasuriya relished the opportunity to discuss excellence in sustainable filtration in one of GRX25’s many insightful conference presentations.
“That is something we’re very passionate about at Sefar,” he said.
The Accenture Innovation Zone was another centrepiece, featuring 24 METS companies specialising in decarbonisation, safety, productivity, and digital transformation, among other themes.
Standout technologies included Loop Hydrometallurgy’s Halion Loop, a saltwater-based copper extraction method that demonstrated 99 per cent efficiency in field tests while significantly reducing emissions and eliminating the need for smelting.
Other companies featured included Jevons Robotics, Pointerra, Theia Simulation and Nomad Atomics, each providing groundbreaking new technologies for the mining industry.
Stimulá Strategic Consulting won the Accenture Innovation Zone Competition at GRX25,
Innovation Colab, sponsored by Baker Hughes, brought together leaders from organisations including Rio Tinto, BHP, NORCAT, and mining innovation hubs from Canada, Chile, and Peru.
GRX25’s global engagement was further demonstrated through the Australia–Southeast Asia Mining Innovation Exchange, where a roundtable connected Australian suppliers with buyers and suppliers from the region.
The festivities continued at the GRX25 Industry Leaders and Awards Dinner. Austin Engineering
Rising star Thomas Taylor of Fortescue Metals Group received the New Professional Award for outstanding early-career contributions.
With plans already underway for GRX26, this year’s inaugural event set a new global benchmark for the integration of technology, sustainability, and collaboration in mining – paving the way for a more resilient and future-ready resources sector. AM
GRX26 will be held in Perth from May 5–7 2026. For more information, visit grx.au/grx26-eoi
THE GLOBAL OPEN INNOVATION COLAB BROUGHT TOGETHER LEADERS FROM ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS RIO TINTO, BHP AND NORCAT.
THE EXHIBITION FLOOR CELEBRATED THE METS COMPANIES KEY TO THE MINING INDUSTRY’S CONTINUED INNOVATION.
AUSTMINE CEO CHRISTINE GIBBS STEWART SPEAKING ON DAY TWO OF GRX25.
PNG EXPO TEAMS UP WITH PROJECT YUMI
THE 2025 PNG EXPO IS SET TO RETURN WITH A BOLD NEW VISION, COMBINING INDUSTRY INNOVATION WITH A POWERFUL COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MISSION.
The 2025 PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) is returning with renewed purpose, bringing together the region’s key players for two days of strategic insight, commercial opportunity and social impact.
Set to be held at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby from July 2–3, the event will again unite leaders across mining, infrastructure and resources, offering a revitalised platform for collaboration and progress.
With the official welcoming of a new charity partner in Project Yumi, the event embarks on a bold new chapter, broadening its impact and honing its vision for the future of Papua New Guinea.
Exhibitors from Australia and Papua New Guinea will be on-site, showcasing cutting-edge machinery, technologies and services that are helping to shape the region’s mining future.
Alongside the expo, a curated conference schedule will feature expert commentary and panel discussions tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges from operational resilience to workforce sustainability.
Backed by Austmine, a leading
Austrade, PNG Expo is poised to deliver measurable value for local and international stakeholders alike.
In 2025, however, this premier event will stand out for more than just its industry credentials with the signing of its new charity partner.
Project Yumi joins the mission
In a major announcement ahead of the event, PNG Expo has named Project Yumi as its official charity partner, marking a milestone in its commitment to embedding social responsibility into its foundations.
Project Yumi is a community-focused
within the very communities we aim to support,” Project Yumi founder and director Renee Mero said.
Mero believes the partnership represents more than just a presence on the expo floor; it is a sign the mining and infrastructure sectors are ready to take a more active role in shaping the country’s social and economic future.
“By building relationships with the sector, we have the chance to create real, on-the-ground impact, redirecting valuable resources, reducing waste, and investing in education and health where it’s needed most. It’s about working together to create sustainable,
“Our goal is to expand our impact, reduce waste, and ensure vital resources reach the hands of those who need them most.”
The partnership is a symbol of the event’s broader goals of helping to ensure industrial growth goes hand-in-hand with social advancement.
Building momentum
Anticipation for the 2025 PNG Expo is reaching new heights. Global names including Metso, Sandvik, Blackwoods, Draeger and Lincom have already confirmed their involvement.
The networking reception and formal
LEADING THE WAY AT WIIA
Felstead is changing the way mining companies address psychological safety and team wellbeing. She has partnered with major players such as Silver Lake Resources, Fortescue, Westgold, AngloGold Ashanti, Macmahon, BHP Rail, and Bellevue Gold.
What sets Felstead’s work apart is a deeply personal approach grounded in lived experience, practical implementation, and evidence-based strategy. Rather than applying a onesize-fits-all model, Felstead designs programs that meet the unique needs of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) workforces, from people in shift crews to members of senior management.
Initiatives include wellness champion training, respectful workplace campaigns, and wellness check-in kiosks that support anonymous digital feedback.
The Women in Industry Awards returned in 2025 with renewed energy, spotlighting the women transforming Australia’s industrial sectors through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
Held on July 19 at the Carousel in Melbourne, the event brought together the finalists, along with industry leaders and supporters to celebrate achievements across mining, manufacturing, energy, logistics, and engineering.
Among the night’s standout moments was the announcement of Becky Felstead as the winner of the Excellence in Mining category.
Felstead was recognised for her outstanding contribution to mental health, inclusion, and workplace culture through her work with Strong Minds, Strong Mines.
A passionate wellness facilitator and program coordinator, the trailblazer has become a driving force for change across Western Australia’s mining industry.
Over the past year alone, she has visited more than 45 sites, conducted over 300 presentations, and reached upwards of 20,000 workers across the sector.
Felstead’s work spans far beyond traditional training, having focused on tailored mental health programs, trauma-informed leadership workshops, and site-specific cultural initiatives.
Companies have reported a measurable improvement in outcomes at multiple mine sites, with one gold operation seeing a 30 per cent drop in workplace bullying and harassment within three months of implementing a program. Another mine site reported a 42 per cent increase in the use of its Employee Assistance Program following a rollout of training.
As the host of The Resource Podcast, Felstead has also brought open, honest conversations about mental health, bullying, and workplace trauma to a wider audience.
The podcast, which is now used in induction programs across several mining companies and attracts more than 10,000 listeners each month, was recently named a finalist at the Australian Podcast Awards, further cementing its role in raising awareness and driving cultural change.
Felstead’s influence is not confined to current workforces. Through the Strong Minds, Strong Schools program, she engages with high school students in mining regions such as Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
By teaching resilience, boundaries, and emotional intelligence, she is helping to prepare the next generation of workers for respectful and mentally healthy workplaces.
In schools at which the program has been delivered, over 95 per cent of participants have reported greater confidence in seeking help and a stronger understanding of respectful relationships.
Felstead also works with companies undergoing cultural transformation, providing strategic guidance on gender
inclusion, flexible work practices, and psychosocial risk management.
At one mining operation, female participation in safety meetings rose by 60 per cent after the introduction of the Respect is Safety initiative.
Felstead mentors more than 30 facilitators and wellness coordinators across Western Australia, expanding her reach and embedding long-term change in the sector.
Other finalists for the 2025 Excellence in Mining Award included Amanda Mitchell of Outliers Mining Solutions, Brooke Adamson from Newmont, Leanne Brock of AMETS, and Lisa Gibbons of Southern Cross Gold.
Each nominee brought unique strengths to the category, representing the diversity and talent that is helping reshape the future of mining.
Yet it was Felstead’s far-reaching impact, from boardrooms to break rooms, that set her apart.
Felstead is not only breaking down stigma but building the structures needed for real, sustainable change.
Through Strong Minds, Strong Mines and her broader advocacy, Felstead is redefining leadership in mining, one conversation, one site, and one worker at a time.
BECKY FELSTEAD
THE 2025 EXCELLENCE IN MINING WINNER BECKY FELSTEAD WAS HONOURED FOR ADVANCING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY.
IMAGE: BECKY FELSTEAD
2–3 JULY 2025 THE STANLEY HOTEL
PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Tickets now available for the premier event helping PNG and Australia’s industrial, mining and resources industries forge connections, network and do business.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with key players and industry leaders. Tickets are selling fast – secure yours now.
FLAGSHIP CONFERENCES UNITE
TWO MUCH-ANTICIPATED INDUSTRY EVENTS ARE JOINING FORCES IN 2025 TO DELIVER A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR CONNECTION, INNOVATION AND PROGRESS.
CHAIR PROFESSOR
DAVID WILLIAMS WILL SHARE DECADES OF MINING
AusIMM is set to deliver one of 2025’s most comprehensive mining events with the Life of Mine | Mine Waste and Tailings Conference.
For the first time, the two major conferences will run concurrently at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 29–30, offering delegates a chance to explore the full spectrum of mine lifecycle management under one roof.
This dual format is designed to broaden the event’s scope and amplify opportunities for technical knowledge sharing, industry collaboration and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The program will include multiple simultaneous streams, with presentations and panel discussions covering everything from mine development to waste management, rehabilitation and final closure.
Emeritus Professor David Williams, no stranger to the Mine Waste and Tailings event, will chair the rapidly growing conference for the third time. Recently retired from the University of Queensland, Williams been a driving force behind the conference since its inception.
As part of this year’s agenda, registered delegates will gain access to both events, along with live Q&A sessions, exhibition access, digital content, and post-conference materials including recorded presentations and proceedings.
Keynote presentations will be delivered by industry leaders such as Dr Emma Gagen from the International Council on Mining and Metals, Professor Deanna Kemp from Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining, Christopher N. Hatton from WSP in Denver, US, and Williams himself.
In a joint keynote, Williams and Hatton plan to reflect on lessons learned
insights with a new generation of tailings professionals.
“We want to pass on some of the learnings we’ve gained to the next generation of tailings practitioners, and to some experienced practitioners,” Williams told Australian Mining. “We’ll explain what kinds of things they should be focusing on and not just blindly accepting a number because it comes out of a computer – interrogate the input design parameters and the answers.”
This year’s conference will also spotlight an expanded set of industry expert panels in an effort to draw out real-world insights from specialists who may not typically publish their work.
The panels will explore critical topics including the implementation of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), tailings dewatering, topsoil challenges in mine rehabilitation, and integrated closure planning.
In addition to formal sessions, important networking opportunities will be embedded throughout the event, including scheduled breaks in the exhibition hall and several informal social functions designed to connect delegates across roles and disciplines.
“The key thing is the networking opportunities,” Williams said. “People also prioritise keynote presentations,
Combining the Life of Mine and Mine Waste and Tailings Conferences reflects a deeper shift in the industry toward cross-functional collaboration.
This year’s structure is designed to encourage cross-pollination, with shared access to keynotes, industry expert panels and plenary sessions, as well as a centralised exhibition space for both audiences.
According to Williams, this merging of perspectives also supports the aims of the GISTM, which calls for a more multidisciplinary approach to mining, mine waste management and mine closure.
Early-bird registration is now open for the Life of Mine | Mine Waste and Tailings Conference. With strong local and international interest already building, the conference is shaping up to be one of the industry’s most valuable knowledge-sharing events of the year.
“Life is a continuous learning process, and conferences can add to that experience,” Williams said. “Going to a conference allows you to share some of those things with others and, most importantly, to reconnect with and add to your network of colleagues.” AM
AusIMM’s Life of Mine | Mine Waste and Tailings Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition
8-9
waminingexpo.com.au
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