Australian Mining June 2025

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PILBARA MINERALS’ GLOBAL EXPANSION

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COMMENT

MINING MEETS RESPONSIBILITY TOM PARKER tom.parker@primecreative.com.au

FRONT COVER

PAIRING ESG AND TECHNOLOGY MEANS THE MINING INDUSTRY IS PREPARED FOR A DIGITAL, NET-ZERO FUTURE.

A

s ESG (environmental, social and governance) imperatives continue to shape the future of mining, the June edition of Australian Mining explores how the sector is rising to meet the challenge of producing more – but doing so responsibly.

The mining industry currently stands at a critical juncture. According to FLS head of innovation and MissionZero Lucy England, “the mining sector will need to meet most of the increased demand for minerals, but it must do so while reducing its own environmental and social sustainability”.

It’s a daunting balance to strike, but one that’s increasingly nonnegotiable for operators, investors, and communities alike.

The June edition of Australian Mining speaks to those on the frontline of sustainable mining. We sit down with PLS chief executive officer Dale Henderson – who also graces our front cover – to discuss the company’s ongoing growth and how ESG considerations are integrated into its strategy.

Once known as Pilbara Minerals, PLS has firmly cemented its position as a global lithium leader with its biggest production

expansion to date – the P1000 lithium project in Western Australia.

The P1000 expansion isn’t just about adding tonnes; it’s about adding significant infrastructure and process improvements to help optimise recovery, improve efficiency and prepare the site for future flexibility.

Brokk Australia also shares how its remote-controlled demolition robots are being deployed at a fully electric underground mine in Greece – a clear example of how safety, efficiency, and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.

Elsewhere, we shine a light on technology providers and OEMs reimagining the mining process. From digital optimisation to electric mobility, the tools for transformation are here – it’s now a matter of adoption and scale.

This edition showcases the companies embracing these shifts, and the leaders helping to redefine what responsible mining looks like in 2025 and beyond.

Happy reading.

Tom Parker Managing Editor

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AUSTRALIANMINING 3 JUNE 2025

Pilbara Minerals (PLS) is one of the world’s premier lithium companies, with a presence in Western Australia through its flagship Pilgangoora mining operation, South Korea and Brazil.

In fact, PLS recently acquired Latin Resources and the Colina lithium project to signal its entrance into the South American lithium industry.

“One of our strategic pillars is to diversify revenue beyond the Pilgangoora asset,” PLS chief executive officer Dale Henderson said.

“As PLS matured as a business and we were in a position to consider an acquisition, we looked at many lithium assets around the world.”

It was the Colina orebody, existing regional infrastructure and expected low operating costs that drew PLS to Brazil.

Cover image: Pilbara Minerals

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IN THIS ISSUE 24

16 8

LITHIUM

26

ESG

20

ESG

34

ESG

22

ESG

PLS powers ahead PLS chief executive officer Dale Henderson speaks to Australian Mining about the ramp up of the P1000 lithium project and the company’s wider global ambitions.

A blind spot for lost gold Dredge Robotics has added a new string to its bow, with the recovery of valuable minerals complementing its liner-safe dredging capability.

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Embracing ESG Bureau Veritas is helping mining companies set themselves up for an ESG future.

Genus’ time to shine Genus has timed its run perfectly, becoming an esteemed services provider just as the energy transformation accelerates.

46

MINERAL PROCESSING

52

INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

66

FUEL MANAGEMENT

Sustainability at its core Sefar is propelling a more sustainable mineral processing industry, delivering filtration media that stands the test of time.

INDUSTRY EVENTS

A larger-than-life conference AIMEX’s free-to-attend conference will be the epicentre for industry leaders to discuss mining trends and challenges.

A partnership steeped in trust Big Yellow was all praise when describing MAX Plant’s contribution to an iron ore operation in WA.

Sharpening after-sale support Truflo Pumping Systems is committed to providing top tier service to its clients, partnering with ITT Blakers in WA to help make a difference.

The fuel-management experts Veridapt is a recognised expert in fuel management, delivering solutions that can significantly enhance fuel control.

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30 AUSTRALIANMINING 5 JUNE 2025

FEDERAL ELECTION

A HISTORIC WIN ANTHONY ALBANESE WILL SERVE AS AUSTRALIA’S PRIME MINISTER FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE RESOURCES SECTOR?

O

n May 3, Anthony Albanese was re-elected as Prime Minister for a second term.

The win made history, with Albanese being the first full-term Prime Minister to be elected for a second term since John Howard in 1998.

“Australians have chosen to face global challenges, the Australian way – looking after each other, while building for the future,” Albanese said on May 3.

“When it comes to Australia’s future, all of us have so much reason to be optimistic. When we look at everything going on around the world today, when we consider the changes that will shape the future of the global economy, when we think about our people and their smarts and skills ... there is nowhere else you’d rather be, than right here in Australia.”

Albanese pointed to the resources sector, highlighting its role in a greener future.

“Every Australian who knows that climate change is a challenge we must act together to meet, for the future of our environment, and knows the fact

that renewable energy is an opportunity we must work together to seize for the future of our economy,” he said.

The Federal Government has several plans to seize this opportunity, and several of them run through the resources sector.

A second term will allow the Federal Government to continue its ‘Future Made in Australia’ policy, which aims to maximise the economic and industrial benefits of the net-zero transition and secure Australia’s place in a changing global economic and strategic landscape.

“The Albanese Government has put the resources industry at the heart of its policy making because it knows a strong resources sector means a strong Australia,” Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said of the plan in May 2024.

A total of $22.7 billion will be invested in the plan over the next decade across five areas: • skills and training to build Australia’s future workforce • renewable energy • supporting investment in Australia • utilising natural resources and critical minerals • industrial innovation and technology.

Future Made in Australia will allow eligible entities to claim 10 per cent of expenditure for the processing and refining of Australia’s 31 critical minerals.

The policy will also allocate $3.2 billion in investment over a 10-year period to support the commercialisation of technologies critical to achieving netzero, as well as $1.7 billion to establish a Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund to deploy innovative technologies and facilities linked to priority industries such as mining.

Mineral exploration is also a priority, with a $556 million investment over a ten-year period to support Geoscience Australia in mapping the nation’s endowments of critical minerals.

Australia has also been navigating recently imposed US tariffs, which involve a 25 per cent tariff on Australian aluminium and steel imports into the US. The Federal Government has outlined a five-step plan to counter the tariffs. The plan involves: • strengthening Australia’s antidumping regime • supporting affected sectors to expand our trade relationships with new markets

• establishing an economic resilience program through the National Reconstruction Fund • encouraging people to buy Australian products • establishing a $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve.

The latter is particularly significant for the resources sector, at a time where global trading involves greater uncertainty.

The Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve will be based on two new mechanisms: voluntary national offtake agreements and selective stockpiling.

The Federal Government will acquire agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects or secure the option to purchase at a set price.

“It will mean we can deal with trade and market disruptions from a position of strength,” Albanese said in April.

As the world continues to look towards a greener future, Australia is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the movement.

And with the newly re-elected Federal Government, the resources sector is poised to be at the heart of the transition. AM

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COVER STORY

IMAGES: PLS

CONSTRUCTION OF THE P1000 EXPANSION PROJECT WAS COMPLETED IN JANUARY.

PLS POWERS AHEAD PLS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DALE HENDERSON SPEAKS TO AUSTRALIAN MINING ABOUT THE RAMP UP OF THE P1000 PROJECT AND THE COMPANY’S WIDER GLOBAL AMBITIONS.

P

ilbara Minerals (PLS) has firmly cemented its position as a global lithium leader with the completion of its biggest production expansion to date – the P1000 lithium project in Western Australia.

At the heart of this momentum is a clear vision on market cycles, operational excellence and disciplined growth.

These are principles that PLS chief executive officer Dale Henderson said positions the company well for the next upswing in lithium prices.

“Construction of the P1000 expansion project was completed in January, marking the end of a transformational two-year investment cycle,” Henderson told Australian Mining.

“Ramp up is now complete and we’re entering the optimisation phase of the project with a focus on achieving higher production volumes and lower unit cost.”

P1000, located at the company’s flagship Pilgangoora operation in WA, adds approximately 320,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of spodumene concentrate production capacity.

It builds on the infrastructure and capacity added through the earlier P680

expansion, bringing the Pilgangoora operation’s total nameplate capacity to about 1Mtpa when including both the Pilgan and Ngungaju plants.

“This is in lock step with our phased growth plan to optimise production rates and remain a low-cost producer,” Henderson said.

“We’re moving from a growth to consolidation and optimisation phase, ensuring PLS remains in a strong position to thrive as demand for lithium grows in the future.”

The P1000 expansion wasn’t just about adding tonnes; it also included significant infrastructure and process improvements to help optimise recovery, improve efficiency and prepare the site for future flexibility.

“The P1000 expansion project leverages our earlier investment in additional primary rejection, crushing and ore sorting capacity from the P680 expansion project,” Henderson said.

“It involved a series of upgrades to the Pilgan plant’s concentrator and a range of supporting infrastructure which will be tied into the existing flowsheet.”

These upgrades included the duplication of the tertiary crushing, ball mill and flotation circuits, plus

the addition of pre-flotation magnetic separation, secondary tantalum recovery, heavy media separation tailings, and a new split water circuit and concentrate dewatering circuit.

Non-process infrastructure investments included the construction of a new 15-million-litre raw water storage dam and extension of the borefield pumping and piping network to increase water supply.

Notably, PLS completed construction and achieved first ore ahead of schedule.

“We had an excellent team on this project and high-quality contracting partners working with us, so pleasingly we were able to complete construction and achieve first ore two months ahead of schedule,” Henderson said.

“That’s no mean feat, and I’m extremely proud of the team’s effort on this one, led by our project director Paul Laybourne.”

Henderson added that while the project was a success, it came with a timely reminder of the environment PLS operates in.

“Just as we achieved first ore, a tropical cyclone formed and was predicted to hit close to our operation,” Henderson said.

AUSTRALIANMINING 8 JUNE 2025

PLS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DALE HENDERSON.

“In the end it tracked further east and fortunately we weren’t directly impacted, but it’s a reminder of the harsh environment we operate in and there are some things you can’t control.”

Navigating lithium’s evolving landscape

With the expanded capacity now online, PLS is confronting a very different market than the one that drove the original expansion.

Lithium prices have corrected sharply from their 2022 highs, prompting

COVER STORY

THE SIX-MEGAWATT SOLAR FARM AT THE PILGANGOORA OPERATION.

cutbacks and uncertainty across the sector.

“Lithium is still a young and rapidly evolving market, fuelled by technological breakthroughs, government policies, and the global shift toward cleaner energy, so shortterm pricing volatility is to be expected,” Henderson said.

“The price spike we saw in 2022 encouraged new entrants to the market or the expansion of production and as that product has entered, it created the current situation of oversupply.”

Henderson believes the correction will reset the market for a stronger future.

“We’re currently witnessing a rebalancing of the market with

production curtailments across the sector,” he said.

“Pricing at its current level is unprofitable and unsustainable for the majority of raw material producers, which could potentially lead to even further cuts in production.”

Concurrently, Henderson said, PLS is seeing strong signals from the market

THE P1000 PROJECT ADDS APPROXIMATELY 320,000 TONNES PER ANNUM OF SPODUMENE PRODUCTION CAPACITY.

about future demand growth for lithium driven by electric vehicles (EVs) and mass energy storage.

“These conditions are setting the stage for the next phase of the cycle,” he said. “We’re preparing our operation and business for this future state by preserving our current position and maintaining our options for future growth.”

Global ambitions

While Pilgangoora remains PLS’ core asset, the company is actively pursuing international diversification.

Its recent acquisition of Latin Resources gave PLS control of the Colina project in Brazil – a move that helps broaden the company’s revenue streams and geographic exposure.

“One of our strategic pillars is to diversify revenue beyond the Pilgangoora asset,” Henderson said.

“As PLS matured as a business and we were in a position to consider an acquisition, we looked at many lithium assets around the world.”

Henderson said PLS was attracted to the Colina project due to the quality of the orebody, existing regional infrastructure, expected low operating costs, government support for the industry and the reputation of the Minas Gerais region as a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction.

“We see Brazil as a strategic hub for Latin America and South America in strengthening global supply chains,” Henderson said.

AUSTRALIANMINING 9 JUNE 2025

COVER STORY

local jobs in Western Australia while producing a higher-value, lithiumenriched product at the mine site which would support decarbonisation by reducing transport volumes to our customers.”

PLS CONTINUES TO PRIORITISE GROWTH DESPITE THE LITHIUM DOWNTURN.

A leading force for the future

“The pro-mining jurisdiction, fast-tracked permitting regime and supportive local government in Minas Gerais provides us with near-term production optionality at Colina, making Brazil an attractive investment area.”

PLS believes Colina offers compelling economics and an opportunity to deliver meaningful local impact.

“Colina is a low capital intensity project that has the potential to provide attractive returns and unlock new battery end markets for PLS in North and South America,” Henderson said.

“We also recognise the opportunity to create generational change for the local community near the Colina project and surrounding areas by providing new job and business opportunities that will have lasting social and economic benefits to the community.”

The Colina acquisition doesn’t just expand PLS’ geographic reach, it also provides a new platform to apply the company’s proven technical expertise.

“As the developer and operator of one of the world’s largest hard rock lithium operations at our Pilgangoora operation, we have significant technical and operating experience to bring to the Colina project,” Henderson said.

“We will leverage our existing capability in exploration, resource development, project delivery, operations and lithium marketing with the local and project-specific knowledge of our Brazilian team as we advance Colina.”

Closer to home, PLS has also resumed construction of its mid-stream

demonstration plant in partnership with Calix.

The project, paused in late 2024 due to market conditions, is back on track and will test the world’s first industrialscale electric spodumene calciner.

“The project aims to construct and operate a demonstration scale plant featuring the world’s first industrial scale electric spodumene calciner,” Henderson said. “This technology could create additional

THE P1000 PROJECT IS LOCATED AT THE COMPANY’S FLAGSHIP PILGANGOORA OPERATION IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

AUSTRALIANMINING 10 JUNE 2025

With a strengthened production base, growing international footprint and ongoing innovation efforts, PLS is preparing to extend its lead in the lithium market.

“PLS is recognised as a pioneer in the lithium sector, with a strong balance sheet, proven track record, and (a profile that sees us) operating at the lower end of the cost curve,” Henderson said.

“We are well positioned in the global market with an expanding portfolio of global assets, integration into the supply chain and market optionality.”

Henderson said everything PLS has been working on recent years has been part of the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“On a five-year outlook, we have significant growth optionality within our existing asset portfolio and a strong balance sheet and team to deliver it, when market conditions support supply growth,” Henderson said.

“We believe we are incredibly well positioned to extend our position over time as a leading supplier in this futurefacing industry.” AM

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ESG

A GOLDEN TRANSITION IMAGE: OLYASOLODENKO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

EVOLUTION MINING’S MT RAWDON PUMPED HYDRO PROJECT IN QUEENSLAND IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW A MINE CAN BE REPURPOSED TO BECOME A CLEAN ENERGY GENERATOR.

A PUMPED HYDRO SYSTEM SEES WATER MOVE BETWEEN TWO OR MORE RESERVOIRS TO STORE AND GENERATE ENERGY.

L

ike the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

That is the case for Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon gold operation in Queensland, which ceased mining operations during the September 2024 quarter.

Once the final ore processing is complete at the end of the 2024–25 financial year, Mt Rawdon will be converted into a pumped hydro project via a 50:50 joint venture between Evolution and ICA Partners.

The Mt Rawdon pumped hydro project is expected to provide up to 20 gigawatt hours of renewable energy storage – an amount equivalent to providing power for two million homes each day during times of peak demand, regardless of weather conditions.

According to feasibility studies that commenced in 2021, Mt Rawdon could be one of the most advanced, lowest capital intensive pumped hydro projects in Australia. The transition comes as Australia works to achieve net-zero by 2050.

Australian Mining explores how Mt Rawdon pumped hydro will work and its benefits.

What is pumped hydro?

A standard pumped hydro system sees water move between two or more reservoirs to store and generate energy.

When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir and the force of the falling water spins the turbines. As the turbines spin, electricity is generated and fed into the grid, and water that passes through the turbines is kept in the lower reservoir until it can be pumped back.

When excess electricity is in the grid, the turbines use the excess energy to pump water from the lower reservoir back to the upper reservoir.

In Mt Rawdon’s case, the existing open-cut pit will turn into a lower reservoir, and an upper reservoir will be constructed alongside an underground powerhouse, underground water tunnels and underground access tunnels.

This infrastructure will form a closed loop pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) system. Energy produced by the PHES will feed into the Queensland electricity grid through high-voltage transmission lines spanning 27km, connecting the project site to a new substation at Morganville.

The PHES facility will be able to complete a full cycle within 24 hours,

comprising 10 hours of generation and 14 hours of pumping, allowing for continuous operations seven days a week, even amidst extreme weather events.

The facility’s plant systems and equipment will also be able to operate both automatically and remotely to further enhance efficiency.

Equipped with a regular maintenance program, Mt Rawdon pumped hydro has a design life of 50 years and an operational life of up to 100 years.

The project is expected to create about 800 jobs during the construction phase and 30–50 permanent jobs to support Mt Rawdon’s ongoing operations once construction is complete.

It’s these benefits that caught the eye of the Queensland Government, which announced it would invest $50 million into Mt Rawdon through CleanCo, the state’s publicly-owned energy generator and retailer, to progress the project towards a final investment decision (FID).

“We welcome the (Queensland) Government’s interest and involvement in this landmark project, which is set to facilitate low-cost green power and provide jobs to the community and Queensland for decades to

AUSTRALIANMINING 12 JUNE 2025

come,” Evolution executive chair Jake Klein said.

Evolution, ICA and CleanCo also entered into a development investment agreement.

CleanCo agreed to provide $30 million in initial funding to Mt Rawdon pumped hydro for further feasibility work, which is expected to be completed

by September 30.

CleanCo also has the option to acquire the project from Evolution and ICA via an upfront payment of $50 million, which would be shared equally between both companies. The option is exercisable on or before September 30.

If CleanCo exercises the call option and if a FID is made on or before June 30, 2028, then CleanCo would make another of $100 million payment for the acquisition. “(Mt Rawdon pumped hydro) will be instrumental in the transition of the Queensland energy sector to renewable energy by providing low-cost, longterm energy storage for Queensland’s abundant solar resource,” ICA executive director Michael Siede said.

Regardless of the company that ends up owning and operating Mt Rawdon pumped hydro, it is clear the project is one to keep an eye out for. AM

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ESG

TRANSFORMING MINE CLOSURES ALGAE CULTIVATION IS GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES THROUGH ITS ABILITY TO TRANSFORM POST-MINE LANDSCAPES.

T

he multi-billion-dollar algae industry could soon play a crucial role in helping miners achieve net zero carbon emissions while boosting economic opportunities for local communities.

Algae technologies are emerging as a game-changer for improving mineclosure outcomes, capturing carbon dioxide, removing pollutants, boosting plant growth and suppressing dust on mine sites.

A recent report published by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME) and led by CSIRO senior principal research scientist Dr Anna H. Kaksonen has shown how algae could support the global green transition and reshape rehabilitation practices in Australia’s mining sector.

“We found that there are plenty of opportunities where algae could be used for beneficial uses or applications at mine sites. It could provide opportunities for mining companies to move towards the net zero target and achieve environmental goals,” Kaksonen said.

How algae can transform mine sites

Why major miners are backing algae

Major miners including Fortescue, Rio Tinto and South32, along with the Minerals Research Institute of Western

Australia (MRIWA) and Heidelberg Minerals have supported the project, recognising the potential environmental and economic gains.

According to a CSIRO report prepared for CRC TiME, 240 Australian mines are projected to close by 2040.

Algae-based rehabilitation offers a way to reduce the environmental footprint of these closures while creating regional and Indigenous business opportunities.

Implementation could be straightforward with existing mine pit water redirected to algal cultivation systems during operations Traditionally, mine water has been treated with alkaline chemicals to neutralise pH and precipitate metals, a process that generates large volumes of sludge needing disposal.

By contrast, algae-based sulfate reduction allows for the removal of metals as metal sulfides, which could potentially be recovered for use as smelter feedstock.

Other advantages of algae cultivation include its ability to be easily developed on-site, while algae naturally capture and fix atmospheric CO2 during photosynthesis, helping further mitigate mining-related emissions.

Producing algae on-site reduces transportation emissions and logistical

IMAGE: LORENZA62/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The collaborative project between CSIRO, the University of Queensland

and Murdoch University revealed that cultivating algae in contaminated mine water could provide a sustainable path forward for mining operations.

The report found that algae could be used to treat mine water by removing nutrients, salts, and acidity, while its biomass could serve as a carbon and electron donor in sulfate reduction-based processes to remove metals and sulfate.

“Algal biomass can be used as an organic material to cover sulfidic mine wastes that would otherwise generate acid mine drainage, and also has the potential to support dust suppression or create topsoil for rehabilitating mine sites,” Kaksonen said. “Algae can also enhance plant growth and be used as a fertiliser for that purpose.”

Depending on whether micro- or macro algae are used, algae can be grown on-site using raceway ponds, bioreactors, or floating culture systems, for example.

Harvested algae can then either be processed further, including to extract high-value components or used directly for mine site rehabilitation and water treatment.

A NEW CSIRO REPORT HAS UNLOCKED ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ALGAE CULTIVATION FROM MINE SITE WATER.

AUSTRALIANMINING 14 JUNE 2025

challenges – critical factors for remote mine sites where sourcing traditional organic materials for topsoil creation can be difficult.

Unlocking opportunities for communities

Beyond environmental benefits, Kaksonen said algae technologies could deliver economic opportunities for local and First Nations communities.

“There could be opportunities for First Nations people and other communities to cultivate algae, which could then be applied on-site or used to create businesses focused on algae-based products,” she said. “These products could include pigments, bioplastics, feed for aquaculture or agriculture, or even biofuels. Algae can be used to create a range of valuable bio-based products that could be marketed to various industries.”

What’s next?

A stage one project report exploring algae cultivation on mine sites has been completed, alongside a short fact sheet outlining key findings.

The plans for stage two include developing a compendium on regulatory and biosecurity considerations for algae cultivation and use at mine sites, and for the use of algal products outside mines.

The team also plans to characterise naturally occurring microalgae in mine water samples from partner companies, determine the potential for cultivating algae in mine water, and evaluate the performance of algal biomass in selected applications such as mine water treatment and topsoil creation.

Depending on available funding, stage two could also include a technoeconomic assessment and lifecycle analysis to determine the economic viability and environmental impacts of selected applications, as well as community engagement to identify opportunities for Traditional Owners.

According to Kaksonen, algae technologies offer real opportunities for mining companies and communities alike.

“I’m hoping that through algal technologies, mine sites could be turned from what might be a degraded environment to something that’s productive and green, and that provides bio-based opportunities and green environments for local communities beyond a mine’s life,” she said.

The project team welcomes new mining companies and government agencies to join the next phase of the project. AM

ESG

DOING MORE WITH LESS FLS IS TAKING A HOLISTIC VIEW OF THE ENTIRE METALLURGICAL PROCESS TO UNLOCK VALUE ACROSS RECOVERY, EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY.

A

“At FLS, we like to say the secret is in the rocks,” England said. “By taking a holistic view of the entire metallurgical process and working in a fully integrated manner, we unlock value across recovery, efficiency, and sustainability.”

This approach enables operations to access lower-grade resources once deemed uneconomical, while reducing energy, water and land impacts.

“And it’s not just about having the best equipment – it’s about deploying it where and how it truly matters,” England said.

“That’s how we help shape a mining industry that is more future-ready, responsible, and resilient.”

The FLS Minerals Testing and Research Centre is central to this approach. Located in Salt Lake City Utah, the centre delivers state-of-the-art mineralogical and metallurgical testing services that underpin proper equipment selection, flowsheet design, plant troubleshooting, and research.

“No two deposits are the same, so this detailed testing ensures our flowsheets listen to the rocks to deliver an optimised, sustainable solution,” England said While FLS is most known for its equipment offering, its MissionZero Mine incorporates various innovations – some evolutionary, some revolutionary – that create a more sustainable mineral

processing flowsheet of the future.

This includes a suite of grinding technologies.

“Advanced grinding technologies, such as high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR), vertical roller mills (VRM), the FLS Tower Mill (FTM), or our Eccentric Roll Crusher (ERC), have the potential to reduce energy consumption in certain mineral processing flowsheets compared to traditional grinding methods,” England said.

“They may have a particular role as ores get harder and more disseminated, requiring more control over particle size to ensure effective liberation.”

Meanwhile, dry grinding processes like HPGR and VRM also improve water management.

“Dry grinding means the water added during post-grinding repulping can be tailored to optimise recovery in the flotation circuit,” England said.

“This compares to traditional flowsheets, where the grinding circuit determines the water content of slurries.”

A revolution in separation

Beyond the grinding equipment, FLS’ REFLUX family of technologies offers the opportunity to revolutionise mineral

IMAGES: FLS

ccording to the International Energy Agency (IEA), mineral demand is expected to triple by 2050, fuelled by economic growth, urbanisation, and a rising global population.

At the same time, the green transition will further drive demand for minerals like copper and lithium.

While recycling will play a role here, FLS head of innovation and MissionZero Lucy England said mining will be the key driver.

“The mining sector will need to meet most of the increased demand for minerals, but it must do so while reducing its own environmental and social sustainability,” she told Australian Mining.

“Driven by this challenge, we at FLS are committed to delivering solutions that shape tomorrow’s mine.”

FLS is doing this via its MissionZero Mine, which aims to empower miners to maximise productivity while reducing environmental impact across the mineral processing flowsheet.

At the heart of this approach is the company’s life-of-mine methodology, combining ore characteristics and customer needs to create flowsheets tailored to the mining site and application.

ADVANCED GRINDING TECHNOLOGIES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION.

AUSTRALIANMINING 16 JUNE 2025

SEVERAL FLS REFLUX-BASED SOLUTIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE WIDER MINING SECTOR.

separation efficiency while significantly reducing energy and other inputs.

“The REFLUX concept was developed in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales,” England said.

“Combining inclined lamella plates with a fluidised bed, the REFLUX concept improves recovery of off-size particles, offers high throughput in a much reduced footprint, and cuts energy and water consumption, perfectly aligning with our goal to do more with less.”

Several REFLUX-based solutions are now available to the wider mining sector, including the recently commercialised REFLUX Flotation Cell (RFC) and coarseAIR coarse particle flotation technology.

The latter is a lynchpin of the MissionZero Mine, as coarse particle flotation significantly reduces comminution energy consumption and facilitates faster and more effective dewatering, enabling filtered or dry tailings.

Other dewatering solutions under development include advances in the design of high-rate and paste thickeners with the introduction of: • new rake designs for thickened tailings • the AFP2525 tailings filter press, which uses high pressures and low cycle times to achieve significantly larger single-machine capacities • EcoTails filtered tailings • EcoPaste tailings.

“We are also investing in research to address the issue of chemical build-up

ESG

FLS KREBS PUMPS ARE COMMON SIGHTS AT MANY MINE SITES.

in recycled process water, which can impact flotation efficiency,” England said, noting the company offers MaxR systems and reactor clarifiers to treat acid water and heavy metals build-up in tailings water streams.

Tailings are also increasingly being recognised as an essential source of mineral production, as mining companies reevaluate what is economically viable to extract.

“We expect to see greater reprocessing of tailings and a sharper focus on co-products in mineral processing flowsheets of the future using our REFLUX classifier (RC) and Reflux GradePro classifier,” England said.

Pumping sustainably

FLS KREBS pumps are common sights at many mines, but they might not be the first things called to mind when thinking about sustainability.

The significant energy consumption of KREBS pumps makes them an important target for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy-based carbon emissions.

“A recent life cycle assessment demonstrated that the adoption of KREBS pumps can lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through their enhanced energy efficiency when in operation,” England said.

Driving this benefit is the pumps’ patented wear ring technology.

According to FLS, this minimises recirculation, reduces grinding losses, and extends the lifespan of wear components.

“Performance studies conducted at real-world mining operations have documented energy efficiency improvements ranging from 5.3 per cent to 34.1 per cent, depending on operating conditions,” England said.

Hot on pyrometallurgy

An essential – if sometimes overlooked – part of the mineral processing flowsheet is pyrometallurgy.

FLS has a long and distinguished history in pyroprocessing, having pioneered the coal-fired rotary kiln in the late nineteenth century.

Today, the company’s Pyro Technology Centre of Excellence in Allentown, Pennsylvania is leading the development of more sustainable pyrometallurgical processes for producing critical minerals, particularly lithium.

“Our innovative lithium pyro island for spodumene concentrate conversion is the culmination of our most advanced technologies working together and features our state-of-the-art preheaters and coolers,” England said.

“It enables us to extract the maximum amount of lithium from the spodumene concentrate while minimising energy use

AUSTRALIANMINING 17 JUNE 2025

and reducing carbon intensity – again doing more with less.

“Meanwhile, our multiple hearth furnace supports circularity in lithium processing (as well as cutting Scope 3 carbon emissions) by enabling lithium producers to recycle the lime used in lithium hydroxide production.

“Our pyrometallurgical equipment can also run using alternative (non-fossil) biofuels, hydrogen, and electric heating technologies.”

Shaping the future, today

FLS firmly believes the future of mining is cleaner, more nature-positive, and more efficient.

“How individual mines achieve this will vary greatly,” England said. “There will be many flowsheets of the future, each contributing to a sustainable mining industry that not only provides the world with the minerals it needs to thrive.” AM

ESG

IMAGES: TECPRO AUSTRALIA

THE DUST CRAWLER IS AN ECO-FRIENDLY ALTERNATIVE TO TRADITIONAL WATER TRUCKS AND OTHER DIESEL VEHICLES.

BUSTING THE DUST AS MINERS LOOK TO MAINTAIN HIGH SAFETY STANDARDS WHILE REDUCING THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT, THE DUST CRAWLER’S AUSTRALIAN DEBUT COULDN’T HAVE COME AT A BETTER TIME.

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iners often work in tough environmental conditions, including those with high levels of dust.

This dust exposure can lead to the development of respiratory illnesses such as pneumoconiosis and silicosis if a site doesn’t take a proactive approach in managing air quality.

To combat this challenge, Tecpro is bringing the Dust Crawler to the Australian mining sector.

Developed by Italian emissions control equipment manufacturer EmiControls, the Dust Crawler is the world’s first fully electric dust control vehicle designed to tackle dust suppression on mine sites, quarries and other industrial operations.

“In 2018, I was visiting a site in the northern part of Scandinavia, where there was this large extraction company with lots of mining and quarries,” EmiControls dust division manager

Alverman Soster told Australian Mining.

“We were installing another system for them, and we spoke with the site manager, who explained they were having an issue with their tailing pond as it was filled with large amounts of mud because they were pumping with water.

“The problem with that was the material becomes dry and it’s so fine that even light wind creates this cloud of dust going for kilometres.”

The only way the company could manage this issue was to use a helicopter to spray water over the area.

“Because the material was so soft, it was impossible to go in with traditional tractors such as a bulldozer as there’s a high risk of getting stuck over there,” Soster said.

“This got me thinking about how EmiControls technology could help find a solution, as we manufacture equipment and machinery for dust suppression.”

THE DUST CRAWLER OPERATES AUTONOMOUSLY TO DELIVER TARGETED DUST CONTROL WITH MINIMAL WATER USAGE.

Around this time, EmiControls’ parent company TechnoAlpin manufactured a fully electric crawler to groom snow on ski slopes. Soster looked at this machinery and had the idea to combine it with EmiControls’ dust control technology.

This is how the Dust Crawler was born, with its first prototype developed and delivered in November 2022. By April 2023, the vehicle was launched to market.

AUSTRALIANMINING 18 JUNE 2025

“The main advantage of a solution like the Dust Crawler is we can design it to the dimension the customer needs,” Soster said.

Other benefits of the Dust Crawler include its all-terrain crawler chassis, 5000-litre water tank, and six-hour battery operating time.

Alongside the fog cannon, a spray bar with nozzles is installed at the rear end of the tracks, which moistens the soil and seals the haul roads surface.

ESG

“If you’re able to catch the wind and spray water with it, you could even reach 200m in distance,” Soster said.

“If you use the Dust Crawler alongside the V22 dust control turbine, you have up to six hours of autonomous operations with the battery. If you leave the vehicle in one spot and just spray, you can operate for 10–12 hours. You only need water; the main concern is having water available.”

The Dust Crawler’s advanced misting technology ensures fine water droplets effectively capture airborne dust particles, preventing their spread and improving air quality on-site.

The Dust Crawler can also be equipped with the V12S dust controller or the V22 fog cannon, the latter of which has a throwing range of up to 90m, enabling the Dust Crawler to easily control dust over large areas.

“The benefit of the Dust Crawler being a tracked and mobile vehicle is through one vehicle, you can cover several areas throughout the mine that you would need multiple systems to reach otherwise,” Tecpro Australia director Patrick Cooper told Australian Mining.

“If the wind’s blowing in a particular direction, you can move the vehicle upwind of where dust is being generated, dramatically improving the amount of area that each cannon will cover.”

The Dust Crawler is suited to mining applications that generate high levels of

dust, including tailings, drill and blast, and stockpiles.

Soster said those currently using the Dust Crawler appreciate how easy it is to maintain.

“The vehicle is really comfortable; the seat, the heating system, the cooling system, the monitor and the display are really ergonomic,” Soster said.

“The filter, special pump, heating system, pressure sensor and temperature sensor are managed automatically by the machine, so it’s not possible to cause any damage.”

Above all, EmiControls aims to create solutions that guarantee less emissions.

“All our equipment and everything we do is designed to help more people comply with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) standards,” Soster said.

“EmiControls is here to tremendously decrease dust emissions, especially those from silica and asbestos. We have also developed our sophisticated CURT (control of remote turbine) system where we can monitor the emissions with our sensors and automate dust control without any human interface.”

As mining companies look to decarbonise their operations, EmiControls and its Australian partner Tecpro are here to provide dust control solutions that enhance personnel safety and sustainability compliance. AM

THE DUST CRAWLER WAS DESIGNED TO SUIT SEVERAL MINING APPLICATIONS THAT GENERATE HIGH DUST LEVELS.

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ESG

A BLIND SPOT FOR LOST GOLD DREDGE ROBOTICS HAS ADDED A NEW STRING TO ITS BOW, WITH THE RECOVERY OF VALUABLE MINERALS COMPLEMENTING ITS LINER-SAFE DREDGING CAPABILITY. DREDGE’S PATENTED ROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY CAN, WHILE OPERATIONS REMAIN ONLINE, SAFELY DREDGE PONDS BACK TO BARE LINER.

IMAGES: DREDGE ROBOTICS

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he upkeep of lined ponds is an important but sometimes overlooked process on a mine site.

Mine operators have an obligation to hold storage in their lined pond as part of their mining license. If it gets to the point that they have limited or zero storage available, they could be violating their license and require a quick fix.

Enter Dredge Robotics.

Mining companies across Australia have turned to Dredge Robotics for a range of services, with the heavy dredging of lined ponds key among them.

Dredge’s patented robotic technology can, while operations remain online, safely dredge ponds back to bare liner, enabling these critical facilities to look like new again.

“Our robots can access all areas of lined ponds,” Dredge Robotics chief executive officer Antony Old told Australian Mining. “It doesn’t matter what commodity you’ve got in there, be it coal, lithium, nickel, lead or gold, the machine can safely traverse the pond without damaging it.

“The robot can not only clean the pond for you, but it can also recover valuable minerals that have been naturally discarded during mineral processing.”

This application has proven valuable to miners of various commodities, including gold.

“When deposited, gold, being a heavy metal, tends to fall to the bottom of the pond and aggregate immediately above the liner,” Old said. “As our dredging robot goes to work collecting mud and safely cleaning the pond, it can also collect any discarded minerals.”

On some jobs, Old said Dredge has recovered millions of dollars’ worth of gold from lined ponds.

“Ponds can be a blind spot for lost gold and lost minerals,” he said.

“A miner digs up ore, which is then crushed, screened and processed, but before the material gets to the tailings facility, there’s typically a lined pond in the middle somewhere.

“Material enters the pond before being discarded to tailings, which means valuable minerals not picked up during processing can end up in a lined pond.”

Dredge has also helped lithium and lead miners recover lost minerals deposited in lined ponds, with a nickel project ongoing.

Artificial intelligence

MINING COMPANIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA HAVE TURNED TO DREDGE ROBOTICS FOR A RANGE OF SERVICES.

As Dredge Robotics grows, with the company recently surpassing 100 employees, its technology is also expanding through the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

“The primary focus of the machines for liner-safe dredging is to recover material from lined ponds and free up space for clients,” Old said.

“Sometimes those environments might have a challenging liquor, like high or low pH, and sometimes there might be complicating factors, with some clients dealing with stringent regulator control or compromised liners.

“The technology must be able to reliably navigate those challenges and still remove the product at a rate that’s economical. This has seen us add new features into the robots so they can do more complicated things.

“In order to tie together new functions, we’ve created a unified AUSTRALIANMINING 20 JUNE 2025

software platform that can be integrated with third-party programming, providing a seamless operating system for the pilots and the entire Dredge organisation.”

Old said Dredge pilots and employees can log into an app and monitor the progress of active dredging operations, with insights made available to clients.

“AI has opened new doors to be able to process big data really quickly in real time,” he said. “And we’re putting our developments into practice, with our AI-led control systems now entering real-world environments, with fantastic results achieved so far.

“We’re able to easily pattern and integrate new hardware, software and capabilities into our machines and automate functionality, so that if we want to make the machine repeat a pattern, or make it respond in a certain way, depending on what the environment is doing, we now can.”

Never has the Australian mining sector needed to be more environmentally conscious, with past events underpinning tightened regulations and a new era of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

This has seen Dredge Robotics step in and become an important partner for mine operators, enabling new technologies to blossom and a new circular economy to be implemented. AM

ESG

EMBRACING ESG

BUREAU VERITAS PROVIDES ASSURANCE SERVICES TO HELP MINING COMPANIES ACCURATELY DISCLOSE THEIR ESG PERFORMANCE.

T

he Australian mining industry is facing tighter regulations than ever before, with heightened decarbonisation and disclosure reforms being imposed amidst the cleanenergy transition.

Stakeholders are demanding greater transparency in sustainability performance and corporate governance, seeking a demonstration of intent, progress, and integrity.

While there’s a lot the modern miner must digest and scrutinise, the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector is stepping up to support a new era of operational stewardship.

Enter Bureau Veritas.

A global leader in testing, inspection and certification (TIC), the near-200year-old company has a headcount of 84,000 employees operating in 140 countries.

In line with its compliance, risk management and business improvement roots, Bureau Veritas is also a specialist ESG and sustainability services provider offering independent auditing and assurance services.

“Mining companies are facing pressure to accurately disclose their ESG performance to an increased number of stakeholders,” Bureau Veritas general manager – certification and sustainability Jeremy Leu told Australian Mining.

BUREAU VERITAS IS A SPECIALIST ESG AND SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES PROVIDER.

“Through our assurance engagements, we verify ESG claims and issue independent statements that stakeholders, including investors, can trust and rely upon to make wellinformed decisions.”

Leu said most assurance engagements were conducted against generic ESG frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), or against customised criteria often requested by banks as an ongoing condition of their sustainability-linked loan (SLL).

“To further support our mining clients’ sustainability goals, we’ve expanded our assurance services into more specialised, commodity-specific frameworks such as the Responsible Gold Mining Principles (RGMP) and The Copper Mark, which advocate for responsible practices in these respective commodities,” Leu said.

Complementing its independent assurance services is Bureau Veritas proprietary ESG audit framework for mine sites and refineries, developed in the context of the European Union (EU) Battery Regulation.

“The EU Battery Regulation imposes due-diligence obligations on economic operators,” Leu said. “If you’re an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, you’ve got an obligation to ensure your supply chain and upstream suppliers, including suppliers of raw materials, are conducting business in a responsible manner.”

IMAGES: BUREAU VERITAS

BUREAU VERITAS IS HELPING MINING COMPANIES SET THEMSELVES UP FOR AN ESG FUTURE.

Leu said Bureau Veritas’ ESG audits were particularly comprehensive and cost-effective.

“In response to market demand and in the absence of an affordable compliance solution, we’ve developed our own ESG audit framework, trained specialist auditors globally and successfully tested our methodology in several lithium, cobalt, nickel and other battery chemicals mines and suppliers globally.”

Bureau Veritas covers off a large range of topics to ensure its ESG audits are thorough, with questions centred on ethical business, impact management, responsible sourcing, health and safety, labour and human rights, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, to name a few topics.

In addition to its ESG auditing and assurance services, Bureau Veritas is also known for its modern slavery riskmanagement offerings. The company works with mining companies to help them combat modern slavery within their supply chains.

“Our service enables companies to identify their modern slavery risks based on a number of criteria, from inherent country and industry risks to continuous AI-powered screening of supplier’s ESG controversies and risks from the web, and review of evidence from targeted questionnaires,” Leu said.

AUSTRALIANMINING 22 JUNE 2025

“When the risk is high, our global footprint of experienced social auditors enables us to conduct cost-effective onsite audits against customised modern slavery-related criteria, such as labour conditions and health and safety, or against social schemes such as SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit).”

Leveraging its experience in this domain, Bureau Veritas also provides independent assurance over the information disclosed in clients’ modern slavery statements to ensure the reliability of the reported information.

“As the industry continues to grapple with heightened expectations around sustainability, Bureau Veritas’ suite of specialised services can enable mining companies to build credibility, manage risks, and align their business strategies with the growing demand for sustainable development,” Leu said.

“We are well-positioned to serve as a trusted intermediary, leveraging our global expertise, extensive experience, and commitment to impartial verification to help mining firms navigate this evolving landscape of ESG reporting and stakeholder demands.

“Maintaining their social license to operate is crucial, and our services can be instrumental in enabling mining companies to demonstrate their environmental and social responsibility to a wide range of stakeholders.” AM

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ESG

POWERING A SMOOTH ENERGY TRANSITION ADOPTING A FLEXIBLE APPROACH WHEN IMPLEMENTING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS IS KEY TO HELPING MINERS ACHIEVE THEIR ESG GOALS.

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ecarbonisation has long been a crucial aspect of ESG (environmental, social and governance) standards across the globe.

This is especially true for Australian mining companies looking to reduce their emissions to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030.

However, the sector will not be able to meet this goal, and the larger push to net-zero by 2050, without adopting strong ESG standards.

“There is increased demand for industry-leading ESG performance,” Aggreko head of ESG, APAC (Asia-Pacific) Matt Hunter told Australian Mining.

“The key stakeholders of mining organisations are driving improved ESG performance, whether it be via investors, shareholders, government bodies or internal commitments.”

While decarbonisation is a priority for several mining companies, there are some factors posing difficulties, including the cost of investing in lowcarbon energy sources and associated infrastructure, ongoing regulatory changes and varying societal attitudes.

That being said, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

“There are growing benefits to decarbonisation either through ‘green finance’ or minimising the impacts of Australian legislative requirements

such as the Safeguard Mechanism,” Hunter said.

“The Safeguard Mechanism covers facilities that emit more than 100,000 tonnes (t) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) per financial year and aims to ‘predictably and gradually over time’ reduce baseline emissions to contribute to Australia’s 2030 and 2050 emission reduction targets.

“This will be achieved either through the implementation of technology to reduce pollution or through the purchase of carbon credits.

“While many technologies such as hydrogen- and battery-powered haul trucks still require further development, renewable energy and hybrid power solutions offer a proven and costeffective solution to assist organisations in meeting decarbonisation targets.”

Renewables refer to energy sources that aren’t depleted when used, like wind and solar, while hybrid technology refers to one renewable energy system being integrated with another.

Benefits of hybrid power outside of emissions reduction include being able to scale the solution to meet different energy demands, being cheaper to run compared to standalone gas or diesel systems, and providing uninterrupted power during outages.

“Most mining companies are looking for solutions that will help achieve their ESG objectives and reduce operational costs,” Hunter said. “The benefit of

hybrid energy solutions is that they can achieve both.

“As a result, the majority of new mines are looking to implement hybrid energy solutions as they provide the lowest cost of energy.”

Aggreko, a leading independent power producer in Australia, has over 60 years’ experience in providing a wide range of innovative and flexible modular energy solutions.

The company’s energy solutions include hybrid power stations, solar farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

“Aggreko develops tailored solutions to provide better and cleaner energy solutions for our customers,” Hunter said. “It’s not so much about turning away from traditional power generation but adopting renewable solutions as a cheaper and cleaner alternative.

“While operating on 100 per cent renewable energy is ideal, it’s not always a feasible solution. We work with our customers to develop solutions that maximise emission reductions while being cost effective and meeting site requirements such as environmental or space constraints.

“For locations that want to completely avoid fossil fuels, Aggreko can supply renewable diesel as a lower emission, fossil fuel-free alternative.”

Aggreko utilises a flexible and modular approach when implementing its renewable energy solutions.

IMAGES: AGGREKO

AGGREKO DEVELOPS SOLUTIONS TAILORED TO UNIQUE CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS.

AUSTRALIANMINING 24 JUNE 2025

AGGREKO HAS A LONG-TERM POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH RIO TINTO’S AMRUN BAUXITE PROJECT IN QUEENSLAND.

“We are able to pair our modular and rapidly deployable traditional power generation and BESS units with renewable energy solutions, including solar and wind,” Hunter said.

“Our engineering team works closely with our clients to develop a customised solution that will maximise emission reductions and minimise costs.

“In most cases, hybrid renewable power stations provide significant cost savings over the life of the project by comparison.”

Aggreko has an expansive global track record, successfully implementing renewable energy solutions at mine sites owned by Rio Tinto, Gold Fields and Northern Star Resources.

At Rio Tinto’s Gove bauxite operation in the Northern Territory, Aggreko is building two 5.25-megawatt (MW) solar farms which, when complete, will have a combined capacity of 10.5MW. The solar farms will be built on Rio Tinto’s leases on Gumatj and Rirratjingu Country, as per an agreement signed by Rirratjiu, Gumatj and Galpu Traditional Owners, the Northern Land Council and Rio Tinto in May 2011.

Aggreko will construct, own and operate the solar farms for Rio Tinto for

ESG

up to 10 years. Construction of the farms commenced in July 2024 and completion is scheduled for 2025.

Once operational, the solar farms are expected to reduce the Gove region’s annual diesel consumption by about 20 per cent, or 4.5 million litres per year, as well as lower annual carbon emissions by over 12,000t.

Aggreko will also build, own and operate a 12.4MW solar farm and 8.8MW/2.1MWh BESS under a longterm power purchase agreement for Rio Tinto’s Amrun bauxite project in Weipa, Queensland.

The project, which was awarded to Aggreko in December 2023, will supplement power currently supplied by diesel generators and will help reduce Scope 2 emissions at Weipa by up to 10 per cent.

Once operational, the solar farm and BESS are expected to reduce Amrun’s diesel electricity consumption by 37 per cent or approximately 5.5 million litres of diesel fuel per year. This will reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 14,000t.

“Aggreko recognises it has an important role to play in the energy transition,” Hunter said.

“We’re continually investing in more sustainable products, fuels and services to make greener solutions accessible to customers, helping them wherever they are on their energy transition journey.

“Our sustainability framework, Energising Change, supports our vision of a low-carbon world in which businesses can grow and communities can thrive, both through the benefits of our energy solutions and our commitment to developing skills.

“Energising Change translates this opportunity into clear actions in the areas where we believe we can make the biggest difference: accelerating transition, promoting development and taking responsibility.”

Aggreko is also on its own decarbonisation journey, targeting net-zero emissions for its facilities and operations by 2035.

“As part of our commitment to accelerating transition, Aggreko has set an ambitious target to reduce the emissions intensity of our energy solutions by 30 per cent by 2030,” Hunter said. Through the increased uptake of renewable

hybrid energy solutions, combined with growing availability of alternative fuels such as renewable diesel, we feel that this is a challenging but achievable goal.”

As the demand for electrification and decarbonisation increases around the world, Aggreko expects the demand for renewable energy and hybrid solutions to grow along with it.

“The mining industry is increasingly electrifying its operations to reduce emissions, improve safety and lower costs,” Hunter said.

AGGREKO UNDERSTANDS THAT OPERATING ON 100 PER CENT RENEWABLE ENERGY IS IDEAL BUT NOT ALWAYS FEASIBLE.

AUSTRALIANMINING 25 JUNE 2025

“As the demand for electrification grows, we expect to see a significant uptake in renewable energy adoption as a cost-effective solution.

“Locations that currently rely on grid connectivity may transition to microgrid solutions due to challenges associated with grid capacity and the need for a reliable energy supply.”

Able to leverage its global expertise, Aggreko is bringing energy solutions tailored to the unique needs of the mining industry, supporting the sector’s overarching decarbonisation goals. AM

ESG

GENUS IS RAPIDLY GROWING ITS RENEWABLE ENERGY FOOTPRINT.

GENUS’ TIME TO SHINE

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he energy transformation is reshaping the power and communications landscape, with the demand for green technologies opening new commercial pathways for service and infrastructure providers.

This has seen clean-energy adopters, whether it be government entities, energy providers or mining companies, to name a few, turn to Genus to help set them up for a new era of power generation.

To keep up with its growing customer base and reputation in energy circles, Genus understands that it needs to continue adding talent at both executive and operational levels.

Enter David Fyfe.

Having spent 10 years at Western Power, culminating in him serving as acting chief executive officer (CEO), and serving as CEO of Western Australia’s largest energy provider, Synergy, Fyfe recently joined Genus as chief operating officer.

Fyfe, who lives and breathes energy in both a leadership and operational sense, has made a habit of delivering large-scale energy projects on-time and on-budget.

Having achieved plenty at Synergy, Fyfe felt it was time for a new chapter.

“Synergy was getting a lot of recognition for the work we were doing, and I’d set the company up to deliver

its decarbonisation projects,” he told Australian Mining.

“I felt the business was in good shape, so I thought it was time to explore a new opportunity. This is where Genus entered the picture.”

Fyfe said he was attracted to Genus’ “phenomenal growth profile”, where revenue has grown significantly in recent years and the forecast looks strong, with the company winning several landmark contracts in recent months.

Genus’ culture was another drawcard.

“I love the culture here,” Fyfe said.

“There are no egos – Genus is about building relationships both internally and externally.

“The company is experiencing profound growth, has listed on the ASX, is rapidly growing its reputation in the eastern states. So it felt like a fantastic new challenge for me.”

The power sector is calling on reliable, multi-disciplined partners to support it through the energy transition. This is seeing providers turn to Genus, which can provide end-to-end renewable energy and transmission capabilities.

“Genus is the local supplier for stage one and two of Synergy’s Kwinana Battery Energy Storage System (KBESS) project – the first project of its kind in Western Australia,” Fyfe said.

“So we’re seeing Genus’ experience in delivering batteries become increasingly known across Australia, while the

company also has a strong history of building solar farms for clients.

“Most of these projects require access to transmission networks as well, which has long been Genus’ bread and butter.

So you’ve got an organisation that can do a lot more than most and has great end-to-end experience in building renewable projects.”

Genus has made several acquisitions in recent years to further advance its strategic objectives, which Fyfe said leaves the company in good stead for the future.

“Through the addition of Partum Engineering (acquired in December 2024), we can better handle the engineering and design of future energy projects, while CommTel (acquired in October 2024) is a leader in large-scale, mission-critical communications technology for power utilities,” he said.

“These acquisitions further enhance Genus’ end-to-end offering, which in turn reduces risks for clients as they can rely on the one organisation to deliver an entire project.”

Many of Genus’ recent contract wins will see the company deliver energy projects in the eastern states. This includes contracts with Ausgrid for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone sub-transmission line works, TasNetworks for stage one of the North West transmission developments project, and Transgrid for the

AUSTRALIANMINING 26 JUNE 2025

GENUS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DAVID FYFE.

HumeLink transmission project.

“With the work that we’re now doing with Transgrid, Ausgrid and TasNetworks in the eastern states, our brand is now getting traction at the right levels right across Australia,” Fyfe said.

And having partnered with the likes of Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Roy Hill, BHP and Northern Star Resources, Fyfe said Genus is strongly placed to grow its presence in east-coast mining sectors.

“This will no doubt help Genus’ cause as we expand into the east-coast mining sector,” he said.

As part of its expansion, Genus will be able to call on its experience building four substations and a 220kmlong power grid as part of stage one of Fortescue’s Pilbara Generation project.

This complements the company’s longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto, having worked with the major miner on ongoing projects since 2010. AM

IMAGES: GENUS

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ESG

FORGING THE FUTURE OF DECARBONISED MINING XCMG AND FORCE HAVE PARTNERED TO POWER THE HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT TRANSFORMATION. in managing heavy earthmoving equipment maintenance, which will provide comprehensive aftersales service, on-site support, and maintenance solutions for this next-generation fleet.

Supporting innovation with proven capability

For XCMG’s Australian customers, transitioning from diesel to batteryelectric power is a complex journey that goes beyond simply delivering new machines – it requires a full ecosystem of operational support, technical expertise, and change management.

XCMG is fully committed to supporting its customers and ensuring these machines perform reliably in the demanding, high-production environments of the Pilbara region in Western Australia.

Success demands deep industry expertise, quick response times, and dependable local support – and that’s exactly where Force plays a vital role.

“We are proud to be working with Fortescue on their decarbonisation HME project and are equally proud to be supported by Force as our service and support partner, for the project,” XCMG Australia business development manager Jason Keays said.

“The strength of this partnership provides the confidence our customers need when transitioning to electrified fleets. It’s not just about the machines – it’s about the capability behind them.”

Emeco, with over 50 years of experience supporting Australia’s mining sector, brings an unmatched combination of scale, technical depth, and logistical agility.

Its Force workshops, strategically located across the country, offer specialised diagnostics, component rebuilds, fabrication, and field service for heavy mining assets. This makes Force the ideal partner for emerging technologies like batteryelectric HME.

A strategic diversification into electrification

For Force, the partnership with XCMG signals a strategic move into a rapidly evolving sector.

As the mining industry seeks innovative solutions to reduce emissions and meet environmental targets, Force is positioning itself as a key enabler of that transition.

“We’re excited to be partnering with XCMG on supporting the deployment and growth of its innovative electric mining fleet in Australia,” Emeco managing director and chief executive officer Ian Testrow said.

“The collaboration not only allows us to support this ambitious decarbonisation effort, but also represents Emeco’s first step into next-generation battery-electric technology and provides a pathway for us to become a leading Australian provider of maintenance services for electrified fleets.”

IMAGES: XCMG

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ustralia’s mining sector is no stranger to transformation, but the industry now stands on the cusp of its most significant evolution yet – decarbonisation.

Leading this charge is Fortescue, with its impressive goal to eliminate diesel usage and transition its operations to zero-emissions technology.

At the heart of this vision lies a groundbreaking collaboration between global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) XCMG and local service support powerhouse Force – part of the Emeco Group.

XCMG, one of the world’s largest construction and mining equipment manufacturers, has been selected as a key provider of electric mining equipment for Fortescue’s heavy mobile equipment (HME) decarbonisation project.

To deliver this, XCMG is partnering with Emeco’s Force, Australian leaders

XCMG BELIEVES DECARBONISING A MINING FLEET REQUIRES A FULL ECOSYSTEM OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT.

AUSTRALIANMINING 28 JUNE 2025

ESG

Featuring lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, regenerative braking, and intelligent control systems, these products not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also cut down on noise, heat, and operational wear and tear.

These benefits are crucial in extending component life, improving safety, and reducing total cost of ownership.

The partnership with Force ensures these machines will be provided with the same level of responsiveness and reliability that mining operators have come to expect from traditional diesel fleets – a key factor in building customer confidence in the transition to electric.

XCMG IS AN ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT PROVIDER FOR FORTESCUE’S HEAVY MOBILE EQUIPMENT DECARBONISATION PROJECT.

Building confidence through collaboration Force’s role in the partnership goes beyond fleet maintenance. Its offering also includes operator training, commissioning assistance, real-time diagnostics, and performance analytics – all designed to ensure maximum uptime and performance of the electric fleet from day one.

A new era for Fortescue and the industry

Fortescue’s HME decarbonisation project is one of the most ambitious of its kind.

With a target to eliminate diesel consumption across its operations, Fortescue is investing in electric HME solutions and associated energy infrastructure.

The introduction of XCMG’s batteryelectric mining equipment marks a significant milestone in this journey, combining cutting-edge technology with zero-emissions performance.

XCMG’s electric HME products, developed through years of research and innovation, are designed specifically for large-scale open-pit mining.

A major challenge in the electrification of mining fleets is the perceived risk associated with untested technology and new operating paradigms. By partnering with Force, XCMG is addressing this challenge head-on, offering a compelling value proposition to customers: industryleading electric equipment, backed by trusted Australian service.

“Our partnership with Force helps de-risk the transition to battery-electric equipment for our clients,” Keays said.

“By combining our OEM expertise with local support and partners, we’re able to offer an end-to-end solution that’s built for the demands of Australian mining.”

This level of collaboration is already paying dividends. Fortescue has welcomed the partnership, confident the support structure behind its decarbonised fleet will ensure a smooth and sustainable operational rollout.

Looking ahead

As mining operators face increasing pressures to reduce emissions, collaborations like the one between XCMG and Force are proving vital.

Electrification of HME fleets is no longer a future concept – it’s happening now, and it’s happening in the Pilbara.

XCMG’s investment in clean technology and its willingness to partner with local expertise sends a strong message: decarbonisation in mining is not only possible, but also practical, and partnerships like this will pave the way.

“As we look towards a net-zero emissions future in mining, we know delivering the right technology is just one piece of the puzzle,” Testrow said.

“Matching the technology with trusted and reliable service is what brings it to life. We’re proud to be playing our part in that transition.”

In a rapidly changing mining landscape, the XCMG–Force partnership is a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

With the Fortescue HME project leading the way, it’s clear that Australia’s mining future is electric. AM

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ESG

THE WORLD’S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC MINE WITH THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY HONING ITS FOCUS ON ESG, A FULLY ELECTRIC MINE IN GREECE HAS REIMAGINED HOW BROKK REMOTE-CONTROLLED ROBOTS CAN BE DEPLOYED.

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IMAGES: BROKK AUSTRALIA

s the Australian mining industry sharpens its focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance, worker safety and operational efficiency, one international example offers a powerful blueprint.

A fully electric underground mine in Greece has reimagined how Brokk remote-controlled robots can be used far beyond their processing origins roots.

Grecian Magnesite has leveraged Brokk’s compact electric machines to overcome many challenges familiar across Australian mining – from underground gold and base metals to selective mining, development and rehabilitation projects.

Under mine manager George Boumas, the operation has not only improved safety and cut emissions but also dramatically lowered processing costs by removing waste rock at the face before it reaches the mill.

These lessons offer Australian miners a chance to rethink how they approach some of their toughest ESG and productivity challenges.

Endless possibilities

Grecian Magnesite’s narrow drives, veinlike deposits, and challenging ground conditions demanded a new approach.

“The Brokk is a small machine, highly manoeuvrable, and you can execute lots of auxiliary works,” Boumas said.

“But it can also be used as your main excavation machine and in many types of works; for example, selective mining of vein-like deposits. The possibilities are endless.”

The Brokk robots are operated remotely, allowing the team to scale, break and clear material in tight areas while keeping workers out of harm’s way.

Importantly, they enable the separation of waste and ore right at the face, transforming the safety profile and the cost base of the operation.

One of the most striking outcomes at Grecian Magnesite has been the impact on processing costs.

“We minimise the production of waste rock in the run-of-mine material. The Brokk machine is dedicated to that work, so it’s very strong, it’s very reliable,” Boumas said.

“We’ve been operating for four years now, with something like 4000 hours, and we’ve had no big issues.”

Using Brokk machines to selectively break and remove waste

AN UNDERGROUND MINE IN GREECE HAS DEMONSTRATED THE COST AND PRODUCTIVITY BENEFITS OF GOING FULLY ELECTRIC.

rock underground has allowed the Greek operation to avoid hauling and processing unnecessary material, significantly reducing energy use and improving plant efficiency. Waste rock is then removed into the old stopes.

Boumas is clear on the benefits to the bottom line.

“If I had to follow the traditional way of mining – drilling, blasting, working with diesel machines and ventilation networks – I would definitely have a cost that would be six to seven times bigger than the operational cost I have right now,” he said.

For Australian mines under pressure from rising energy prices and tightening margins, this offers a compelling costsaving model.

Broad range of benefits

The Grecian Magnesite represents a major milestone, offering further advantages beyond those related to ESG. “Everything is electric (so) we have very low ventilation costs,” Boumas

THE BROKK ROBOTS ARE OPERATED REMOTELY, ALLOWING THE TEAM TO SCALE, BREAK AND CLEAR MATERIAL IN TIGHT AREAS.

said. “The electricity cost per month is less than €2000 ($3500). It’s just like operating a workshop, not a mine.”

Combining electric mining fleets with Brokk’s remote-controlled robots helps the operation reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, aligning with growing ESG expectations from

AUSTRALIANMINING 30 JUNE 2025

regulators, investors, and communities.

Australian miners looking to lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions can learn from this integrated approach, which delivers both environmental and financial wins.

Grecian Magnesite’s safety record since adopting Brokk technology has

ESG

also been especially impressive. Boumas proudly reports that, the operation has recorded zero near-misses, not even minor rockfalls, since 2021.

“That’s because we designed it first in the geotechnical scheme, and then executed it with the Brokk machine,” he said.

Removing workers from high-risk underground zones while maintaining operational productivity is a key ESG achievement and one that resonates strongly with Australian miners under intense safety scrutiny.

While narrow vein mining is an obvious fit for Brokk’s machine, Boumas highlights that the potential extends much further.

The machines’ precision and compactness make them valuable not only for selective mining but also for ground control, development work, and rehabilitation in small and largescale operations.

This broadens Brokk’s relevance across a wide range of areas within Australian mining, including gold, copper, nickel, lithium and even coal, where underground challenges often limit the use of conventional mobile equipment.

training, and adjusting operations to maximise value.

For Australian mines, adopting this model means taking a thoughtful and phased approach: testing Brokk performance in targeted trials, building operator expertise, and rethinking underground processes to unlock the full potential of compact, precision equipment.

With safety, ESG and cost pressures mounting, the time is right for Australian miners to explore how remote-controlled electric systems like Brokk’s can reshape operations and set new industry benchmarks.

Grecian Magnesite is paving the way, demonstrating what’s possible when a mine reimagines its approach.

“If we want to build the mines of the future, we need to be open to new ways of thinking and willing to take the steps to make them a reality,” Boumas said.

Brokk technology offers Australian miners a pathway to smarter, safer and more sustainable operations helping to meet the challenges of today while preparing for the mining future of tomorrow. AM

Building the case in Australia The Greek mine’s achievements were not accidental, with Boumas and the team carefully piloting Brokk systems, investing in operator

GRECIAN MAGNESITE CAREFULLY PILOTED BROKK’S SYSTEMS.

AUSTRALIANMINING 31 JUNE 2025

ESG

POWERING THE PATH TO NET ZERO

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ince its inception in Perth, Blue Diamond Machinery has grown from a small local business into a national player in power generation, now making significant strides in helping the mining industry meet its sustainability targets.

“Blue Diamond was started in 2012 by myself, my brother Brad, and our school friend Chris,” marketing director Justin Pitts told Australian Mining. “We began by importing high-quality OEM (original equipment manufacturer) power generators and other equipment to address what we saw as a gap in the market.”

Strategic expansions into Melbourne and Brisbane enabled Blue Diamond to shift from a Western Australian operation to a national distributor.

Pivotal moments in the company’s growth came through strategic partnerships and key acquisitions, including securing the Australian agency for Japanese generator manufacturer Denyo.

This partnership helped reposition Blue Diamond from a broad-based equipment supplier to a serious player in the construction and mining power markets.

“The Denyo partnership gave us a strong, internationally recognised brand to leverage,” Pitts said. “Until then, most of our sales had come from our own developing OEM product line, but Denyo’s reputation elevated us from the

BLUE DIAMOND IS TRANSFORMING MINING’S ENERGY FUTURE WITH SMART, DATA-DRIVEN POWER SOLUTIONS.

general market to the professional tier – opening doors to larger buyers.”

Data-driven decarbonisation

While Blue Diamond continues to supply diesel systems, its long-term focus is firmly set on net zero.

“As we progressed on our journey, we came to realise that the key to net zero isn’t just batteries, solar, or hydrogen – it’s data and information,” Pitts said.

“Accurate insights allow us to optimise performance, validate results, and help clients meet their sustainability targets.”

To support this vision, Blue Diamond developed proprietary telematics software that tracks and analyses the efficiency of diesel and hybrid power systems.

The platform provides detailed insights into fuel consumption and emissions savings, helping clients meet stringent sustainability requirements.

“It’s all very well to put a battery system on and save diesel, but the client really needs information about how much diesel and CO2 they’re saving,” he said.

This capability has become especially valuable for infrastructure and government clients who must demonstrate measurable carbon reductions.

Clean energy without compromise

Blue Diamond began a transition towards clean energy about five years ago, forging global partnerships to

access alternative technologies including battery systems and hydrogen fuel cell solutions.

At the time, roughly 90 per cent of the company’s revenue was tied to diesel. Today, that figure has dropped substantially, with approximately 30 per cent of its revenue derived from battery, hybrid and hydrogen technologies.

A critical component of this transition is ensuring every system Blue Diamond delivers is tailored and economically viable.

“There’s not one approach that fits all,” Pitts said. “We understand the project and model different scenarios to present what we feel is the best solution.

It’s all very well to save CO2, but we also look at it from an economic point of view.”

The company’s hybrid systems combine diesel, battery, solar and hydrogen technologies depending on the client’s needs and environment.

Modelling ensures fuel savings offset any higher upfront costs, with a strong emphasis on return on investment.

Built-in support across the country

Blue Diamond prides itself on providing exceptional aftermarket support with technicians based throughout Australia, including in key mining regions such as the Pilbara and Goldfields.

“Support and service is really what we’ve built our business on,” Pitts said.

IMAGE: BLUE DIAMOND

BLUE DIAMOND MACHINERY IS HELPING TO RESHAPE THE MINING INDUSTRY’S ENERGY LANDSCAPE WITH INNOVATIVE, DATA-DRIVEN POWER SOLUTIONS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE SECTOR’S PUSH TOWARDS NET ZERO.

“We’ve got that reach with our technicians right across the country.”

With approximately 300 battery systems already in use across the construction sector in urban areas including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, the company is now focused on adapting these systems to meet the rigorous demands of mining operations.

“Power is critical in mining, and we can’t afford to make any mistakes,” Pitts said. “Our focus this year and next is to accelerate what we’ve done in construction into the mining sector.”

Ready for the next frontier

What sets Blue Diamond apart is its end-to-end solution: clean power hardware, in-house software, realtime monitoring, and national support coverage.

“The key difference to us is we’ve got the hardware, the technicians in the field, the remote monitoring and the software,” Pitts said. “I don’t think many companies can deliver that endto-end offering.”

As demand grows for sustainable, cost-effective energy solutions in mining, Blue Diamond is wellpositioned to deliver.

From standalone battery systems to hydrogen and hybrid configurations, the company continues to push forward with practical innovations that make net-zero targets more achievable. AM

AUSTRALIANMINING 32 JUNE 2025

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ESG

SUSTAINABILITY AT ITS CORE SEFAR IS PROPELLING A MORE SUSTAINABLE MINERAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY, DELIVERING FILTRATION MEDIA THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME.

Sustainable fabrics

Sefar’s journey into sustainable fabrics began around 20 years ago with the

SEFAR MINIMISES ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF BIO-SOURCED POLYMERS.

introduction of products made from biobased polymers. The yarn developed for these products was sourced from recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate) from various sources. This choice was strategic, with the smaller-diameter yarn used in components facilitating easier fabric development.

Following the success of this initial phase, the program broadened its scope, specifically targeting the production of fabric for vacuum belt filters. This shift necessitated the creation of a new yarn with a larger diameter, designed to endure the more demanding production processes characteristic of the mineral processing industry.

This innovative fabric is now set to replace Sefar’s existing standard fabric for vacuum belt filters.

After significant success with its recycled PET program, Sefar began exploring additional innovation opportunities to improve customer filtration processes. The goal was to develop products that not only have a longer lifespan but also contribute to waste reduction over time.

X-Scale

This led to the development of Sefar’s X-Scale fabric, which has seen great success with a prominent alumina producer in Australia. This fabric demonstrates exceptional resilience during over-flocculation events, allowing it to recover effectively even

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nabling the separation of solids from liquids, filtration media is a critical component of mineral processing and must be carefully chosen to ensure operators meet their desired environmental objectives and adhere to regulatory standards.

Sefar, a global pioneer in filtration media, combines extensive application expertise with a leading fabric portfolio to deliver environmentally friendly filtration solutions without compromising performance.

Sefar minimises its environmental impact through a variety of initiatives, one of which includes the development of bio-sourced polymers for the production of filtration media. This is part of Sefar’s broader strategy to ensure that every aspect of its products, from creation to end-of-life, is designed with sustainability in mind.

From the selection of yarn to weaving, finishing, and fabricating the final filtration product, Sefar ensures premium product quality alongside a commitment to environmental responsibility. The company has complete traceability of all critical components, which is essential for certifying product performance and reliability.

following caustic washing, enhancing its challenges of reducing your carbon emissions. T overall longevity. willsolution workwe with you and use our deep you expertise As powerSefar’s specialists, understand the energy need t The performance of the X-Scale fabric By applying its holistic Sefar services to give yo right choice of approach, solutions operate effectively – regardless of yourand location or how comp has been impressive, with an average is helping mining companies across the you require.

Talk to our specialists today to pow your operation’s needs are.processes, We also understand the practical lifespan of approximately 3000 hours. world improve their with its challenges of reducing carbon emissions. That is why we This contrasts the 1800-hour lifespan fabric excelling inyour a range of filtration will workwe with youincluding and use our deep expertise typically seen in other fabrics.specialists, This processes, copper, lead,you zinc,need to As power understand the energy todevelop the right choice of solutions and services to give you the energy notable increase in durability not only gold, lithium, and titanium dioxide operate effectively – regardless of your location or how complex improves operational efficiency but also applications, to name a few. you require.

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Itthe is formalising environmental, social right choice of solutions and services to give you the energy operate effectively of your or how Sefar has now created–aregardless new andlocation governance (ESG)complex into its operations, you require. to our specialists today toan power your operation. non-PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and setting itselfthe up to be important your operation’s needs are.Talk We also understand practical polyfluoroalkyl variant of sustainability player for years challenges of substances) reducing your carbon emissions.

That is why we to come. aggreko.com.au 929 031expertise this fabric, which ESG hastoled Sefar tothe develop will high-performance work with you1300 and use our deep develop is currently undergoing trials in specialised filter solutions right choice of solutions and services to give you the energy used in alumina production. dewatering up to 80,000 tonnes of you require. Talk to our specialists today to power your operation.

Initial results indicate a 30 per tailings every day. It has also driven Sefar cent improvement in lifespan, to reduce filter waste for its customers, aggreko.com.au 1300 929 031 fabric which translates to reduced achieving up to 7500 cycles in certain consumption over time. This research industries compared to typical lifetimes of and development (R&D) phase is being 2000–3000 cycles. conducted in Canada and Australia, and Sefar fabrics also help decrease cake upon successful testing, the new fabric moisture by up to 3–5 per cent, reducing is expected to replace several existing energy consumption for drying and fabrics used in a range of mineral further improving ESG outcomes. processing applications.

Whether a company is producing “It’s an exciting time for Sefar at alumina using Kelly leaf filters, extracting a critical time for our world,” Sefar lithium from spodumene with vacuum managing director – Oceania Max filters, or dewatering tailings for dry Wijasuriya said. stacking, to name a few applications, Sefar “Having been around for nearly has the solutions.

200 years, Sefar’s focus is to enable The company has come a long way in life-essential filtration, and our new its sustainability journey and will continue developments are a win–win – a win for to progress solutions to support more the environment but also a win for mine efficient, cost-effective and sustainable sites, who are able to perform better and mineral processing operations. AM

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ESG

SHARPER TOOLS FOR GREENER MINES

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ustralia’s mining sector is working hard to lift its environmental, social and governance (ESG) game.

But while miners face stricter reporting requirements and growing stakeholder expectations, many still struggle to make sense of scattered, siloed ESG data.

That’s where Workday, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) platform for managing people, money and agents, is stepping in and shaking things up with its Supplier Sustainability solution.

Best known for its HR and finance solutions, Workday is now leveraging its powerful cloud-based technology to help mining companies gain a tighter grip on ESG performance, from emissions reporting and supply

chain visibility to pay transparency and compliance.

“Workday has capabilities in the ESG space based on the management of people and finance data for its customers,” Workday Australia managing director and vice president JoAnne Ruhl told Australian Mining.

“Leveraging this data can provide tools to help companies measure, communicate and mitigate the emissions footprint of their cloudbased applications.”

Workday has been walking the sustainability path for years, operating a carbon-neutral cloud since 2017 and achieving a lifetime net-zero carbon footprint in 2021.

Now, the company is bringing those credentials to the mining sector as it works towards the new regulations

WORKDAY’S ESG CAPABILITIES ARE BASED ON THE MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE AND FINANCE DATA FOR ITS CUSTOMERS.

WORKDAY DELIVERS A CLEAR, REAL-TIME VIEW OF ESG RISK ACROSS THE BUSINESS.

WORKDAY IS SHAKING THINGS UP IN ESG WITH ITS SUPPLIER SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTION.

IMAGES: WORKDAY

THE AMOUNT OF DATA MINES MUST COLLECT TO MAKE GREENER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS CAN BE OVERWHELMING – LUCKILY, WORKDAY HAS A SOLUTION.

coming into effect this year, including climate-related financial disclosures.

Workday understands that ESG compliance is no longer simply ‘nice to have’ – it’s crucial.

“Workday’s Supplier Sustainability solution offers features such as mapping CSRD (corporate sustainability reporting directive) data to standards, data standardisation and calculation (including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions), and auditable CSRD financial controls,” Ruhl said.

What sets Workday’s solution apart is its ability to break down ESG complexity through an integrated data platform.

By unifying finance, workforce and supply chain data, Workday delivers a clear, real-time view of ESG risk across the business – a game-changer for mining companies dealing with fragmented reporting systems and legacy tools.

“Having a unified data platform aims to provide a more comprehensive and effective way to manage ESG data across the enterprise,” Ruhl said.

Workday’s Supplier Sustainability solution is designed to fix that, enabling miners to gather actual emissions data and engage with suppliers on sustainability goals.

“This solution helps organisations understand the impact of their suppliers on their total carbon footprint and engage with them on sustainability,” Ruhl said.

Workday’s platform also supports pay transparency and regulatory compliance through tailored reporting tools.

Its pay transparency reporting package, available via the Workday Marketplace, helps mining companies analyse pay data, detect disparities and stay ahead of changing workplace regulations.

But Workday isn’t doing it alone; through strategic partnerships with firms like Deloitte, the company

AUSTRALIANMINING 36 JUNE 2025

is bringing even more depth to its ESG range.

Joint initiatives like Deloitte and Workday’s Accelerate2Zero and Climate Adapt focus on emissions planning and climate risk assessment – key areas of concern for miners facing long-term climate impacts.

“These partnerships bring specialised expertise in areas like climate scenario modelling and risk assessment, enhancing Workday’s offerings,” Ruhl said.

Workday’s other major strength is adaptability. With mining operations often located in remote, harsh and logistically complex regions, technology must work seamlessly anywhere.

“As Workday’s solutions are cloudbased and designed to work across international borders, it is an ideal solution to support remote, diverse, and operationally complex environments,” Ruhl said.

Workday has also thrown artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix, building out Agentic AI capabilities to streamline compliance and reporting – an increasingly important asset as ESG data volumes grow and global standards evolve.

“One of AI’s greatest strengths is its ability to deal with large data sets in real-time,” Ruhl said. “It’s likely that AI tools will ultimately be used in the ESG space.”

As miners grapple with net-zero targets, investor scrutiny, and evolving regulatory landscapes, Workday’s combination of cloud-based flexibility, deep data integration, and ESG-specific tools is proving to be a powerful ally.

With the company constantly looking at new ways to innovate, it’s poised to not just help the mining industry meet ESG benchmarks, but lead them.

Because in an industry where transparency and trust are becoming just as important as tonnes and ounces, having the right technology partner can make all the difference. AM

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ESG

COMING TOGETHER TO MEET ESG TARGETS AS ESG OBJECTIVES TAKE CENTRE STAGE IN THE AFRICAN MINING INDUSTRY, COLLABORATION ACROSS THE VALUE CHAIN IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER.

C

BME’S SUSTAINABLE COLD EMULSIONS ASSISTS IN MEETING GLOBAL 2030 TARGETS.

loser collaboration within Africa’s mining ecosystem will be required if the sector is to meet its ambitious environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets by 2030.

Aligning with international ESG standards will be critical on this journey, setting African mining operations up for long-term prosperity and growth.

Across the African mining value chain, there have been considerable strides in making mining more inclusive, particularly in procurement, skills development and community uplift.

As a blasting and explosives partner to mining customers, BME continues to advance its own ESG initiatives in alignment with customer targets.

Indeed, this collaborative approach must be embraced by all stakeholders, from regulators and communities to suppliers and shareholders.

Mining operations are changing their operating models to be ESG-aligned, setting not only their own ESG targets but also ensuring partners in their supply chain come to the party. This is often seen directly in tendering practices, where potential participants must demonstrate their commitment to making a clear contribution to meeting industry ESG targets.

In terms of net-zero carbon commitments, for example, it is clear that various entities in the mining sector will struggle to meet industry benchmarks if all stakeholders aren’t pulling in the same direction.

Achieving decarbonisation targets requires the necessary environmental technology to be developed and applied, and for digital tools to measure performance over time.

Decarbonising by saving energy

Reducing energy consumption is a direct path to lowering carbon footprints, particularly in countries like South Africa where coal-fired electricity dominates.

Innovations in blasting, from emulsions to electronic initiation systems, help mines save energy while meeting stringent environmental standards.

There are various technological advancements in blasting which

IMAGES: BME

ESG capability

BME’S AXXIS SILVER AND TITANIUM BLAST BOXES SUPPORT SAFER BLASTING.

contribute to a more sustainable mining ecosystem. These include a range of opportunities arising from electronic initiation systems, allowing mines to take significant strides in enhancing their blasting precision and efficiency.

Today’s technology supports larger, more controlled blasts, reducing the frequency of interruptions to the mining process, thereby streamlining operations.

Fragmentation and energy efficiency

Quality blasting can reduce overall energy consumption through better rock fragmentation, thereby reducing energy demands in subsequent loading and crushing phases.

Combine this with the power of blast-planning software and mining companies can further optimise their blasting outcomes, achieving energyefficiency improvements and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Data management is a key enabler in optimising mining processes and operations. Enhanced technology

allowing the collection and analysis of data can help mining companies assess progress and focus attention on where it’s needed most.

BME has taken significant strides in advancing its digital capability, with continued uptake expected across the value chain as more clients understand the value in BME’s technologies.

Sustainability through innovation

BME has pioneered many sustainable mining technologies over the years, including used-oil emulsions, which incorporate used oil as a fuel source. This removes a waste product from circulation that can cause environmental harm and transforms it into a stable emulsion with superior performance.

The consumption of used oil as a fuel source also reduces costs by limiting purchases of virgin fuels.

When combined with used oil, BME’s advanced formulations enable the manufacture of finished products at lower temperatures, reducing energy output in the process.

AUSTRALIANMINING 38 JUNE 2025

BME MANAGING DIRECTOR RALF HENNECKE.

As BME becomes an increasingly important ESG player in the global mining industry, the company will champion ESG progress through cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships and a shared responsibility model.

With innovation at the forefront of its sustainability drive, BME is not only meeting the demands of today but helping shape a greener, more inclusive mining sector for generations to come. AM

ESG

MAJOR MINERS SUCH AS BHP AND RIO TINTO HAVE SECURED POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS TO POWER THEIR OPERATIONS.

BRIDGING THE DECARBONISATION GAP MEANINGFUL DECARBONISATION HAPPENS AT EVERY STAGE OF THE MINING LIFECYCLE. AECOM SHARES WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES INDUSTRY. with grid-forming batteries able to provide both the firming component as well as shift energy to periods of low solar or wind.”

The Federal Government has set a target of 82 per cent renewable electricity generation and 43 per cent overall emission reduction nationally by 2030. The Clean Energy Regulator predicts that renewable penetration in the national electricity market (NEM) could reach between 44 and 46 per cent this year.

“When you combine a battery with solar and wind, you can – in certain parts of Australia – reach 80-90 per cent renewable penetration economically,” Noble said.

Regardless of whether a site is grid connected or islanded, PPAs can be an excellent avenue as they remove capital expenditure from the miner’s balance

sheet and shift it to the developer.

In return the miner receives a reliable, low cost, low carbon source of electricity supply funded via operational expenditure and without taking on project development risk in energy infrastructure, which is typically not core-business.

Some recent examples of this include BHP’s PPA with Neoen for 50 per cent of electricity supply for its Olympic Dam operation and Rio Tinto’s spate of announced PPAs to power the major’s east coast aluminium operations.

“PPAs are really important for not just the mining sector, but also the energy sector because they underwrite the project development and provide confidence to invest via the security of a primary offtaker, so it serves both purposes,” Noble said.

IMAGE: JOSE LUIS STEPHENS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A

s the resources sector evolves, each stage of the mining lifecycle is looking for ways to reduce emissions and meet sustainability targets.

It’s one thing for a resources company to want to decarbonise its operations; it’s another to understand and implement appropriate measures to achieve stated emission reduction commitments.

AECOM industrial decarbonisation lead Dane Noble told Australian Mining while the end goal of net-zero operations can be daunting, there are many options that are relatively straight forward and practical to implement whilst being economic with current technology and posing minimal operational impact.

One such example is the procurement of renewable energy via power purchase agreements (PPA) which can significantly reduce emissions associated with an operations’ or a collective group of assets’ electricity supply.

“Renewables are by far the cheapest form of bulk energy in Australia, but the challenge for sites that aren’t grid connected is they typically operate from systems powered by traditional fossil fuel-based generation in the form of a diesel or gas fired power station,” Noble said.

“For these off-grid sites, decarbonising electricity supply is more complex given the requirements for self-firming any integrated renewable generation which are typically highly variable. Hybrid systems are advancing

COMBINING A BATTERY WITH SOLAR AND WIND CAN ACHIEVE RENEWABLE PENETRATION AS HIGH AS 90 PER CENT.

AUSTRALIANMINING 40 JUNE 2025

Whether a mining fleet being used can be electrified is also contemplated.

“I think fleet transition away from diesel to either battery electric, hybrid, bio or renewable diesel fleets for most mining applications will become not only technically viable, but economic in the next five to 10 years, and hopefully we see whole sites really start to transition,” Noble said.

If a site’s electricity and fleet emissions have been electrified, the next emission sources to tackle could include stationary energy fuel replacement in areas such as process plants, heat exchangers and heat boilers.

While direct process emissions remain as one of the biggest challenges with current technology, progress is still being made.

“When approaching decarbonisation options at a site or group of assets, one way to assess your options is via a marginal abatement cost curve (MACC), which looks at all your emission reduction options and ranks them based on emission reduction potential (usually in tCO2-e) and marginal cost per tonne of CO2-e abated,” Noble said.

“When an option sits below the X-axis that option offers positive Net Present Value, which means it provides both cost savings over the baseline as well as its emission reduction benefits.

“The ones that sit on the opposite end of MACC curve or above the X-axis typically have technology that’s not as mature or more complex to implement.”

IMAGE: TARAS VYSHNYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ESG

AECOM helps its clients look at the broader picture, outlining all their decarbonisation options and risks by detailing what it means for their current emissions profile.

“We provide services across the whole of an asset life cycle, from advisory services such as assessing decarbonisation options, right through to asset decommissioning and closure.

Our preference is to be involved right at the front end and provide an end-toend solution that looks at all options

and tailors those options to what’s best for our client, the site, and other key value drivers.”

Considerations include factoring in the latest policy changes at State and Federal levels, the type of mines the client operates, the location of the sites, and factors associated with safety and operational readiness.

“I think what our clients need is a clear policy outlook they can work towards, and it’s up to governments to provide that landscape,” Noble said.

“With policy, generally you’ve got either the carrot or the stick approach.

Not saying that either is right, but it needs to be measured. If policy can bridge the gap and act as a nudge for the industry to take a final investment decision on a novel decarbonisation approach, we’ll see a snowball effect follow from the rest of industry.”

In any industry, adaptability is key.

And that is exactly what several major miners are doing so they aren’t left behind in the global energy transition.

AUSTRALIANMINING 41 JUNE 2025

“As a sector more broadly, we are leaning into ESG heavily, including decarbonisation,” Noble said.

“Australian miners are taking it seriously by investing and leading from the front. While some investments may not deliver immediate economic benefit, they know it’s important to their shareholders and offers more than just economic returns including social value, governance and sustainability.

“It’s corporate responsibility and it’s the right thing to do.” AM

INDUSTRY EVENTS

AIMEX’S FREE-TO-ATTEND CONFERENCE WILL BE THE EPICENTRE FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS TO DISCUSS CURRENT AND FUTURE MINING TRENDS AND CHALLENGES.

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s Australia’s longestrunning mining event, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) has a deep history of supporting the latest industry trends, innovation and developments by bringing leading local and international mining professionals under one roof.

This legacy is set to continue in 2025, with AIMEX now under Prime Creative Media’s ownership.

To take place at Adelaide Showground from September 23–25, AIMEX 2025 will comprise an expansive exhibition, curated networking opportunities such as the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, and a world-class conference.

Developed in partnership with Australian Mining, AIMEX’s freeto-attend conference will encompass industry insights, case studies and thought leaders speaking about current and future mining developments.

Taking place across two conference stages, the speaker program will showcase the very best of the AsiaPacific resources sector.

Topics on the agenda include: • Copper’s growing importance amidst the clean-energy transition • Green iron: South Australia’s emerging industry • Uranium’s future as a key material for green energy • A spotlight on emerging commodities • Renewable energy adoption in the mining industry • How automation is driving more efficient operations • Growing our future mining workforce • Understanding mining’s investment and geopolitical landscape Australian Mining takes a closer look at what attendees can expect from the AIMEX 2025 conference.

Copper

Copper has a variety of end uses in a green economy.

From electricity distribution, electrical equipment and devices to wind turbines, solar panels and, of course, powering electric vehicles (EVs), copper’s importance in the global energy transition cannot be understated.

AIMEX 2025 WILL HOST A RANGE OF PANELS, COVERING TOPICS SUCH AS COPPER, TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY.

According to Geoscience Australia’s ‘Identified Mineral Resources 2024’ report, Australia holds the second largest amount of copper resources globally.

About two thirds of the country’s copper resources are in South Australia, making it a premier copper jurisdiction and the perfect destination to host copper-related discussions.

At AIMEX, speakers will be discussing the base metal’s growing importance amid the decarbonisation movement, why copper should become a critical mineral in Australia, and recent innovations in the global copper sector.

South Australia’s role in feeding the growing copper demand is also on the agenda.

The consortium’s project starts with fast-tracking the development of Magnetite Mines’ Razorback iron ore project in South Australia to create a secure supply of high-purity magnetite.

The project then progresses to the production of direct reduction grade pellets and ultimately manufacturing and exporting direct reduced iron in the form of hot briquetted iron from the established industrial city of Port Pirie by the early 2030s.

South Australia’s green iron and steel strategy will also be discussed.

The strategy aims to enhance the state’s comparative advantage, establish local green steel industry foundations, and ensure a sustainable, long-term industry and shared prosperity.

Green iron

Uranium

South Australia is helping reshape the world’s steel industry and its economic future by making steelmaking processes more sustainable.

The state’s iron ore resources currently comprise 94 per cent magnetite and six per cent hematite, meaning magnetite is key to create green iron and steel.

South Australia’s desire to establish an end-to-end supply chain for green iron will be at the forefront of AIMEX. In October 2024, a new consortium was launched to accelerate South Australia’s green iron industry.

The consortium, Green Iron SA, looks towards producing sustainable, carbon-free iron by using magnetite and green hydrogen.

Green Iron SA comprises Magnetite Mines, construction and engineering company GHD, freight rail transport company Aurizon and Flinders Ports.

Green Iron SA is proposing a phased development pathway, enabling the necessary foundations to be put in place to ensure the creation of a green iron industry in the state is sustainable.

A commodity rising in popularity in recent years is uranium, largely due to a global nuclear revival in jurisdictions looking to a future powered by less carbon-intensive gases.

A key fuel for nuclear energy, uranium is essential in providing baseload power supply.

Australia has long resisted getting on the nuclear bandwagon, despite holding 32 per cent of the world’s uranium resources, according to the ‘Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources 2024’ report.

The same report ranked Australia’s uranium production fourth globally, accounting for nine per cent of the world’s supply in 2023.

Australian uranium production rose in 2024 following the reopening of Boss Energy’s Honeymoon mine in South Australia.

Honeymoon – one of three uranium mines operating in Australia – is expected to boost Australia’s export values to $1.4 billion in the 2024–25 financial year (FY25), making South Australia an emerging uranium region.

AUSTRALIANMINING 42 JUNE 2025

THE AIMEX 2025 SPEAKER PROGRAM UNDERPINS SA AS A KEY MINING HUB.

At AIMEX, speakers will discuss the increasing adoption of nuclear globally and how Australian uranium can feed this demand.

Emerging commodities

South Australia is home to several upand-coming commodities essential for the global energy transition, including graphite, zircon and zinc.

While there are currently no active Australian graphite mines, the country was ranked eighth globally for graphite resources in ‘Australia’s Identified Mineral Resources 2024’ report, meaning there is untapped potential.

Known for acting as anodes in lithium-ion batteries, graphite is essential for the manufacturing of EVs. With a restriction on graphite exports introduced in China – the world’s top graphite exporter – in 2024, there has never been a better opportunity for Australia to capitalise on the critical mineral’s growth.

Zinc is also emerging as a key component of batteries due to its ability to be alloyed with other metals.

As the third most used non-ferrous metal after aluminium and copper, about half of zinc production is used for galvanising steel to protect it from rust, ensuring longevity.

A popular kind of mineral sands, zircon is also used in the steel industry, specifically to line furnaces.

Australia was the second largest producer of zircon in 2023, with 410,000 tonnes produced, proving the nation is a go-to zircon hotspot.

The role each of these commodities will play in creating a greener economy in Australia will form part of the conference program at AIMEX. AM AIMEX 2025 will be held at Adelaide Showground from September 23–25. To lock in your involvement, register at aimex. com.au/register-at-aimex

IMAGES: PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA

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INDUSTRY EVENTS

KNOW AN INDUSTRY SUPERSTAR? NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 AUSTRALIAN MINING PROSPECT AWARDS – THE NATION’S LEADING CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN MINING.

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he Australian Mining Prospect Awards are more than a ceremony – they’re an opportunity to gather and celebrate the best the nation’s mining industry has to offer.

This year’s awards promise to take things to a new level, in keeping with the 2025 theme: ‘bigger and better’.

The 2025 Prospect Awards will form the crown that sits atop Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition’s (AIMEX’s) networking functions, which is marking a major milestone in moving to Adelaide for the first time.

Aligning with its biggest year yet, the award celebration will be held as part of the AIMEX festivities on September 24 at the iconic Adelaide Oval.

“The move to South Australia is a big deal, and we wanted a location that would symbolise the relocation and be a fitting host for such a monumental celebration,” Prime Creative Media mining events marketing manager Rebecca Todesco said.

“When considering the famous landmarks of Adelaide, few are more iconic than Adelaide Oval, making it the perfect place to hold our prestigious awards. What better way to celebrate excellence in the industry than at such a significant location?”

Returning sponsors Sandvik, Bonfiglioli, ifm, and SEWEURODRIVE will once again help spotlight the individuals and organisations making a difference in the sector.

Adelaide is set to come alive with these key industry players, whose peers will join them in flooding the AIMEX exhibition floor and conference stages with the latest innovations, collaborations and thought leadership.

“The Prospect Awards are the premium awards ceremony for the Australian industry, so bringing them across to coincide with our historymaking event in South Australia was a natural decision,” Todesco said.

“As well as our commitment to building industries, Prime Creative Media is dedicated to supporting the individuals and organisations that drive them. A big part of that is celebrating industry excellence.”

For 2025, the Prospect Awards will expand its reach with award categories now open for nominations.

These include:

Excellence in Environmental Management and Sustainability

Excellence in IIoT Application – proudly sponsored by ifm

Project Lead of the Year

Recognising an outstanding implementation of IIoT that enhances mining and minerals processing operations.

Recognising a mine, company, or project that has developed or carried out an innovative, environmentally focused program to protect, preserve and/or rehabilitate the natural environment, contributing to decarbonisation and/or reducing waste and/or waste emissions.

Indigenous and Community Engagement Award – proudly sponsored by Sandvik

This category honours collaborations within the past two years between Aboriginal-owned businesses or community organisations and companies engaging in Australia’s mining and minerals processing industry.

Excellence in Mine Safety, OH&S Recognising a mine, company, or project that has developed or carried out a program that increased safety, removes risk, or cuts worker issues on a project or mine.

Recognising an individual who has led a project on a mine site to a successful outcome. This could be an internal project at a mine or a project led by a supplier or contract miner.

Safety Advocate of the Year

Recognising an individual that is committed to ensuring safety – either for an individual site or company, or for the mining industry as a whole.

Innovative Mining Solution

Recognising a mine, company, or project that has developed a unique mining solution.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognising an individual who has been involved in the mining industry for a minimum of 20 years, who has gone above and beyond in their commitment to the sector.

Outstanding Mine Performance – proudly sponsored by Bonfiglioli Transmissions Australia

Recognising a mine that is performing well and has carried out an innovative project, partnership, initiative or program.

Engineering Success of the Year Recognising a significant project that has been undertaken on a mine site.

Discovery of the Year

Celebrating a significant discovery at either a greenfields or brownfields site.

Australian Mine of the Year – proudly sponsored by SEWEURODRIVE

IMAGE: PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA

This category is not open for nomination.

Todesco set the scene for this year’s event.

“Building on the success of last year, we’re taking the awards up a notch for 2025, with an extra award category and a spectacular awards program to really celebrate those excelling and going above and beyond,” Todesco said.

“There’s no better time to celebrate industry excellence than at one of mining’s premier events.”

For more than a decade, the Prospect Awards have honoured the achievements that shape Australia’s mining sector.

The 2025 event promises to inspire, connect, and celebrate the individuals and businesses leading the way. AM The Australian Mining Prospect Awards will be held on September 24. To nominate a mining industry superstar, visit prospectawards.com.au/get-involved

ROY HILL, THE 2024 EXCELLENCE IN MINE SAFETY, OH&S AND AUSTRALIAN MINE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER.

AUSTRALIANMINING 44 JUNE 2025

MINERAL PROCESSING

A PARTNERSHIP STEEPED IN TRUST

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or decades, MAX Plant has been a go-to mineral processing partner for the Australian mining industry.

The company has supported miners of all sizes across the country, not only delivering equipment on-time and on-budget but also unlocking enhanced ways of operating to reduce downtime and boost productivity.

Having delivered to the likes of BHP, Fortescue, Atlas Iron and Rio Tinto, MAX Plant has recently been working with mining contractor Big Yellow on an emerging iron ore operation in Western Australia.

Here, MAX Plant designed, manufactured and installed mineral processing equipment to a tight turnaround, enabling Big Yellow to carry out its various mining services at the site, including load and haul, drill and blast, and crushing and screening.

Big Yellow executive chairman David Edwards said the company wouldn’t have won the contract without MAX Plant’s support.

“Having Craig Pedley (MAX Plant founder and managing director) and his team’s expertise has allowed us to meet the client’s expectations to the point that we’re now producing with a crushing and screening plant that is fit for purpose,” Edwards told Australian Mining.

“What’s more significant is the fact that we’ve faced a variable orebody at the mine, which naturally creates bottlenecks. Because of Craig and his team’s engineering expertise and the cooperation by the team on-site, we’ve been able to overcome this

challenge and are now producing on a consistent basis.

“We can call Craig directly if we have any queries, which is great given he’s the person running the business.

“We can talk through any issues and tell each other the hard home truths and not be offended by it. We have a good working relationship in that respect.”

Overcoming operational challenges wouldn’t have been possible without MAX Plant’s versatility and ability to customise plant to the site’s unique specifications. This meant implementing continuous improvement processes post-installation to ensure machinery could adapt.

“As you move down the pit, it’s natural the mined material will vary, so there will always be adjustments needed,” Edwards said. “We continue to work with MAX Plant to optimise those modifications.”

The ongoing partnership has seen Big Yellow and MAX Plant finetune their maintenance plan.

“It’s important that we have maintenance and critical spares at the ready. We’ve worked together to understand what we need and when we need it so that if there is a breakdown, there’s only minimal downtime incurred,” David Edwards said.

“We understand that the best time to change out equipment is pre-failure, so our maintenance program sees us closely monitor engine hours and loads so we can get ahead of breakdowns.

Any changes made are done through a planned shutdown.”

MAX Plant has earned a reputation for delivering on a promise, exemplified by the company’s transparency around

BIG YELLOW EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN DAVID EDWARDS (LEFT) AND MAX PLANT FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR CRAIG PEDLEY (RIGHT).

its design and manufacturing processes.

This reliability is derived from plant expertise built over decades.

“Firstly, the material and the plant feed must be modelled to ensure we get the best result for the product,” Edwards said. “Craig and his team are very good at that, which means the machinery we’re getting meets the specifications and requirements of the operation.

“Craig is a man of his word – what he tells us is going to happen, happens, which is a result of the expert team MAX Plant has created. They’ve been working together for quite a while now, and they’re all very confident at what they do.”

MAX PLANT HAS BEEN WORKING WITH BIG YELLOW ON AN EMERGING IRON ORE OPERATION IN WA.

AUSTRALIANMINING 46 JUNE 2025

David Edwards said MAX Plant is not only capable of delivering equipment to a quick turnaround, but the company also has a clear understanding of timings, which is particularly valuable given lead times can be unpredictable amidst today’s supply-chain uncertainty.

This is supported by MAX Plant’s commitment to local manufacturing, where most of the company’s equipment is made in Australia.

Edwards has worked with MAX Plant for nearly 20 years, which has established a foundation of trust.

“MAX Plant is Big Yellow’s first port of call when it comes to mobilising equipment for a contract,” David Edwards told Australian Mining.

“We’ve built a strong relationship with MAX Plant backed by good service from Craig and his team. There was no need to go anywhere else when we started out, and we continue to see MAX Plant as a premier mineral processing partner.”

Big Yellow and MAX Plant are initially focused on delivering to an initial three-year contract as part of the iron ore mine’s first phase of operations.

A successful partnership could cement their involvement long-term.

“First and foremost, we’re committed to delivering to the client during this initial phase,” David Edwards said.

“The current mining client has other projects coming up in the future, which will require new crushing and screening plants. We’ll work with MAX Plant on any new crushing and screening plants we’re contracted for.” AM

IMAGES: MAX PLANT

BIG YELLOW WAS ALL PRAISE WHEN DESCRIBING MAX PLANT’S CONTRIBUTION TO AN IRON ORE OPERATION IN WA.

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MAINTENANCE

QUICKCHANGE CUTS DOWNTIME MCLANAHAN HAS DEVELOPED A SOLUTION TO ONE OF THE LEADING CAUSES OF DOWNTIME FOR MINERS.

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ustralian mine operators are always looking for ways to reduce downtime, improve safety, and cut operational expenditure.

McLanahan and its sister company Diefenbach are helping miners achieve these goals with the launch of the patents-pending QUICKCHANGE system.

Developed to eliminate inefficiencies in filter press maintenance, the QUICKCHANGE system supports a faster, safer and more cost-effective way to replace filter cloths – a task long regarded as one of the leading causes of downtime in mining operations.

“The two biggest sources of downtime for a filter press are typically replacing filter cloths and maintaining the slurry pump,” McLanahan executive vice president of sales and business development Cory Jenson told Australian Mining.

“The inspiration of the QUICKCHANGE system was to reimagine filter cloth maintenance,

reducing or eliminating the need to climb on or inside the filter press to replace the filter cloths.”

Jenson said the product’s design focuses on simplicity and speed, allowing operators to replace filter cloths in less than a minute without specialised lifting equipment or confined space access.

“We were aiming to reduce the replacement time from 10–20 minutes down to less than two minutes per cloth,” he said. “In the end, we were able to meet this target, and often achieve it in less than a minute, while also eliminating the need for any special lifting equipment and without getting inside of or on top of the filter press.”

The safety benefits are just as important as the time savings, with cloth changeouts typically requiring someone to enter confined spaces or work at heights.

“To replace traditional filter cloths, maintenance staff are typically required to enter a confined space inside the filter press,” Jenson said. “The QUICKCHANGE system is different, with changeouts occurring from the side of the filter press, mitigating safety risks.”

MCLANAHAN HAS A SOLUTION FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST SOURCES OF DOWNTIME FOR A FILTER PRESS.

Thanks to QUICKCHANGE, McLanahan estimates that mines will be able to slash labor costs by a multiple of 10 compared with traditional methods.

And that’s just the start.

According to McLanahan, implementing QUICKCHANGE on a large tailings filter press running 24 hours a day can save up to 80 hours of downtime every three months.

This equates to a four to six per cent increase in uptime, depending on maintenance schedules.

“Almost all damage to filter plates can be eliminated through the timely replacement of filter cloths,” Jenson said.

“By making cloths faster and easier to change, we expect to increase utilisation by over five per cent, with maintenance staff showing less resistance to immediately replacing failed filter cloths.”

Beyond minimising equipment damage, QUICKCHANGE introduces a new level of sustainability and cost savings, enabling operators to replace only the damaged side of a filter cloth rather than the entire unit.

“This means you are not throwing away two sides of the cloth when only one side is damaged,” Jenson said.

“We estimate this will drive additional savings of 30–50 per cent.”

IMAGES: MCLANAHAN

THE QUICKCHANGE SYSTEM SUPPORTS A FASTER, SAFER AND MORE COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO REPLACE FILTER CLOTHS.

AUSTRALIANMINING 48 JUNE 2025

MAINTENANCE

To extend cloth life further, the QUICKCHANGE system includes a specially designed feed shoe made of ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) material. This component controls the velocity of slurry entering each plate, protecting high-wear areas and maintaining consistent performance.

“The use of a feed shoe allows for a controlled slowdown of the incoming slurry,” Jenson said. “This results in higher wear protection than traditional systems using cloth barrel necks.

“The feed shoe reduces cloth failures and allows the cloth on each side of the filter plate to be replaced independently, with that change alone saving thousands of dollars over the life of a filter press.”

QUICKCHANGE is suitable for a broad range of mining and processing applications in Australia, from hard rock mining to quarrying to sludge dewatering in water treatment plants, to name a few.

The system, which can be incorporated into new filter presses or retrofitted to many existing units, has already generated global excitement following its debut at bauma 2025 in Germany and Expomin in Chile.

Live demonstrations revealed not only the ease and speed of the changeout process, but also the potential to reduce infrastructure requirements.

“By creating a quick system for removing filter cloths, we are also able

to significantly reduce the height of the filter press building by two or more stories,” Jenson said.

“This results in significant savings achieved in the structure of the filter press building, and much easier permitting where building height restrictions are present.”

Jenson said feedback from industry professionals has been encouraging.

“Some initial industry comments have been that QUICKCHANGE is a ‘gamechanger’, a ‘step-change in filter cloth maintenance’, ‘so quick and easy’, and ‘amazingly simple and robust – like the advancement of wheels on suitcases for filter presses’,” Jenson said.

“We’ve really enjoyed watching the smiles and reactions as people have tried the QUICKCHANGE system for themselves.”

As McLanahan celebrates 190 years in business in 2025, the QUICKCHANGE system is a fitting testament to the company’s ongoing legacy of innovation.

For the mining industry, it offers a new standard for safer, faster, and more cost-effective filtration maintenance.

“Teaming up with Diefenbach, a pioneer in liquid-solid separation since 1907, has helped us create this gamechanger,” Jenson said.

“QUICKCHANGE gets plants back online faster and safer, slashing downtime from filter cloth changeouts.” AM

INITIAL INDUSTRY COMMENTS HAVE BEEN THAT QUICKCHANGE IS A “STEP-CHANGE IN FILTER CLOTH MAINTENANCE”.

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Approved by a wide range of equipment manufacturers when used in either neat form or blended with diesel

Enquire now 1. The ISCC is a voluntary scheme recognised by the European Commissions under the Renewable Energy Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (RED II) that assesses operators along the supply chain as to whether they meet the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions savings criteria of the RED II. ISCC is also recognised by the United Kingdom under the renewable transport fuel obligations, under the Japanese Government biofuel mandate and under the Liquid Fuel Supply Regulation of Queensland. For more information see ISCC EU – ISCC System (iscc-system.org) 2. For more information on reductions in regulated emissions as a result through use of HVO see: Frontiers | Evaluation of a Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Effects on Emissions of a Passenger Car Diesel Engine (frontiersin.org) 3. See www.neste.com/sites/default/files/attachments/neste_renewable_diesel_handbook.pdf

AUSTRALIANMINING 49 JUNE 2025

EFFICIENCY AND OPTIMISATION

A BELT-HANDLING LEGACY STRENGTHENS WITH THE BACKING OF FENNER CONVEYORS, BELLE BANNE BELT HANDLING EQUIPMENT IS TRANSFORMING ITS REACH – WHILE STAYING TRUE TO ITS ROOTS.

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ith a rock-solid reputation in the Australian mining landscape, Belle Banne Belt Handling Equipment has earned its place as a trusted original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of high-quality and innovative belt handling solutions for use across the country.

Now, a brand operating under the Fenner Conveyors banner, Belle Banne Belt Handling Equipment is sharpening its focus solely on belt handling equipment, aligning its strengths to deliver even greater efficiencies.

This strategic move sees a clear delineation between belt handling equipment and conveyor maintenance services, with Fenner Conveyors assuming responsibility for all conveyor maintenance services.

Belle Banne, in turn, will exclusively focus on being the go-to provider of engineered belt handling solutions for mining applications.

Being under the Fenner Conveyors banner, Belle Banne is part of a fully integrated business with national infrastructure, a dedicated research and development (R&D) network and the global backing of Michelin.

Belle Banne general manager Glenn Nijenhuis said this change is about delivering even greater value to the industry, without losing the personal touch that made Belle Banne what it is today.

“We’re really proud of where Belle Banne started and the reputation we’ve built over the years,” Nijenhuis told Australian Mining. “Being part of Fenner Conveyors doesn’t take away from that – it strengthens it. We’ve got the same passion for solving problems, but now we’ve got even more tools, people and support behind us.”

Belle Banne Belt Handling Equipment (not to be confused with Belle Banne Conveyor Products) was established in Victoria and over the decades, the business built a strong presence in the mining sector, earning a reputation for quality large-scale equipment paired with hands-on engineering support.

That foundation of service-first thinking continues to shape how Belle Banne innovations are delivered today.

“We’ve always had that local mindset, working closely with customers, getting on-site, and finding the right solution, not just the quickest one,” Nijenhuis said.

“What’s changed now is our capacity.

Through Fenner Conveyors, we’re able

BELLE BANNE BELT HANDLING EQUIPMENT IS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED AT THE WORKSHOP IN TRARALGON, VICTORIA.

to deliver end-to-end conveyor systems – belt handling equipment is an important part of that – and we can support projects in any region.”

Having worked with several Tier 1 mining companies, Belle Banne has been listed in key client procedures for belt installation and change-outs, reinforcing the company’s presence in the mining industry.

Clients can tap into Belle Banne’s national equipment supply capability through Fenner Conveyors’ national service footprint, which includes sites proximate to all major Australian mining regions, such as Queensland’s Bowen Basin, Central Highlands and across the Pilbara in WA. “Working collaboratively with Fenner Conveyors, we’re no longer limited by geography,” Nijenhuis said. “We can now deliver belt handling solutions across the entire country – with the same level of attention and care we’re known for.”

At its core, Belle Banne has always been a solutions-focused business. From the beginning, the team has worked alongside mine operators to understand on-site challenges.

“We’re not here to push our products, we’re here to help sites run smoothly and more safely,” Belle Banne Conveyors engineering manager Cameron Trott said.

“That means getting out there, having conversations and understanding what’s really going on with the conveyor systems.”

“We are trusted not just for our premium equipment, but quality engineering support, as we ensure we deliver the best solution. That’s why the major miners choose us.”

While Belle Banne has a long history, the company’s eye is firmly on the future.

With access to Fenner’s national engineering network, Belle Banne

IMAGES: FENNER CONVEYORS

BELLE BANNE’S WORKSHOP TEAM INSPECTING BELT TURNING FRAMES FOR DELIVERY TO AN IRON ORE CLIENT.

BELLE BANNE BELT HANDLING ENGINEERS MODELLING THE UNIQUE BELT PULLER DESIGN.

AUSTRALIANMINING 50 JUNE 2025

EFFICIENCY AND OPTIMISATION

plans to use its expertise to refine and bring innovation to its belt handling equipment portfolio. This will help enhance its engineered designs to make client installation and change-out projects even more efficient.

As part of Fenner Conveyors and the wider Michelin Group, Belle Banne also benefits from access to global R&D, manufacturing techniques, and best practices.

“Being part of the Michelin Group means we’re connected to a worldleading network,” Nijenhuis said.

That international backing provides strength and stability, an increasingly important factor for mining companies looking for long-term partnerships.

“Our customers know that we’re backed by one of the world’s most respected industrial groups,” Nijenhuis said. “That gives them confidence that we’re here to stay – and that we’ll keep investing in the future.”

Through all the growth and transformation, Nijenhuis is quick to point out that Belle Banne’s greatest strength remains its people. The team’s deep technical knowledge, commitment to safety, and genuine customer focus are what keep the brand strong – and what continue to set it apart in the field.

“We’ve got team members who’ve been with us for 10, 15, 20 years, people who live and breathe conveyor systems,” he said. “They care about doing the job

BELLE BANNE WILL FOCUS ON BEING THE GO-TO EQUIPMENT PROVIDER FOR ENGINEERED BELT INSTALLATIONS AND CHANGE-OUTS IN MINING APPLICATIONS.

right, they care about our customers and their success, and they take real pride in what they deliver.”

“There is a reason why some of the biggest mining companies in the world only deal with us for belt handling solutions.”

That sense of pride extends across Belle Banne’s teams, from workshop staff to engineers, who elevate innovative, conceptual designs into first-rate solutions in the field that are efficient and enduring.

“We’ve got a strong foundation, and we’re now ready to take this to the next level, delivering refined equipment designs that will enhance belt installation and change-out projects, but with the same trusted customer support,” Nijenhuis said.

Located in Dandenong, Victoria, the splice kit department previously offered

by Belle Banne will now operate under Fenner Conveyors.

This change will simplify operations, with splice kits working hand-in-

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AUSTRALIANMINING 51 JUNE 2025

hand with OEM manufacturing of conveyor belts.

As mining operations become more complex and customer expectations continue to rise, Belle Banne is ready for what comes next.

“We’re evolving our solutions for the industry, but we’re not losing sight of who we are,” Trott said.

“Our customers know us, they trust us, and this rebrand will see us refine and enhance our current equipment portfolio.” AM

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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

SHARPENING AFTER-SALE SUPPORT

IMAGE: TRUFLO PUMPING SYSTEMS

TRUFLO PUMPING SYSTEMS IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING TOP TIER SERVICE TO ITS CLIENTS, PARTNERING WITH ITT BLAKERS IN WA TO HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

ITT BLAKERS AND TRUFLO PUMPING SYSTEMS HAVE PARTNERED TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES ACROSS AUSTRALIA.

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s mining operations across Australia continue to wrestle with downtime, Truflo Pumping Systems is investing heavily in after-sales support to ensure the downtime its clients experience is kept to a minimum.

A family-owned business with strong roots in Bathurst, Truflo Pumps is expanding its service capabilities across the country to match the reliability of its products.

Recently, Truflo Pumps secured a new alliance with ITT Blakers in Western Australia – an agreement that will be key to achieving its mission of providing toptier customer service across Australia.

“We manufacture the pumps from start to finish, but what we really want to emphasise now is our repair sector,” Truflo Pumps’ national operations manager Jason Bemrose told Australian Mining.

“It used to be quite small, but we’re spending a lot of money to build it up so we can provide faster turnaround and stronger customer support.”

Bemrose said the company is placing greater emphasis on repairs, rebuilds and proactive stock holdings, especially in high-demand regions like Queensland and New South Wales.

“Customer support is very important to us,” he said. “To ensure our clients are happy, they need to be serviced quickly,

so spending the money and putting the people on the ground is critical to make that happen.”

One of Truflo Pumps’ key initiatives is its investment in wet end stock to enable rapid repair by replacement services.

The company has also launched a successful service exchange program that provides quick replacement of pump components for clients with urgent needs.

“Through our service exchange program, clients send their unit in and receive a replacement unit right away,” Bemrose said. “Sometimes we have it there before they have even removed the old one and that reduces downtime to hours, not weeks.”

This model has resonated particularly well with clients operating in remote locations, where shipping delays can significantly impact production.

“The feedback from those remote sites has been very positive,” Bemrose said.

“Some operations simply can’t afford to be down for more than a day or two, so our ability to provide quick turnaround is saving them time and money.”

Truflo Pumps’ partnership with ITT Blakers will expand that same support to WA. “This is a strategic move to provide faster service and turnaround in WA,” Truflo Pumps’ national sales manager Martin Richardson told Australian Mining.

“ITT is a reputable name in the mining sector and the company is fully equipped to support our customers with rebuilds, overhauls, and stocking key components locally.”

Rather than building a standalone facility which could take years to construct, Truflo Pumps chose to work with an established partner in WA to ensure miners in the area get the same high-quality after-sales experience already available on the East coast.

“For us to establish our own workshop in WA, we’d be looking at a two-tothree-year timeline,” Richardson said.

“But through this partnership, we can hit the ground running.”

He says this initiative supports the company’s long-term customer service vision.

“What we gain is customer satisfaction and long-term relationships, and that’s valuable to us.”

Truflo Pumps and ITT Blakers are cross-training staff and aligning systems in their NSW, Queensland and WA service centres to ensure consistency.

Teams from each company will travel between Bathurst and Perth to share knowledge, tools and processes.

“This isn’t just a case of slapping our name on a workshop,” Richardson said.

“We’re training each other, investing in the right equipment and making sure we deliver a consistent Truflo Pumps experience.”

AUSTRALIANMINING 52 JUNE 2025

From the customer’s perspective, the process is designed to feel seamless, with a dedicated service email address that is monitored by ITT Blakers and Truflo staff to maintain open and timely communication.

“Our goal is for WA customers to feel like they’re working directly with Truflo Pumps,” Richardson said. “They reach out, they get a fast response, and their pump gets back on site quickly.

“It’s about delivering the same level of support no matter where in Australia they are.”

Truflo Pumps’ service exchange model continues to grow, now covering its core wet ends, as well as its Jumbo and Heli-Flo product lines.

With demand increasing for rapid replacement and rebuilds, the company plans to continue investing in stock, systems and people.

“Service exchange for Heli-Flo helical rotor pumps is a hot topic at the moment,” Richardson said. “We’re expanding into that now to keep up with demand.”

At the heart of Truflo Pump’ aftersales expansion is a commitment to reducing downtime and creating longterm value for mining clients.

“We’re not just here to sell a pump,” Richardson said. “We’re here to support our customers through the full life of the equipment and that means fast repairs, smart partnerships and always being ready to respond.” AM

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EFFICIENCY AND OPTIMISATION

IMAGE: IGUS GMBH

THE ENERGY CHAIN MEASURES IN AT A WORLD-RECORD 615M TRAVEL.

THE WORLD’S LONGEST ENERGY CHAIN IGUS’ PLASTIC ENERGY CHAIN AT A LIGNITE-FIRED POWER STATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC IS READY TO STAND UP AGAINST EXTREME CONDITIONS.

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easuring in at a world-record 615m travel, igus’ plastic energy chain at the lignite-fired power station in Tušimice, Czech Republic, is the longest in the world.

And regardless of it running 24 hours a day or standing idle for a month, the roller energy chain system has been going strong for a decade without missing a beat.

In normal operation, lignite (brown coal) is extracted from the opencast mine and conveyed directly into the lignitefired power station. If production is interrupted, it is vital supplies continue to go on generating energy.

The operators of the power station, ČEZ Group, achieve this goal by stockpiling large quantities of coal nearby.

The coal at Tušimice is stored in a long heap on the periphery of the power plant site. A stacker is used to pile the coal automatically on the heap. To supply the stacker with energy, data and media, ČEZ Group opted for an energy chain system from igus.

This led to an energy chain boasting a record-breaking 615m travel, with 10

years of reliable operation in an awardwinning application.

The application in Tušimice was awarded the 2010 Golden Vector Award, which igus initiates every two years to select the toughest and most exciting energy chain applications.

The 5050RHD energy chain is used at the Tušimice power station – the ‘R’ in the name stands for ‘rollers’.

“By using a roller, the coefficient of friction on long travels drops dramatically, when the upper run of the chain runs on the lower run,” igus sales and marketing head of engineering project Frank Schlögel said.

“Because of the lower friction, up to 57 per cent of the required drive energy can be saved. Which, of course, is all the more worthwhile on record-breaking travels like this one.”

With his project engineering team, Schlögel supervises special projects around the globe and accompanies customers from the first design and detailed planning stages up to assembly and even maintenance.

Before the igus energy chain system was installed at Tušimice, a cable drum was used. But the icy Czech winter often caused the cable to freeze, which could result in failures and unplanned

shutdowns. These problems have been a thing of the past for 10 last years.

Working with project manager Hennlich, a Czech-based stocking distributor, igus developed a complete package for the application. Since installation, only regular visual inspections have been carried out, with just 10 crossbars having been replaced over the entire period.

Two more systems are being moved with roller energy chains along with the 615m travel – a 400m and a 150m travel.

The two systems supply the reclaimer, which removes the coal from the pile and transfers it to the conveyor belt that runs to the power plant.

Reliable routing and safe overall concept

Inside the system are various chainflex cables from igus, which have been developed specifically for use in energy chains. In addition to the chainflex motor and control cables, a fibre optic cable is used for data transmission.

“Bus cables are out of the question for these long travels, as the signal strength would be insufficient,” Schlögel said.

A water hose is also routed in the chain together with a heating cable that prevents the water from freezing

AUSTRALIANMINING 54 JUNE 2025

inside the hose, which is used for dust control.

Electronic monitoring carried out on the Tušimice energy chain systems since commissioning measure the push/pull forces of the chains, with the system able to be switched off if the forces become too high.

In recent years, igus has further developed this form of condition monitoring, or i.Sense, and today offers machine builders modules for monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Under the smart plastics range, this includes break (i.Sense EC.B) and push/ pull (i.Sense EC.P) monitoring modules.

The system can be switched off in the event of a chain break to avoid further damage.

To complement this measure, the abrasion monitoring module (i.Sense EC.W) measures the wear of the energy chain continuously to provide a reliable indication of the remaining service life of the system. This enables a planned replacement of the system without sudden failures.

While the system is occasionally not used for periods, when the time comes and the coal needs to be conveyed, the operator can trust that the system will work reliably regardless of the season. AM

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FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS THE U40 BELT FASTENER HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THE RISING DEMAND FOR ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY AND DURABILITY IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

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ounded more than 100 years ago, MATO has become a pioneering conveyor solutions provider with a global footprint, having established a sister company in Australia and in other countries across the world.

MATO has been trusted by Australians for 35 years as the one of the leading belt providers to underground coal mines, manufacturing mechanical belt fasteners and associated equipment that stand the test of time.

“We supply to most of the underground coal mining industry and to many other sectors where mechanical belt fasteners are required,” MATO general manager David Gilbert told Australian Mining.

“Having been in Australia since 1990, and with the products that we’ve manufactured for coal applications, we are one of only two or three companies in the world that provide belt fasteners for heavy-duty mining applications.”

With a wealth of global knowledge and experience, MATO has developed the new U40 belt fastener to increase performance while cutting downtime and maintenance costs.

This product promises to set new mining benchmarks in Australia.

Where innovation meets originality

With the continuous advancement of technology, and the ever-growing pressure for carbon-neutral production, MATO set out to design a product that addresses evolving industry pressures while remaining competitive.

“Many mechanical belt fasteners and conveyor components really aren’t

cutting the mustard in today’s heavy industry,” Gilbert said. “Belts are moving faster, they’re getting wider, and their roller diameters are changing.

“We needed to develop a stronger wear component within belts to give them a longer life.”

The U30 belt fastener, introduced as part of MATO’s original range, serves everyday applications with a typical tracking period of six to ten weeks, making it ideal for most conveyor systems.

MATO HAS INTRODUCED AN INNOVATIVE BELTFASTENING SOLUTION WITH THE NEW U40 SERIES.

IMAGES: MATO

THE U40 SERIES BOASTS TWICE THE LIFESPAN OF OTHER PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET.

AUSTRALIANMINING 56 JUNE 2025

Featuring staple protection, a crucial component that holds fasteners together with compression, the U40 doubles the lifespan of the U30 series, reducing maintenance needs, boosting uptime, and lowering the total cost of ownership.

A new era begins with U40

Although the U40 is still relatively new to the market, its impact is already being felt.

One major customer has fully adopted the U40 series, with MATO in the process of converting others.

“The majority of our customers use the U30 series, but one customer has converted to and three customers are trialling the U40 at this moment,” Gilbert said. “The adoption of the U40 will naturally increase as more clients transition from their U30 fastener into the latest technology.”

With many similarities between the U30 and U40 fasteners, implementing the U40 doesn’t require additional training.

Should support be required, MATO’s expert sales team can visit site and provide hands-on training, ensuring mine operators can seamlessly integrate the U40 into their existing systems with minimal disruption.

What’s next for MATO?

Some customers have embraced the U40 series without hesitation, while others are exploring their transition from the reliable U30.

Gilbert is confident the U40 belt fastener can become the industry standard.

“I believe the U40 will quickly become the go-to solution for the Australian mining industry,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert encouraged mining professionals to stay tuned to new MATO developments in the near future.

“We’re working closely with our engineering team to develop a new range of belt scrapers, or ‘belt cleaners’ as they are known in Australia,” he said. “We’re developing products suited to both heavy-duty mining applications and industrial sectors like waste recycling.”

With the emergence of the U40 belt fastener and other new products in the pipeline, MATO is strengthening its position as a premier conveyor solutions provider.

The company continues to innovate and provide mining companies with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and challenging global landscape. AM

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IMAGES: WHITE INDUSTRIES

COMPANY PROFILE

WHITE INDUSTRIES HAS EXPANDED ITS CAPABILITIES TO BEST SERVE THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY.

THE AUSTRALIAN FOUNDRY OF CHOICE WHITE INDUSTRIES HAS BEEN A LEADING PROVIDER OF FERROUS AND NON-FERROUS CASTINGS FOR THE LAST 65 YEARS.

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hite Industries has grown from humble beginnings to become the service provider clients now know and trust.

A known ISO-quality endorsed castings supplier, White Industries manufactures and delivers costeffective solutions.

The company has been able to continue operating locally despite several foundries closing in recent years by expanding its castings offerings and delivering efficient products and services with quality at the forefront.

“One of the biggest advantages of sourcing your castings locally is the speed and reliability of delivery,” White Industries said. “This reduces the risk of global disruptions like port delays, political instability, and pandemics affecting your supply chain.

“We offer full vertical integration, from initial design and simulation to heat treatment and final machining.

As a one-stop shop, we eliminate the need for multiple suppliers, simplifying your supply chain and reducing coordination issues.”

Manufacturing products locally means more jobs will be created to fuel the national economy and keep industries performing optimally.

Utilising Australian materials to create products also strengthens the country’s supply chain.

can reach up to 325kg and the brass and bronze castings can be as heavy as 1000kg.

If a client is unsure what material would best suit their needs, White Industries’ team of metallurgists can assist

Castings

White Industries can produce nonferrous and ferrous castings from 1–23,000kg, allowing for a wide range of customer needs to be met.

The castings are available in material such as stainless steel, manganese steel, low alloy steel, ductile iron, grey cast iron, high alloy white iron, brass, bronze, phosphor copper nickel, gunmetal, and aluminium.

The iron castings can be manufactured up to 22,000kg, and the steel castings can be as large as 12,000kg. The aluminium castings

WHITE INDUSTRIES CAN CARRY OUT REVERSE ENGINEERING PROCESSES SUCH AS 3D SCANNING AND PRINTING.

AUSTRALIANMINING 58 JUNE 2025

in selecting the most appropriate option.

“We offer specialised expert advice on all your project specifics,” White Industries said.

“This can range from product development and production capabilities

COMPANY PROFILE

and assist in design for effective manufacturing and cost control. We have the ability to accept product designs in most electronic formats.”

By working with its clients to develop the best material for each application, White Industries increases service life of the castings and production outputs.

Capabilities

WHITE INDUSTRIES SOURCES ITS SCRAP METAL FROM DECOMMISSIONED VEHICLES, HEAVY MACHINERY, AND INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES.

“We also have 14 PLC (programmable logic controller) controlled heat treatment ovens with electronic recording of cycles, as well as two water quench tanks,” White Industries said.

“This gives a full range of thermal treatments, including annealing, normalising, hardening and tempering, stress relieving.”

White Industries also operates approximately 35 CNC (computer numerical control) machines, including modern Mazak automated machining centres designed for high-volume work.

“Our specialised equipment includes horizontal and vertical boring mills, spindle mills, borers,

and cylindrical grinding machines,” White Industries said. “We can handle everything from precision production to large-scale machining, including castings or fabrications from 10m diameter and up to 50t.”

Once production has taken place, White Industries will undertake a robust quality assurance process to guarantee the castings meet client requirements.

Such steps include in-house magnetic particle testing, hardness testing, atomic emission spectroscopic chemical analysis, dimensional inspection, gauging and visual inspections, subcontracted ultrasonic, dye penetration testing, and phased array testing.

We’re not just rebranding, we’re raising the bar!

AUSTRALIANMINING 59 JUNE 2025

“Our production capacities are carefully managed through our ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, supported by a dedicated customer service and scheduling department,” White Industries said.

“This ensures that production orders are scheduled for optimal efficiency throughout the manufacturing process, enabling us to consistently achieve ontime delivery.”

By prioritising quality, safety and keeping its manufacturing operations local, White Industries is the go-to company for all casting requirements of the industrial sectors. AM

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Over the years, White Industries has expanded its capabilities to deliver largescale supply across Australia.

The company can create precision patterns by using various materials, with each tailored to the clients’ specifications. White Industries can also reverse engineer patterns.

“White Industries offers comprehensive capabilities, reverse engineering including CAD (computeraided design) modelling, 3D scanning, 3D printing, and cold cast simulation for all alloys,” White Industries said.

“With over 10 years of experience in these fields, we are confident in delivering precision and quality in the manufacturing of our clients’ parts.”

White Industries utilises a highvolume automated IMF (in-mould forming) moulding line that is 1160mm x 1160mm x 500mm and can conduct jobbing up to 5m x 5m x 3m, serviced by 35 tonnes (t) per hour sand mixers.

White Industries’ Ipswich site, which it acquired four years ago, comprises a 1 x 5t and 1 x 2.5t induction furnace.

The site can lip pour ladle up to 22t and bottom pour up to 12t.

The Dalby facility, which is known as the largest privately-owned foundry in Queensland, can lip pour up to 6.5t and bottom pour up to 6.5t. It also contains several induction furnaces: 1 x 3t, 2 x 2t, 1 x 750kg and 1 x 40kg.

White Industries can carry out heat treatment up to 1100°C, temper up to 650°C and stress relieve up to 580°C.

MINING COMPONENTRY

A GLOBAL LEADER IN SEALING INNOVATION GLOBAL TRAILBLAZER TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS IS LEVELLING UP INDUSTRIES ACROSS THE WORLD WITH ITS INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS.

TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS APAC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER DIRK MOESSNER.

highlight the benefit of the seals,” Moessner said. “This ensures that construction projects are completed efficiently and safely, even under the most challenging conditions for the mining devices and equipment.”

Advanced solutions and even better customer service

Trelleborg works closely with OEMs through R&D, engineering design, and simulations to ensure its seals meet the specific needs of each customer.

“Leveraging the full spectrum of items in our sealing portfolio, we work closely with our customers to develop sealing solutions tailored to their unique operating environments,” Moessner said.

The company’s extensive network of logistics centres and manufacturing sites ensures customers receive the right products quickly, no matter their location.

This level of detail and customisation sets Trelleborg apart from other providers in the market.

Trelleborg ramps up its Australian presence

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Trelleborg’s solutions are already well established in the Australian mining sector, but the company intends to make an even bigger impact in the near future.

“We are looking to expand into the Australian MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) market, serving distributors and service companies with our full capability,” Moessner said.

IMAGES: TRELLEBORG

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relleborg Sealing Solutions is a one-stop shop for advanced sealing solutions, backed by world-class manufacturing facilities that serve customers worldwide.

With 35 strategically located facilities across four continents and 15 research and development (R&D) centres globally, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions boasts advanced product development capabilities. This enables the company to design customised products that meet the most demanding requirements of heavy industries.

“We are well established in our niche, serving major industries globally,” Trelleborg Sealing Solutions APAC business development manager Dirk Moessner told Australian Mining.

“We work closely with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to develop products for machine tools and presses, mining machinery, oil & gas, and a wide range of industrial equipment and devices. We’re active across all branches of industry.”

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has helped the mining sector operate seamlessly since 1905 with its heavyduty rotary seals, moulded parts and high-performance static seals that protect components from contamination and abrasion.

The company’s long-lasting, highperformance solutions are integral to the functionality of a myriad of heavy machinery vital to the mining industry.

“Our seals are integral to the functionality of excavators, loaders, bulldozers, and other heavy machinery, providing superior resistance to extreme pressures, temperatures, and wear to

A TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS MECHANICAL FACE SEAL.

With equipment failure leading to costly downtime in the mining sector, Trelleborg prioritises proactive collaboration with clients to minimise disruptions.

By working closely with operators and engineers, the company assesses the unique environmental and operational pressures each site faces, whether it be extreme temperatures or abrasive materials.

This tailored approach ensures the selection of sealing materials that not only meet but often exceed industry standards for performance and durability.

To address the growing need for automated and environmentally friendly mining machinery in Australia, Trelleborg is working on an array of sophisticated solutions.

“We are launching innovations like the HiSpin HS40 and the Stefa highpressure radial shaft seals to meet the growing demand for high-performance seals for rotary applications into the industries and mining industry,” Moessner said.

The HiSpin HS40 is specifically designed for high-speed rotary applications as high-speed electric motors to providing low-friction performance and superior oil management in a bid to minimise equipment wear and energy consumption.

The Stefa high-pressure radial shaft seals are engineered to withstand pressures up to 20 megapascals (MPa), featuring flexible lip geometry that

AUSTRALIANMINING 60 JUNE 2025

self-balances under strong pressure, ensuring stable shaft contact and reducing friction.

These innovations aim to prolong equipment life, reduce maintenance downtime, and improve operational efficiency.

Innovating for mining’s future

Looking to the future, Trelleborg is focused on serving emerging market needs, including industrial automation, electrification, and the development of low-friction material for global requirements.

This will see the company continue to prioritise R&D and customer support to ensure products are tailored to the specific requirements of mining operations, solidifying the company’s standing as a sealing pioneer, and not just in the global mining industry.

“We are continuously developing new materials and seal designs to meet future requirements and global regulations to enabling our customers to prolong the life of their equipment and deliver greater productivity for longer,” Moessner said.

Moessner encourages the Australian mining industry to take advantage of Trelleborg’s premium sealing solutions and customer support.

“Partner with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to experience unparalleled quality, innovation, and support, no matter where your operations take you,” he said. AM

AIR COMPRESSORS

AIR WITHOUT LIMITS IMAGES: CEA

ATLAS COPCO’S NEW B-AIR COMPRESSOR IS HELPING THE MINING INDUSTRY MEET ITS NEED FOR POWERFUL, PORTABLE AIR.

T

here’s a new low-carbon partner in town, and it’s ready to transform how the mining industry thinks about air compressors.

Atlas Copco has now introduced the B-Air 185-12 to the sector, tipped as the world’s first mobile screw compressor powered by a battery.

“The B-Air 185-12 presents a great solution for the Australian mining sector given the industries increased focus on sustainability and operational efficiency,” Atlas CEA brand leader David Buttigieg said.

“With zero local emissions and significantly reduced noise levels, it directly addresses stringent environmental and OHS, particularly in enclosed or sensitive areas.”

The B-Air has been designed with autonomy at the forefront to ensure it can keep running for at least one full shift in typical conditions. This also enables a mine to move and run the B-Air wherever it’s needed.

Other key features of the B-Air include its efficient design and less parts to guarantee extra durability and peace of mind for operators. Extended intervals

THE B-AIR 185-12 IS TIPPED AS THE WORLD’S FIRST MOBILE SCREW COMPRESSOR POWERED BY A BATTERY.

between regular maintenance also means operators save on operating costs.

“The enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance burden, compared to diesel units, contributes to a lower total cost of ownership and increased uptime, making the B-Air 185-12 a highly suitable and practical choice for Australian mining operations,” Buttigieg said.

Built to perform in the often-harsh conditions of the Australian mine

industry, the B-Air is designed to get the most of its battery. The battery pack is contained in a liquid-cooled triple enclosure for the highest protection.

“The B-Air 185-12’s ‘built to last’ philosophy and extended service intervals offer significant operational advantages,” Buttigieg said.

“The triple-enclosed, liquid-cooled battery pack and the overall rugged construction are critical for ensuring

THE B-AIR HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITH AUTONOMY AT THE FOREFRONT.

AUSTRALIANMINING 62 JUNE 2025

durability in the face of dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures often encountered on mine sites.”

The B-Air is also equipped with PACE, an electronic pressure control system that adjusts it output depending on the requirements. While a regular compressor is limited to a certain pressure and flow rate, the B-Air can be used for a variety of applications, including running as a handheld tool, for sandblasting, or for cable blowing.

At the core of the B-Air is the variable speed drive (VSD) permanent magnet motor which helps achieve the exceptional efficiency Atlas Copco air compressors are known for. This combination means the B-Air is up to 70 per cent more energy efficient than a traditional diesel driver mobile compressor.

Both the motor and NEOS Xtreme inverter are unique Atlas Copco designs that have been specifically developed to thrive in the harshest and most challenging mining environments.

The motor is also sealed from water and dust to further deliver consistent and dependable performance and ensure uninterrupted operations. AM

0100134039001

U40 SERIES

MINERAL PROCESSING

IMAGE: ASTEC INDUSTRIES

INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER FOCUS ASTEC INDUSTRIES’S RECENT ACQUISITION OF TERRASOURCE PROVIDES THE COMPANY WITH GREATER RESOURCES TO HELP MINERS IN AUSTRALIA. “I’m proud to share that Astec has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TerraSource, a strategic partnership that will significantly elevate our aftermarket parts and services platform and unlock new opportunities for global expansion,” van der Merwe said. “This move directly supports our long-term vision and strengthens our materials solutions segment with innovative equipment, creating powerful synergies through a highly complementary product line-up.

“But this is more than a business decision – it’s a partnership rooted in shared values of innovation and customer focus. A culture that prioritises people and connection.”

The deal will be financed through existing cash on hand and new committed financing, based on 2024 financial figures. The acquisition is expected to carry an adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) multiple of 5.9, factoring in tax benefits of approximately $US15 million and anticipated annual run-rate synergies of about $US10 million by the end of year two.

The transaction is expected to close early in the third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

Astec chief financial officer Brian Harris said the acquisition aligns with the company’s disciplined growth strategy and will drive value from the outset.

“The pending acquisition of TerraSource is consistent with our disciplined growth strategy,” Harris said.

“It will add scale, improve our aftermarket parts mix, expand our margins and quality of earnings, and is expected to be accretive from day one.”

TerraSource’s equipment is already well-recognised in key industrial markets, and its major brands include Gundlach Crushers, Jeffrey Radar, Pennsylvania Crusher and Elgin Separation Solutions. These brands are particularly valuable in sectors such as mining, energy and aggregates, offering robust, durable machines suited to challenging environments.

TerraSource equipment handles a broad spectrum of raw materials, including coal, iron ore, gold and copper, all central to Australia’s resource economy. This complements Astec’s existing presence in Australia, where it provides a suite of crushing plants, screens, feeders and conveyors.

By integrating TerraSource’s technologies and installed base, Astec can further strengthen its aftermarket capabilities, reduce equipment

ASTEC PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER JACO VAN DER MERWE.

downtime, and provide a more seamless supply of replacement parts and support services.

This is particularly relevant in remote mining regions, where equipment reliability and responsive service are mission-critical. The addition of TerraSource’s 15 global locations also adds to Astec’s existing portfolio and gives the company greater capacity to serve customers faster.

“TerraSource adds significant growth and value-creation opportunities, including new markets, after-market parts and accretive margins,” van der Merwe said.

“We look forward to having the hardworking TerraSource employees join the Astec team.” AM

IMAGE: JUAN ENRIQUE DEL BARRIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A

stec Industries has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire TerraSource Global for $US245 million ($379 million) in a strategic move poised to enhance its materials solutions segment and fuel global growth, including in the Australian mining market.

TerraSource is known for its robust portfolio in crushing, screening, feeding and material handling offerings. The company’s equipment has been crucial for many coal mining operations, trusted by companies such as Arch Coal, Peabody and Drummond.

Its solutions offer power-efficient crushing and high-capacity sizing in challenging mining environments, helping to ensure reliable, lowmaintenance operations that enhance productivity and reduce downtime.

With features like uniform feeding, precise material control and efficient material transfer, TerraSource’s equipment significantly contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of coal mining operations.

Astec president and chief executive officer Jaco van der Merwe said the acquisition aligns with Astec’s long-term vision and customercentric values.

ASTEC INDUSTRIES’ ACQUISITION OF TERRASOURCE PROVIDES THE COMPANY WITH GREATER RESOURCES TO HELP MINERS IN AUSTRALIA.

AUSTRALIANMINING 64 JUNE 2025

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FUEL MANAGEMENT

THE FUEL-MANAGEMENT EXPERTS VERIDAPT IS A RECOGNISED EXPERT IN FUEL MANAGEMENT, DELIVERING SOLUTIONS THAT CAN SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCE FUEL CONTROL. VERIDAPT’S FUEL-MANAGEMENT PLATFORM HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY MULTIPLE TIER 1 MINING COMPANIES.

IMAGES: VERIDAPT

A

s mining companies face increasing cost and equipment uptime pressures, optimising fuel-management processes can not only save money but set operators up for future prosperity.

The mining sector is harnessing digitalisation and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to access enhanced fuelmanagement practices, thanks in large part to innovative IoT company Veridapt.

For Veridapt, refining fuel management for its utmost effectiveness involves providing data capture and analysis capabilities coupled with the expertise to develop a digital twin model to help operators visualise and optimise their fuel supply chain.

Veridapt’s platform has been adopted by multiple Tier 1 mining companies, with one miner receiving a detailed analysis on replacing its existing directto-tank processes with a tailored huband-spoke model.

The comprehensive and predictive modelling clearly demonstrated the operator would lower both capital expenditure (capex) and operational expenditure (opex) on fuel delivery and distribution by between $US5 million–6 million.

Veridapt vice president mining Wayne Arthur explained how this project came about.

“By leveraging our in-house datascience capability, we were conducting analytics on a mining client’s data,” Arthur told Australian Mining. “We determined that we could build a digital twin model to run scenarios and see if improvements could be made to their fuel supply chain.”

Arthur said Veridapt worked with the mining company to understand their current fuel storage capacity and the criticality of certain fuel-storage locations.

The digital twin model, based on Veridapt’s fuel-management platform, enabled the analytics team to run potential scenarios and scope what adaptations would work best.

“There’s a lot of logistics and protocols that can make fuel delivery on a mine site complex,” Arthur said.

“Through the hub-and-spoke model, the client was able to have fuel supplied to a central on-site hub rather than to individual tanks, which have much smaller storage capacities.”

Combine the smaller storage with the added logistics of delivering fuel to each tank and operators face greater supplychain risk with a direct-to-tank model.

By contrast, a hub-and-spoke model provides the operator with greater ‘survival time’.

“Having a central hub means that if there’s any disruptions to a fuel supply chain, you have continuity for a significant amount of time, which is what we call survival time,” Arthur said.

“Let’s say, for example, that storage on-site is one million litres, and the operator uses 250,000 litres per day, this means they have four days of survival time.

“A hub-and-spoke model enables mine operators to increase their survival time by having more storage capacity onsite. This ensures that if any disruptions do arise, or even if some tanks are offline for maintenance, they can call on their additional storage and mitigate a stockout event impacting production.”

Operators are less likely to incur downtime from a hub-and-spoke model as compared with a direct-to-tank system. They are also likely to enjoy greater operational efficiencies.

“A lot of those insights are available from having real-time refuelling information, which is made available by our platform. Are you travelling too far

between refuelling points, for example, or can we move infrastructure to more efficient locations?” Arthur said.

“We also look at additional infrastructure data points around refuelling performance and flow rates.

Sensors installed right across a miner’s fuel supply chain provide valuable data to understand and optimise their operational processes, with insights analysed through the most reliable platform available.”

While the hub-and-spoke model is best suited to operators using more than 300 million litres of fuel per year, Veridapt’s fuel-management solutions are suitable to miners of all sizes and profiles. The model can also be adapted to smaller operations and still realise significant benefits.

Mid-tier miners, for example, can enjoy significant cost savings from being able to monitor their fuel supply chain and make operational changes where necessary. These insights can also be shared with fuel suppliers to improve upstream processes.

“We endeavour to integrate our systems with existing infrastructure,” Arthur said. “The quicker we can get it

AUSTRALIANMINING 66 JUNE 2025

installed, the quicker the customer gets a value-adding outcome.

“This information is aggregated in a secure cloud infrastructure platform and then disseminated through reports, so it works as an overarching platform that all users can access both on-site or remotely and through multiple devices such as their phone, tablet or computer.

“We provide configurable thirdparty access to suppliers, so they have visibility of their responsible vendormanaged inventory portion. The system provides visibility for both internal and external parties to monitor and control their complete supply chain from end to end.”

Veridapt has developed a reliable and versatile fuel-management solution to suit mine and rail operators of all sizes, with a software platform that can process big data and deliver actionable insights right across a fuel supply chain.

This is pertinent for now and for a decarbonised future, with Veridapt set to become an important platform for diverse energy footprints, where mine operators could call on everything from diesel to blended fuels to hydrogen and electrification to power their sites. AM

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RISK MANAGEMENT

A NEW ERA OF RISK MANAGEMENT MINE SITES OPERATE AS COMPLEX ECOSYSTEMS, WITH HIGH-VALUE ASSETS AND CRITICAL MACHINERY WORKING TOWARDS ONE GOAL: EXTRACTING AND PROCESSING COMMODITIES FOR SALE. “We employ thousands of engineers worldwide who go out and evaluate essentially every location that we insure. This informs a risk assessment to understand the risk profile of each individual site.”

These risk assessments help our underwriters structure insurance programs that meet the clients’ needs and offer invaluable insights into key processes, equipment and hazards.

“Our field engineers collect around 700 data points when conducting a site evaluation,” Pilgrim said.

“This incorporates almost every moving part on a site, including the buildings, equipment, processes, protection systems and natural hazard exposures.

“When we combine this with loss history using predictive analytics, we get some powerful insights about loss drivers at both a location level and an industry level.

“Our role is then to present our risk assessment to a client and say, ‘Here’s what we know about your industry and where losses are most likely to occur. Here are your assets most at risk of loss. Here’s the risk profile of your business overall.”

Targeted recommendations

Once a risk profile is determined, FM provides recommendations on best practices to mitigate risk and avoid losses. This informs a riskmanagement plan.

“This helps us understand, ‘Where are we at today, and what do we agree is a good end goal?’,” Pilgrim said. “This could be for two, three or five years down the track, depending on what is best suited to the client and their own risk appetite.

“We apply our engineering resources to help clients understand what the best solutions are, how to go about applying

them, and what the priorities should be.

We’re a mining company’s partner on their risk-management journey.”

Once the priorities are agreed upon, the journey usually starts with identifying any ‘low hanging fruit’.

Pilgrim said FM typically advises mining companies to first address risks that can be implemented quickly and don’t come with a large capital expense.

This might involve adapting loss prevention procedures that reduce the likelihood of loss, such as hot-work processes that present fire hazards, or online condition monitoring for critical equipment, for example.

“Hot work fires are a major loss driver in the mining industry,” Pilgrim said.

“FM could suggest best practices, such as clearing combustibles when carrying out hot work or having extinguishers or hoses laid out to quickly respond in the event of a fire.

FM FIELD ENGINEERS COLLECT AROUND 700 DATA POINTS WHEN CONDUCTING A SITE EVALUATION.

IMAGE: MARK HIGGINS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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ine operators typically employ risk-management strategies to preserve assets, fulfil insurance requirements, and keep operations running smoothly.

But doing this effectively requires deep operational knowledge and datadriven engineering insight into high-risk assets and potential loss scenarios – expertise difficult to maintain in-house.

FM – a large global property insurer with a dedicated engineering network – helps mining operators identify and manage the risks that matter the most to their organisations, proactively helping them avoid costly losses and downtime.

“FM’s philosophy has always been that the majority of losses are preventable,” FM account engineering group manager Matt Pilgrim told Australian Mining.

AUSTRALIANMINING 68 JUNE 2025

RISK MANAGEMENT

IMAGE: JOSE LUIS STEPHENS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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FM SPECIALISES IN RISK ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION, ASSISTING MINE SITES IN PREVENTING COSTLY LOSSES.

“Longer-term risk management priorities often involve some capital outlay, such as purchasing critical spares or improving fire protection which greatly reduce the consequence of a loss and can have an enormous impact on the overall risk profile of a site.

“We try to help our clients find the right balance when it comes to spending capital on risk improvement, as every client has a different risk appetite and capital is often constrained. That’s where our data and analytics really come into their own in terms of prioritising risk improvement spend.”

Insights backed by research

FM calls on an extensive range of mining-specific engineering standards and data sheets to inform its consultations, produced by the company’s engineering and research arm.

“A lot of the value that FM brings is our research,” Pilgrim said. “We have facilities in the US that carry out large scale testing for fire, explosion, natural hazards and equipment. We run tests to understand how things behave when it all goes wrong, and how to best protect our clients’ assets. A huge area of focus for our researchers right now is emerging risk.

“We want to help guide our clients through the mining industry’s next evolution, where decarbonisation, digitisation and technology are front of mind.”

FM conducts research and testing to develop best practices regarding the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS), for example, which can pose fire risks due to the lithium-ion batteries that power these systems.

This could involve simple measures like providing adequate space separation,

off-gas detection to provide early indication of thermal runaway, or in some cases active fire protection.

Mining misconceptions

When asked what the most common misconceptions regarding loss in the mining industry are, Pilgrim provided some fascinating insights.

“We analysed 10 years of mining loss history and found only 25 per cent of our gross losses were connected to physical damage, with 75 per cent tied to the resulting business interruption,” Pilgrim said. “By far the majority of loss that we pay is the downtime associated with equipment being unavailable, as opposed to the actual physical cost of fixing things. That’s why understanding the pain points for your operation is so critical.”

Pilgrim also emphasised the misconception between routine losses versus catastrophic losses.

“Clients tend to understand routine losses well, but it’s the rare events that might only occur once or twice in the life of an operation that are less understood,” he said. “It could involve the catastrophic failure of a girth gear on a SAG or ball mill, or a fault in a main transformer.

“It’s something that’s going to have a significant impact on production, and it’s going to take a long time to procure a replacement if you don’t have a spare.”

Risks are a constant on mine sites, and understanding their potential impact helps prevent major operational setbacks.

FM’s unique engineering approach helps operators identify vulnerabilities early and prioritise the right interventions, reducing the likelihood of costly failures and improving longterm resilience. AM

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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

ALL IN ONE PLACE

W

hen Queenslandbased resource company Vitrinite needed a rail solution to move its product from pit to port, it could have stitched together multiple contracts: one for infrastructure, one for haulage, another for financing.

Instead, Vitrinite signed a strategic partnership with Martinus, a company now delivering across the entire rail value chain.

The agreement between Vitrinite and Martinus marks more than a project win.

It signals a shift in the rail infrastructure market and a milestone in Martinus’ evolution from a delivery contractor to an integrated rail owner-operator.

“This isn’t just about building tracks or running trains,” Martinus chief executive officer and founder Treaven Martinus said. “It’s about offering a fullservice model where we’re accountable for the outcomes, not just the inputs.”

An integrated model

Martinus has long had a reputation for taking on challenging rail projects and delivering under pressure. But in recent years, the business has expanded its offering across two key divisions, Infrastructure by Martinus and Haulage

by Martinus, to meet growing demand for integrated delivery and operations.

Underpinning this is a strategic capability in project financing, embedded within Infrastructure by Martinus. The division manages everything from design and construction to ownership models such as BOOT (build-own-operate-transfer) and FBOOT, working with financial partners to unlock investment grade capital for large-scale transport corridors.

“We’ve always been a builder,” Martinus Infrastructure business development director Jonathon Shwabsky said. “But now we’re a developer, operator and strategic partner.

That means we can help clients shape the right delivery model, finance it, and take it from greenfield through to longterm operation.”

The company’s haulage division, meanwhile, offers above-rail capability across construction trains, freight movement and long-haul services, giving Martinus full vertical integration from rail formation to rolling stock.

MARTINUS’ PARTNERSHIP WITH VITRINITE IS A MILESTONE IN THE COMPANY’S EVOLUTION FROM A DELIVERY CONTRACTOR TO AN INTEGRATED RAIL OWNER-OPERATOR.

IMAGE: MARTINUS

MARTINUS AND VITRINITE HAVE ENTERED A PARTNERSHIP THAT WILL SEE BOTH COMPANIES BENEFIT.

Martinus’ model is different from traditional contractor-client arrangements, where haulage, infrastructure and finance are split between multiple parties. That setup can create friction, particularly in emerging operations where delivery speed, capital access and early alignment are critical.

By contrast, Martinus aligns all elements from day one.

“With our model, infrastructure and haulage are planned together; they inform each other,” Martinus Haulage national business development manager Lee Morrissey said. “That gives clients a better outcome, faster. Fewer disconnects. Less risk.”

This structure also means clients don’t need to coordinate multiple handovers between contractors and operators.

Instead, Martinus manages everything through a single interface, while still giving clients the flexibility to engage services modularly if needed.

“It’s not one-size-fits-all,” Shwabsky said. “Some clients just need infrastructure. Some want us to deliver the lot. The point is, we have the inhouse capability to do either.”

A like-minded partner

Martinus’ partnership with Vitrinite emerged from shared goals, timing and mindset.

Both companies are relatively young and driven by ambition, autonomy and growth.

“There’s a really strong alignment between the two teams,” Morrissey said. “Both businesses are agile,

solutions-focused and not afraid to do things differently.”

Martinus and Vitrinite will codevelop the rail corridor and operational model using an open-book approach, with embedded teams and shared planning from the outset. The idea is to iterate together, not throw plans over the fence.

“That’s what makes this a partnership, not just a contract,” Morrissey said.

“We’re sitting on the same side of the table, working toward a common goal.”

From a strategic perspective, the Vitrinite partnership represents a logical next step for Martinus, which has grown steadily from rail product supplier to subcontractor, to principal contractor and now, owner and operator.

“In the last decade, we’ve taken on and delivered some of the largest and most complex projects in Australia,” Treaven said. “The next stage of our growth is about owning and operating rail assets, not just building them.”

This growth is grounded in the same principles that have defined the Martinus approach from the beginning: anti-bureaucracy, accountability and a belief in the power of engineering to solve complex problems.

“We’re a hands-on business,” Treaven said. “We’ve built a culture where if someone sees a better way to do something, we listen. That mindset is what keeps us moving forward.”

From vision to delivery

As the partnership with Vitrinite progresses, Martinus will manage the

AUSTRALIANMINING 70 JUNE 2025

design and construction of fit-forpurpose rail infrastructure, provide above-rail haulage services and lead the strategy for project financing.

The combined value lies in the integration of all three: planning, moving and funding into one delivery pathway.

“Martinus is well placed to support new and emerging miners,” Shwabsky said.

“Not every company has the internal resources to manage construction, interface with multiple vendors, navigate financing and plan operations. We take that burden off their plate and deliver a solution that works end-to-end.”

The Martinus team also sees this partnership as a broader signal to the market.

“We want to work with companies who see the value in a different approach,” Morrissey said. “This isn’t just about doing what’s been done before. It’s about building better supply chains, faster.”

With several major projects underway across Australia and internationally, Martinus is now focused on consolidating its position as a nextgeneration rail partner – one capable of delivering infrastructure, running freight and supporting customers with capitalready models.

“We’re not just looking to deliver contracts,” Treaven said, “we’re building long-term partnerships with companies who want to move fast, work smart and create real impact.” AM

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING

TRAINING THAT DELIVERS

IMAGES: KOMATSU

KOMATSU TRAINING ACADEMY DELIVERS NATIONALLY RECOGNISED AND CUSTOMISED TRAINING TO ENSURE THE MINING INDUSTRY THRIVES INTO THE FUTURE.

KTA OFFERS A RANGE OF TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT COURSES.

A

s skills shortages continue to affect productivity across manufacturing and heavy industry, many businesses are shifting from reactive to proactive workforce development.

For companies looking to stay competitive, this means moving beyond compliance training to a model that delivers measurable gains in safety, performance and retention.

Real impact, measurable outcomes

Komatsu Training Academy (KTA) is helping businesses achieve exactly that.

From reducing machine downtime to improving safety KPIs (key performance indicators) and team productivity, structured workforce training is delivering tangible return of investment (ROI) across operations.

With a focus on practical outcomes, KTA works closely with businesses to identify skill gaps, build technical capability, and develop confident, jobready professionals who contribute to safer, more efficient worksites.

sessions at high-tech training centres in Brisbane and Perth, businesses can access training that works around their operations – not the other way around.

Skills packages

KTA recognises that the first step in ensuring safe, productive and profitable worksites is to have plant operators and service technicians who can safely operate and service their machines.

These skills should also be built on to develop team members into highly proficient professionals.

To facilitate this, KTA offers a range of training and skills development courses, from industry accredited nationally recognised machine-specific courses through to specialist courses that ensure the highest levels of proficiency.

“Operator and technician training courses available through Komatsu Training Academy cover a variety of mining, construction and utility machines including backhoe/loaders,

dozers, shovels, crushers, dump trucks, excavators (conventional and hybrid), graders and wheel loaders, as well as general systems and technologies,” Komatsu said.

“In addition, KTA can develop and tailor any training program to suit customers’ specific requirements.”

Business-wide benefits

As an industry specific registered training organisation (RTO), customers can be assured that KTA delivers the highest level of training from experts who know the industry intimately and are passionate about teaching the skills needed for future generations.

“We believe that the difference between a key technician or operator who is merely competent compared with one who is truly proficient at their job, can translate into significant benefits to your bottom line as well as having a more engaged and committed loyal workforce,” Komatsu said.

Tailored for modern manufacturing

KTA continues to evolve its training programs to meet the needs of today’s advanced manufacturing environments.

Whether it’s upskilling maintenance teams to handle the latest diagnostics tech, or preparing operators for smart machinery integration, KTA offers flexible, modular programs that match the pace of change.

And with delivery options that include online learning, on-site training, and

KTA CONTINUES TO EVOLVE ITS TRAINING PROGRAMS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TODAY’S ADVANCED MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENTS.

AUSTRALIANMINING 72 JUNE 2025

“We understand the challenges of your specific operating environment, and how to work with you to get the very best from your equipment and your management, technical and operational teams.”

Lifelong learning: From trainees to leaders

Beyond technical skills, KTA’s programs also foster career progression, helping entry-level staff transition into leadership, supervision and technical specialist roles.

For businesses, that means stronger succession planning and better talent retention.

“Training should be a growth strategy, not just a compliance requirement,” Komatsu national training manager Bridget van Herk said.

“We’re helping businesses build a workforce that can lead with confidence – not just today, but five, 10 years from now.” AM

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UNDERGROUND MINING

CHARTING NEW DEPTHS AUSIMM’S UNDERGROUND OPERATORS CONFERENCE WAS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE IN 2025.

S

THE 2025 UNDERGROUND OPERATORS CONFERENCE WAS THE LARGEST TECHNICAL CONFERENCE IN AUSIMM’S 132-YEAR HISTORY.

IMAGES: AUSIMM

ince its first iteration was held in Broken Hill, New South Wales in 1977, AusIMM’s Underground Operators (UgOps) Conference has served as the premier destination for industry professionals to discuss the most current underground mining trends.

And the 2025 iteration was no different.

Hosted at the Adelaide Convention Centre from April 7–9, UgOps 2025 created a premier meeting place for over 1800 attendees and 135 exhibitors.

The record-breaking event saw key decision-makers explore innovative ways to extract orebodies to make it easier to mine at a greater depth.

UgOps 2025 kicked off with a ministerial address from South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis, which highlighted the state’s role as an emerging supplier of copper, green iron and uranium.

Koutsantonis said the state’s swift renewables adoption has been a bellwether for global mining and exploration trends.

“From copper to iron ore and critical minerals, our state has the resources as well as the know-how, the regulatory settings and the future focus to make an even greater contribution to the global transformation economy,” Koutsantonis said.

“With our state’s resources in evergrowing demand to supply renewable energy generation facilities, battery storage assets, transmission and distribution infrastructure, data centres and other emerging technologies, South Australia is the ideal place to showcase the technologies that will help meet these needs.”

A keynote from Adriatic Metals managing director and chief executive officer Laura Tyler followed, urging the need for future-facing innovation amid the “next portal of development and discovery that will change our industry over the next 30 years”.

“AI (artificial intelligence) and machine learning potential will continue to increase as expanded quantum computing speeds up the training of AI models we currently use in our autonomous fleets and robotics,” Tyler said.

“We need a culture of innovation based on persistence, resilience and collaboration. Not all ideas will survive.

Some will fail, some will falter, but some will generate better ideas, and some will grow into new businesses.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ENERGY AND MINING MINISTER TOM KOUTSANTONIS HIGHLIGHTED THE STATE’S ROLE IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION.

“Some may even underpin a complete revolution of how we extract the minerals that we need.”

The latest tech

Among the 100-plus exhibitors showcasing products and solutions at UgOps 2025 was Komatsu, a leading original equipment manufacturer.

The company showcased its MC51 Dynacut miner, designed for mechanical rock excavation and adaptability.

Part of Komatsu’s product line, the MC51 enhances safety and precision across a range of mining applications.

Komatsu business development manager – hard rock Manie Swanepoel said a key advantage of

the MC51 is it eliminates the use of explosives underground.

“The big benefit of that is safety and the fact that you don’t have to extract people out of the mine for the blasting period and the ventilation to the mine afterwards,” Swanepoel told Australian Mining. “It becomes a true 24–7 operation with no stoppages.”

The MC51 can cut a tunnel profile of 5m x 5m within 50mm of accuracy over the length of the excavation. It can also cut a wide range of rock types and varying profiles and corners with a minimum radius of 25m, ensuring a flexible cutting profile.

“We can cut that profile to the specification of the customer, so the

AUSTRALIANMINING 74 JUNE 2025

quality of the tunnel is the best,” Swanepoel said.

Komatsu product manager – mechanical cutting Justin Schouten echoed similar sentiments.

“With our mode of operation, the dust generated in the cutting cycle is less than your traditional method, so the road header,” Schouten told Australian Mining. “Further to that, our mode operation allows for operators to be back from the face, so they can be 100m away from the actual working face itself.

“Against a generic road header, our power consumption is lower (through being) electrified and reducing the overall the power consumption. There’s no diesel fumes and no blast fumes.”

A fully electrified machine, the MC51 requires no diesel and generates less dust than other vehicles, making it more sustainable.

“Drill and blast are very dusty, as is traditional road header type machines because it’s an abrasive style of cutting excavation,” Swanepoel said.

“With our method of cutting, where we basically attack the rock on the tensile strength, we generate a lot less dust that’s almost not compatible.”

For decades, UgOps has been the go-to conference for all things associated with underground mining.

Following the success of UgOps 2025, the event is set to return to Perth in 2027 for its 50th anniversary, ready to make an even bigger splash. AM

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INDUSTRY EVENTS

IMAGES: WORLDSKILLS

THE 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SKILLS SHOW TAKES PLACE IN BRISBANE FROM JUNE 12–15.

BECOME A MINING MASTER THE 2025 WORLDSKILLS AUSTRALIA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AND SKILLS SHOW WILL SEE EMERGING TRADESPEOPLE GET A TASTE FOR WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

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s the mining sector continues to evolve, the demand for skilled tradespeople across electrical, mechanical and fabrication disciplines has never been higher.

WorldSkills Australia plays a crucial role in preparing Australia’s future workforce through its wide range of skill competitions – many of which align directly with careers in the mining and resources industry.

The Electrical Installations Competition challenges apprentices in electrotechnology to plan, design, test and maintain electrical systems across residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural settings. Competitors are tested on workplace safety, system installation, fault finding and the use of essential tools and components – skills that are directly applicable to mine sites and infrastructure.

Additive Manufacturing, one of the fastest-growing branches of modern engineering, is revolutionising the way parts are designed and built.

Through the Additive Manufacturing Competition, WorldSkills tests creativity, technical knowledge and problem-solving ability as competitors use cutting-edge technologies to design lighter, stronger parts – ideal

for harsh mining conditions and equipment maintenance.

In the Construction Steel Work Competition, competitors tackle real-world tasks such as erecting steel structures, operating heavy lifting equipment, welding, and assembling major infrastructure components.

This aligns strongly with the mining industry’s ongoing need for reliable structural steel workers who can ensure the integrity of on-site structures and processing plants.

The Electrical Control Competition evaluates practical knowledge in electrical repairs, circuit design, fault finding, PLC (programmable logic controller) programming, and VSD (variable speed drive) setup. These are vital skills on any mine site where electrical control systems are key to maintaining production uptime and ensuring safety standards are met.

Mechatronics, often described as the fusion of mechanics, electronics and computing, is also vital in mining operations where automation and robotics are increasingly common. Starting at regional level, WorldSkills mechatronics competitors demonstrate their abilities across 42 regions, progressing through to national and international competition.

WORLDSKILLS PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN PREPARING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE WORKFORCE.

With digital technologies rapidly transforming industry, the Industry 4.0 Competition focuses on integrating AI, sensor technology, and machineto-machine communication. These innovations are essential for mining companies embracing automation and intelligent data systems to enhance efficiency and productivity.

In high demand across mining operations, welding is another critical skill tested through WorldSkills Australia. Competitors are assessed to strict industry standards across multiple

AUSTRALIANMINING 76 JUNE 2025

welding processes and materials, replicating the rigorous conditions welders face in the field.

Finally, the Fitting Competition tests the precision machining and fitting abilities required to fabricate and repair components across various materials.

Fitters and machinists are essential on mine sites, ensuring that plant machinery runs smoothly, and downtime is minimised.

Together, WorldSkills Australia competitions not only celebrate trade excellence but also provide a pipeline

INDUSTRY EVENTS

THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED TRADESPEOPLE IN THE MINING INDUSTRY HAS NEVER BEEN HIGHER.

FOR OVER 40 YEARS, WORLDSKILLS AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN INSPIRING YOUNG AUSTRALIANS TO EXCEL IN THEIR CHOSEN TRADES.

of job-ready talent equipped with the technical, safety, and problem-solving skills required to thrive in the everevolving mining and resources sector.

If you’re passionate about skilled trades but can’t attend the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show in person, Channel WSA has you covered.

It’s your go-to hub for competition highlights, industry insights, and a medal ceremony celebrating skills excellence from the event.

What you’ll find on Channel WSA • Competition coverage of various skill areas: Get a front-row seat to intense skills battles, from welding and carpentry to electrical control and heavy vehicle technology.

• Tips from the best: Hear from industry pros, past champions, and training experts as they share realworld advice to help you sharpen your skills.

• Career pathways and success stories: Learn how the competition judges and how past competitors have used WorldSkills to launch their careers and connect with industry leaders.

Follow Channel WSA on social media, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t miss a moment of the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show.

What is WorldSkills?

For over 40 years, WorldSkills Australia has been inspiring young Australians to excel in their chosen trades. Through competitions, training programs, and industry collaboration, WorldSkills helps build a highly skilled, innovative workforce while championing the value of vocational excellence.

Since 1981, WorldSkills has supported over 100,000 apprentices,

trainees, and students in regional and national competitions, many of whom have gone on to represent Australia on the global stage. WorldSkills’ programs also address skills shortages, align with national workforce priorities, and reinforce Australia’s reputation for skills excellence worldwide.

Start your journey in 2026

Think you’ve got what it takes? Every two years, over 500 WorldSkills regional competitions take place across 34 regions in Australia, testing the skills of more than 6000 apprentices, trainees, and students. Medal winners from these one-day events have the chance to advance to the national level, with the best earning the opportunity to represent Australia internationally.

These competitions wouldn’t happen without the support of training providers, employers, local councils, industry leaders, volunteers, and sponsors – all working together to showcase and support the next generation of skilled workers.

The 2026 competition cycle runs from February to October 2026, occurring in training organisations throughout Australia. While sign-ups aren’t open yet, now’s the time to start preparing for your chance to compete.

Keep an eye out for upcoming regional events and get ready to put your skills to the test.

You’re a national champion.

What’s next?

WorldSkills International is the pinnacle of skills competition, where the world’s best apprentices and tradies come together to showcase their talent.

WorldSkills is about setting global standards for excellence and proving that Aussie tradies are among the best in the world.

EVERY TWO YEARS, OVER 500 WORLDSKILLS REGIONAL COMPETITIONS TAKE PLACE ACROSS 34 REGIONS IN AUSTRALIA.

Why it matters

Every two years, competitors from 89 countries go head-to-head in over 60 skill categories. But WorldSkills isn’t just about medals, it’s about elevating skilled trades, shaping industry standards, and opening doors to careerdefining opportunities.

The road to Shanghai 2026

Australia is gearing up to send its top tradespeople to the 2026 WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai.

Chosen from the medallists of the 2025 National Championships, the next Skillaroos will train for over 12 months, honing their skill to thrive and inspire in 2026.

Competing at the international level is a gamechanger. It’s a chance to understand new techniques and trends, gain industry recognition, expand career opportunities, and connect with the best in the world.

AUSTRALIANMINING 77 JUNE 2025

Why compete?

WorldSkills Australia isn’t just about competition; it’s about transformation.

Participants gain unparalleled experience, industry respect, and careerboosting opportunities. Many former competitors have gone on to secure highprofile jobs, contracts, and leadership roles in their fields.

A global movement

Partnering with global organisations like UNESCO and the World Bank, WorldSkills plays a key role in strengthening vocational education and training worldwide. When you compete, you’re not just showcasing your skills, you’re helping to drive global change. AM The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show takes place in Brisbane from June 12–15. Learn more at worldskills.org.au/2025-nationalchampionships

INDUSTRY EVENTS

MAKING A SPLASH AT WA MINING AFTER ATTENDING AS VISITORS LAST YEAR, TSURUMI PUMP RETURNS TO THE WA MINING CONFERENCE AS AN EXHIBITOR READY TO SHOWCASE ITS PUMPING SOLUTIONS.

IMAGE: PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA

THE WA MINING CONFERENCE IS A SHOWCASE FOR THE LATEST MINING TECHNOLOGIES.

IMAGE: TSURUMI PUMP AUSTRALIA

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fter attending the WA Mining Conference & Exhibition (WA Mining) as visitors last year, the team at Tsurumi Pump Australia saw an opportunity to become a part of the event in 2025.

With plans to increase its presence in Western Australia’s mining sector, the company believes WA Mining offers a rare and valuable platform.

“We thought it is a great opportunity to make the leap from visitor to exhibitor as we aim to continue growing our presence in WA,” a Tsurumi spokesperson said.

While the company has long been recognised globally for its reliability in water handling and dewatering applications, WA Mining provides a local opportunity to engage with mine operators, engineers, project teams, and anyone interested in transferring water.

“There aren’t many exhibitions in WA that give the same level of exposure to the mining industry,” the spokesperson said. “WA Mining is a large event and has great access to attendees.”

WA Mining is widely advertised as a showcase for the latest mining technology, and the Tsurumi team is excited to add its name to the list.

As part of its WA Mining debut, Tsurumi plans to showcase a selection of trusted pumps, such as 1000V,

stainless steel, single phase, sewage and wastewater pumps.

While Tsurumi is still finalising its booth configuration, the team is confident that the display will demonstrate the durability and performance of its range.

“We might even show a live demonstration of the popular LSC1.4S pump, pumping down to 1mm,” the spokesperson said.

Ultimately, Tsurumi’s goal at WA Mining is to continue growing its network and expand brand awareness in WA’s mining sector, especially with its diverse 1000V range.

With the region home to some of the most remote and operationally demanding mine sites in the world, it’s a perfect match for the company’s heavy-duty, lowmaintenance products.

THE 2025 WA MINING CONFERENCE IS SHAPING UP TO BE A MUST-ATTEND EVENT ON THE INDUSTRY CALENDAR.

AUSTRALIANMINING 78 JUNE 2025

“Our pumps are already known for their reliability across the mining, construction, sewage and wastewater sectors, and we’re keen to continue showing the mining industry what we can offer and how we can keep their operations flowing smoothly”.

With Tsurumi being one of many exhibitors at WA Mining 2025, it is shaping up to be a must-see event on the industry calendar.

With a strong focus on the integration of technology and decarbonisation into mining operations, the event aims to bring together decision-makers and solution providers tackling the sector’s biggest challenges.

This year’s event themes include advanced technology, innovative solutions, decarbonisation, future outlook and software, and data analysis.

With high-tech solutions taking centre stage, WA Mining continues to attract companies like Tsurumi that offer essential, workhorse technologies that keep operations running efficiently and safely.

For Tsurumi, it’s a chance to demonstrate that innovation doesn’t always mean complex – sometimes, it’s simply about having high-quality products that are more efficient and reliable. AM The WA Mining Conference will be held in Perth from October 8–9. For more information, visit waminingexpo. com.au/getinvolved

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INDUSTRY EVENTS

BUILDING A BETTER WORKFORCE THE 2025 PNG EXPO IS SET TO SHOWCASE THE LATEST PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TRANSFORMING PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S MINING INDUSTRY.

THE PNG EXPO WILL PROVIDE A HOST OF NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES.

IMAGES: PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA

T

he 2025 PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) is attracting industry attention as it aims to bring mining, industrial and resource experts from across the world to one key location.

The two-day event in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG), unlocks networking opportunities with industry leaders including Blackwoods, Sandvik, Metso, Mayo Hardware, and Putzmeister.

Prime Creative Media mining events marketing manager Rebecca Todesco said that networking remains at the heart of the PNG Expo experience, with dedicated events designed to spark new connections and strengthen existing ones.

“This event connects the Australian and PNG mining and resources industries,” she said. “It’s about getting all the key people in the industry together to do business face to face.”

The exhibition floor will grant attendees access to some of the most innovative technologies and topics sweeping the Pacific nation.

A dedicated PNG conference will also run alongside the main event, offering targeted sessions on key industry events including staffing and how to train and retain staff.

With home-grown focused job creation at the forefront of the PNG mining sector, the industry is committed to continuously levelling up the way it educates and maintains its staff and the local communities.

Laying the foundation for more job and training opportunities while ensuring employees feel heard and valued is vital to the success of PNG’s mining industry and ensuring the nation’s prosperity.

Pioneering mining companies in PNG have funded numerous schemes to back development and educational opportunities to support the community, including Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Frieda River Limited (FRL) and others.

OTML hosts multiple initiatives which aim to offer ongoing guidance, mentoring and on-the-job training, including the OTML University Internship program, Graduate

Development Scheme program (GDS), as well as scholarships and university revamps.

In 2024, OTML granted 10 University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) university students scholarships totalling K300,000 ($115,455). The boost covered numerous costs including tuition fees, lodging support, travel assistance and a generous allowance.

OTML also welcomed 26 new recruits to its internship program which aims to advance higher education in PNG, giving trainees an insight into the operation of OTML while also preparing them for a long-standing career in the mining industry.

Another mining company backing revolutionary projects to enhance HR and training in PNG is FRL. FRL programs pioneered in PNG have significantly ramped up women in leadership roles in remote Sepik Province communities.

The diverse training programs have been vital in empowering and providing women with crucial leadership skills, financial literacy, adult education expertise and knowledge of women’s community healthcare.

Cathy John from Paupe village in Ambunti district and Martina Aki from Wabia in Telefomin are among the trailblazing women who are transforming the community with help from FRL. The initiative has been vital in shifting Sepik’s individuals and community in a positive direction while supporting the commencement of nearby mine works.

Ambunti district and Wabia in Telefomin are two out of the seven villages that are set to benefit when

THE PNG EXPO FLOOR WILL DELIVER ATTENDEES FIRST-HAND ACCESS TO THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES.

FRL’s Frieda River copper-gold project, hydroelectric dam and Sepik power grid come online.

Like many other initiatives in PNG determined to fund education programs to transform the country, FRL continues to pave the way for skilled workers and future leaders PNG. As well as exploring compelling issues like training and retaining staff, the PNG Expo will be the one-stop event for attendees to capitalise on business opportunities while exploring innovative technologies alongside industry leaders.

With momentum building after a successful showing last year, anticipation is high for what the 2025 PNG Expo will deliver. For organisers, the focus is on deepening industry engagement and creating even more value for attendees.

Attendees will gain valuable insights through case studies of explorers and suppliers who have succeeded in PNG, as well as key takeaways from past and current projects in the region.

AUSTRALIANMINING 81 JUNE 2025

Other key themes to keep an eye out for include fuel and renewable energy, creating a safer workspace, gold, silver and copper mining and keeping up community relations.

Todesco said she is excited to once again offer delegates a unique opportunity to connect before the exhibition kicks off.

“Just like last year, delegates are invited to join us at poolside welcome drinks the night before the exhibition starts,” she said. “The welcome drinks were a highlight from last year’s event and give attendees the chance to meet new people and touch base with existing contacts in a relaxed atmosphere before the official event begins.”

Additionally, the highly anticipated gala dinner will provide a perfect occasion for attendees to deepen the business connections made during the event. AM PNG Expo will be held in Port Moresby from July 2–3. To secure your attendance, visit pngexpo.com/attend

INDUSTRY EVENTS

IMAGES: AUSIMM

THE CRITICAL MINERALS CONFERENCE IS THE FASTEST-GROWING EVENT IN AUSIMM’S PORTFOLIO.

POWERING TOMORROW AUSIMM’S 2025 CRITICAL MINERALS CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE FROM SEPTEMBER 2–4 AT THE PERTH CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.

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s the fastest-growing event in AusIMM’s portfolio, the 2025 Critical Minerals Conference is set to advance global discussions on critical minerals, aligning with the collective goal of achieving netzero emissions.

The conference will feature keynote speakers from across the critical minerals supply chain, including Sustainable Minerals Institute adjunct professor Ian Satchwell, Vulcan Energy founder and executive chair Francis Wedin, and CSIRO critical minerals chief research scientist Chris Vernon.

Conference chair Helen Degeling will be leading the conference, confident that this year will see a raft of high-quality discussions delivered to attendees.

“I’m especially proud of the broad nature of the conference this year,” Degeling told Australian Mining.

“Our conference, from a technical perspective, covers the whole supply chain for critical minerals, from exploration and discovery, right through to processing, mining and manufacturing.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into expanding the reach this year, and that’s had a great response from the industry.”

With a background in geology, Degeling has spent time in academia, industry and government, which has instilled in her a deep understanding of the minerals sector and how the industry will need to position itself to meet rising demands.

Now back in industry, Degeling is taking everything she’s learned from her experience to champion the role of the mining industry in the energy transition.

“It’s a massive opportunity and challenge we face as a community, a society and an industry,” she said. “The driving force behind events like these is the importance of growing the mining sector to rise to those challenges and meet those opportunities.”

But Degeling emphasised the topic of critical minerals is far more complex than the energy transition alone, with the conference working to expand this year’s offering beyond what has ever been seen before in a single program.

The event’s 2025 themes broach subjects such as mineral economics, geopolitics, the global supply chain, circularity and environment, social and governance (ESG), discovery and development, new technologies and processing manufacturing.

“There’s a wide range of discussions set to take place at this year’s conference,” she said. “Some are

highly technical, others take a bigger picture approach to topics like political environments, ethics, and financial challenges and controls.

“The conference is set to cover the entire critical minerals supply chain, and we’re seeing a great response from industry for the developed program.”

In addition to technical sessions, the event will provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among industry professionals. Attendees can expect to engage with experts and peers, fostering discussions that illuminate new opportunities and strategies for sustainable resource development.

The conference will also offer professional development hours, enhancing value for attendees seeking to advance their careers in the critical minerals sector.

But what truly sets the 2025 Critical Minerals Conference apart from the rest is its ability to bring together all sectors of the industry to discuss critical minerals from a global viewpoint.

“There’s no aim here to make a profit or run a business; our strategy is to create a space for the industry where they can discuss and solve all the big challenges and issues that we face together,” Degeling said.

“Because we’ve created a dedicated event for critical minerals, we’re able to

AUSTRALIANMINING 82 JUNE 2025

CONFERENCE CHAIR HELEN DEGELING.

go into much more detail on important topics and generate a more sophisticated and nuanced offering that gets to the heart of the issues that the industry wants to cover.”

And while the conference is being held in Perth, Degeling believes the event will provide a platform for global conversations.

“Geopolitics will be a key part of the discussion,” she said. “That discussion is even more vital now and it’s important that we don’t stay in a bubble here in Australia, because critical minerals is a global market.

“We need to ensure that we involve the world, and not only that, but we’re a part of their conversations on a global scale as well.” AM AusIMM’s Critical Minerals Conference takes place in Perth from September 2–4.

2–3 JULY 2025 THE STANLEY HOTEL PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA REGISTER NOW

Bringing back face-to-face business

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.

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A NEW COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM FOR CAT MEDIUM WHEEL LOADERS

The Neousys SEMIL2000GC is a state-of-theart computing solution tailored for the mining industry, offering exceptional durability and performance.

This 19-inch rackmount, IP69K waterproof computer is engineered to operate reliably in the harshest environments.

Its construction from corrosion-proof stainless steel and aluminium ensures longevity against moisture and salinity – conditions commonly encountered in mining environments.

The fanless operation of SEMIL-2000GC within a wide temperature range of -40°C to 70°C ensures consistent performance.

The SEMIL-2000GC is powered by Intel 14th, 13th, and 12th-gen Core processors, augmented by Intel 7 photolithography technology.

This combination delivers a superior balance of performance and efficiency, with support for up to 64GB DDR5 memory.

The inclusion of an NVIDIA L4 GPU makes it an ideal choice for edge AI (artificial intelligence) applications like real-time data analysis and predictive maintenance.

The SEMIL-2000GC boasts robust connectivity designed for challenging environments, featuring 2x M12 10GbE, 1x GbE, and 4x M12 PoE+ ports for highspeed networking.

It also includes 2x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C ports with DisplayPort alternative mode.

Caterpillar has introduced a new suite of advanced safety technology options for its next generation Cat medium wheel loaders.

The new features are designed to elevate safety and operational efficiency across a range of demanding applications.

A highlight of the new suite is the optional collision warning system with motion inhibit, now available across the Cat 950 through to 982 models, including XE variants.

This fully integrated package is engineered to enhance safe machine operation by combining object detection, people detection and motion inhibit features.

The new system used radar and vision sensors to detect hazard potential, alert operators and inhibit motion when initiating reverse motion from a stationary position.

It also features a three-zone colour-coded alert system of yellow (awareness), amber (caution) and red (critical), which indicates the distance of objects behind the loader.

If an object is detected in the critical red zone while the machine is stationary, motion inhibit prevents reverse movement until the hazard is cleared.

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IMAGE: CATERPILLAR

EMPOWERING MINING OPERATIONS WITH NEOUSYS SEMIL-2000GC

SOLVING COSTLY, RISKY AND TIME-CONSUMING CLEAN-UP CHALLENGES

A NEW INTELLIGENT SINGLE-BOOM UNDERGROUND DRILL

IMAGE: MINPROVISE

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced its new Sandvik DD312i, joining the company’s i-series range of development drills.

The new compact and automated single-boom jumbo, which capitalises on 20 years of drilling legacy from Axera D05 to Sandvik DD311, can be used for applications such as face drilling, cross cutting, bolting, development and production drilling in room and pillar, cut and fill, stoping or caving mining applications.

The Sandvik DD312i is suitable for medium-to-large sized underground drifts and can fit into narrow confines due to its compact carrier and small cornering profile.

Its new intelligent control system with torque optimised drilling is designed for mines seeking more tonnes with maximum profitability.

Miners can enjoy up to 50 per cent higher drilling accuracy, up to 26 per cent more drilling coverage and up to 20 per cent more productivity when the DD312i is combined with Sandvik’s scalable automation packages for drills.

In any high-volume mining or bulk material handling operation, keeping conveyor systems and processing areas clean and functional is essential.

However, achieving this can often require full production shutdowns, intensive manual labour, or costly third-party intervention.

The Dugless 903 remote-controlled mini loader offers an innovative and costeffective solution to these long-standing problems.

Designed to eliminate downtime, recover valuable spillage, and drastically improve workplace safety and productivity, the Dugless 903 helps resolve or reduce issues such as shutdowns for clean-up, unsafe manual labour conditions, limited access for traditional machinery, material loss and wasted resources, and equipment downtime due to roller damage.

For example, clearing debris under conveyor belts or within plant areas often requires a complete shutdown of machinery, halting production and impacting scheduling, output targets and revenue.

The Dugless 903 enables clean-ups without shutdowns. Its ultra-low 560mm height and 50mm ground clearance allow it to access previously unreachable spaces – such as beneath conveyor belts – while the system remains operational.

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• minprovise.com.au AUSTRALIANMINING 84 JUNE 2025

IMAGE: SANDVIK MINING AND ROCK SOLUTIONS

IMAGE: BACKPLANE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

PRODUCTS

WA’s flagship mining event

Join us at Perth’s largest mining conference and exhibition, where industry leaders, innovators and visionaries come together.

8-9 October 2025 Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre 2024 event sold out, secure your spot today

waminingexpo.com.au AUSTRALIANMINING 85 JUNE 2025

EVENTS

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO TOM.PARKER@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference Port Moresby, PNG | July 2–3 The 2025 PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference will showcase over 100 local, national and international manufacturers and suppliers with the latest innovations in the supply of services and equipment for the industrial, mining and oil and gas sectors.

The two-day exhibition is the premier meeting place to connect with thousands of decision-makers across a broad industry reach, including senior management, procurement, government personnel, engineers, contractors and trade technicians.

With extensive support from key stakeholders in government, associations and industry, the 2025 PNG Expo is a premier meeting place for industry trade and a forum for establishing high-quality customer contacts and conducting business.

• pngexpo.com APCOM Conference Perth | August 10–13 The Application of Computers and Operations Research in the Mining Industry (APCOM) Conference 2025 will address digitisation across the mining supply chain.

APCOM 2025 will bring together people working in digitally-focused roles from across the international mining sector, attracting innovators, mining leaders, planning engineers, mine managers, geoscientists, operators and ESG professionals to Perth in August.

The conference program will include pre-conference workshops, an exhibition, networking opportunities and presentations by leading experts from across the globe.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/apcom-2025 Critical Minerals Conference Perth | September 2–4 Demand for critical minerals continues to grow rapidly as we undergo a global energy transition. The challenge: How do we as an industry rise to meet this demand?

With two highly successful Critical Minerals conferences in the rear-view mirror, it’s clear the critical minerals movement is gaining momentum worldwide. AusIMM’s fastest growing conference will return to Perth in 2025, where the conversation will go to new places, illuminate new opportunities and take us one step closer to the collective goal of netzero emissions.

• ausimm.com/conferences-andevents/critical-minerals

Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition Adelaide | September 23–25 In 2025, Australia’s longest-running mining exhibition will make its South Australian debut in Adelaide to bring together the largest community of mining suppliers and professionals all under one roof to drive innovation and collaboration.

As the key event on the mining calendar, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) is an internationally renowned platform showcasing the latest mining technology, equipment and services, and offering a unique opportunity for leading suppliers and buyers to conduct face-to-face business, learn about the latest trends and network in an interactive forum.

The Prospect Awards will also be held as part of AIMEX, set for September 24 at the Adelaide Oval.

• aimex.com.au WA Mining Conference and Exhibition Perth | October 8–9 The 2025 WA Mining Conference and Exhibition is a leading mining technology event that showcases cutting edge solutions and powers the industry’s digital revolution.

The two-day conference will run

AUSTRALIANMINING 86 JUNE 2025

in Australia’s epicentre of mining, Western Australia. The event at Perth’s Convention and Exhibition Centre will welcome industry experts who will deep dive into sector-wide challenges. The Prime Creative Media-led conference will bring together major players in the mining technological space including Komatsu, Denver Technology, Martin Engineering, Pinnacle Hire, VIPER Metrics and others.

• waminingexpo.com.au IMARC Sydney | October 21–23 The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) has been making waves in the national mining sector, bringing together industry leaders from across the country to inspire industry revolutions and discover groundbreaking technology.

The highly anticipated event covers the entire mining value chain, with technical speakers, panel discussions and presentations. Attendees will gain insights on strategies for developing environmental, social and governance resilience, fast-tracking the industries energy transition, project development and the digital transformation of mines. The three-day Sydney event will run this October 2025 and feature nine extensive concurrent conferences.

• imarcglobal.com

2025

AUSTRALIAN MINING

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THE INDUSTRY’S PREMIER NATIONAL MINING AWARDS

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WEDNESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER

The most prestigious awards for the Australian mining and mineral processing industry

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