Australian Mining Oct 2025

BULK MATERIAL HANDLING

WA MINING CONFERENCE

MINE TECHNOLOGY

VOLUME 117/9 | OCTOBER 2025

yearsFiftystrong

ELPHINSTONE’S ENDURING MINING LEGACY

KEEPING MINES MOVING

THIS EDITION OF AUSTRALIAN MINING EXPLORES THE INNOVATIONS DRIVING SAFER, SMARTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE BULK MATERIAL HANDLING.

Bulk material handling sits at the heart of every mining operation. From the moment ore is extracted to the point it leaves site, tonnes of material must be safely and efficiently moved, stockpiled, and processed. It’s a constant flow that relies on precision, durability and innovation, and even small improvements in this space can deliver big gains in productivity and sustainability.

This issue takes a closer look at the equipment and solutions that keep this vital process running smoothly.

Our cover story profiles Elphinstone, a company with almost 50 years of experience designing equipment for the toughest mining environments. From underground support vehicles to off-highway haul trucks, Elphinstone has become synonymous with quality and reliability. Today, the business continues to grow, adding new capabilities and expanding its presence across the Asia-Pacific region.

We also explore a range of innovations shaping bulk material handling. Fenner Conveyors has teamed up with Tyrecycle to tackle one of the industry’s most stubborn waste streams – used conveyor belts. Their partnership turns these belts into alternative

products, including new conveyor systems, supported by new infrastructure investments in Western Australia.

MAX Plant continues to refine its feeder range, offering customised solutions that give miners greater control over material flow, whether handling iron ore, gold or manganese.

And Bradken highlights the importance of reliability with advanced undercarriage systems designed to extend service life and reduce downtime for hydraulic excavators.

Elsewhere in this edition, we shine a light on the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition and its stellar conference program, featuring slots from the likes of Fortescue, Rio Tinto, Alcoa and Newmont. The event will be held in Perth from October 8–9.

We also spotlight all that’s in store at IMARC 2025, to be held in Sydney from October 21–23.

Tom Parker Editor

CHAIRMAN JOHN MURPHY

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

CHRISTINE CLANCY

EDITOR TOM PARKER

Email: tom.parker@primecreative.com.au

ASSISTANT EDITOR

ENGEL SCHMIDL

Email: engelbert.schmidl@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALISTS

DYLAN BROWN

Email: dylan.brown@primecreative.com.au

PAUL HOWELL

Email: paul.howell@primecreative.com.au

BEN CARTWRIGHT

Email: ben.cartwright@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER

JANINE CLEMENTS

Tel: (02) 9439 7227

Email: janine.clements@primecreative.com.au

SALES MANAGER

JONATHAN DUCKETT

Mob: 0498 091 027

Email: jonathan.duckett@primecreative.com.au

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS

JAMES PHIPPS

Mob: 0466 005 715

Email: james.phipps@primecreative.com.au

ROB O’BRYAN

Mob: 0411 067 795

Email: robert.obryan@primecreative.com.au

Front cover

Built on a passion for mining, Elphinstone has been leading machinery innovation for over 50 years. The company designs and manufactures underground mining support vehicles to off-highway extendeddistance haul trucks and mine extraction equipment, serving mining operations across Australia and internationally.

A long-standing Caterpillar OEM Solutions customer, Elphinstone has expanded its capabilities under the Elphinstone Group, acquiring businesses such as Haulmax, SVS, and Southern Prospect. Innovation continues with the development of battery-electric vehicles, the E15 platform, and purpose-built graders. Guided by a peoplefirst philosophy and a commitment to community, Elphinstone delivers solutions that are reliable, adaptable, and customer-focused.

Cover image: Elphinstone

ART DIRECTOR MICHELLE WESTON michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

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8 COMPANY PROFILE

The Big Australian turns 140 BHP remains at the forefront of global mining, leveraging a history of resilience and innovation to lead the industry into a new era.

13 COVER STORY

A cornerstone OEM

Built on a passion for mining, it’s no surprise that Elphinstone has been leading the way in machinery innovation for almost half a century.

16 BULK MATERIAL HANDLING

Transforming mining’s toughest waste Fenner Conveyors and Tyrecycle have teamed up to turn one of mining’s most stubborn waste streams into a closedloop resource.

50 BULK MATERIAL HANDLING

Might and mobility

XCMG’s new mobile crusher range is underpinning faster, more efficient mining operations.

57 INDUSTRY EVENTS

Fresh perspectives at IMARC 2025

IMARC 2025 promises to bring operational expertise and new voices to the table.

79 FUEL MANAGEMENT

Busting mining myths

Veridapt has launched a campaign that proves its fuel tech can survive the toughest mining conditions.

90 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Not just another port expansion

With expansion well underway, the planned changes at Lumsden Port are set to transform WA’s export of lithium and copper.

104 MAINTENANCE

Lubrication revolution

TotalEnergies’ lubrication solutions are transforming mining operations with measurable environmental and performance benefits.

107 PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Queensland’s economic anchor

Bravus Mining and Resources is backing Queensland’s resources future with a bold expansion at its Carmichael mine.

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From 2007 to 2021, Bradken designed, manufactured, and supplied the majority of the crawler shoes for R9800 and R996 machines to the OEM.

Now, we are delivering improved wear results for our aftermarket crawler shoes, with more than 50% longer wear life compared to competitors’ shoe wear life#.

Bradken® designs and manufactures undercarriage solutions that optimise customer operations, with a focus on critical deliverable areas.

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D ELIVE RING AN

SCAN TO LEARN MORE O PT IMISED FUTURE

HAULER EARTHMOVING.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST EXECUTIVE MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE MINING SECTOR, FEATURING RIO, SACOME, VHM AND WEIR.

Aseries of executive changes has been made at Rio Tinto, with new chief executive Simon Trott wasting no time in reshaping the business.

The company will operate under three core product groups: iron ore; aluminium and lithium; and copper.

Matthew Holcz has been appointed chief executive of iron ore, leading a portfolio that unifies Rio’s Western Australian operations with the Iron Ore Company of Canada and, once complete, the Simandou project in Guinea.

The company said this will combine “proven performance” with future potential, while sharing best practices and technology across the global portfolio.

Lithium will shift into the aluminium group under Jérôme Pécresse, alongside Atlantic and Pacific aluminium operations. Rio said the move strengthens downstream processing and productivity initiatives, including its Safe Production System.

Katie Jackson continues to lead copper, which the company said is well placed for the energy transition, with projects in Mongolia, the US and Chile.

The shake-up also sees the departure of long-serving executives Kellie Parker and Sinead Kaufman.

Trott said the simpler structure will drive “new standards of operational excellence and value creation”, with stronger accountability and disciplined capital use.

The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) has welcomed its interim chief executive officer (CEO) Nicola McFarlane.

A mechanical engineer by training, McFarlane has spent more than two decades leading high-impact projects and organisations at the forefront of the global energy transition.

Her experience spans steering largescale hydrogen and decarbonisation initiatives as chief operating officer of the Office of Hydrogen Power in South Australia, and prior to that as director for Hydrogen and New Energies Division for the Western Australian Government.

“As interim CEO, I greatly look forward to leading SACOME in supporting a trusted, forward-looking resources sector that attracts increased investment, strengthens community confidence and powers South Australia’s prosperity,” she said.

“My background enables me to effectively champion our members’ interests, build collaborative government and stakeholder relationships and keep our industry competitive.

McFarlane replaces the former CEO Rebecca Knol, who resigned in August.

Knol first joined SACOME as CEO in November 2016. In her role, she positioned the industry association at the forefront of policy and advocacy leadership in the state.

Knol has now stepped down as CEO after almost nine years to explore new opportunities.

FOLLOW THE LEADERS: THE LATEST EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS

VHM recently made two major appointments. As part of Goschen’s next development phase, VHM has appointed Andrew King as its new CEO and Benjamin McCormick as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

Both of the new roles will officially take effect from October 1.

A founding principal and director of Tanarra Capital, King brings more than 30 years of senior executive and board experience across the private equity, maritime and logistics, resources, infrastructure, and international trade sectors.

Trained as a certified practising accountant, McCormick has more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, specifically in capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, funding strategies, and governance.

McCormick previously held senior finance leadership roles at REX Minerals, Federation Mining, Andean Precious Metals, Rincon Mining, and Newcrest Mining.

Current CEO Ron Douglas will remain with the company in a non-executive position capacity and current CFO Cameron Knox will step down from his role, both of which will also take effect on October 1.

At Weir, Mick Henderson has been appointed as the regional managing director for its minerals division in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Henderson brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering results across eastern Australia and the Pacific Islands.

His considerable regional insight and customer-first mindset underscore Weir’s commitment to supporting mining and resources customers with innovative solutions, responsive service and operational excellence.

Since joining Weir in 2017, Henderson has led teams across Queensland, New South Wales, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. Most recently, as Weir director – eastern Australia, he focused on delivering value to mining and resource customers in the region through tailored service and support.

In his new role, Henderson emphasised the fact he will focus on expanding Weir’s regional presence, strengthening customer partnerships, and ensuring consistent delivery of highperformance solutions across the full product portfolio.

“I am dedicated to driving Weir’s mission by working collaboratively to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions and superior service,” Henderson said.

“With our talented team, I am inspired to build on our strong foundation and reach new heights together.”

THE BIG AUSTRALIAN TURNS 140

BHP REMAINS AT THE FOREFRONT OF GLOBAL MINING, LEVERAGING A HISTORY OF RESILIENCE AND INNOVATION TO LEAD THE INDUSTRY INTO A NEW ERA.

Charles Rasp could scarcely have imagined that in 2025 the company he founded 140 years earlier would be represented in the White House, with its chief executive meeting the US President to discuss global critical minerals supply chains, and why companies like BHP are crucial to winning the artificial intelligence (AI) race.

The White House meeting on August 19 between President Donald Trump, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, BHP chief executive Mike Henry, and his Rio Tinto counterparts was convened to specifically discuss the Resolution Copper mine, recognised as one of the largest and best undeveloped copper deposits in the US.

The meeting underlined the crucial role mining plays in a modern, technologically driven global economy, and in securing global supply chains.

Located near Superior, Arizona, the BHP–Rio Tinto joint venture Resolution Copper project has been bogged down in red tape and legal wrangling for the past 20 years.

Following the White House meeting, Henry expressed optimism that the project could finally move forward.

In a LinkedIn post, Henry wrote that BHP appreciated the US Government’s efforts to boost mining and open new possibilities for development, especially for critical minerals such as copper and potash, two key areas of interest to BHP.

“Resolution Copper is one of the largest untapped, high-grade copper resources in the US today,” Henry wrote.

“Copper is essential to everyday life as a critical component in powerlines, smartphones, medical equipment, cars, and data centres. Demand for copper is growing strongly.

“The world needs more mining to build the future.”

BHP DIRECTORS BACK L–R: WR WILSON; WILLIAM KNOX; BOWES KELLY; DE MCBRYDE; JB REID; WALTER SULLY. FRONT L–R: GEORGE MCCULLOCH; WP MCGREGOR; KE BRODRIBB. SEATED: SR WILSON (GENERAL MANAGER)

Along with Resolution, BHP’s global copper operations include several mines in South America, including Escondida in Chile the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes, and Pampa Norte, which produces highquality copper cathode.

In Chile, BHP has a strong pipeline of organic growth options with attractive returns across its main assets, with forecast copper production to average around 1.4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) through the 2030s. It also has a non-operating partnership in Antamina,

CHILE’S ESCONDIDA MINE AT NIGHT.

a large, low-cost copper and zinc mine in Peru.

In Australia,BHP’s wholly owned Copper South Australia project comprises the Olympic Dam, Carrapateena and Prominent Hill underground and surface operations, as well as the Oak Dam exploration project. These are located within SA’s Gawler Craton, one of the world’s most significant copper, gold, silver and uranium oxide basins.

The company noted in its 2025 annual report that it was assessing a pathway to deliver more than 500 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of copper production, with a strategy to scale up to 650 ktpa from Copper South Australia.

Where it all began

The BHP story began in 1883, when Charles Rasp, a boundary rider on a remote sheep station in the Barrier Ranges of New South Wales, discovered silver and lead on a rocky outcrop known as Broken Hill. Rasp paid the NSW Government the annual rent of five shillings an acre on two miles of mining lease, thought to be the largest single lease taken out on a payable orebody in Australia at that time.

The Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd was floated on the stock exchange in 1885, with its head office in Melbourne, where it remains in 2025.

The company soon became known simply as BHP.

Australian historian Professor Geoffrey Blainey, writing on BHP’s early years, noted that, apart from one, none of the seven directors were trained miners.

“The seven directors were wool men, and with one exception their expertise was not in the mining industry,” Blainey wrote.

“Fortunately, they made one of the wisest decisions in Australia’s industrial history: they decided that they would search overseas for the best engineers whom money could buy.”

Innovation and global aspiration

That decision set the stage for two of the company’s defining characteristics: its willingness to embrace the

Impressed by his academic writings and his work on mines in Spain (where he had helped resurrect ancient Roman silver mines), as well as in Mexico and the US, BHP persuaded Delprat to move to the Australian colonies in 1898 first to Broken Hill and then to Adelaide.

Starting as the assistant general manager, he succeeded another esteemed early Australian mining figure, Sir Alexander Anderson Stewart, as general manager in 1899.

In the early 1900s, Delprat was central in developing the Potter–Delprat flotation process, a pivotal innovation in mining history.

The process separated ore from crushed rock by using bubbles to float the ore to the surface, enabling the extraction of vast tonnages of zinc that had previously been uneconomic.

Speaking at the IMARC gala dinner in 2016, Henry, then president of BHP’s Minerals Australia business, said Delprat’s legacy embodied the

century ago to the drone technology, driverless trucks and automated drills of today, our industry has never shied away from the challenges or opportunities that pave the way for innovation,” Henry said.

Nation-building

Over the next eight decades, BHP flourished as Australia grew.

The nation’s demand for mineral resources fuelled the company’s expansion, with milestone moments including the opening of the Newcastle Steelworks in 1915; support for WWII defence efforts; the creation of its Central Research Laboratories in Newcastle in the 1950s; and the discovery of rich iron ore deposits at Mt Newman in the Pilbara in the late 1960s.

The company’s operational excellence, married to commercial acumen, resulted in BHP becoming an Australian mining giant, and one of the country’s best-recognised brands.

billion acquisition of Utah International,

BHP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MIKE HENRY.

That acquisition turned BHP into a major coal exporter, and it expanded operations into the US, Brazil, Canada and Chile.

Now a global business, iconic TV ads in the 1980s further cemented its reputation at home as the ‘Big Australian’.

BHP hurtled towards the new millennium. Its controlling interest in the Escondida mine in Chile made the company one of the world’s leading copper miners, while the establishment of the EKATI diamond mine in Canada broadened its minerals suite.

Its chief businesses at the time were steel, copper, iron ore, coal, natural gas, oil and petroleum. Then BHP chief executive John Prescott even floated the idea of moving into construction and transport.

New millennium, new challenges

However, not everything BHP touched turned to gold.

Its $3.2 billion Magma Copper Mines acquisition in 1996 did not go as planned, and the Ok Tedi copper mine in Papua New Guinea was embroiled in controversy. The late 1990s were a relatively difficult period for the miner as its share price took a hit.

In 1999, the company made the momentous call to close its Newcastle steelworks, which marked the start of its exit from steelmaking. In 2001, it merged with Anglo-Dutch metals and minerals company Billiton to become BHP Billiton. The next year saw the demerger of BHP Steel.

Rapid growth was soon tempered by a return to its traditional core of mining businesses.

Meanwhile, China had begun its meteoric industrialisation, with average annual growth rates of 9–10 per cent during the 1990s and beyond.

The country’s massive demand for minerals proved serendipitous for BHP and the entire Australian mining

industry. By the end of 2015, BHP had shipped more than one billion tonnes of iron ore to China.

One hundred and forty years from its founding, BHP is active around the world, with major operations in Australia, Chile, the US, Brazil, Canada and Peru. Its global headquarters remain in Melbourne, where it opened its first office.

“BHP, like many companies that became notable, made the most of adversity,” Blainey wrote.

Other companies talk about resilience, but BHP lives it.

Even after 20 years of relative frustrations, it is easy to get the sense that the Big Australian has more than enough resolve to make Resolution Copper work.

In the 2025 annual report, Henry did not shy away from BHP’s sizeable investment in copper mining.

“We’re seeing an increasing focus on critical minerals supply and supply chain security across the globe,” he said. “This is happening against a backdrop of growing geopolitical and trade tensions, and reflects a growing understanding and acceptance of the critical role mining will play in supporting national security, energy transitions and technology development.

“We’ve reshaped our portfolio in anticipation of the megatrends playing out around us, including our position in copper. A much greater proportion of our EBITDA [earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation] – 45 per cent in FY2025 – now comes from copper.”

On its 140th birthday, the world’s biggest miner, which Henry also describes as the world’s best, is in prime position to continue its remarkable story of growth, resilience and innovation as it leads the way on critical minerals production into the future. AM

FACTS AND FIGURES

•BHP ACHIEVED OVER TWO MILLION TONNES OF COPPER PRODUCTION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN FY25, LIFTING PRODUCTION BY 28 PER CENT SINCE FY22

•A TOTAL OF 91,304 EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS GLOBALLY •FY25 TOTAL REVENUE $US51.3 BILLION ($78.56 BILLION)

• UNDERLYING EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAX, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION $US26 BILLION ($39.8 BILLION)

• NO FATALITIES ON THE JOB IN FY25, AND HIGH POTENTIAL INJURY FREQUENCY DECLINED 18 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR

THE IRON BARON II BERTHING AT WHYALLA.

BHP’S ESCONDIDA MINE IN CHILE.

THE OLYMPIC DAM MINE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

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ELPHINSTONE: A CORNERSTONE OEM

BUILT ON A PASSION FOR MINING, IT’S NO SURPRISE ELPHINSTONE HAS BEEN LEADING THE WAY IN MACHINERY INNOVATION FOR ALMOST HALF A CENTURY.

Elphinstone has become a name synonymous with the mining industry, manufacturing specialised equipment for underground and surface sectors for 50 years.

From underground mining support vehicles to off-highway extendeddistance haul trucks and mine extraction equipment, the company is also a wellestablished Caterpillar (Cat) OEM Solutions customer.

Elphinstone Group banner throughout Asia Pacific, the brand continues to strengthen its capabilities and expand its presence across multiple heavyindustry sectors.

After completing his trade qualifications, Dale’s employment began as a field service mechanic across Tasmanian and King Island mine sites.

Two years later, he travelled overseas and commenced work with Canadian Cat dealer, Finning, in 1973.

It was in 1975 – when Dale was modifying Cat surface mining equipment for underground mining applications out of his father’s shed on their farm in Burnie, Tasmania

and AD17, entered the market during the early 1980s.

Innovation and support for the mining industry didn’t stop there. Following an economic downturn in the mid 1980s, mining companies wanted to reduce their tunnel size which required smaller machines with equal capacity.

In 1986, Elphinstone accepted the

and manufactured load haul dump loader (LHD), the R1500.

The following year, Elphinstone sold its first R1500 overseas to Freeport McMoRan’s Henderson mine in the US.

Dale recalls negotiating with the purchasing team at Henderson mine.

“Someone said to me, ‘You realise that your machine price is double your

THE ELPHINSTONE NAME HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH MINING SINCE THE 1960S.

competition was, because we sell the value of our product and what it will do for you’,” he said.

Elphinstone replaced 36 of the competitions’ loaders at Henderson with ten Elphinstone R1500 LHD loaders. Innovation, growth, philanthropy

By 1988, Elphinstone was going from strength to strength, developing and selling several new machines – including the R2800 LHD – the first of which is still operational today.

New developments followed in 1991 including the R1700 LHD and AD40 dump truck, designed to complement the larger LHDs.

The first R2900 was developed and sold in 1994, and by the end of that year, Elphinstone had delivered more than 200 LHDs globally.

The company’s success drew the attention of Caterpillar, and the two parties established a 50/50 joint venture in 1995, creating the business known as Caterpillar Elphinstone Pty Ltd.

At the turn of the millennium, Caterpillar exercised its option to purchase the remaining 50 per cent of the business replacing the Elphinstone name with the Caterpillar trademark.

As the group further diversified and expanded its mining machinery portfolio, including the purchase and relocation of Haulmax (Aust) Pty Ltd to Tasmania, commercial acquisitions continued to expand Elphinstone’s footprint across Australia and overseas.

After the sale of its underground mining business to Caterpillar,

the family partnering with the State Government to establish a state-of-theart, regional cancer treatment facility and provide university scholarships to local budding radiographers.

The Elphinstone Group’s commitment to giving back to their local communities also extends to the sponsorship of local sporting events, clubs and organisations.

“It is incredibly important for us to give back to the community that has supported us for over the last 50 years,” Cheryl Elphinstone said.

of skilled employees and maintain the well-established, local supply chain, Elphinstone worked with Caterpillar to “buy back” its brand and proceeded to consolidate the existing Haulmax business with newly acquired businesses, Specialised Vehicle Solutions (SVS) and Southern Prospect.

In 2016, Elphinstone spent $11 million refurbishing the previously leased Caterpillar manufacturing facilities and re-established themselves in the underground mining industry, launching a new range of specialised underground hard rock support vehicles.

market in 2016, Elphinstone has designed and developed more than 20 underground

three-person cabs hosting a number of utilities, such as concrete agitators, delivery trucks, scissor lifts, water cannons and tilt trays.

Additionally, the company continues to invest in electrification projects to provide alternative sustainable solutions for the future.

“The E15 powertrain will include multiple options – both diesel and electric – in the future depending on customer applications, requirements and appetite for decarbonisation,” Elphinstone global sales and marketing manager Tim Mitchell told Australian Mining.

In 2019, Dale Elphinstone received an Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to business and philanthropic work.

At the Austmine Conference in 2023, Elphinstone received the Champion of Innovation Award in recognition of his contribution to innovation in underground mining and manufacturing in Australia.

More recently in 2024, Dale was honoured to become the first person outside of the US to be inducted into the prestigious National Mining Hall of Fame in Denver, Colorado, and in October 2025, Dale will be presented with the prestigious AusIMM Institute Award, celebrating the company’s dedication, leadership and commitment to excellence.

In his own words, Dale would say “one person doesn’t do very much” and attributes the company’s 50-year success to its valued team of people.

“We’ve done a lot of things because we didn’t know we couldn’t and because we have a great team of people with a lot of yagottawanna,” he said.

To this day, the Elphinstone brand is recognised as a pioneer of underground mining heavy vehicle solutions. AM

ELPHINSTONE IS A TRUSTED PROVIDER OF

THE FIRST FULLY DESIGNED R1500 SOLD IN 1986.

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TRANSFORMING MINING’S TOUGHEST WASTE

FENNER CONVEYORS AND TYRECYCLE HAVE TEAMED UP TO TURN ONE OF MINING’S MOST STUBBORN WASTE STREAMS INTO A CLOSED-LOOP RESOURCE.

Mining is an industry built on movement, with conveyor belts providing the basis for ore transportation from one cog in the value chain to the next.

When belts reach the end of their service life, the question of what to do with them has, until now, been met with few viable answers.

This is changing thanks to a new partnership between Fenner Conveyors and Tyrecycle.

The two companies are combining technical expertise, specialised equipment and national reach to recycle used conveyor belts for alternative product streams including new conveyor belts.

Years in the making, the initiative takes advantage of significant new local infrastructure investments by both businesses in Western Australia.

Fenner’s soon-to-be-commissioned rubber mixing facility at its Kwinana manufacturing hub, paired with Tyrecycle’s East Rockingham processing plant, creates a powerful co-located recycling ecosystem.

Under the program, Fenner’s service teams remove old conveyor belts during scheduled changeouts or from existing storage areas, utilising in-house belt handling equipment developed specifically for harsh mining conditions.

These are then transported directly to Tyrecycle’s facilities in either Port Hedland or East Rockingham..

Tyrecycle processes the belts using high-powered Danish-designed equipment, capable of handling the largest steel-cord belts that have historically been too difficult to recycle.

The recovered rubber polymers and steel can be sold to domestic and international markets or, in a first for Australia, be returned to Fenner’s new rubber mixing plant to be reintroduced into the manufacturing of new conveyor belt.

“This is a really important strategic partnership involving a belt specialist with highly specialised equipment and reach into the mining sector,” Tyrecycle chief executive officer Jim Fairweather told Australian Mining

“Once the end-of-life belt comes to us, we can process it and return it to Fenner’s manufacturing facilities where it is incorporated into new belting products.”

This is no pilot project waiting on future breakthroughs, with more than 1000 tonnes of conveyor belt having already been recycled in trials and accepted by downstream trading partners.

The closed-loop element, which sees recovered rubber sent back into Fenner’s manufacturing stream, is now within reach.

“For years, solutions such as this were always seen as something down the track,” Fenner Conveyors managing director Jen Green told Australian Mining

“Conveyor belt recycling is here now, on our doorstep and that’s why it’s an exciting partnership.”

Fairweather said while passenger tyres are recycled at a rate of 98 per cent in Australia, mining tyres sit at just one per cent and conveyor belts at close to zero.

“The mining sector has been looking for a solution,” he said. “Our partnership with Fenner means we’re uniquely positioned to meet that unmet demand.”

Central to the partnership is Fenner’s investment in its Kwinana rubber mixing facility.

“Mixing rubber compounds locally allows us to bring raw ingredients together and tailor compounds to different applications, with new mixes tested by our local R&D (research and development) centre,” Green said.

“This partnership enables us to incorporate recycled polymer composites from Tyrecycle, accelerate innovation and new product development, protect IP, and keep manufacturing local in Australia.”

For Tyrecycle, the East Rockingham facility, located just a few kilometres from Fenner’s Kwinana manufacturing plant, was intentionally designed with the capability to process conveyor belts.

“When the plant was built, we knew it would one day process conveyor material,” Fairweather said. “The equipment was specifically designed to handle it from day one.”

For mining companies, the benefits go beyond logistics. Diverting used belts from landfill or long-term storage will limit waste volumes, reduce emissions and contribute to decarbonisation targets.

“Companies all around the world are looking to reduce their waste footprint and increase circularity,” Green said. “Mining clients now have a solution for a waste stream that previously wasn’t available.”

Clients can engage through either Fenner or Tyrecycle, with joint engagement and site visits already underway with some mining customers. While the partnership’s immediate focus is on Western Australia, where both companies have invested heavily and operate in close proximity, the model is designed for scalability.

Fenner’s national footprint and Tyrecycle’s growing facilities across Australia create a platform for expansion once the WA operation is optimised.

“These are two established businesses with existing infrastructure, so the scalability opportunity is real,” Fenner Conveyors executive general manager –sales and marketing Trevor Svenson said.

“But first we want to push the limits of what’s possible in WA.”

The partnership’s origin stretches back years. Following recent capital investments and the pairing of Fenner’s Kwinana facility and Tyrecycle’s East Rockingham plant, everything has now fallen into place.

“Fenner and Tyrecycle have always shared similar values and outlooks,” Green said. “With these last pieces in place, the time is right to bring it to our customers.

“The exciting part is we’re not just talking about what could be done, we’re actually doing it.”

For a mining industry seeking credible, immediate steps to achieve sustainability, this partnership could make all the difference. AM

A SEGMENT OF STEEL CORD CONVEYOR BELT UNDERGOING RECYCLING AT TYRECYCLE’S FACILITY.

FENNER AND TYRECYCLE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE TYRECYCLE FACILITY IN EAST ROCKINGHAM, WA.

POWERING INDUSTRY. PROTECTING TOMORROW.

At Australian Power Equipment (APE), we deliver more than high-voltage power solutions – we deliver peace of mind. From brand-new transformers to expertly refurbished equipment, we help industries stay switched on with smarter, faster, and more sustainable options.

Our circular economy model means we don’t just supply power—we give old equipment new life. By refurbishing quality assets from decommissioned sites, we minimise waste, reduce lead times, and keep urgent projects moving. It’s better for business and better for the planet.

But our commitment doesn’t stop there. We actively support wildlife conservation and rewilding efforts across Australia –because powering progress should never come at the cost of our environment.

With a nationwide network and a lean, responsive team, APE sources and delivers critical equipment when and where it’s needed most. Whether it’s mining, infrastructure, or renewables, our clients trust us to keep operations running and downtime to a minimum.

Backed by decades of experience and a clear vision for the future, we’re proud to be shaping a more sustainable tomorrow.

AGENTS FOR

Directors Andrew Cockbain and Abby Crawford

11kV Switchgear

Type 241 cable

2000kVA transformer

LOW PROFILE, HIGH PERFORMANCE

THE THOR LOPRO TELESCOPIC RADIAL CONVEYOR COMBINES PROVEN ENGINEERING WITH AN INNOVATIVE

It takes some heavy machinery to move mountains, but weight can also negatively affect the ground bearing pressure that equipment generates. Too light and the machine can’t do its job; too heavy, and the foundation material below is negatively impacted.

This is the perennial problem that Canada-based manufacturer Thor Global sought to resolve with its telescopic radial conveyor.

Developed in response to stricter requirements for in-spec material supply, the conveyor enables operators to build larger and more consistent stockpiles. With a much longer horizontal reach than traditional conveyors, operators can layer material concentrically, in multiple windrows, effectively minimising segregation.

Thor designed and introduced the first telescopic radial conveyor in 1992, and the innovation quickly gained traction across the global mining industry. Thor then pivoted its primary focus towards these systems in response, and the manufacturer now produces one of the widest ranges of these tools, catering to the full spectrum of remote site mining conditions around the world.

Lincom Group is the exclusive dealer of Thor Global equipment in Australia, and there’s no doubting the company’s enthusiasm for the range. Lincom’s product manager Alan Dunbar said the brand was the original

and best manufacturer of telescopic radial conveyors.

“With Thor’s load equalisation system, the machines are strong, but lightweight where it counts,” he said. “The range is versatile and well suited to Australia’s diverse mining conditions.”

The latest incarnation of the Thor radial conveyor is the LoPro. As the name suggests, this offers the lowest feed height in the industry, and the patented hinge point enables the feed angle to remain constant, thus eliminating spillage, while a robust truss structure ensures strength and stability.

The Thor LoPro is designed to be more mobile, and is available in two standard lengths of 40m and 46m. Each is capable of handling up to 1500 tonnes per hour, with a feed height of just 1.5m at a fixed hopper angle.

This compact profile brings a host of advantages to the operating mine. In particular, the static hopper design removes the need for an increased drop height when feeding the conveyor. This reduces the impact and wear on the hopper as well as its belts and tail undercarriage.

“Allowing the conveyor to be fed from a constant, lower angle eliminates spillage and streamlines operations,” Dunbar said. “This lower feeding height contributes to maximum versatility for different material types and processing machinery without requiring additional equipment.”

The exclusive partnership between Lincom and Thor Global has been built on more than three decades of field-tested reliability across Australia’s demanding mining conditions.

“Thor equipment is engineered for longevity in the harshest environments,” Dunbar explained. “The build quality speaks for itself and when you’re investing in equipment for a remote mine site, you need absolute confidence it will perform day after day.”

The LoPro exemplifies this philosophy, delivering the durability and innovation that has made Thor the industry benchmark for telescopic radial conveyors.

Lincom’s added support

While Thor Global provides world-class equipment, Lincom’s value proposition extends far beyond being simply a supplier of those machines.

Lincom positions itself as a partner who can offer support across the breadth of operations, enabling customers to focus on results. This comprehensive approach means the company is on-hand for the entire equipment lifecycle, from spare parts and service to machine rebuilds.

Lincom provides complete customer satisfaction with service and support provided in throughout Australia 365 days per year. The company’s service offerings span the full spectrum, from preventative maintenance through

to emergency breakdown repairs and scheduled refurbishments, with expert technicians available to assist customers whenever needed.

“We understand that downtime is lost revenue,” Dunbar said. “Our goal is to keep equipment running at peak performance, whether that’s through regular maintenance schedules or rapid responses if something goes wrong.”

Lincom firmly believes that the initial sale is just the beginning of its commercial responsibilities, focusing on long-term partnerships rather than transactional dealings. The company provides diagnostic and reporting services, offering practical recommendations and action plans to ensure equipment runs smoothly.

This includes access to original stock and locally-sourced spare parts, understanding the critical need for equipment reliability and peak performance capacity every single day.

For Australian mining operations seeking reliable bulk material handling solutions, the Thor LoPro represents the convergence of proven engineering and local expertise.

Through Lincom’s partnership with Thor Global, operators gain access to industry-leading equipment backed by comprehensive support – ensuring maximum uptime and operational efficiency in Australia’s challenging mining environments. AM

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

BRADKEN IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF PROVIDING UNDERCARRIAGE RELIABILITY FOR ITS MINING CUSTOMERS.

With a proud history of being a leading specialist in undercarriage solutions for mining equipment, Bradken continues to innovate to meet customers’ needs.

The company has been at the forefront of undercarriage design and manufacture for more than 40 years, and has supported customers in some of the most demanding conditions across the globe.

Today, Bradken’s work on the R9600 hydraulic excavator undercarriage highlights its continued commitment to providing customers with longer service life, lower total cost of ownership and confidence in the field.

From its early days of manufacturing crawler shoes for hydraulic excavators through to its most recent advances, Bradken has demonstrated the power of sustained innovation.

Between 2007 and 2021, the company designed, manufactured and supplied the majority of sets of crawler shoes for R9800 and R996 excavators to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

That track record has established a foundation of trust with OEMs and end users, who have seen first-hand

the gains delivered through Bradken’s metallurgical expertise, rigorous design processes and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

“We partnered with Liebherr in the design of the crawler shoe and drive tumblers for their 996B and 9800 excavators,” the company said. “And, for over 15 years, Bradken was the supplier of choice for R996B and R9800 crawler shoes and drive tumblers to the OEM.”

Since 2021, Bradken has been free to sell direct to the market and has been supplying customers worldwide with leading undercarriages for R996B and R9800 machines.

Leveraging decades of manufacturing expertise, Bradken’s recent design and material enhancements deliver reduced costs, improved performance, and enhanced safety in the toughest environments on earth.

Proven capability

Mining operations are facing pressure to reduce downtime and extract maximum productivity from their machines.

Bradken’s approach is squarely aimed at meeting those challenges, and that commitment is perhaps most visible in the company’s undercarriage offerings.

Following case study research into R9800 and R996 track shoe comparison of Bradken and competitor track shoe wear rates, Bradken’s crawler shoes have been shown to deliver more than 50 per cent greater wear life compared with competitor products.

In practical terms, that means fewer change-outs, lower maintenance costs and more machine availability – these metrics can make a significant difference to a mine’s bottom line.

Scale is another factor that helps to set Bradken apart. As one of the largest manufacturers of undercarriages for mining machines over 200 tonnes, the company has supplied more than 250,000 crawler shoes to mining customers worldwide in the past quarter-century.

This scale is matched by a customerfocused approach that recognises the diverse conditions in which mining operations take place. By tailoring solutions to site-specific requirements, Bradken works to ensure its components deliver superior performance while minimising downtime.

Technology enhancements

Technology has also become an increasingly important element of the company’s offering.

Through the company’s dedicated Bradken Inspect app, inspections can be conducted more efficiently with detailed condition assessments of undercarriage components provided.

The resulting reports provide a clearer understanding of wear patterns and performance rates to enable maintenance planning. This wear monitoring and reporting service provides the basis for predictive analysis, refurbishment recommendations and design improvements that help extend the life of critical components.

For mine operators, the ability to accurately track wear and plan maintenance translates into greater predictability, reduced unplanned downtime, and ultimately a lower total cost of ownership.

The optimisation of the R9600 excavator undercarriage is the latest step in Bradken’s journey of continual improvement.

Years of investment in research and development have gone into refining the R9800, R996 and now the R9600 ranges, ensuring that Bradken’s customers benefit from components that are not just robust but also smarter in the way they are designed and manufactured. AM

One technology partner. For the life of your mine

You commute to the far ends of the earth. Your workplaces are in the most challenging environments on the planet. The unrelenting pressure you face to cut costs while being safer, more sustainable and more productive demands more than partial solutions or occasional transactions. It demands a trusted partner, committed to meaningful support, data-driven insights and solutions that connect all parts of a mine. We’re Hexagon. One partner. For the life of your mine.

RETHINKING AIR BLASTER PERFORMANCE

THEJO HIGHLIGHTS HOW MODERN DUAL-PISTON SYSTEMS ARE REDEFINING CLEANING PERFORMANCE IN THE HARSHEST OPERATING CONDITIONS.

In the demanding landscapes of Australian bulk material handling sector, uninterrupted material flow is the foundation of efficiency. Yet persistent build-up in hoppers, silos, kilns and chutes continues to disrupt operations. These blockages trigger production delays, drive up maintenance costs, and introduce serious safety risks.

Air blasters – compressed-air devices designed to dislodge adhered material – are frontline tools in preventing these issues. Too often, however, their selection can be driven by short-term thinking rather than sustained performance. Experience across heavy industries has shown that prioritising performance is the best way to ensure lasting reliability, safety and operational excellence.

Material build-up is rarely caused by a single factor. Moisture, particle cohesion, variable feed rates and temperature swings can all contribute to accumulations.

Sticky ores, coal dust and clinker are especially problematic.

In chutes and silos, where airflow stagnates, these materials harden quickly and cling to surfaces, resisting flow even under high loads.

The consequences of this situation are costly and extend beyond production losses:

• Frequent stoppages for cleaning and de-choking silos and hoppers

• Lost production time, sometimes running into hundreds of thousands of dollars per incident

• Potential equipment damage from manual hammering or forced clearing

• Safety risks when personnel must enter confined spaces or handle hazardous dust

• Higher labour costs due to manual intervention

Unchecked build-up is one of the most expensive hidden drains on plant performance. It erodes output, consumes additional energy, and places unnecessary strain on workers and equipment alike.

While air blasters are designed to fight material build-up, conventional designs introduce their own hidden costs; they often appear inexpensive at the time of purchase, but their inefficiencies compound rapidly in daily operations.

Some of the biggest drawbacks include low blast force that struggles with compacted material, longer fill times, higher air consumption per effective blast, frequent firing cycles, and shorter lifespan.

What looks like a simple solution often becomes higher total cost of ownership due to downtime, wasted energy, and increased servicing.

Conventional units often have difficulty keeping up with the demands of modern heavy industry, resulting in higher air bills, strain on compressors, and recurring blockages.

Modern air blasters like Bazooka can overcome these challenges with dual-piston valve technology, a design that unlocks greater power and efficiency. Unlike single-piston systems, which release compressed air through a series of restricted passages, the dual-piston design opens inlet and outlet valves simultaneously, allowing compressed air to escape in a single, instantaneous burst, maximising impact at the point of discharge. Potential benefits include up to 30 per cent more force than conventional units, less wait time between blasts, fewer cycles needed to achieve full clearance, and stronger, faster blasts that clear stubborn deposits.

In simple terms, dual-piston systems deliver more cleaning power with less

INDUSTRIES WITH STICKY ORES, COAL DUST AND CLINKER OFTEN FACE BLOCKAGES.

energy, less downtime and less wear. This performance leap can mean the difference between continuous operation and costly interruptions.

Controlled load-cell testing by Thejo has confirmed Bazooka’s performance advantage.

In repeated trials, it consistently reached peak blast forces of around 1280kN in 0.3 seconds.

IN SIMPLE TERMS, DUAL-PISTON SYSTEMS DELIVER MORE CLEANING POWER WITH LESS ENERGY, LESS DOWNTIME AND LESS WEAR.”

Long-term value in harsh environments

For industries where every hour of uptime counts, performance-driven blasters deliver measurable results.

Beyond the obvious savings in downtime, they also:

• reduce compressed air usage per tonne of material handled

• extend the lifespan of blasters and the equipment they protect

• improve operational safety by reducing reliance on manual intervention

• provide predictable, consistent performance even in extreme temperature or moisture conditions.

This combination of benefits goes beyond operational convenience. It forms a strategic shield against rising costs, equipment failures and unplanned shutdowns. In harsh environments like Australian mines, where reliability is nonnegotiable, high-performance systems are the only viable choice.

Procurement in today’s industrial environment should go beyond short-term fixes. The priority should be equipment that delivers consistent performance, protects worker safety, and ensures longterm reliability. A procurement strategy that emphasises durability, efficiency and validated performance is not just prudent; it is essential.

Adopting performance-first procurement, anchored in proven dual-piston designs, offers a sustainable path forward. Choosing highperformance air blasters is an investment in productivity, safety and long-term operational excellence, helping to ensure resilience in the toughest operating conditions.

In an environment where material build-up is inevitable but stoppages are not, performance must take precedence. For Thejo, the choice is clear: embrace modern dual-piston solutions that secure lasting reliability and operational success. AM

Cummins

AIR BLASTERS HELP PREVENT

IN HOPPERS, SILOS, KILNS AND CHUTES.

THE ART OF CONVEYOR BELT CLEANING

MARTIN ENGINEERING BREAKS DOWN WHAT IT DESCRIBES AS THE “GATEWAY TO SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY”.

Belt conveyor operators in high-volume bulk handling industries often discuss the efficiency “sweet spot”, which refers to the balance between the amount of spillage beneath the system and dust emissions above, relative to the volume of material being transported and the total uptime. To put it bluntly, this balance is a myth.

There is no trade-off between maintaining a clean operation and ensuring productivity. In fact, installing the correct material discharge and belt cleaning configuration can effectively address both concerns, along with a variety of other issues throughout the entire conveyor system.

Quality and construction of belt cleaners are crucial for achieving optimal results. Two cleaners from different manufacturers, both made of polyurethane, may appear quite similar. But once they are installed and tensioned, operators will notice significant differences.

Typically, a lower-quality cleaner allows more material to carryback, requires more maintenance labour, needs to be replaced more frequently, may not be suitable for the application’s volume or properties, and could damage the belt,

Eliminating carryback improves efficiency

Carryback refers to material that is not discharged, bypasses cleaners, and

This is caused by carryback. After passing through the cleaner(s), material drops at the snub pulley and/or the take-up pulley. It typically does not

cleanliness and safety.

Solution: A primary cleaner blade endures the stress of heavy bulk material, so it is important to ensure it is properly graded. When selecting a primary belt cleaner, consider the pulley diameter, belt speed, production volume, and material properties. Wet, viscous, acidic/alkaline, and sharp/ abrasive materials may require blades made from specialised polyurethane or material blend.

Mistracking away from efficiency

Many conveyors come with a “tracking” system that is intended (ineffectively, in many cases) to keep the belt from coming into contact with the stringer and shredding the edges. Some operators who experience mistracking on the return install a “crown” roller design, which is thicker in the middle. If the belt drifts slightly, this design uses its weight to realign it back to the centre.

When these return rollers are fouled by carryback, they no longer realign the belt. If the belt is not centred on the tail pulley, the cargo is likely to be loaded off centre. This can result in the belt drifting further off centre, spilling cargo from a full belt and potentially damaging the entire system.

Solution: Modern belt alignment systems like the Martin Tracker HD can remedy misalignment more effectively

than installing crown rollers. Designed for either the return or carrying side of the belt, these devices use sensing arms to detect slight variations in the belt path and immediately correct them by turning a roller or idler in the opposite direction.

Trackers are recommended for all systems because many factors can cause mistracking, not just carryback and broken equipment. However, mistracking results from carryback, so the underlying cause should be addressed first. Belt tracking on the return is also advised, regardless of issues stemming from carryback. With longer gaps between rollers on the return side than the upper carrying side has between idlers, the return side is susceptible to wind, belt camber, and other elements that can lead to drift.

Maintenance labour and cost of operation

Running a system to failure due to an overstretched workforce will lead to more expensive and prolonged downtime. Inspection and maintenance of a conveyor system should be routine and performed regularly to prevent unscheduled downtime. This is easier said than done, since belt cleaner tensioning is a continuous challenge for many operators.

Under-tensioning leads to carryback and expedites the blade wear. In contrast, over-tensioning results in higher power costs and increased heat from friction, runs a higher risk of pullthrough, and accelerates blade wear.

After lock-out, tag-out (LOTO) procedures, changing cleaners can be an ergonomically awkward task performed beneath a conveyor or inside the drop chute, often requiring two or more people and/or a confined space entry certification.

Solution: Carrying out maintenance during a scheduled shutdown, when staff can focus on specific tasks in a controlled environment, is optimal. Many innovations to minimise maintenance time have been introduced in recent years. For example, Martin Engineering’s N2 Position Indicator (PI) helps determine scheduled downtime by providing data on the wear status of belt cleaners. Delivered via mobile app, the N2 PI not only alerts users if an incident occurs, but the data it provides also helps operators understand wear times. This informs managers and aids them in coordinating maintenance schedules for greater efficiency.

Safety

Carryback increases safety risk and operational costs. Although it is strongly discouraged, operators continue to assign workers to clear spillage from around the system while the belt is running, shovelling the spillage back onto the moving conveyor, or into a skip or barrow – all of which drives up labour costs. If a worker comes into contact with the belt, risk of an injury or fatality is high. Working on or near moving conveyors remains a leading cause of workplace injuries and deaths. Beyond the devastating price paid by a worker’s family and colleagues in such circumstances, these incidents always result in costly

fines, unscheduled downtime, and increased insurance premiums.

Solution: Avoid safety issues and labour costs associated with cleaning by eliminating the cause, carryback. Always follow the LOTO procedure and never allow any worker to perform maintenance on or around a working conveyor. One innovation that enhances servicing and safety is the Safe to Service Martin QC1+ Primary Cleaner or Safe to Service SQC2S Secondary Cleaner. Instead of confined space entry or crawling under the system, these designs enable equipment to be pulled away from the mainframe and serviced quickly and ergonomically by a single worker from outside the chute. AM

A FOULED OEM TRACKING SYSTEM.

THE MARTIN TRACKER USES THE BELT’S WEIGHT AND SENSING ARMS TO ADJUST A ROLLER THAT CORRECTS SLIGHT VARIATIONS IN THE BELT PATH.

When Emesent Hovermap is mounted on a drone or robot, world-leading autonomy enables it to execute missions with little to no human intervention. Emesent technology takes control, making intelligent decisions so users don’t have to, all the while mapping dangerous and inaccessible environments and providing fast and accurate data that keeps teams out of harm’s way.

KEEPING AUSTRALIAN MINES MOVING

FROM MANGANESE TO IRON ORE AND GOLD, MAX PLANT’S FEEDERS GIVE MINERS

For decades, MAX Plant has been a go-to mineral processing partner in the Australian mining industry, delivering tailored solutions to solve the most pressing operational conundrums.

Core fixtures in MAX Plant’s portfolio, the feeder stacker (FS) and belt feeder (BF) ranges have proven their worth in the harshest mining environments, serving as key cogs in bulk material handling value chains.

But MAX Plant doesn’t deploy a solution without ensuring it’s siteready first.

“We offer customisations to suit the client’s specific requirements,” MAX Plant business development manager Neil McKenna told Australian Mining “From how they’re powered to whether they’re mobile or skid-mounted, we adapt our feeders to best suit customer needs.”

MAX Plant’s expertise goes beyond product customisation, with support available throughout a machine’s lifecycle. This helps the company stand out from the rest.

“We don’t just supply equipment, we also install and maintain it for our clients,” McKenna said. “And when we mobilise, we train operators on everything they need to know about the machinery.”

The versatile feeder stacker Available in both track-mounted and skid-mounted variations, MAX Plant’s feeder stackers are specifically designed for production rates up to 800 tonnes per hour. This range includes the FS1200, FS1000 and FS800, with options to suit a range of applications and requirements.

“The feeder stacker units are used for what we call surge capacity, which allows you to control the feed and flow of the material through the crushing plant,” McKenna said.

“We can speed up or slow down the feed coming from the stacker to the rest of the plant. This gives us greater feed control without having surges of material coming through spasmodically.”

So what does a customised feeder stacker look like?

“We might provide extra options to support the machine, like static grizzlies over the feeder hopper, or we could boost hopper capacity,” McKenna said. “We can also adapt the length of the conveyor boom or even remove elements of the feeder stacker completely.

“We want to give our clients something that works for them.”

MAX Plant’s feeder stackers can be either diesel or electric powered, providing up to 185 kilowatts of power.

So how is the feeder stacker currently being used in the Australian mining industry?

“A manganese mining client had more than 100,000 tonnes of oversized material after the crushing and screening process – which is a significant amount,” McKenna said.

“The client used a MAX Plant feeder stacker to feed the material back into their existing primary jaw crusher to be recirculated through the plant. The client wanted a fully mobile unit so they could easily move the machine and feed the jaw from different locations.”

McKenna also explained a popular iron ore application.

“Iron ore miners are using MAX Plant’s feeder stacker for loading trucks and train carriages,” he said. “Once iron ore has been crushed and stockpiled at the mine, clients will feed product from existing stockpiles into the feeder stacker for it then to be fed into truck bodies or train carriages for transportation off-site.”

Belt feeders built for scale

Designed for use as a primary or surge feeder in plants, MAX Plant’s belt feeder range provides the same level of customisation – and can be used alongside wheel loaders up to a Caterpillar 988 size.

McKenna said a niche market for MAX Plant’s belt feeders has been to support paste plants.

“Like our FS feeder, the BF feeder has a very wide hopper, which allows it to be fed with very large wheel loaders.

This makes it perfect for feeding sand and aggregate into paste plants, which pump concrete material underground to fill mine voids.

“We’ve also supplied BF feeders into gold mines, where clients have used them to feed secondary crushed material into a processing plant. In this case, the feeder would usually be fed by an articulated dump truck.

“The BF feeder is a versatile bit of kit for feeding material into existing operations.”

MAX Plant’s feeder stacker and belt feeder, which have become soughtafter solutions in the Australian mining industry, are being further advanced with the advent of remote monitoring.

“We’re integrating PLC (programmable logic controller) controls with our BF and FS systems,” McKenna said.

“This enables a unit to communicate with the main plant control system, which gives site operations greater control of their process plant. The PLC system might tell the feeder to speed up or slow down depending on the desired feed.”

Giving operators greater control over their equipment delivers a better client experience, McKenna said.

“We’re also integrating a control system that monitors feeder performance and provides real-time warnings of anything that’s going wrong. That can be monitored 24–7 by operators or by our service technicians in Perth.” AM

MAX PLANT PROVIDES SUPPORT THROUGHOUT A MACHINE’S LIFECYCLE.

BUILT FOR MINING’S TOUGHEST CHALLENGES

WITH OVER 150 INSTALLATIONS ACROSS AUSTRALIAN MINING OPERATIONS, AUMUND GROUP IS A HOUSEHOLD NAME IN BULK MATERIAL HANDLING.

SCHADE’s 145-year engineering heritage has established the AUMUND Group company as one of the world’s premier suppliers of mining stockyard equipment, with more than 800 stackers and reclaimers operating globally across the most demanding mining environments. This kind of worldwide experience directly benefits Australia’s mining sector through proven, battle-tested technology.

SCHADE’s scraper chain technology, refined over 70 years, delivers reliability in mining applications. SCHADE’s robust design offers superior performance in Australia’s harsh conditions, with simplified automation and reduced maintenance requirements – critical factors for remote mining operations.

The company’s mining portfolio includes complete stockyard solutions for iron ore, coal, copper concentrates, and battery minerals. SCHADE’s longitudinal and circular stockyard configurations are designed to maximise storage capacity while enabling efficient blending operations essential for consistent ore quality.

From Brazilian iron ore operations to Australian coal terminals, SCHADE’s worldwide mining installations demonstrate consistent performance across diverse materials and climates.

The company’s largest twin-boom scraper reclaimer, a testament to engineering innovation, handles massive throughput rates while maintaining precise blending capabilities.

SCHADE’s wagon dumper technology serves major mining railways worldwide, with unit train and pivot frame designs optimised for high-capacity mineral transport. This global experience ensures Australian mining operations have access to proven solutions adapted to local requirements.

SAMSON Materials Handling

SAMSON specialises in mobile equipment ideally suited for mining’s dynamic operational requirements. The company’s global mining installations demonstrate versatility across diverse applications, from remote mine sites to major export terminals.

SAMSON’s mobile material feeders excel in mining applications, receiving materials from dump trucks, loading shovels, and excavators while providing consistent feed rates to downstream processing. The STORMAJOR and BOOMFEEDER ranges combine material feeders with boom conveyors to support emergency feed and crusher interface applications, as well as stockpiling operations.

Available on grouser tracks for mining terrain, this equipment offers exceptional mobility for temporary installations and changing mine layouts.

The Eco Hopper addresses critical dust control challenges in mining applications. This dustfree system handles grab unloading operations while adhering to the mining sector’s increasingly stringent dust control regulations.

A century of proven mining expertise

With nearly 150 years of mining experience, AUMUND has handled every conceivable bulk material from copper concentrates to iron ore pellets, coal, manganese ore, and beyond.

This global mining experience, supported by the company’s in-house material testing facility, helps to ensure optimal equipment selection for specific mining applications.

AUMUND’s apron feeders support primary crusher applications, where reliability is paramount. With thousands of installations in process-critical mining applications, AUMUND feeders consistently exceed performance expectations in the world’s most demanding mining environments.

The company’s bucket elevators serve mining operations globally, handling materials from fine concentrates to coarse ores with unmatched reliability.

AUMUND delivers complete pitto-port mining solutions, from primary crushing feed systems through to

port-loading facilities. This capability helps to provide Australian miners with single-source supply chain efficiency and integrated system optimisation.

Australian applications

The AUMUND Group’s global experience translates directly into Australian solutions.

With more than 150 installations across Australian mining operations spanning five decades, the group understands local operational challenges while applying international mining expertise.

From Pilbara iron ore operations to Queensland coal terminals, AUMUND Group equipment handles Australia’s diverse mining materials with proven reliability.

The combination of SCHADE’s stockyard expertise, SAMSON’s mobile solutions, and AUMUND’s proven feeding technology supports comprehensive mining solutions backed by global experience and local support through established partnerships with WDT Engineers (Brisbane) and Ammermann (Sydney).

As the Australian mining industry expands into new commodities and remote locations, AUMUND Group leverages its global reputation to provide reliable, efficient solutions for the sector’s evolving challenges. AM

AUMUND GROUP AIMS TO DELIVER UNMATCHED RELIABILITY IN MINING APPLICATIONS.

AUMUND APRON FEEDER AT A MINING INSTALLATION.

PUTTING BELT CLEANERS ONLINE

ESS ENGINEERING, A LEADER IN CONVEYOR BELT CLEANING TECHNOLOGY, HAS UNVEILED AN AUTONOMOUS TENSIONER TO OPTIMISE CLEANER PERFORMANCE.

As mining operations scale to meet global demand, conveyor systems are under increasing pressure. Faster, wider and more heavily loaded belts are now the norm, making efficient carryback control more critical than ever.

Australian mine sites present unique logistical challenges.

Many mining operations are located remotely and are largely staffed by the fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) community, which means regular site visits to inspect and maintain belt cleaners and other conveyor belt accessories are often limited to scheduled shutdowns.

Conveyor belt cleaners are essential for removing material fines from the return side of the belt. Without effective cleaning, these material fines or carryback can lead to conveyor belt mistracking, increased spillage, accelerated wear, more safety hazards, and increased potential downtime.

Maintaining correct blade-to-belt contact historically required regular adjustment by trained local technicians to control carryback.

Spring and air tensioning devices were introduced as the labour market was squeezed and site access was reduced for

security and safety. This meant more time could elapse between opportunities for maintenance; however, inconsistent tensioning had resulted in uneven blade wear and reduced cleaning efficiency.

“Belt cleaner blades are designed to wear over time, but as they do the spring within the cleaner assembly extends and applies less force, causing less contact pressure with the belt,” ESS Engineering mechanical engineer Mitch Stone told Australian Mining

During inspection and maintenance periods, trained staff recognise the issue and manually adjust the tensioning device – a reactive approach to maintenance.

The reality, as Stone said, is that “cleaners aren’t adjusted or monitored as frequently as they should be”, which frequently results in premature or uneven blade wear.

“The autonomous tensioner removes the need to adjust the belt cleaner’s blades manually, saving time and resources, especially in remote or hazardous areas,” Stone said.

ESS’ autonomous tensioner can be retrofitted to existing belt cleaner systems, connecting directly to the mainframe spring. Using intelligent control systems, the cleaner blade tension is automatically

adjusted as it wears, maintaining consistent cleaning pressure and prolonging the cleaner blade’s lifespan.

How it works

The autonomous tensioner reduces much of the manual re-tensioning and monitoring with an onboard sensor and actuator package.

Sensors measure the force exerted by the cleaner arm, while a motorised mechanism automatically re-tensions the mainframe spring to restore a force predetermined through the applicationspecific wear rate. This closed-loop system ensures the blades wear at a consistent, linear rate, extending service life and preventing end-of-cycle acceleration that prematurely destroys blade edges.

All tension and wear data is relayed in real time via an in-built 5G antenna to a secure desktop interface.

Operators can enter wear data through a human–machine interface (HMI), inputting specific blade-wear targets into the system – for example, “typical blade life is six months” – and the tensioner will adjust the force over the life of the blade accordingly.

Adjustments can be made from a control room or any internet-connected

device. In addition, a stainless-steel enclosure houses a screen that allows you to set up and adjust the autonomous tensioner at the conveyor.

Beyond safety and labour savings, the system delivers proactive maintenance intelligence.

“With the autonomous tensioner, you can monitor and operate the belt cleaner at the same time, which means you have a clear view not only of how your cleaner is wearing but also how it is performing,” Stone said.

This level of visibility helps to prevent unplanned shutdowns and optimise conveyor maintenance.

The autonomous tensioner is currently in the trial phase.

“It’s been operating for a while now at a test site, and the feedback from the client has been overwhelmingly positive,” Stone said.

As Stone attests, autonomous tensioners strongly complement ESS’ belt cleaner portfolio.

“We’re looking at this as an extension of the work we already do around operational safety,” he said. “We have a long history of providing conveyor belt cleaners – our core product – so this helps improve functions and bring our technology into the world of automation.” AM

A CUSTOM-BUILT LITHIUM ORE HOPPER GETS TO WORK.

NOTHING OFF THE SHELF

BULK HANDLING TECHNOLOGIES’ COMPREHENSIVE DESIGN-AND-BUILD APPROACH IS HELPING MINING OPERATIONS ACHIEVE OPTIMAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY.

Bulk material handling is a core task of any mining operation. It takes an extensive fleet of machines to move, store and process extracted materials, with feeders, crushers, screens, stackers and more all having to work together for the best results.

With so many moving parts, reliability and durability become vital characteristics for each link in the chain. If one machine goes down, or even just slows down, the whole operation is impacted.

For Bulk Handling Technologies (BHT), it’s this all-too-common situation that drives its team forward.

The Perth-based company supplies custom designed-and-built equipment all over Australia and internationally, and prides itself on supplying machines that are built to last.

BHT engineering manager Paul Ingleson believes this approach gives the company’s mining clients important peace of mind.

“Standardised, off-the-shelf equipment is often engineered down to a price,” he told Australian Mining “There are often compromises in quality, and there are definitely compromises in durability and reliability.

“Our ideal customer is someone who focuses on minimising downtime and optimising maintainability. If that’s important to them, we know they’ll appreciate the work we put into making every machine reliable and fit for purpose.”

Bespoke service

Creating a bespoke product that suits each customer’s specific needs and circumstances involves a range of teams all working together.

For Bulk Handling Technologies, the promise is for a full research, design and custom build service, as well as delivery and set up.

“We’ve got a library of resources and skills for designing and building bulk materials handling equipment,” Ingleson said. “When we get an enquiry from a customer about a particular requirement, it’s often something that can’t be done reliably using standard, offthe-shelf equipment.

“We of course have standardised components and some standard designs, but everything we do, almost without exception, is customised in some way. Almost nothing is identical to what we’ve done before.”

A customer’s requirements could be around capacity or feed rates, or they

could be about meeting the unique specifications of the local mine site.

BHT customers operate internationally and across Australia. The company has been handling custom equipment for several African-based mining and infrastructure projects in recent years.

A recent project for a lithium operation in Western Australia perfectly illustrated BHT’s bespoke approach. The mine had been struggling with an off-the-shelf hopper and belt feeder system that wasn’t meeting the task of handling the client’s specific operational requirements.

“They were experiencing regular hang-ups and bridging issues that were causing expensive downtime,” Ingleson said.

“They needed a system that could reliably accept feed from their Komatsu WA700 loader without constant interruptions.”

BHT began with a comprehensive site audit and a review of material testing data to understand exactly what the client was dealing with. The lithium ore’s flow properties varied significantly with moisture content, and the client needed a 6m hopper that could ensure uniform drawdown across its entire length.

“Long hoppers present unique engineering challenges,” Ingleson said. “Without proper design, they can preferentially feed from one end, causing reloading delays and premature belt wear.

“Our solution incorporated 70° wall angles, polished Arcoplate liners, and a carefully positioned offset baffle.”

The resulting 225-tonne-per-hour system, featuring a 19m belt feeder, was assembled and tested in BHT’s Perth workshop before shipping. This approach eliminated on-site commissioning problems and ensured the client could achieve full production capacity from day one.

For mining operations where downtime costs thousands, if not millions, per hour, the choice between standard and custom equipment becomes a strategic business decision.

BHT’s approach of comprehensive testing, bespoke design and complete workshop assembly and testing helps to ensure clients receive engineered systems rather than more generic solutions.

As Ingleson put it, BHT’s customers understand that investing in maintainability and reliability from the outset delivers far greater value than accepting the compromises that can potentially come with noncustomised alternatives. AM

STRENGTH IN EVERY SHELTER

DOMESHELTER AUSTRALIA HAS BEEN LEADING THE WAY IN FABRIC SHELTER CONSTRUCTION FOR OVER 30 YEARS.

Fabric shelters have become synonymous with the mining industry because of their highquality protection and manoeuvrability – with one company going above and beyond to stay at the vanguard of innovation.

DomeShelter Australia has been delivering engineered fabric shelters for more than three decades, with almost 9000 shelters installed in more than 50 different countries, including in some of the world’s harshest environments.

“We have a major focus on design and engineering, which puts us at the forefront of industry conversation because of the mining sector’s strict regulations,” DomeShelter Australia technical solutions principal Bobby Fawkes told Australian Mining

“Our capabilities are all in-house, which positions us as a real expert in this field. We design bespoke solutions to address specific problems mining companies are facing everyday.”

DomeShelter solutions, which come with a 10-year warranty, have a range of benefits. They’re durable, easy to install, and are proven in the toughest of conditions, including cyclones.

The shelters come in a variety of different designs to help ensure each one is fit-for-purpose. Container, concrete wall and post-mounted options support bulk storage facilities wherever they’re needed, with combination options allowing for even greater flexibility.

develop an understanding of the client’s key challenges and what success looks like for them,” Fawkes said.

DOMESHELTER SOLUTIONS ARE DURABLE, EASY TO INSTALL, AND ARE PROVEN IN THE TOUGHEST OF CONDITIONS.

“Our experts are on hand to assess viability and come up with ways of seamlessly integrating shelters to enhance efficiencies across mining operations.

“We want to get to the bottom of what clients are trying to achieve – fully understanding what they’re working with, the product they’re storing, the length of time it is to be stored for, and what machinery they’re using.

“The client then has the opportunity to review a range of options and, along with our recommendations, consider what will provide the best return for their operation.”

Fabric shelters can not only be used for protecting people, machinery and creating workshop space but they can also be used for bulk storage.

Concrete wall-mounted fabric shelters are one such solution, having been described as a “rugged workhorse” in the most challenging of environments.

“Bulk storage is generally considered a more permanent part of a mine’s infrastructure,” Fawkes said.

“Having an operational storage facility that can be set up in as little as two months provides a great deal of assurance that work can get underway as soon as possible.”

With flexibility being key, fabric shelters “fit the bill” for sites across the world because of their rapid deployment rate compared to conventional buildings.

“A key benefit is that DomeShelter

These benefits, on top of efficient installation, are what put DomeShelter Australia in a prime position to cater to many different scenarios.

“Let’s say a shelter is going to store 500 tonnes of product like ore or spodumene, or be used as a warehouse facility. That can be fully operational inside eight weeks,” Fawkes said.

“During a site shutdown, which might be a six-to eight-week project, the shelter can act as a warehouse. There are so many use cases for a structure like this.”

DomeShelter Australia’s client experience is also in the upper echelon, another of the many reasons the company has been a leader in the market for decades.

With customer needs always changing, Fawkes said, DomeShelter

Australia must remain dynamic to ensure consumers remain at the “centre of everything”.

“We know what works and what doesn’t,” he said.

“We’ve been in the market for 30 years and have our in-house team of experts that can tailor our service.”

An example of this approach is DomeShelter Australia’s development of a 240m2 fabric shelter without a crane or height access.

“Innovating with hinges and working with pulley systems enables us to push the boundaries of what’s been done before,” Fawkes said.

“In developing our bespoke solutions, we do everything in-house.

“We’re there from start to finish, and we support our clients with after market support post-installation.” AM

FABRIC SHELTERS ARE A POPULAR BULK STORAGE SOLUTION ON MINES SITES.

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ALL ABOARD THE MARTINUS TRAIN

A NEWCOMER IN THE HAULAGE INDUSTRY, MARTINUS IS DELIVERING SOME MAJOR PROJECTS WHILE MAINTAINING A CUSTOMER-FIRST

When Lee Morrissey first meets with a potential client for rail infrastructure and haulage consultancy, there’s only one question on his mind.

Martinus’ national business development manager – haulage said it’s not about annual tonnes, or mining production rates, or distances to port. Rather, it’s a question that gets straight to the heart of the very specific haulage challenge being faced at that time.

“The first question we always ask is: what’s not working in your supply chain?” Morrissey told Australian Mining. “That opens up the conversation to the places where we can really have an impact and make a difference in clients’ haulage and logistics.”

The answers are invariably always different. From take-and-pay obligations forcing unsustainable production profiles to unreliable infrastructure to rolling stock that is outdated, every mining operation has its own concerns and opportunities.

Such bespoke circumstances require bespoke solutions, and Martinus prides itself on designing a best-fit answer to each client’s specific haulage challenge.

“We are genuinely trying to deliver bespoke solutions and value for the

APPROACH.

infrastructure, and provide haulage services,” he said.

Martinus’ infrastructure and haulage services are available throughout Australia, and also internationally. While still a relative newcomer to the rail haulage scene, the company has already participated in some significant projects for both public and private causes.

That includes upgrading and enhancing rail across a 355km section of the Inland Rail project in southern New South Wales, civil and trackwork for the Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland, and refurbishment works at the Port Kembla coal terminal.

Rolling stock advantage

Regardless of the exact solution, one of the biggest differentiators for Martinus in a competitive market is its sourcing of highest-quality wagons, and locomotives.

“Everything we’re doing is based on new rolling stock coming into the country,” Morrissey said. “We’re coming in with new technology that delivers reliability, and reduces unplanned outages. This in turn translates to additional revenue for our customers.”

Newer equipment means even more choices for miners and rail operators.

“The beauty of technology these

do – then there are locomotive solutions that head down that path as well,” Morrissey said.

“We’re offering customers the choice on how they want to run.”

Flexibility in terms

Martinus’ bespoke mindset does not just apply to its construction work, products, and services. Morrissey said it also extends to the contract terms and the way miners pay to transport their production to ports and markets.

While take-or-pay contracts

While Martinus still offers this style of deal for clients focused on the best pricing outcomes, the company is also willing to craft more flexible agreements that adapt to mine sites’ actual needs.

“We’re trying to flip the script,” he said. “Our customers should be able to continue with their mining, and we’ll build a contract that suits their business, rather than the logistics contract driving mining behaviour which can lead to some disastrous outcomes.”

With the Australian mining sector increasingly focused on operational efficiency and supply chain resilience, Martinus’s client-first approach positions the company as a valuable partner for operations seeking tailored haulage solutions.

By combining cutting-edge rolling stock, flexible contract structures, and deep rail infrastructure expertise, the company is helping miners optimise their logistics, while maintaining control over their core business operations. AM

WHILE THE COMPANY IS NEW, MARTINUS’ HAULAGE TEAM BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN RAIL SERVICES.

MARTINUS DELIVERS BESPOKE SOLUTIONS AND VALUE FOR THE CUSTOMER AT EVERY STAGE.

A SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COPPER MINE HAS SEEN GREAT SUCCESS BY USING DYNA’S UCG PANELS.

ELEVATING CONVEYOR PROTECTION

DYNA ENGINEERING IS TAKING ITS HDPE PRODUCT RANGE TO THE NEXT LEVEL THROUGH A NEW UNDER CONVEYOR GUARD.

Acommon challenge in the mining industry is material falling off the conveyor belt during operation, resulting in potential injury to personnel, equipment and surrounding assets. As the resources sector increasingly prioritises conveyor safety, DYNA Engineering has designed and manufactured under conveyor guards (UCG) made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Also known as dropped objects protection, DYNA’s UCG is designed to stop debris, spillage and other objects from falling to the ground through the conveyor structure.

The primary feature of DYNA’s UCG is its high-density polyethylene (HDPE) panel, known for being lightweight, durable and resistant to heat, chemicals, water and corrosion.

“We found that larger UCGs weighed over 20 to 25kg, and mine sites started implementing weight restrictions to about 15kg for one-person lifts,” DYNA general manager Thomas Greaves told Australian Mining

“We thought if we could make our UCG weigh 15kg, it would reduce the weight and could be carried by one person rather than several. This not only reduces the risk of repetitive lifting injuries, but the need for additional people and mechanical lifting aids.”

The UCG’s HDPE panel is designed to capture materials greater than the slot size and prevent them falling to the ground. Its plastic mesh allows finer and non-hazardous particles to fall through.

“Traditional steel guards require surface treatment,” Greaves said.

“When a guard’s paint comes off during conveyor transportation, it exposes the underlying steel to corrosion. The only real way to fix this is to handor spray-paint the guards.

“Such is their durability, HDPE guards can be scratched, hit, damaged and thrown to the ground, and it won’t impact their service life.”

By removing the need for regular maintenance, as well as the associated costs, DYNA prolongs the service life of the UCG and keeps conveyors online

“In a highly corrosive environment, we’re finding that some customers are replacing their steel guards every 18 to 24 months due to corrosion and damage, meaning they can no longer act as a suitable barrier,” Greaves said.

“Our HDPE guards have a service life of 10 to 15 years. Customers are paying the same price as they would for a steel guard, but the product is lasting five to six times longer.”

Built as a modular system, the UCG can be easily fitted to conveyor

systems. Its plastic mesh can also be easily fixed, removed and washed down for maintenance.

A large copper mine in South Australia recently purchased DYNA’s HDPE UCG to prevent falling objects from hitting pedestrian areas around conveyors.

“We designed a specific hinge design feature for them, allowing them to easily detach one side of the system,” Greaves said. “This permitted the HDPE guard to swing down, providing even quicker access to maintenance. This is now a standard feature of the HDPE guard.”

Customer feedback plays a key role in informing DYNA’s research and development (R&D).

“We have a large base of new and ongoing clients, which we work closely with to understand how they and their DYNA product are going,” Greaves said.

“Regular customer feedback helps inform our R&D processes and ultimately supports the development of products that are even better than they were before.”

Known for being recyclable, HDPE is seen as a more environmentally friendly material than traditional steel.

As miners look for ways to reduce their environmental footprint and increase conveyor safety, DYNA’s HDPE UCG is proving itself as a sustainable and long-lasting solution. AM

IMAGES: DYNA ENGINEERING

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Cleaner, energy solutions

NEW BELT TICKS ALL THE BOXES

CONTITECH’S NEW HEP CONVEYOR BELT IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF AUSTRALIA’S DECARBONISATION LEADERSHIP IN THE MINERALS PROCESSING INDUSTRY.

Claiming energy reduction of up to 17 per cent in CO2 emissions through the process chain than the equivalent nylon, ContiTech’s high energy polyester (HEP) conveyor belt is also designed to deliver a longer working life with fewer maintenance requirements while mitigating ever-present nylon yarn supply risks.

The global minerals processing industry has earned a reputation of being at the vanguard of developing and deploying environmentally better and more efficient operating improvements, and Australia is recognised as one of the leaders in this endeavour.

In addition to the lower emissions compared to nylon fibre during production, the new belt reduces environmental impact thanks to its longer working life and fewer belt replacements. Another major benefit is its suitability for performance handling harsh materials. HEP belts will be highly suitable for typical fabric belt

applications, which in Australia range from coal to more aggressive materials such as iron ore.

As the below chart illustrates, textile belts use nylon–polyamide (PP or NN) fabric for its impact-resistance quality but experience higher permanent elongation and frequent take-up adjustments. Polyester–polyamide (EP or PN) belts offer lower stretch but are limited by their lower impact absorption capacity.

Technically speaking, the sophisticated engineering make-up of this new HEP belt is designed to deliver:

• optimised elastic elongation, which maintains lower belt stretch while effectively absorbing impact

• superior flexibility, reducing the risk of belt damage under dynamic loads

• stable performance, reducing the need for frequent take-up adjustments

• no extra joints after load trials, ensuring a seamless operation.

ContiTech’s HEP belts have been successfully operating since 2021 in Canada, Mexico, Germany and the

US, and meet DIN EN ISO, AS, IS and various other international specification standards.

The heat- and oil-resistant belts are available in widths of 550–2400mm with belt ratings 160–3150N/mm and can be fitted for system upgrades and new installations.

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“What it really comes down to is a commitment to lowering carbon emissions and developing more environmentally sustainable products while continuing to deliver our customers operational performance improvements,” he said.

“It’s the sum of multiple steps when it comes to developing sustainable solutions. There will be several stages in the product lifecycle that will continue to offer further decarbonisation opportunities for ContiTech and our customers.”

ContiTech Industrial Solutions APAC head of application engineering Dr Stephan Hoett echoed the sentiment of being able to deliver for customers.

“We knew from our initial research that if we could come up with a textile conveyor belt with better performance characteristics than the traditional nylon standard and with the added benefits of reduced CO2 emissions and a competitive price, we’d have a winner,” he said. “Many of our customers, particularly those involved in iron ore, are interested in learning about its qualities and performance, so we’re feeling quite confident about this exciting new HEP belt’s future.” AM

Cleaner, flexible energy solutions

MORE THAN JUST A CARRIER

Moving heavy objects around site can be a challenge for any mine operation, especially in constrained areas.

Nivek Industries’ new entry to the market is designed to traverse all kinds of terrain – and be your beast of burden for the most difficult of jobs.

Boasting three models with carrying capacities of 500kg, 1500kg and 5000kg, the BOB (Beast of Burden) tracked carrier is designed to take the risks out of moving heavy loads and can be enhanced with a suite of attachments.

“Carrying things can be a burden on mine sites,” Nivek Industries general manager Derrick Cant told Australian Mining. “This is where BOB excels, transporting whatever you need over hills or across rough terrain.

“A customer might need to relocate heavy pumps across site. Instead of carrying the pumps themselves, they can put them on BOB and move them to wherever they need to go. This includes confined spaces, such as alongside conveyor belts.”

BOB hasn’t just been developed for getting products from A to B;

it is a mobile power unit with an auxiliary power outlet for custombuilt smart attachments.

These smart attachments transform BOB from a carrier to a screen box filter remover or a specialised hosing robot with a water cannon attachment, to name a few examples. The options, as Nivek attests, are all but endless.

With it’s dedicated auxiliary (AUX) joystick and interface, mining companies are in good hands knowing BOB is fit for the future.

The machine’s attachment interface is the key to BOB’s adaptability, Cant said.

“The attachment tells BOB what it is and how it behaves when the operator uses the AUX joystick,” he said. “This allows Nivek to develop new smart attachments without having to alter the software in BOB’s unit, allowing existing customers to mount newly developed attachments onto their existing machine.

“BOB tells you what you’re working with, how it can be used, and interprets the control signals appropriately. There’s no need to update BOB’s software with every new attachment.”

Innovation doesn’t stop there, with new attachments constantly being researched and developed.

“We’re always on-site engaging with customers to understand site challenges,” Cant said.

“I always ask them, ‘What issues are you facing? What other tasks put people at risk?’.

“We might be able to provide an existing solution, such as BOB, TED (Tracked Elevating Device), Big TED or our LA (Lift Assist) system. These insights might also inform our R&D

in mind and can be tailored to suit the needs of any task.”

Nivek has carved out its own niche in the mining industry, capitalising on the growing demand for tailored lifting equipment.

Where TED – Nivek’s flagship product – has become an essential safety solution for anyone working with dozers, graders or dump trucks, BOB is addressing the industry’s need for carrying capacity across distances.

And with more solutions in the pipeline, Nivek is solidifying its place as a leading mining innovator. AM

BOB HAS THREE MODELS WITH CARRYING CAPACITIES OF 500KG, 1500KG AND 5000KG.

BOB IS ADDRESSING THE INDUSTRY’S NEED FOR CARRYING CAPACITY ACROSS DISTANCES.

family of primary belt cleaners deliver industry-leading performance in the most demanding and varied mining environments. QC1+™ Cleaners effectively discharge material from the belt while minimizing the carryback that can lead to conveyor system damage. Our patented Continuous Angle Radial Pressure blade-to-belt technology, our long-lasting application-specific urethane blades, and our rugged mainframes ensure superior cleaning power throughout the blade’s service life.

Easy to maintain and quick to service, these robust QC1+™ Cleaners protect belt components from premature wear and minimize fugitive material issues — keeping your operation running smoothly, safely and more productively.

A CONVEYOR REVOLUTION

A LEADER IN CONVEYOR INNOVATION, VEYEX IS PIONEERING A NEW WAVE OF ENGINEERED COMPONENTRY.

When a Tier 1 mining company raised concerns about continued conveyor failures, Veyex knew it had the right solution.

Failures in conventional tracking frames had created serious safety risks, with central pivots shearing, guide rolls falling, and entire frames at risk of coming loose from conveyors operating at height.

For a major miner moving millions of tonnes of ore each year, it was a risk too great to accept, so Veyex was approached to rethink the design from the ground up.

“The miner wanted all training frames to have multiple safety restraints,” Veyex general manager David Massarotto told Australian Mining

“We had to stop the frame itself from falling and look at any other parts that could come loose.”

Guide rolls, which had traditionally been left unsecured, posed one of the biggest problems. In the right circumstances, they could detach completely. Veyex added brackets to restrain them even after wear, which created a new challenge.

“If the belt slipped or lifted in a certain manner, it could get jammed between the roller and the bracket,” Massarotto said. “So we designed a component that stops that from happening. If the belt rides up, it slides over and back into position – a simple idea that makes a big difference.”

This approach has already set the company apart in the field of composite rollers, which offer significant advantages over their steel counterparts.

WHEN A TIER 1 MINING COMPANY ASKED VEYEX FOR HELP, THE COMPANY KNEW IT HAD A SOLUTION.

This patent-pending mechanism has proved particularly valuable in supporting ship loaders and tripper cars, where conveyors frequently lift and lower during operation.

“When a belt comes back down it can hit the top of the roller and get stuck, wearing into the belt,” Massarotto said. “With our design, it slides straight back where it needs to be.

“The changes may sound small, but the impact is anything but. These guide rolls weigh about 3kg each – if one fell from height, it could easily cause serious injury.

“And if a whole frame or section thereof came loose, that’s another story altogether.”

This bespoke conveyor component, which stands alone in the market, is now being rolled out across the miner’s operations in the Pilbara.

This case study highlights a theme that has come to define Veyex: listening to industry needs and responding with practical engineering.

Composite rollers are lighter, quieter and safer to handle, weighing less than steel and reducing the risk of manual handling injuries.

If they were to fail, they also avoid catastrophic damage to belts or surrounding equipment, making them a reliable option for operations under pressure to minimise downtime.

Composite rollers are corrosion resistant and have a reduced noise profile, supporting mining operations subject to stringent community and environmental obligations.

Composite rollers are proven to deliver fewer breakdowns, safer conditions, and more productive hours on the belt.

Veyex is also pioneering composite conveyor guarding.

“This is another lightweight solution with added safety features,” Massarotto said. “Composite guarding is gaining industry traction for its ability to deliver long-term safety and efficiency gains.”

Often underestimated, guarding is a vital safeguard around conveyors, protecting workers from entanglement risks and limiting noise.

Well-designed guarding contributes to cleaner, more efficient operations by keeping material where it belongs and minimising maintenance issues.

By applying its expertise in composites and safety-focused design, Veyex is helping to ensure that guarding is more than just a compliance exercise, but part of a system that enhances performance across the board.

What began with a Tier 1 miner’s urgent request has grown into a suite of products designed to make conveyors lighter, safer and more efficient.

From composite rollers to innovative tracking frames and guarding solutions, Veyex is showing how attention to detail can have a major impact on reliability, productivity and safety. AM

IMAGES: VEYEX

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TRANSFORMING MATERIAL MOVEMENT

HEXAGON HAS HELPED THE TOKATINDUNG GOLD MINE REVAMP ITS MATERIAL HANDLING PROCESSES.

Efficient bulk material handling is the backbone of any successful mining operation. From the moment rock is blasted to the point it enters processing plants, every tonne must be hauled, loaded, and blended with precision. Even small inefficiencies in this chain –whether idle trucks, long queues or fuel waste – can ripple into significant losses.

At the Tokatindung gold mine in Indonesia, PT Archi Indonesia has demonstrated how digital technologies from Hexagon can transform the movement of bulk materials across the site, turning safety and efficiency into drivers of productivity.

When Tokatindung began mining operations in 2020, operators relied on manual forms of communication to coordinate trucks and material flow. This approach limited visibility and slowed down decision-making, creating bottlenecks.

Recognising the opportunity for improvement, PT Archi Indonesia partnered with Hexagon to implement OP Pro, a fleet management system (FMS) designed to optimise haulage, blending, and workflow automation.

Within a year, the mine saw significant improvements in the way material moved across the site. OP Pro has since delivered a 28 per cent

increase in truck productivity, reducing unnecessary delays in the handling chain and ensuring ore reaches its destination more efficiently.

“Productivity improvements were clear,” Hexagon senior manager –customer success David Prior said. “But even we were impressed by the scale of the impact.”

PT Archi Indonesia realised additional benefits such as a 16 per cent reduction in queue times, helping loaders, crushers, and stockpiles receive material faster, a four per cent reduction in hang time, ensuring trucks spend less time idle between loading and departure, and a 31 per cent reduction in fuel consumption, improving costs and environmental performance across the haulage fleet.

These results underline how intelligent fleet management and efficient bulk material handling systems are interlinked.

“I think all mining operations need it,” PT Archi Indonesia mining operation head Indra Karim said. “There’s no way we could do mining operations efficiently unless we measure it. With the fleet management system, we get real-time measurements.”

Safety remains a cornerstone of smooth material handling. By committing to protecting miners and equipment from fatigue-related incidents

and accidents, PT Archi Indonesia is living up to its safety promises and avoiding disruptions that can slow material movement across the mine.

The mine, in turn, deployed Hexagon Operator Alertness System (OAS), an integrated fatigue- and distractionmanagement solution. This has led to significant results: fatigue-related alerts

have dropped by 79 per cent, and the mine has reported zero fatigue-related safety incidents since implementation three years ago.

“The technology increases productivity, reduces operating loss, increases profitability, increases mining selectivity and, more importantly, improves safety,” PT Archi Indonesia mining group head Vinsent Agus Supriyanto said.

Beyond the technology itself, the success of these systems rests on effective change management. Solutions that optimise material flow only deliver their full value when operators trust and adopt them. That means engaging and re-engaging operators in a cycle of continuous improvement.

“At Hexagon, we don’t just install and go,” Hexagon senior consultant Arif Pratama said.

“We stay with the customer throughout their maturity journey, helping them build understanding, confidence, and trust in the technology.”

At Tokatindung, the benefits for bulk material handling are now on full display.

Production and selectivity have increased, while fuel consumption, emissions, and material losses have decreased. Every tonne is moved more safely and efficiently through the mine’s handling chain.

The result is a mining operation that not only delivers more value but also strengthens its standing in the local community.

PT ARCHI INDONESIA HAS PARTNERED WITH HEXAGON TO IMPLEMENT THE OP PRO FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

STRENGTH AND CONTROL IN BULK HANDLING

KOMATSU MANUFACTURES A RANGE OF CRUSHING EQUIPMENT FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY.

In today’s mining industry, efficient bulk material handling is more than a matter of moving ore from A to B. It’s about doing so safely, reliably, and at the lowest possible cost.

With global demand for critical resources like iron ore and copper continuing to rise, mine operators are under increasing pressure to keep material flowing while minimising downtime, maintenance requirements, and energy use.

Reclaim feeders are at the heart of this challenge. These machines play a vital role in transferring material from stockpiles and bins onto conveyors, trucks, or rail for transport off-site.

Unlike conventional loaders or dozers, reclaim feeders are designed for continuous haulage, providing consistent and controlled material flow. Their adjustable gates and variable-speed drives allow operators to fine-tune throughput to match downstream

requirements, reducing spillage and wear on equipment further along the line.

Komatsu has designed its range of reclaim feeders specifically with these operational demands in mind. The company’s focus is on helping mine sites improve productivity while driving down total cost of ownership.

Komatsu’s reclaim feeders are engineered to withstand the harsh environments found on Australian mine sites.

The company’s stacker reclaimers boast an impressive average service life of over 20 years, thanks to heavy-duty steel construction and precision-engineered components. This durability means fewer stoppages for repairs and a lower lifetime cost for operators.

The Stamler RF-5 reclaim feeder can accept pre-engineered bolt-on/plugin options and upgrades to maximise performance. It also features modern safety features for on-site operation to keep operators safe, including emergency

stops, covers, guards and screens. These minimise the operator’s contact with moving parts during operation and maintain a high level of safety.

When Komatsu designed the Stamler RF-5 reclaim feeder, it kept this front of mind and ensured its advanced control system, the Komatsu LINCS II package, could provide the data to achieve this goal.

Operators can use the LINCS II interactive touchscreen display to access real-time information, including power consumption, component condition, conveyor speed, and service intervals. The data is displayed in a customisable dashboard and graphs that can be tailored to the mine’s goals.

Mine operators can use this information to adjust performance to suit their specific applications and conditions, and can control the machine and check machine health remotely through the on-site network using a tablet or smartphone.

This data-driven approach helps operators prevent unplanned downtime and respond quickly to changing conditions on site – ultimately boosting throughput and reducing maintenance costs.

Flexibility is another key consideration for modern miners, particularly contractors working across multiple sites. Komatsu’s reclaim feeders are built with mobility in mind, making them easy to transport and reconfigure for different applications, from coal to hard rock mining.

By combining rugged design, intelligent controls, and a focus on operator safety, Komatsu has created a machine that not only moves material efficiently but also fits seamlessly into today’s connected mine operations.

For Australian miners seeking to improve productivity while keeping costs in check, the company’s reclaim feeders offer a proven solution backed by decades of experience in the field. AM

THE KOMATSU RECLAIMER FEEDER IS SUITED TO MANY APPLICATIONS IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

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MIGHT AND MOBILITY

XCMG’S NEW MOBILE CRUSHER RANGE IS UNDERPINNING FASTER, MORE EFFICIENT MINING OPERATIONS.

When you think of mobility in the mining and construction industries, chances are your mind jumps to transport solutions, machinery relocation, or agile operations planning.

But what about crushing?

In a sector where power and performance often come in bulky and stationary packages, XCMG is shifting the paradigm.

With the release of its powerful line-up of mobile crushers – XPE0810, XPE0912, XPF1214, and XPY1100 –XCMG is making it clear: might and mobility can go hand in hand.

From quarries to remote mining operations, infrastructure projects to demolition sites, these crushers are built for action.

They’re fast, flexible, fuel-efficient, and formidable. But beyond the specs and steel, the crushers represent something bigger: a move towards smarter, leaner, more responsive crushing systems that adapt to the demands of modern mine sites.

Let’s break it down.

Mobility meets muscle

Traditional crushers demand infrastructure, pads, foundations, power sources, and logistical planning.

The introduction of XCMG’s mobile crushers mean those limitations are a thing of the past. Mounted on robust tracks and engineered for seamless transportation, these machines are redefining what it means to be site ready.

Whether it’s the compact and agile XPE0810, the mid-range XPE0912 workhorse, or the heavy-hitting XPF1214 and high-efficiency XPY1100, this range provides a crushing solution for every scenario.

What unites them all? Their precision design, field-tested durability and a relentless pursuit of efficiency that has become a hallmark of the XCMG brand.

Balancing power and precision

When you need performance without sacrificing mobility, the XPE0810 delivers. Built for demanding workloads, this mid-size jaw crusher offers the ideal balance between power, portability, and efficiency.

Engineered for tough conditions, the XPE0810 thrives on job sites where

reliability and productivity are nonnegotiables. From reinforced concrete to hard rock, it handles a wide range of materials with ease, making it a go-to solution for contractors who need results.

Key features include:

• being compact enough for easy transportation and powerful enough for large jobs

• rapid set-up and intuitive operation

• robust jaw crushing performance

• suited to construction sites, recycling yards, quarry and mining operations.

The versatile workhorse

Step up a level to the XPE0912, a mobile jaw crusher engineered for higher output and more demanding tasks.

With a larger feed opening and increased throughput, the XPE0912 is perfect for contractors and mining operators who need a robust, multipurpose crusher that can adapt on the fly.

Whether operators are breaking down blasted rock or reprocessing concrete debris, the XPE0912 keeps sites moving.

Key features include:

• a heavy-duty jaw plate design

• hydraulic adjustment for quick changeovers

• remote control mobility

• suited to medium to large crushing volumes.

This is a machine that can easily shift from job to job without skipping a beat. The XPE0912 is rugged enough for tough conditions, and smart enough for dynamic workflows.

The heavy-hitter

The XPF1214 mobile impact crusher is built for productivity. With a powerful rotor and large crushing chamber, it delivers aggressive performance for highvolume operations.

It’s ideally suited for limestone, concrete, asphalt, and other mediumhard materials, delivering uniform product size with exceptional shape.

But the XPF1214 isn’t just about brute force. It’s loaded with intelligent features that reduce downtime and boost productivity.

Adjustable aprons, fast maintenance access, and dust suppression options all contribute to a machine designed for real-world performance.

Key features include:

• high-capacity impact crushing

XCMG’S MOBILE CRUSHERS ARE COMPACT, ENABLING EASY TRANSPORTATION FROM SITE TO SITE.

• an advanced hydraulic opening mechanism

• flexible feed size and output adjustments

• suited to quarry, roadwork, and recycling applications.

A cone crusher for consistency and control

Rounding out the range is the XPY1100, a mobile cone crusher engineered for precision and consistency.

Cone crushers have always been valued for their ability to produce highquality aggregates, and the XPY1100 is no exception.

With intelligent control systems, robust wear parts, and premium gradation capabilities, this model is ideal for secondary and tertiary crushing stages in mining and aggregate production.

Key features include:

• hydraulic cone technology with overload protection

• automatic clearance adjustment

• high reduction ratio and cubical product shape

• smooth integration with other XCMG crushers for multi-stage setups.

Operators choose the XPY1100 for its stability and control, while managers appreciate its uptime, output, and low operating costs.

It’s a high-performance machine that brings balance and finesse to the crushing process.

Why choose XCMG mobile crushers?

There are plenty of crushing options on the market, but here’s why XCMG’s lineup stands out.

True mobility: All four crushers are mounted on high-strength tracks and feature powerful travel motors, making them easy to relocate across job sites, even in rugged terrain. No waiting for transport and no wasted hours.

Plug-and-play simplicity: Set up is quick and intuitive, reducing downtime between deployments. Within hours, your team can be up and running, with minimal training required.

Reliability where it counts: XCMG’s engineering legacy means these machines are built to last. Reinforced frames, high-quality wear parts, and intelligent hydraulic systems ensure dependable performance, even under punishing workloads.

Low operating costs: Efficient power systems, fuel economy, and low maintenance requirements translate to better margins and lower cost-per-tonne. These crushers are designed to crush your materials, not your bottom line.

Smart integration: All models can be easily integrated into multi-stage crushing circuits or paired with XCMG’s screening and conveying equipment for complete material processing solutions.

Today’s mine sites are fast-paced and ever-evolving, so operators need machines that can keep up.

XCMG’s mobile crushers are loaded with features that make life easier for crews on the ground, including remote diagnostics for quick troubleshooting, user-friendly control interfaces with touchscreen displays, safety-first design with accessible maintenance points and emergency stop systems, and eco-mode options for fuel-conscious operators.

Every detail is designed to maximise uptime, optimise throughput, and minimise complexity.

Real results in the field

It’s one thing to talk specs, it’s another to deliver results in highpressure environments.

Operators are reporting significant time savings thanks to fast setup and simplified mobility between crushing zones.

In multi-stage applications, the pairing of jaw and impact crushers has proven especially effective in cutting down material handling steps and streamlining workflow.

Teams have also noted reduced wear rates and smoother output gradation when switching to XCMG’s mobile systems, particularly in sites with variable feed material. The result? Better efficiency, fewer delays, and a noticeable boost in overall production performance.

As global construction and mining trends evolve, so do the demands on equipment. Flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability are no longer optional –they’re expected.

With its mobile crushing range, XCMG is not just meeting these expectations – it’s setting new ones. These machines provide the performance, intelligence, and adaptability that modern mining operations require.

In short? XCMG is crushing it in every sense of the word. AM

KEY CONVERSATIONS SHAPING MINING’S FUTURE

WA MINING IS PROMOTING CONVERSATIONS THAT WILL SHAPE THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE, FEATURING MAJOR PLAYERS SUCH AS FORTESCUE AND ALCOA.

The WA Mining Conference and Exhibition returns to Perth in 2025 with a jampacked conference program of key decision makers in the resources sector.

From decarbonisation and critical minerals to safety, rehabilitation and policy, the two-day event will deliver insights and strategies no one in the industry can afford to miss.

Day one opens with a presentation from Fortescue Eliwana general manager Asad Majrouh.

Eliwana, a key Pilbara operation producing 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually, sees ore transported 428km by rail to Herb Elliott port in Port Hedland, supporting a workforce of more than 1000 people.

Eliwana is set to be Fortescue’s first mine to fully transition away from fossil fuels, with a 20-megawatt battery energy storage system under construction.

There will be crucial insights, as the company continues to balance operational excellence with future growth.

Fortescue recently achieved another major milestone in its journey to eliminate fossil fuels by 2030, successfully commissioning and energising Stage 4 of its Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) transmission network.

A 140km transmission line links Eliwana to the broader 220kV

network, enabling the Eliwana diesel power station to be placed into care and maintenance.

Attention then turns to the ‘Next Wave of Projects and Strategic Resources’ panel, featuring Sherif Andrawes (BDO Global), Brendan Clarke (Victory Metals), James Gallagher (Export Finance Australia) and Tivan.

With global demand for lithium, rare earths and gold accelerating, the session

will explore WA’s growing role as a supplier of strategic minerals.

Alcoa Australia’s rehabilitation monitoring superintendent Amber Pattinson will deliver the day’s keynote, drawing on more than 60 years of refining mine rehabilitation practices in WA.

Her session will highlight how research, collaboration, and adaptive management have built Alcoa’s global reputation in mine closure and environmental management.

Day one also features a panel on ‘Multifaceted Safety: Building a Resilient Workforce’, featuring Nick Mabott (Beyond Midnight Consulting), Stuart Fraser (Miners Promise), Lorna MacGregor (Lifeline WA) and Karina Lynch (IWIMRA).

The discussion will cover psychological health, cultural safety and issues central to the future of workforce wellbeing.

Day two begins with a keynote from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CMEWA), delivered by policy manager Aaron Walker.

Presenting the organisation’s latest economic survey data, Walker will outline the sector’s contribution to WA’s economy and unpack the market and policy shifts that lie ahead.

The ‘Navigating Policy for Sustainable Mining’ panel follows, with Anita Logiudice (Policy Advocacy), professor Eric Lilford (Curtin University) and CCIWA acting coCEO Aaron Morey discussing how industry, government, and communities can collaborate to ensure regulation drives innovation, sustainability, and compliance.

These are just a few of the many panels and insights on offer across the jam-packed two-day program.

For miners, suppliers, investors and policymakers, WA Mining 2025 offers more than updates: it’s a chance to hear directly from the people driving the sector forward and to connect with the strategies that will shape its future.

In an everchanging world and in a sector that consistently refines its practices, this is the one event you can’t afford to miss. AM

WA Mining will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 8–9. Get your tickets at waminingexpo.com.au/getinvolved

IMAGE:

MORE THAN 2600 ATTENDEES WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS AT THE THREE-DAY EVENT.

GOLD THE STAR OF THE SHOW

GOLD WAS FRONT AND CENTRE AT THE RECENT DIGGERS AND DEALERS MINING FORUM.

When Diggers and Dealers wrapped up for its 34th year in Kalgoorlie, WA, gold was the star of the show.

Record prices have boosted investor attention in the precious metal, with several gold miners showcasing their plans for the future at the event. The likes of Northern Star Resources, Ramelius Resources and Evolution Mining presented at the event.

Rare earths also took centre stage, particularly in geopolitical contexts, with discussions about supply chains, emerging demand drivers like robotics, and government interest in strategic reserves. With China remaining a dominant player in processing metals like lithium, rare earths, and cobalt, discussions turned to creating competition and the opportunity for partnerships.

Almost 160 exhibitors and delegates from the sector – miners, explorers, investors, and more – were housed inside the Goldfields Arts Centre across the three days, with conversations extending far beyond the presentations and bleeding to the exhibition floor and networking functions.

It wasn’t just the industry that benefitted from conversations and

keynote speakers. The week started with a fundraiser welcoming more than 400 guests. All proceeds from the night went towards the RFDS WA and Full Circle Therapies, with nearly $500,000 raised.

Among the event highlights was insights from Gold Road Resources amidst its acquisition by South Africanheadquartered Gold Fields, valued at around $3.7 billion.

Gold Road chief executive officer Duncan Gibbs told the conference the deal remains on track for completion later this year, with Foreign Investment Review Board approvals secured.

MANAGING

AND CHIEF

CONWAY.

The event nodded to the future with a major motif being the debate around the decarbonisation transition and net-zero objectives. Many speakers discussed strategies to increase production, expand resource and reserve bases and extend mine life in economically and environmentally sustainable ways.

Renewable energy adoption was showcased through Bellevue Gold’s namesake operations in Western Australia, powered almost entirely by wind and solar, and Liontown Resources’ hybrid power systems at the Kathleen Valley lithium mine. Both projects have reduced reliance on diesel and lowered carbon footprints.

In his closing remarks, forum chair Jim Walker underscored the event’s convergence of insight, innovation, and investment and how Kalgoorlie remains the “heart of Australia’s resources narrative”.

“We’ve seen how the gold sector continues to attract global attention through M&A (mergers and

acquisitions) activity and how critical minerals and clean energy investments are reshaping the investment landscape,” he said.

“We now look ahead with optimism. The challenges are real, whether they be geopolitical, environmental, or technological. But the opportunities, as this week has shown, are immense.” AM

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OVER 66 CORPORATE PRESENTATIONS TOOK PLACE AT DIGGERS AND DEALERS 2025.

PRECISION AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT

FRESH PERSPECTIVES AT IMARC 2025

Accessibility, relevance, and fresh perspectives are three key drivers for IMARC 2025, according to the event’s director for content and partnerships.

IMARC event director for content and partnerships Sherene Asnasyous told Australian Mining that IMARC, now in its 14th year, has grown significantly in scope and scale over the past few years.

“Over the last few years, the exhibition has expanded to include more organisations showcasing mining equipment, technology, and services that enable productivity, innovation, and new ways of achieving operational excellence,” Asnasyous said.

She said that while that growth had made the event a major success, there was a strong desire to ensure IMARC continued to provide the best experience across all aspects of the industry.

“As a result, we have focused on increasing the number of mine operators who come to Sydney to be part of the event. We asked ourselves: how do we get more of these operators to attend?” she said.

Brand new in 2025, the Mining Operators Series will focus on the people driving results on the ground. With technical presentations, minersonly networking, CPD points and guided expo tours, it is shaping up as a must-attend for frontline professionals, tailored specifically for operators, engineers, supervisors and managers.

“This year, IMARC is more accessible and relevant for miners at an operational level,” Asnasyous said.

The operator series will explore a wide range of industry issues from

an operational perspective, including technological advances and adoption, balancing productivity and operational excellence with cost efficiency, and the continuous quest for value.

Talks and panel discussions will feature key operational personnel from the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto, Newmont, Evolution Mining and more, sharing their knowledge and experience with attendees.

Asnasyous added that alongside experts from Tier 1 companies, this year’s program would showcase a broader range of perspectives.

“Another key step has been ensuring more mine operators are speaking at the conference,” she said. “We are delighted to welcome operators who have not spoken at many conferences before – new voices on the speaker circuit.

“They will be sharing case studies and insights into challenges and opportunities at their mine sites, with topics ranging from productivity issues and the use of AI to asset management, maintenance, sustainability, and project development.”

In a major move to bring more operational leaders into the fold, IMARC has expanded its free mining guest pass program.

This year, eligible on-site employees of mining and energy companies, as well as contract miners, can access the full breadth of the event – including the entire conference program, exhibition, daily networking functions, and an exclusive miners’ event.

Eligible roles include mine site operators, engineers, supervisors, operations, procurement, supply, maintenance, technology, innovation, and asset management.

“We’ve expanded the free mining guest pass to welcome even more operators who play a vital role in keeping operations and plants running smoothly. Opening the doors this way has made the event much more accessible,” she said.

Recognising the importance many attendees place on continuous professional development (CPD), IMARC has also expanded opportunities for professional learning.

“We increased the number of ways attendees can earn CPD points, aligning this with the content on offer. For example, case studies from companies like Glencore or Whitehaven Coal could be used towards CPD accreditation. This initiative will be recognised by organisations such as AusIMM, Engineers Australia, and others,” Asnasyous said.

She added that another highlight was the rise in joint presentations between sponsors and their clients.

“Instead of just product showcases, these sessions focus on the real-world application of technology. For example, Viridien is co-presenting with Glencore, DXC Technology with Whitehaven Coal, and Hexagon with Gold Fields. That kind of collaboration adds real value to the program.”

Held from October 21–23 at ICC Sydney, IMARC 2025 will welcome more than 10,000 delegates from over 120 countries.

With more than 450 expert speakers, over 500 exhibitors and 20,000 square metres of dynamic expo space, IMARC will see mining’s most influential minds and emerging ideas collide. AM

Eligible personnel from mining companies and contractors can attend IMARC for free with a Mining Guest Pass. For non-mining companies, use code HVXE75 for 15 per cent off Delegate Passes or D3DF6B for a free Expo Visitor Pass.

IMARC 2025 PROMISES TO BRING OPERATIONAL EXPERTISE AND NEW VOICES TO THE TABLE.

IMAGES: BEACON EVENTS

IMARC 2025 WILL SHOWCASE MORE THAN 500 EXHIBITORS.

DISCOVER THE LATEST TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGIES DRIVING INNOVATION.

THE SKF INSIGHT SENSOR BEARING CAN MEASURE TEMPERATURE, LOADS, CAGE SPEEDS AND VIBRATIONS.

SMARTER BEARINGS, STRONGER MILLS

WHAT IF YOU COULD CONTINUOUSLY TRACK BEARING PERFORMANCE? SKF AUSTRALIA HAS YOU COVERED.

In an industry where efficiency and accuracy are key, ensuring milling machinery is firing on all cylinders is critical to boosting recoveries.

SKF Australia has taken this challenge to heart, creating a new system that monitors machine bearings in real-time, increasing utilisation of installed power without overfilling the mill.

Founded in 1907 and now represented in close to 130 countries, SKF’s fight with friction sees the company support greater efficiency and output in industries – including mining – every day. The SKF Insight sensor bearing takes this to the next level.

“Traditionally, you need to install sensors external to the bearing, usually on the bearing housing or around that area, with each individual part monitoring a different variable – whether it be temperature, vibration or load,”

SKF Australia business development manager Paul Dempsey told Australian Mining. “With this new technology, which is embedded with a fibre-optic sensor, we’re giving operators the power to take data directly from the bearing and understand it accurately.”

Dempsey said the SKF Insight sensor bearing is a “big differentiator” for the company, which is only scratching the surface of the solution’s capability.

The sensor bearing can measure temperature, loads, cage speeds and vibrations, but it can also be used to spot

pain points, which Dempsey said has crucial benefits.

“Downtime on a critical asset can cost a mine site hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars,” he said. “And it could be a component as simple as a bearing causing the issue.

“With the SKF Insight sensor bearing, operators can foresee any warning signs before they become critical issues, enabling them to implement preventive maintenance measures to avoid a breakdown.”

In its efforts to remove friction, SKF Australia creates some of the world’s most innovative products, collaborating with forward-thinking partners to help make the mining industry smarter, more competitive, and more energy efficient.

The company counts Tier 1 original equipment manufacturers such as Metso, as well as many major mining companies across the world, as clients.

SKF Australia will be looking to form additional partnerships when it showcases the Insight sensor bearing at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), to be held at the ICC Sydney from October 21–23. The company will be exhibiting at stand T31.

Set to be a “star of the show” at the event, the company believes the technology can provide a platform for future milling efficiency, enabling miners to get the best out of their ore for years to come.

“Bearings can cost mine sites a lot of money, so operators are always looking to get the most out of these components,” Dempsey said.

“For this reason, we believe there will be plenty of interest in the solution at IMARC; having real-time data available to you opens up a world of possibility.

“We’re already involved in a project in the US trialling real-world applications for this technology. We’re starting to generate plenty of interest from our end users in the mining industry.”

IMARC will welcome more than 10,000 attendees across the three days, with over 500 exhibits to explore. The

2025 conference program will tackle three key themes: strengthening supply chains, optimising costs, and driving productivity, with a range of deeper topics to be explored.

Dempsey said that while fibreoptic sensing technology isn’t a new phenomenon, how it’s being used separates SKF Australia from the rest.

“This is cutting-edge technology, so others may have tried and failed to do this,” he said, “Having developed the baseline, this is only the start for our sensor bearing technology. We’re now looking at what other applications this can be used for and what additional insights can be given to customers.” AM

GREENER GAINS

MCLANAHAN IS HELPING MINING OPERATIONS REDUCE DUST AND DOWNTIME WITH SMARTER, GREENER SOLUTIONS.

Australian mining operations are under increasing pressure to improve sustainability across the board, and that starts with the basics: how rocks are crushed.

For McLanahan global sales director – mining Lee Hillyer, reducing energy use, dust, noise and waste in crushing is a critical opportunity for greener, more efficient operations.

“Crushing alone accounts for about 45 per cent of energy use across an entire mine site,” Hillyer said during a recent webinar. “So getting crusher selection right can make a huge difference.”

From selecting the most suitable equipment to leveraging smart technology, Hillyer outlined practical ways operations can lower their environmental impact without compromising output. He broke down the environmental advantages and drawbacks of five common types of

primary crushers: gyratory, jaw, sizer, feeder breaker and impact crushers.

Gyratory crushers are high-capacity machines capable of handling large feed sizes and hard rock. However, they come with high capital costs, a large footprint and elevated energy consumption.

“Gyratory crushers are among the most power-hungry options and also tend to produce a lot of dust and fines, which impacts downstream systems and increases maintenance demands,” Hillyer said.

Jaw crushers are a proven and widelyused option, offering durability and cost-effectiveness. But they can struggle with sticky or wet material and produce excessive fines.

“Jaw crushers have limitations in capacity and require a substantial structure to support them,” Hillyer said. “From an environmental point of view, they’re not ideal for every application.”

Sizers, Hillyer said, present one of the greener options as their compact design

and low-speed, high-torque action deliver significant reductions in dust, energy use and wear.

“Sizers are ideal for handling wet or sticky ore and have one of the lowest energy draws on the market,” Hillyer said.

“In some cases, they operate at just 30 to 40 per cent of their installed power.”

Feeder breakers, which combine feeding and crushing in a single unit, are another efficient choice for soft or friable material like coal. They require little civil work, can be installed at ground level and create minimal dust.

“They’re not suitable for hard rock applications, but when used correctly feeder breakers deliver low capital and operating costs with a compact footprint,” Hillyer said.

Impact crushers, on the other hand, offer high reduction ratios and produce a cubical product, but are generally unsuitable for abrasive or hard materials

due to their relatively high operating costs and fines generation.

Thinking holistically

One of the most effective ways to reduce energy consumption and wear is to pre-screen material before it enters the crusher.

“This is something I talk about passionately,” Hillyer said.

“Removing fines before they reach the crusher improves throughput, reduces wear and lowers opex (operational expenditure).

“In some cases, we’ve seen operating costs cut to a quarter of what they were by adding a simple screening step.”

McLanahan uses vibrating grizzly and apron feeders, depending on material type. For sticky material, apron feeders and sizers are often the best pairing.

“Pre-screening can also allow for a smaller, lower-power crusher, which reduces your overall energy and capital costs,” Hillyer said.

might mean a simple change-out. If you let it run, it can lead to shaft damage and extended downtime.”

Condition monitoring also improves safety by reducing the need for personnel to conduct inspections or emergency repairs in high-risk areas.

Hillyer also highlighted ore sorting as a powerful tool. By separating waste from ore before it reaches the crusher or mill, operations can reduce water use, energy draw and tailings.

“If you can remove waste early, you’re not putting it through your crushers, screens or mills,” he said. “That saves energy, reduces wear and lowers your water demand. It also means fewer tailings and more efficient processing.”

Hillyer stressed the importance of matching crusher type to the material’s hardness, abrasiveness, moisture content and clay composition.

“Selecting the wrong crusher can increase downtime, wear and energy costs,” he said.

“If you try to run a feeder breaker on hard rock or put a jaw crusher on

soft ore, you’re setting yourself up for problems.

“If your secondary crusher needs a specific product size, or if you’re trying to protect your belts and screens, it all starts with the primary crusher.

“It’s about getting the full plant to work together efficiently.”

Condition monitoring is becoming standard in modern crushing circuits. McLanahan offers real-time insights into bearing temperatures, power draw and throughput rates, allowing for predictive maintenance.

“We’re seeing more sites use data to catch faults before they lead to failure,” Hillyer said. “A hot bearing caught early

Ore sorting can also reduce the size of required equipment and infrastructure, improving the economic viability of lower-grade deposits.

“Green mining starts at the front end,” Hillyer said. “If we choose the right equipment, use pre-screening, and monitor our machines intelligently, we can reduce emissions, improve recovery and lower costs.”

McLanahan continues to refine its sizer and feeder breaker technologies, offering compact, efficient systems that align with modern mining and environmental goals. With the right equipment in place, Hillyer said mining can move towards operations that are more cost-effective and sustainable. AM

HOW MASPRO IS REDEFINING MANUFACTURING

WHAT STARTED AS A SMALL IDEA FROM MASPRO TO CHANGE UP ITS WORKSHOPS HAS EVOLVED INTO SOMETHING FAR MORE SIGNIFICANT.

MASPRO’s past year has been one of transformation.

An initiative that began as a series of workshop modifications has grown into a companywide shift in how production is planned, executed, and scaled for the future.

The result has been leaner operations, smarter use of technology and a production environment designed to meet the long-term needs of the mining industry.

Production efficiency has always been central to MASPRO’s operations, but the company recently took a step back to ask a bigger question: where do we want to be in 10 years?

That long-term perspective shaped a new workshop layout designed not just for today’s workloads but for future growth.

By grouping related processes together and aligning workstations with production flow, MASPRO has reduced unnecessary movement across the shop floor.

“We took the approach of saying, where do we want to see ourselves within the next 10 years, and then

worked backwards,” MASPRO production manager Arnold Small told Australian Mining

“It was about improving quality, efficiency, and the flow of material.”

These changes have also given MASPRO the ability and flexibility to adapt quickly to client needs.

“We can respond to long production runs or urgent requirements,” Small said. “The shop floor can be adjusted to suit the current need.”

A standout investment has been the installation of a new overhead crane above MASPRO’s Hercules machining centre.

Hercules, the Hartford HSA4210 machining centre, stands as a beacon of precision and efficiency in computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Crafted with accuracy and care, Hercules boasts exceptional rigidity and stability, ensuring consistent and precise machining results even in the most demanding production environments.

With its formidable spindle power and advanced features, Hercules aims to set the standard for high-speed machining operations.

Designed for the company’s largest components, the two-tonne system has

doubled throughput by cutting handling time and reducing manual lifting.

MASPRO director of operations

Jason Kennard said the crane also delivers flow-on benefits.

“It’s not just about moving heavy parts more safely,” he told Australian Mining. “It allows us to keep scheduling consistent and reduce delays between stages. That reliability is crucial for our clients.”

Alongside physical upgrades, MASPRO has rolled out a suite of continuous improvement initiatives. Offline programming now allows

machining programs and tool set-ups to be prepared a week in advance, removing downtime and ensuring operators can focus on precision work.

Four machining centres are being integrated with robotic arms to create an automated work cell that improves consistency and scalability.

At the Wetherill Park facility in NSW, machining space has been consolidated to free up floor area for welding and assembly as demand grows.

Robotic welding is advancing quickly, with MASPRO’s welding arm, Bertha, now tackling complex jobs

MASPRO HAS IMPLEMENTED A 10-YEAR PLAN THAT WILL SEE IT FURTHER BOOST ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESSES.

with enhanced precession, efficiency and quality.

“Realigning the shop floor makes operations department-orientated,” Small said. “With less staff movement and better process visibility, we’ve reduced travel time and improved consistency.”

For MASPRO’s mining clients, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Faster turnaround times and reduced downtime help keep equipment running, but the company is also using its agility to deliver tailored solutions.

There was a recent case where MASPRO redesigned a component after repeated failures in an existing part.

“We had a client with issues around a cradle pin working loose,” Kennard said. “We added a safety lip so that even if it came loose, it couldn’t fall out.

“That kind of improvement not only reduces risk but saves clients money over time.”

In another example, urgent requests that would normally take 20–30 days were completed in just 10 days thanks to the streamlined layout and offline programming.

This customer-first mindset reflects MASPRO’s broader evolution.

“We started out making components cheaper than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts,” Kennard said. “But we’ve evolved to ask, ‘How can we make them better?’ Whether it’s a change of material, a new welding sequence, or a

MASPRO IS EQUIPPED NOT JUST FOR TODAY’S CHALLENGES BUT FOR THE NEXT DECADE OF MINING.

That philosophy has cemented MASPRO’s reputation as more than a supplier; it’s now a partner helping miners solve problems and improve equipment performance.

The combined impact of these changes has been clear. Lead times are down, production stoppages are fewer, and throughput has increased. But MASPRO views this year’s gains as only the first phase of a much larger journey, with every initiative implemented with scalability in mind.

integration, each improvement builds towards a long-term growth strategy.

At MASPRO, leadership is about keeping that balance between immediate needs and future direction.

“We plan carefully so urgent jobs don’t disrupt flow,” Kennard said. “It’s about flexibility today and sustainability tomorrow.”

Ultimately, MASPRO’s investments reflect its role in supporting Australian miners. Reliability, turnaround time and quality are more than internal metrics;

they are crucial in an industry where downtime can be very costly.

“By reorganising our workshops, introducing automation, and focusing on quality, we’re ensuring MASPRO is equipped not just for today’s challenges but for the next decade of mining,” Small said.

With a culture of continuous improvement, MASPRO is proving that smart manufacturing isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter and building a foundation strong enough to carry the industry forward. AM

KEEPING IT COOL

AS MINING OPERATIONS DIG DEEPER TO UNLOCK ORE, MODERN COOLING SOLUTIONS ARE KEY TO MAINTAINING SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY.

As mines across Australia dig deeper in search of ore, heat and humidity are emerging as silent productivity barriers.

Beyond the obvious safety risks for workers, high underground temperatures can derail production by forcing machinery to operate below capacity or fail altogether. Industry experts believe refrigeration – once seen as a costly add-on – is becoming as essential as power in sustaining viable mining operations.

“Cooling is necessary for production at a certain point,” Aggreko mine cooling sector manager Mitchell Bevan told Australian Mining. “As you go deeper, density increases and so does temperature. Equipment overheats, production slows and, most importantly, people are at risk.

underground operations where heat and insufficient ventilation cause regular cases of heat exhaustion and, in the worst cases, fatalities. Even in Australia, people can get sick underground in summer if cooling isn’t managed properly.

optional – it’s a requirement.”

While Australian mines typically operate at depths of 1–2km, Bevan said that operations in other parts of the world already extend 5–7km below the surface.

“Our mines could extend to similar depths in the future,” he said. “That means refrigeration will only become more critical.”

Two markets, two approaches

There are two distinct markets for mine cooling in Australia.

“In the short-term market, particularly with gold miners, operators are often just trying to get a foot in the door,” Bevan said.

“They may not have a mine life long enough to justify large capital outlays, so they’ll take up a rental option.

refrigeration. The impact on production can be enormous.”

That impact is not hypothetical. Bevan pointed to an operation that invested in an 18MW capital plant built around two large chillers.

“When one failed, they lost 9MW of cooling capacity overnight,” he said. “On the other hand, if you’ve got a 10MW rental plant made up of 10 1MW chillers, losing one only takes you down by 10 per cent. You’re still operating at 90 per cent capacity while repairs are made.”

Engineering for perfect conditions

Mines rarely present ideal conditions for cooling solutions, and flexibility is key.

Bevan explains that some operations need short-term solutions to get through

AGGREKO TAILORS MINE COOLING SOLUTIONS TO UNIQUE CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS.

REMOTE MONITORING IS PROVIDING MINERS WITH A NEW LEVEL OF VISIBILITY.

While fundamental air-cooled and water-cooled refrigeration technologies have changed little in recent decades, the real transformation has come from controls and data.

“The biggest development in cooling over the past 20 years hasn’t been the chillers themselves. It’s been the intelligence around how they’re run,” Bevan said.

“Modern systems can optimise performance across multiple chillers,

while the others sit idle. This partload efficiency has improved massively. That means lower running costs and less wasted energy.”

Remote monitoring is also providing miners with a new level of visibility.

“We provide regular reports that show exactly how much cooling was delivered, how much power was consumed, and demonstrate that it’s doing what we said it would do,” Bevan said.

“We’re making sure we use our modelling to capture data and fine tune our plants over time to find the sweet spot. This helps us understand how our equipment works and gives the client all the transparency that comes along with that.”

This trend towards remote monitoring is helping cooling operations move from reactive to proactive, optimising production and supporting safety in increasingly complex operating environments.

Looking ahead

The future of mine cooling, Bevan said, is moving towards a servicebased model.

Aggreko is leveraging its scale and financial flexibility to offer bespoke solutions that best support a client’s bottom line.

“As part of our power offerings, we already have 20-year agreements where mines pay for what they use, essentially as a utility,” he said.

“We’re starting to apply the same approach to cooling, structuring longterm contracts that give mines the assurance they need with technology updated as we go.”

“As part of a 20-year cooling plan, for example, we’ll factor in equipment upgrades along the way. At year 10, we’ll pull some ageing chillers off site and put them into the rental business. We’ll then install a fresh one with updated technology, so the client is operating a brand-new chiller.”

This combination of financial foresight, operational flexibility and technological innovation positions Aggreko to help mines manage risk, optimise performance, and plan with confidence well into the future.

As Australian mines continue to go deeper, the safety and productivity stakes will only rise, meaning proactive cooling solutions will in turn become more important.

“The mining industry is recognising that refrigeration is becoming as necessary as power at a certain depth,” Bevan said.

“I see the future being about flexibility – financial, technological and operational – so mines can adapt quickly to commodity price shifts and changing boardroom demands.” AM

AGGREKO’S UNDERGROUND SOLUTIONS INCLUDE COOLING TOWERS, CHILLERS, COMMERCIAL AIR CONDITIONERS AND HEAT EXCHANGERS.

AGGREKO UTILISES ITS GLOBAL STAFF NETWORK TO SOLVE THE INDUSTRY’S MOST COMPLEX TEMPERATURE CONTROL CHALLENGES.

DREDGE ROBOTICS BREAKS NEW GROUND

DREDGE

ROBOTICS’ LATEST INVENTION COULD BE ITS BEST YET.

Dredge Robotics is no stranger to collaborating with Tier 1 mining companies, with operators flocking to the innovator’s inspired liner-safe dredging technology.

Having worked with the likes of BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue, Dredge’s robotic solutions offer exemplary results – removing 100 per cent of accumulated sediment from lined ponds while operations remain online.

And this technology is only just gathering steam, with new products in the pipeline to take a reliable dredging platform to another level.

This includes a new weeding robot, which is offering a critical solution to an age-old problem.

“Removing weeds from lined ponds can be expensive and very disruptive,” Dredge Robotics chief

“The task is very challenging and slow for a diver, who can’t guarantee 100 per cent weed removal because stubborn root nodules lying at the bottom of a pond regenerate after the job’s done. This is why we developed a weeding robot.”

With decades of industry experience, Old has first-hand experience of the problems mine workers face – having spent years of his career pulling weeds out of lined ponds himself.

This experience has informed his work ever since, supporting a strong “plan of attack” to deal with a persistent problem – how can weeds be chopped up and pumped out of the lined ponds without damaging the liner?

“We’ve developed five iterations of our weeding robot to ensure it’s fit for purpose,” Old said. “This is first-of-itskind technology, so we need to be precise in our development to ensure it works and that it suits mining applications.

solution along the way. All our clients are really keen to solve this problem, so the launch of this new technology is generating plenty of interest.”

Old said clients play a key role in technology development.

“Our clients will tell us what they’re struggling with, and then we’ll realise additional applications we never knew existed before,” he said. “Suddenly, you’re working with high-value ideas which force you to explore new avenues of development.

“We’re always working on solutions through this lens, which originally inspired the weeding robot.”

The new system not only removes and degrades weeds and other vegetation from lined ponds while protecting the pond’s lining, but Dredge can also remove sediment at both ends of the pH spectrum. This is all done while operations remain online.

operators are forced to take lined ponds offline to try and manually clean them or in some cases destroy and re-line the asset. This impacts upstream assets and processing plants, and mining operations as a whole.

With every dredging mission, Dredge Robotics is managing a unique set of constraints – needing to prioritise the integrity of the HPDE pond liners above all else. This balancing act informs the company’s research and development (R&D) processes.

“There’s a real dichotomy of needing to use brute force and torque to degrade the material while having to preserve a 2mm HDPE liner,” Old said. “We have an in-house liner-testing facility where set up flat and sloped-wall liners. When we commission a new product, we try to destroy the liner in any way we can to verify the product as liner-safe. The robot does donuts and all kinds of crazy stuff, so that when we send it out, we know it’s been proven to carry out its work safely.”

THE WEEDING ROBOT REMOVES AND DEGRADES WEEDS AND OTHER VEGETATION FROM LINED PONDS WHILE PROTECTING THE POND’S LINING.

All of this is supported by clear, integrated workflows, enabling Dredge Robotics to create a culture where ideas can flourish.

“We’re always trying to recruit people who are high performing and have high accountability,” Old said.

“By finding people who are here for the right reasons and are genuinely engaged, we’re building a culture where team members not only feel empowered to be creative and come up with new ideas, but we can have a laugh and have fun as well.”

Old said as Dredge’s technology grows exponentially, so does the company’s personnel.

“We’ve grown from a team of three initially, right up to where we are now with more than 100 staff, and while we’re rapidly growing, we’ve maintained our DNA, and now have a really inspired, interconnected team.

“This helps us deliver projects to the highest standard possible, with repeat work stemming from that.”

As Old explained, Dredge is busy.

“We’ve had robots slated for production for the last two to three years which we haven’t touched, because our team has been swamped with urgent builds,” he said.

“These are nice-to-have robots in support of other systems, which we can’t get to because we’re tackling immediate problems in front of us.”

This demonstrates the acute demand for Dredge’s services in the mining industry, where environmental regulations are tighter than ever before. For a mining operator, dredging lined ponds is no longer discretionary – it’s a necessity.

Old said this lends to a fast-paced work environment.

“It’s a very exciting space to be in, because everything moves quickly and there’s a lot of opportunity to try an idea and then evaluate it, learn from the failures, and then try it again. Our tech team is very engaged,” he said.

“When we started out, no one else globally was doing what we were doing, and now we’ve advanced our technology to the point where we stand alone in the market. Our experiences and learnings over the years have allowed us to really get to the crux of these difficult, complex problems miners are facing, and then solve them.”

Being an early mover isn’t easy, but it brings massive reward.

“It’s expensive building your own utopian version from the outset,” Old said. “And if it fails, it’s a lot to write off.

“But we’ve now gotten the liner safe weeding machine to a point where it’s economically viable and it serves widespread operational needs. And with new use cases coming across my desk every week, we have an exciting future ahead of us.” AM

DREDGE ROBOTICS HAS DEVELOPED FIVE ITERATIONS OF ITS WEEDING ROBOT TO ENSURE THAT IT’S FIT FOR PURPOSE.

• Heavy duty, apron or incline belt feeder with hydraulic folding hopper sides

• Jack up screen facility to aid mesh changes

• Hydraulic folding conveyors with excellent stockpiling capacity

• Hydraulic load sensing on under screen conveyor circuit and fines circuit

• Heavy duty triple shaft screenbox with adjustable frequency, timing, and amplitude

WEEDS CAN POSE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES FOR MINING OPERATORS.

POINT

HOVERMAP TO THE RESCUE

EMESENT HOVERMAP IS EMPOWERING FASTER, SMARTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE IN UNDERGROUND MINES.

Mining companies across the world are turning to Emesent to help them better understand their underground mines.

Emesent Hovermap empowers drones to autonomously navigate stopes, tunnels and vertical shafts to map complex and GPS-denied environments, removing people from hazardous areas while providing accurate, high-resolution 3D data.

This mapping informs the planning of an underground mine, where convergence monitoring, blast optimisation and stope design, to name a few variables, are critical to setting up an operation.

In fact, there are more than 25 ways to use Hovermap in an underground mine. And while many of these are production-focused, there are also safety applications, with monitoring and emergency response becoming increasingly important capabilities.

“Hovermap data can be used to detect early signs of convergence or movement in the ground, which can help prevent dangerous rock falls,” Emesent cofounder and chief strategy officer Stefan Hrabar told Australian Mining

“But if an incident was to occur –whether there’s a fall of ground or somebody is trapped – a Hovermapenabled drone can, without putting humans at risk, be sent underground and collect 3D data as it flies. This helps responders understand what’s happened and informs rescue planning.”

Hrabar discussed various cases around the world where Hovermap has been used for safety purposes. This includes mines in Australia, the US, Canada and Sweden.

A fall of ground incident in a Canadian mine trapped several miners. A Hovermap-enabled drone was sent in to map the area without risking lives, with the 3D data used to plan the rescue.

“Following the incident, Hovermap flights were conducted, providing an up-to-date 3D map of the fall of ground area. This helped rescuers understand what they were getting themselves into, and where their access points were,” Hrabar said. “The drone’s lights came within view of the trapped miners, giving them hope that help was on the way, and they were rescued soon after.”

A second fall of ground incident occurred at an underground mine in Iowa, US, within the same week. Luckily nobody was trapped, but sending in surveyors or geotechs to assess the extents of the damage was risky, so Hovermap was used instead.

Hrabar said that previously captured 3D data was used for risk assessment and to plan autonomy missions to re-map the area.

“While the client had 3D data of a fall of ground from a couple of years ago, when the recent incident happened, they didn’t know the extent of the new fall of ground,” Hrabar said.

“So they did a couple of flights. The first one was from the surface and travelled about one kilometre underground, which gave them confidence that it was safe to walk down and set up for another flight.

“After a few flights, Hovermap was able to determine the outline of the new fall of ground, where several areas had collapsed. Mapping was able to show the client the extent of the incident without putting anyone at risk.”

Hovermap technology, which is constantly evolving to meet growing

demand from the mining industry, now also has the capability to complete ‘exploration’, which sees a drone able to explore without pre-loaded waypoints.

“Up until now, Hovermap has required an operator to firstly set waypoints to guide the autonomous flight,” he said.

“For this, the operator still needs to interact with Hovermap and have a rough idea of the environment to inform the flight path.

“Exploration, on the other hand, removes this requirement. Operators don’t need to set waypoints; they can just provide a rough bounding box and Hovermap will explore and map as much as it can within the designated volume.”

Only when Hovermap has run out of battery or can’t physically progress any further will the drone return to base.

Operators can access and review detailed LiDAR (light detection and ranging) insights soon after Hovermap completes its journey. Emesent’s Aura software platform can then produce rich 3D data to inform a range of mine planning applications.

The exploration feature can also be critical for rescue missions.

“By not having to set waypoints, rescue teams don’t have to be as precise about planning the autonomous flight,” Hrabar said. “The environment might have changed underground without their knowing, such as a fall of ground, so it’s much easier to set a bounding box and let the drone explore inaccessible areas itself.”

Hovermap’s exploration insights can then inform an immediate rescue mission and prepare mining companies for future incidents.

By removing people from hazardous environments while generating highquality 3D data, Emesent Hovermap not only strengthens operational planning but also safeguards workers in critical moments.

Its role in convergence monitoring, stope design, and blast optimisation is matched by its growing importance in emergency response, where timely insights can mean the difference

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Blue Diamond is an Australian owned, operated and independent provider — a leader in power generation. With generators and over 300 hybrid and battery systems under management, we deliver fully integrated offgrid solutions combining battery storage, solar, hydrogen and diesel — purpose-built for mining, infrastructure and remote construction.

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Custom Hybrid Power Systems engineered to your site’s needs using the optimal mix of battery, renewables & diesel.

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Delivered anywhere. Ready to run. We manage installation, compliance and commissioning — fast, safe, and mine-spec ready.

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Serviced and commissioned by Blue Diamond crew Live system performance via ONE Intelligent Energy

A NEW ENGINEERING PARADIGM

AGILITUS IS CARVING OUT ITS LION’S SHARE OF THE RESOURCES MARKET BY PRIORITISING PEOPLE, CULTURE AND QUALITY ENGINEERING.

management providers), isn’t up to scratch,” he said.

“This is because they’re primarily focused on the delivery of services, potentially to the detriment of the engineering effort.”

The fresh-faced Agilitus is quickly establishing itself as a pre-eminent engineering consultancy in the resources sector.

Amicably separating from its former joint venture partner in early 2025, Agilitus answers the industry’s call for agile, non-corporatised service providers that can make sameday decisions.

The new name and brand comes with a revitalised ownership structure with the business now being 100 per cent employee owned.

Agilitus co-founder and managing director Craig Bloxham said the company, with 460 employees and growing, prides itself on its culture.

“Tony (Comerford, Agilitus cofounder and technical director) and I have been working together for 30 years, and when we started our careers together, we were working for a highly reputable company that focused on high quality engineering services,” he told Australian Mining.

“What we have seen through the evolution of companies getting bigger and acquiring other companies, is they typically become very corporatised and the measuring stick often becomes about money.

“Our focus, on the other hand, is always on our people, culture and clients, and then the money comes next. If you get those things right, then the rest looks after itself.”

Bloxham said Agilitus’ key point of difference is that its service quality consistently meets or exceeds client expectations.

This, as Bloxham attests, is increasingly becoming a rarity.

“Fairly routinely the feedback we get from clients is the quality of engineering they get from competing organisations, particularly EPCMs (engineering, procurement, and construction

Engineering is a critical foundation to any mining operation, and the specialised nature of this field of expertise means no such service provider can cut corners.

“Any person who’s worked on projects most of their lives understands the criticality of getting engineering right,” Bloxham said. “Engineering is complex, and the quality of engineering has a big impact on the risk profile of a project, your capital costs, and your asset performance.

“If you get your engineering right, and most clients are smart enough to prioritise this, then it becomes a point of difference.”

Agilitus provides engineering services for both greenfield and brownfield developments, with the company primarily focused on one key market

services, we have targeted what’s called sustaining capital services, which is a lot of work in brownfield environments,” Bloxham said.

“This is a complex field of engineering where a client might have existing processing facilities, refineries or energy plants that require improvements or refurbishment.

“Sustaining capital services makes up about 70 per cent of our revenue, and our clients love it, because many bigger companies, which are primarily focused on greenfields projects, have lost the skill set to successfully compete with us in this field.”

Bloxham discussed a recent client interaction to further validate his point.

“I recently held a meeting with a vice president of an oil and gas company, who is responsible for a major operation in Western Australia,” he said.

“He asked me, ‘What do you do, Craig?’, and I said, ‘We specialise in high quality engineering services to assist with sustaining capital’. He then said, ‘That’s exactly what I want’.”

AGILITUS CO-FOUNDER AND TECHNICAL DIRECTOR TONY COMERFORD (LEFT) AND CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR CRAIG BLOXHAM (RIGHT).

reinvigorate, particularly in the iron ore industry,” Bloxham said. “This is where Agilitus can be of service.”

Agilitus provides engineering services to a range of industries by being a technology integrator, which feeds into its sustaining capital services business.

“We have a client exploring the possibility of producing a high-value critical mineral as a by-product of their refinery process,” Bloxham said.

“While this is a new project on the surface, the technology for this already exists, and the client needed an engineering partner to help them integrate that technology. So they turned to us.

“Sure, integrating more technology onto an existing plant increases its complexity, but that’s our bread and butter.”

Through its inspired engineering methodology where people and culture come first, Agilitus is becoming an increasingly prominent name in the resources industry.

The company has a significant role to play as sectors evolve, and technology adoption becomes more sophisticated and intricate. AM

AGILITUS’ ENGINEERING SERVICES ARE IN HIGH DEMAND ACROSS THE AUSTRALIA MINING INDUSTRY.

CUTTING IDLE TIME UNDERGROUND

WITH IDLE TIME A SIGNIFICANT HIDDEN COST IN UNDERGROUND MINES, MST GLOBAL HAS PIONEERED A SOLUTION.

Deep underground, a bolter sits idle as workers wait for the next mining task to begin, with delays upstream pushing back the schedule.

For 30 minutes nothing happens; multiply that pause across shifts, machines and sites, and the cost to productivity and profitability quickly becomes clear.

To understand the scale of this challenge and how new digital tools are tackling it, Australian Mining spoke with MST Global about the company’s HELIX Dispatch platform.

“A face sitting idle for 30 minutes might seem minor, but it becomes a real opportunity cost when idle time becomes a habit,” MST Global general manager – product management and marketing Jason Hartley said.

“By stepping back and looking at the cumulative effect across a quarter or year, you’re talking about thousands of lost production hours and millions of dollars in value.”

For much of the industry’s history, idle time was difficult to track in any meaningful way. Operators relied on manual logs, shift notes and production reports, which were often inconsistent and incomplete.

“With digital systems, idle time is now visible in real time, broken down by crews, machines and tasks, making it easier to identify patterns and take action,” Hartley said. “That visibility changes the whole conversation because it turns what was once guesswork into actionable intelligence.”

The true cost of idle time is not always in the minutes lost, but in the ripple effects across an operation.

A loader that sits idle can stall drilling cycles, crews waiting for instructions can hold up development headings, and one delay can cause an entire shift to fall behind.

“HELIX Dispatch turns downtime into data. Once you can see it, you can do something about it,” Hartley said. “It’s about connecting the dots between activities so supervisors know exactly where things are slowing down and can address them before the impact multiplies.”

The HELIX enterprise platform was designed with this in mind. The system draws live data from equipment, personnel and Internet of Things (IoT) devices throughout the mine.

Every stage of the mining cycle can be monitored, from loading and hauling to drilling and bolting, with delays automatically recorded along with the context behind them.

“This means operators don’t just see that a machine was idle, they can see which crew was working, what task they were assigned, and what was happening around them,” Hartley said.

“That level of context is what enables more informed decisions.”

Armed with this information, supervisors can manage schedules dynamically. If a task finishes early, the next crew can be notified straight

away. If a piece of equipment runs late, the delay is flagged instantly, allowing dispatchers to adjust plans before the slowdown spreads.

“This level of coordination helps keep the entire shift running smoothly,” Hartley said. “Rather than working off outdated assumptions, crews are always operating with live information that tells them exactly what’s ready and what isn’t.”

LIVE DATA ALLOWING A SMARTER, MORE RESPONSIVE WORKFLOW.

For many mines, this represents not just an operational upgrade, but a cultural shift. Historically, idle time was reported at the end of the day, if at all, meaning managers only had the chance to analyse what went wrong after the fact. With HELIX, action can be taken in the moment.

“Managing idle time is about getting more out of the resources you already have,” Hartley said. “You’re not adding new trucks or extra people; you’re simply making the best use of what’s already on site.”

The shift also benefits crews on the ground, who gain confidence from the transparency and responsiveness of the system.

Frustrations caused by waiting in the dark for tasks to begin are replaced with clarity about when to move and why.

“When crews can trust the information they’re getting, the whole workplace becomes more efficient and less stressful,” Hartley said. “It improves morale because people know their time isn’t being wasted.”

Looking forward, the opportunities extend well beyond real-time visibility.

As mines become more connected, HELIX Dispatch will evolve towards predictive capabilities.

“As mines become more connected, we will see a move towards predictive operations,” Hartley said. “That’s where the combination of automation, AI and

integrated data will allow us to anticipate problems before they happen.”

The goal is to use patterns in the data to forecast idle time and take preventative action. A truck that repeatedly arrives late to a loading point, for example, could trigger an automatic adjustment to scheduling before it disrupts the shift.

“The future is about smarter, more responsive workflows where decisions

are driven by live data and coordination is seamless,” Hartley said. “This is where HELIX Dispatch can play a key role.”

The implications for productivity are significant. Downtime carries steep costs in the mining industry, and even small improvements in efficiency can deliver big returns.

“Idle time may be a hidden cost, but it is not an unavoidable one,” Hartley

In a sector where every minute counts, visibility into idle time has become a game-changer, enabling mines to produce more, waste less and operate with a level of agility that was never possible before. AM HELIX DISPATCH SUPPORTS EACH STAGE OF MINING SOFTWARE, FROM LOADING AND HAULING TO

said. “With platforms like HELIX and MST’s mine-ready technologies, operators can now see where time is being lost and take meaningful steps to reduce it.”

Pump Deeper. Pump Further. Pump Smarter.

FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION

BEND-TECH GROUP OFFERS EFFICIENT, INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO MANY MINING PROBLEMS.

Comprised of four divisions, Bend-tech Group is a design, engineering and manufacturing leader.

Those four divisions come together to create a company committed to supplying innovative and sustainable solutions across its divisions, making maintenance on-site safe, efficient and easy.

CDEC – Consultation, design, engineering and construction

Bend-tech’s CDEC division delivers small- and large-scale projects to mining and heavy industries in Australia and globally. Projects include access platforms and scaffold elimination, vehicle and pedestrian shedders, access and inspection doors, conveyor maintenance products, work stands, along with shutdown-enabling products such as guarding, railing, bollards, handrails and gates.

“We come to you and visit your site to get a hands-on feel for your project,” Bend-tech said. “The aim of our consultation is to listen and understand your requirements. If the project requires it, our 3D scanning capabilities will streamline measurement and data capture.

any problems on-site, possible solutions, and the benefits we can offer.”

solution captures areas of site, plant or

machines in 3D, helping to improve efficiency and productivity in the field and behind the scenes through fast, accurate and portable hardware and software.

“3D laser scanning has enabled us to manage complex projects with ease and transform the way we solve problems and develop solutions,” Bend-tech said.

After a consultation, the company goes back to its design team to begin the development of a custom solution. The team designs in CAD Design complete with all drafting documentation, working to ensuring an advanced manufacturing process.

“Once the design phase is complete, we provide clients with concept drawings and a visualisation of the solution for discussion and approval,” Bend-tech said. “Once the design is approved, we begin the engineering process.”

This process is designed to ensure the right material grade is used for a project.

“We provide full certification that includes WLL (working load limit), load ratings, integrity reports, as well as certification plates and identification,” Bend-tech said. “We design and engineer all solutions to ensure full

engineering analysis and solutions.

Then comes construction.

“Our industry-leading 10,000m2 facility in Welshpool, Western Australia, is armed with highly qualified

THE CDEC DIVISION DELIVERS SMALL- AND LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS.

Grizzly Workshop Gear

This division is dedicated to supplying intelligent workshop solutions that maximise safety and efficiency, fast.

“The Grizzly division is at the apex of the engineered manufacturing industry,” Bend-tech said. “Enabling you to evade danger through proactive, engineered tough solutions that create safe maintenance scenarios. Grizzly Workshop Gear is safety, on your side.”

This range includes products such as steel trestles, workbenches, workstations, equipment and material racking and rigging and lifting equipment. Like all products manufactured by the Bendtech Group, Grizzly Workshop Gear is certified and compliant with Australian Standards. The range is always evolving, and the company works closely with maintenance personnel to understand what it can add to the growing range to enable safe, more efficient maintenance.

ROX

ROX is Bend-tech’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts division, dedicated to eliminating downtime and maximising efficiency through improved designs and stocked machine parts. ROX’s key advantages lie in its extensive design, engineering, and construction expertise, supported by dedicated teams across research and development (R&D), fabrication, project management and support.

Every ROX part is engineered and certified to replace OEM

THE GRIZZLY DIVISION IS DEDICATED TO SUPPLYING INTELLIGENT WORKSHOP SOLUTIONS.

components, often incorporating design improvements that enhance durability, maximise safety, and boost efficiency.

The range includes fuel tanks, handrails, external fenders and guards, doors, hydraulic tanks and front-end replacements, with a further 130 open projects in R&D. A wide range of parts in stock around Australia and North America helps to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum when a part is required.

BT Metals

This is Bend-tech Group’s cutting and material processing division.

“Our expansive 10,000m2 fabrication facility is equipped with industryleading material processing machinery,” Bend-tech said.

“BT Metals is at the forefront of material processing capabilities, dedicated to supporting Australian manufacturing with specialised laser services such as tube lasering and flatbed laser cutting.

“Our laser cutting and pressing techniques offer precision methods for processing metallurgical components.”

These services support a variety of industrial applications:

Engineered

• Complex projects

• Systematic planning

• Manage timelines

• Monitoring

• Coordinate resources

• Extensive expertise with all igus products

• Cutting simple and complex components with a flat bed laser

part geometry without the need for tooling changes,” Bend-tech said.

• Cutting complex geometries with a five-axis tube laser

• Producing detailed components with precision Bend-tech utilises the latest computerised systems to accept drawing information from clients in multiple formats: CAD files, fully dimensioned drawings, or by reverse engineering samples.

“Our processing equipment comes with internal systems designed to allow clients the flexibility to easily change

• Specialised knowledge on mining applications

• Tailored solutions ensuring optimal performance

• Comprehensive range of igus products

• Readily available

• Products specifically for mining including cables and connectors

• Local supply in all states

• Experienced personnel

“Moreover, we store clients’ processed material data so we can recall the latest revision of any job and reproduce it with 100 per cent accuracy, every time.”

Bend-tech offers an end-to-end in-house solution, all the way from consultation through to design, engineering and manufacturing.

“Our divisions offer solutions to many of mining’s problems, and each provides safe, efficient, innovative and sustainable outcomes for our clients,” Bend-tech said. AM

• Systematic approach to planning

• Executing, monitoring and completing projects efficiently and effectively.

• Treotham provides support to all projects.

• Dedicated team of support personnel on call.

BT METALS IS BEND-TECH’S CUTTING AND MATERIAL PROCESSING DIVISION. ROX IS BEND-TECH’S OEM REPLACEMENT PARTS DIVISION.

HDPE guards go underground

Our HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) conveyor guards have been very successful in lowering operating costs, reducing damage and preventing injuries on conveyor systems at various sites all around Australia. They are also way better for the environment as well as quicker and easier to manufacture, transport to site and fit than the cumbersome, heavy steel guards of yesterday.

Now we have added underground mobile plant to the list that benefits from HDPE’s many advantages.

One of Australia's leading ground support specialists chose us to design, manufacture and fit these protective guards to their entire fleet of underground concrete mixers and shotfirers due to our lengthy experience and large investment in a dedicated, local fabrication facility.

Maybe we can also help you to lower costs, improve safety and increase productivity? If we do, you’ll also be helping our environment thanks to the total recyclability benefits our HDPE guards deliver to us all.

CONTACT

Thomas Greaves for an exploratory chat soon. It could be the start of a really big improvement for your operation.

A NEW ERA IN MOBILE FLEET RELIABILITY

AFTER SUCCESSFUL DEPLOYMENTS ACROSS SOUTH AMERICA

AND AFRICA, RAZOR LABS IS EXTENDING ITS DATAMIND AI FOR MOBILE FLEET TO THE AUSTRALIAN MARKET.

DataMind AI is designed to deliver capabilities beyond original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and existing fleet health systems, detecting failures weeks earlier, tracing root causes with multi-sensor fusion and exposing operator-driven wear that other platforms can miss.

This translates into fewer breakdowns, longer component life, lower maintenance costs, and safer, reliability-driven operations, now proven worldwide and available for Australian fleets.

Early fault detection is so critical because intervention at an early stage prevents component damage and extends useful life.

In most systems, alarms are triggered only once sensor values cross fixed thresholds. Due to variable operating conditions and noisy signals, these thresholds are set high, so alarms often come after significant damage has occurred.

DataMind AI applies machinelearning models that compensate for operational variations and filter out noise, isolating true deterioration trends and detecting issues two to four weeks earlier,” Razor Labs said.

“Coverage includes 30-plus early detection modes across engines, transmissions, torque converters, brakes, hydraulics, suspensions and differentials.

“For example, on a CAT haul truck, DataMind AI detected abnormal lube and boost pressure three weeks before the OEM alarm. The site avoided 15 hours of downtime and protected 2400 tonnes of production, resulting in more than $400,000 of savings.”

From symptom to root cause

With so many alarms on a mine site, manual investigation is often required and true root causes of issues can be missed, leading to recurring failures.

Automated root cause diagnosis , however, helps to focus teams on the exact actions needed to fix the issue and prevent recurrence, cutting downtime and maintenance costs.

“DataMind AI does this by fusing data from truck sensors, fluid analysis, maintenance records, and even tire information” Razor Labs said. “In one example, DataMind AI flagged

anomalies in air filter, crankcase pressure and oil filter sensors, but pinpointed the real cause: a deteriorated wiring harness on the shared 5V–ground line.

“The system recommended harness repair, which the team confirmed, preventing further failures that would otherwise reoccur.”

The way an operator drives a vehicle can also have a major impact on component lifespan.

DataMind AI is designed to identify dozens of types of operator behaviours that accelerate wear, enabling targeted and frequent training sessions with operators, focusing on each driver’s specific driving patterns, extending component life and reducing fleet maintenance costs.

“By identifying operator-induced wear, DataMind AI gives sites both the evidence to retrain operators and the insights to extend component lifespan,” Razor Labs said.

At the core of DataMind AI is a cloud platform purpose-built for mining, fusing multiple critical data sources: real-time on-board sensors; fluid analysis, including oil, coolant and fuel lab reports; maintenance data cross-referenced with real-time health monitoring to confirm whether maintenance actions were effective; tyre tread depth; pressures and temperatures; and dispatch data capturing operators, cycles and route conditions.

To enable seamless data collection, Razor Labs developed a mobile fleet data logger, a rugged device that connects to a vehicle’s CAN-bus or CDL, records the signals, and uploads them to the cloud whenever connectivity is available.

“The data logger ensures full fleet coverage across mixed OEM fleets and under extreme operating conditions,” Razor Labs said.

DataMind AI is designed to deliver capabilities that go far beyond existing systems.

“Issues are addressed earlier, when fixes are simple and inexpensive; repairs are directed at the root cause, preventing repeat failures; and operator behaviour is corrected to reduce deterioration from the outset,” Razor Labs said. “The result is longer component life, reduced workload for site teams, and safer, reliability-focused operations.”

Already proven across copper, coal, iron ore, vanadium and ferroalloy operations around the world, DataMind AI now offers Australian miners the same measurable benefits. AM

DATAMIND AI IS DESIGNED TO IDENTIFY DIFFERENT OF TYPES OF OPERATOR BEHAVIOURS THAT ACCELERATE WEAR.

Available as

•single plate or •dual overlapping plate designs

Sizes ranging from •small 500mm square units,

• up to 12m long by 3m wide dual plate units, fitted with multiple high pressure hydraulic cylinders

Customised

custom designed gates to suit the bin loads and stored material properties

• retrofitted isolation solutions to existing bins

• complete with a shared Hydraulic Power Unit and Local Control Station (Electric or Manual Lever)

BHT Isolation Gates are specialised gates to isolate downstream equipment for service or maintenance activities in a range of bulk storage systems, including bins, silos or stockpiles.

BHT Hydraulic Bin Isolation Gates Durability | Adaptability

BHT Isolation Gates ensure the safety of personnel working beneath stored bulk material, eliminating the risks associated with flowing material or falling product. Additionally, with the ability to pin and securely lock the gate plates in the open and / or closed positions, personnel safety is further enhanced.

Originally designed for the Iron Ore industry in WA, BHT Isolation Gates are specifically designed to suit the head load and aperture to be isolated and can be manufactured to suit a range of applications. Wear liner packages are customised to suit the material handled to ensure long life and reliable

Design and manufacture of bulk materials handling and mechanical engineering equipment and systems.

BHT Isolation Gates are supplied with BHT Hydraulic Power Units ranging from the ‘Mining Spec’ package, right up to fully enclosed ‘Premium Spec’ system with bladder breather and options for foam fire suppression. The in-house hydraulic design team can also customise the design to comply with site or project hydraulic specifications if required.

As a full-service engineering and manufacturing company, BHT custom designs and supplies all manner of heavy-duty gates, including single or double clam shell gates, diverter gates or special gates for maintenance or operation.

Hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuation is available depending on the application. For more details

BUSTING MINING MYTHS

VERIDAPT HAS LAUNCHED A MAD MAX-STYLE CAMPAIGN THAT PROVES ITS FUEL TECH CAN SURVIVE THE TOUGHEST MINING CONDITIONS.

Mining technology companies don’t usually take cues from Hollywood, but Veridapt, a leader in fuel management solutions, has launched a new short film designed to grab the attention of the mining community.

Partly shot in the same quarry used for the most recent Mad Max film and voiced by the unmistakable voice of MythBusters, Robert Lee, Veridapt’s upcoming campaign puts its hardware through the ultimate test.

The film shows units enduring dust

chief technology officer Sean Birrell told Australian Mining.

“The campaign is playful, but it’s also rooted in real-world experience.”

The videos, produced in multiple formats ranging from 30-second snippets to a full four-minute feature, were released across digital platforms in September.

With high production values and an advertising director from the Mad Max film crew, Veridapt is signalling that this isn’t just another product demo, it’s a statement of intent.

The campaign reflects Veridapt’s core design philosophy, which sees the

Industry certifications like IP ratings, temperature and vibration standards only go so far. Veridapt takes testing a step further, combining lab-based quality assurance with years of field experience to replicate the extreme scenarios miners face every day.

The company’s engineers have recovered units after incidents such as vehicle fires and rollovers.

One example involved pulling data from a unit salvaged from a burnt-out vehicle, a testament to the system’s resilience.

“Real-world experience is unsurpassed,” Birrell said. “That’s

(enterprise resource planning) systems and supplier networks.

“Fuel supply chains in the mining industry are complex,” Birrell said. “Some use vendor-managed inventory, others have very different logistics.

“Our system adapts to those workflows while maintaining reliability.”

The system’s wide sensor compatibility, asynchronous offline operation and modular plug-andplay hardware allow sites to maintain continuity even during outages, while repairs can be completed in minutes without disrupting data integrity.

From the Arctic Circle to the deserts VERIDAPT HARDWARE IS

EVERYTHING A MINING BUSINESS NEEDS

A SUCCESSFUL MINING BUSINESS IS THE SUM OF MANY WELL-OILED PARTS, INCLUDING EFFICIENT BACK-END OPERATIONS.

While much of the focus in the resources industry is on the heavy machinery at the front end, like any modern business, mining companies require efficient back-end functions to keep everything ticking over smoothly.

Winc is an Australian-based workplace support company that supplies workplace essentials including office products, cleaning and hygiene, kitchen supplies, health and safety, furniture, IT and more.

Winc sources and delivers everything a workplace needs to work, including health and safety essentials delivered fast.

On time, anywhere Winc health, hygiene and safety national sales specialist Sharon Bayldon said the company was well versed in supporting businesses that operate in remote locations and require tailored solutions.

“We’ve got the ability to deliver everywhere, even to remote locations,” Bayldon told Australian Mining. “Our logistics and network capability is one of the broadest in the industry.

one-contact supplier who can address a range of needs versus having to deal with several different suppliers.”

“We work closely in partnership with customers to develop specific, tailored solutions, which is quite critical from a solution perspective, because they might have niche requirements. And that goes across health and safety, kitchen services, and cleaning and hygiene.”

Bayldon said the ability to work closely with customers to assess their needs, develop relevant solutions, and follow through with reliable service were all part of Winc’s offering.

“The key thing is service,” she said “We’ve got a DIFOT (delivery in full, on time) of more than 96 per cent. We’ve got national capability to leverage delivery to any point across Australia. That makes us very dependable as a supplier.”

She said Winc understood the critical nature of timely operations in mining and the damaging effect that service interruptions and disruptions can have on a business.

“It’s all about that consistency and reliability and knowing that you can trust us to deliver,” she said. “We understand it’s mission critical that you get what you need when you need it.”

Winc customers have the advantage of utilising the company’s wide range of products, services, and expertise. Clients could initially be after one solution and then come away with much more.

“This is important from a consolidation point of view. We’re a

Bayldon said Winc’s national reach means it understands the varied workplace regulations and requirements that organisations face.

“This is where our technical expertise comes in,” she said. “We’re always across all relevant industry legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure we’re best serving customers’ specific needs.”

Procurement knowledge and networking

In recent years, Winc has made significant inroads into ESG (environmental, social and governance) procurement, offering around 600 First Nations products and over 2000 environmentally sustainable product alternatives for every room in the workplace.

Bayldon said Winc was increasingly being engaged to help customers fulfil their ESG goals.

“Many mining companies are now very focused on achieving specific ESG objectives,” she said. “We can help those customers to achieve their sustainability goals.

“That might be offering products made from recycled materials, reducing their carbon emissions and packaging waste through consolidated deliveries, and looking at more effective local sourcing options.”

Another area where Winc can help is with Indigenous procurement targets.

support Indigenous procurement,” Bayldon said.

As a founding member of Supply Nation, Winc takes its approach to First Nations procurement seriously, enabling clients to make informed purchasing decisions.

Supply Nation works with First Nations businesses and government and corporate procurement partners, providing a five-step verification process to ensure all of its supplier businesses are Indigenous owned and regularly audited for company structure and ownership changes.

Bayldon said this takes much of the leg work out of the procurement process and provides customers with

peace of mind that they are doing the right thing.

Bayldon said Winc has been providing health, safety, and hygiene services for about 20 years. That depth of experience means Winc can provide its customers with reliable and proven products and services.

“We have a team of health, hygiene, and safety experts operating nationwide who visit sites to conduct health, hygiene and safety audits, so we’re always attuned to new products and innovations entering the market,” she said.

“Our technical experts are ISSA-accredited and will develop recommendations to support procurement objectives while suggesting improvements to help support site facilities and operations.” AM

WINC’S AUTOMATION DRIVES EFFICIENCY.

TRS’ industry-leading BoomSafe® control system is purpose-built to meet the growing demands for automation in modern mining environments.

Designed to deliver precise and reliable boom control, BoomSafe® accounts for the unpredictable nature of hydraulic movement, ensuring seamless operation and significantly reducing operational risk.

Incorporating automated functions, advanced collision prevention and remote operation, BoomSafe® enhances the safety and performance of fixed pedestal boom systems, even in complex or dynamic conditions.

Engineered for mining reliability

TRS Rockbreaker Booms are engineered for continuous operation in the harshest mining environments, delivering exceptional reliability and availability.

Incorporating advanced safety systems, TRS booms mitigate risks around jaw, gyratory and static grizzly stations, ensuring safer and more controlled operations.

Proudly Australian-made, they combine heavy-duty structural design with smart, service-friendly engineering to extend wear life, reduce service interventions and simplify maintenance. With comprehensive site support and locally stocked parts, downtime is minimised and productivity is maintained.

The TRS engineering team will work closely with mine operators to specify, integrate and commission the most effective boom solution for each site and application:

• HMD Series — shorter reach for high-duty mining applications

• HD Series — long reach for large-scale operations, including iron ore

• XD Series — extended reach for the most demanding extreme duty environments

All TRS booms are equipped with BoomSafe® as standard with optional remote operation via the plant network.

Total Rockbreaking Solutions

TRS Booms BoomSafe®

A MINER’S BEST FRIEND

HIGH-RISK MAINTENANCE? NOT ANYMORE. GEOGRAPHE’S SPECIALISED TOOLING AND ENHANCED PERFORMANCE PARTS PROTECT CREWS AND BOOST EFFICIENCY.

Across Australian mine sites, maintenance crews face the daily challenge of completing high-risk tasks under tight schedules.

Traditional methods like hammering, grinding, jacking, and thermal lancing introduce serious hazards and can damage equipment, requiring costly corrective work.

Geographe’s Specialised Tooling and Enhanced Performance (EP) components are transforming this landscape, helping crews work safer, smarter, and more efficiently.

One of the most dangerous maintenance procedures is thermal lancing, commonly used to remove seized components on haul trucks. It involves hot works, permits, specialised supervision, and often causes collateral damage.

For steering arm maintenance on Caterpillar 785, 789, and 793 haul trucks, Geographe has developed the award-winning Ball Stud Removal Tool (BSRT) and more recently, the Ball Stud Bearing Installation and Removal Tool (BSBIRT).

The BSRT uses hydraulic force to release seized ball studs safely, without damaging adjacent components. Designed for single-person operation, a typical removal, including setup, takes minutes rather than hours as is the case with traditional methods. By eliminating hammering, grinding, and hot works, the BSRT also helps reduce injuries such as hand bruising, pinch points, and eye damage.

The BSBIRT also features hydraulic operation plus an in-built guidance system to safely remove and install split shell bearings. It eliminates exposure to heat, impact, and manual strain, helping crews avoid highrisk procedures, permit delays, and potential injury. Together, these tools make steering arm maintenance predictable, safer, and aligned with site safety initiatives.

For Geographe safety advocate Hassan Qadri, it’s all about thinking of the bigger picture.

“When you remove the hazard completely, you’re not just making the maintenance safer,” Qadri said, “you’re also reducing the labour required, eliminating corrective actions, and getting the asset back to work faster.

Geographe key account manager Brita Phillips echoed Qadri’s sentiment.

“Whether removing ball studs or changing bearings, our specialised tooling allows maintenance teams to complete the job efficiently and safely, without improvisation or high-risk workarounds,” she said.

Separate from steering arm tooling, the Geographe Enhanced Performance Colleted Pin Assembly (CPA) addresses safety in rear strut, A-frame, and rear suspension locations on Caterpillar and Komatsu haul trucks.

Unlike conventional designs that rely on friction or expansion, the CPA uses a tapered collet system that creates a self-wedging effect between the pin and frame bores, effectively preventing pin seizures. This often eliminates the need for thermal lancing and reduces associated risks and workshop labour.

“When we’re thinking about developing a part so it qualifies as Enhanced Performance, we aren’t just wanting to improve the design, we’re rethinking the whole job,” Phillips said.

“Our CPA tooling allows pins to be often removed without hot works, and that alone can save hours in the workshop.”

For planners and reliability engineers, EP parts offer strong economic value over the life of an asset. In some cases, even a single late-life installation can result in cost savings through reduced downtime, simplified maintenance, and better asset availability.

“Even if an EP part is installed during the last cycle of a truck’s life, the time saved and the extra hours in production can be huge,” Qadri said. “That’s revenue that might otherwise be lost.”

Fitters have embraced Geographe EP parts not only for their safety benefits but also for their practicality.

“Across a few trials with Tier 1 miners, we’ve documented real-world results, and achieved no thermal lancing on some sites and quicker installs,” Qadri said. “In addition, we’ve

had great responses from both install crews and planners about how efficient our CPAs are.”

When asked what she thinks makes Geographe different, Phillips said the company has history behind it.

“We’re a third-generation Australian manufacturer,” she said. “We’re local, we’re responsive, and when someone calls, they speak to a real person who understands the problem and can offer a solution. That flexibility matters.”

As the mining industry continues to focus on zero harm, operational efficiency, and cost control, Geographe’s Specialised Tooling and EP range is proving that better design leads to better outcomes, for people, equipment, and productivity.

“We’re helping sites rethink what safe, effective maintenance looks like,” Qadri said. “It’s not just about tooling or parts, it’s about safety, uptime, and setting a new standard for how mining maintenance can be done.” AM

THE BSBIRT (PICTURED LEFT) AND BSRT (PICTURED RIGHT) ARE TRANSFORMING MINING MAINTENANCE. IMAGE:

CAPS: A POWERHOUSE

EQUIPPED

WITH ADVANCED CAPABILITIES, THE MITSUBISHI GENERATOR SERIES IS BUILT TO MEET THE DEMANDING NEEDS OF THE AUSTRALIAN MINING INDUSTRY.

CAPS Australia has continually proven itself with the delivery of reliable and cost-effective energy solutions for mining operations in need of uninterrupted power supplies.

Sustaining power through a range of back-up solutions, CAPS has the equipment sizes and power outputs needed to meet clients’ specific operating requirements.

Through its partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine System Asia, CAPS is the official Australian distributor for the Mitsubishi Generator Series (MGS). The MGS exemplifies quality and performance, delivering outstanding performance in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Designed and built with state-of-theart capabilities, the MGS-R series is an “all-in-one” range.

Meticulously crafted in Japan, the globally recognised Mitsubishi diesel engine is equipped with a range of standard features, in addition to Mitsubishi turbochargers, advanced control systems and a top-quality brand of alternators.

At its core, the engine boasts robust construction and advanced engineering, ensuring durability and reliability in even the most demanding applications.

The range of MGS-R diesel engines have a power output from 385 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) to 3025kVA, including data centre-specific power output ratings.

With a strong focus on innovation and advanced technology, MGS is Data Centre Tier III/IV certified from the Uptime Institute and operates according to ISO 8528 G3 transient performance standards, for sets powering strategically critical loads.

Engineered to start within 10 seconds and with 100 per cent one-step load capability, the MGS-R demonstrates reliability in demanding situations. The MGS-R series even adheres to seismic design codes, ensuring approval for use in the harshest applications.

Precision fuel injection systems enable the engine to deliver optimal fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable operation. Additionally, integrated cooling systems effectively manage the engine’s temperature, ensuring optimal performance in various operating conditions.

The AC generator in the MGS-R is fully sealed, with a three-phase RMS-sensing digital automatic voltage regulator (DAVR) that has built-in protection against sustained over excitation.

Controlling the unit is the MGSR’s standard 7310 programmable microprocessor control panel, which serves as an automatic start/stop panel, complete with generator breaker control.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has designed the MGS-R with compatibility for hydrotreated vegetable oil, supporting sustainable energy adoption and reducing environmental impact.

Configuring the power solution suited to the individual requirements of the client, CAPS not only draws from MGS, but also the leading equipment ranges of Rehlko (formerly Kohler), Airman and Teksan generators.

CAPS delivers complete solution designs, developed by the company’s in-house engineering team and supported through its Australian ISO 9001-accredited manufacturing facility. The custom-built systems, including containerised and acoustic enclosures, are perfectly matched to client requirements.

Local knowledge and support

Founded in Western Australia in 1980, CAPS joined the Ingersoll Rand family in 2024, expanding its access to the Ingersoll Rand’s global offering of innovative and mission-critical air, fluid, energy and medical technologies.

CAPS’ delivery of air and power solutions is underpinned by the financial strength of a worldleading company.

With 10 branches nationwide, CAPS’ dedicated team provides exceptional service, expert advice, support and spare parts. The company can also package its service and support

experience into CAPS Care, a suite of diagnostic and maintenance programs backed by a 24–7 maintenance and breakdown service.

CAPS’ national footprint means teams are working in the same time zones as clients and are on hand to support customers through the entire process, from understanding their requirements, offering suggestions and providing advice, to ultimately delivering the solutions they need.

Combining quality products with proven reliability, CAPS delivers global solutions suited to Australian conditions and backed by local service. AM

CONTAINERISED AND ACOUSTIC ENCLOSURES

ENSURE THE MITSUBISHI DIESEL GENERATOR IS PERFECTLY MATCHED TO CLIENTS’ OPERATING REQUIREMENTS.

THE MITSUBISHI DIESEL ENGINE IS FITTED WITH SEVERAL STANDARD FEATURES TO ENSURE DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY IN TOUGH ENVIRONMENTS.

NOW ENHANCED WITH AI, KAL TIRE’S TOMS PREDICTS WHEN TYRE WORK WILL BE REQUIRED.

A TYRE TECH REVOLUTION

KAL TIRE’S TOMS PLATFORM HAS HELPED AN AUSTRALIAN COAL MINE ACHIEVE A

In the push to optimise every element of mine site performance, some of the most transformative innovations are emerging from the most overlooked corners of operations.

Tyre management, long seen as a reactive, manual, and often fragmented process, is undergoing a quiet revolution. And it’s not just about keeping trucks rolling.

For Kal Tire, one of the largest tyre service providers in the mining industry, it’s about embedding every tyre into a smarter, safer, and more efficient system.

In coal mining, where haul truck availability can make or break production schedules, unplanned downtime from tyre damage or missed maintenance is costly. But it’s also avoidable.

“By using AI in our tyre management system, Kal Tire helps sites plan more effectively, prioritising work based on safety and the impact to downtime,” Kal Tire Mining Tire Group general manager – Australia, Wes Woodroffe, said.

“The system predicts downtime events before they happen and gives planners

actionable insights without manual analysis. It’s all about smarter decisions, better scheduling and safer execution of all tyre related tasks.”

Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous inspections, and integrated data platforms, Kal Tire is showing Australian sites how to move from firefighting to foresight.

Kal Tire Mining Tire Group director of business insights Mark Goode said the company is transforming tyre maintenance through digital innovation. The goal: fewer breakdowns, longer tyre life and ultimately, a more efficient mine.

“On an average site, a supervisor is managing around 400 tyres, while at some of the larger operations, that number surpasses 2000,” Goode said.

“There’s a complex matrix of managing damage identified during inspections, rotation schedules, rim work, and end-of-life planning. Historically, this has been managed with whiteboards or spreadsheets.”

This manual approach can lead to missed opportunities for maintenance, especially on rear tyres.

TIRE MANAGEMENT IS UNDERGOING A REVOLUTION.

Over time, this results in unbalanced wear, accelerated damage, and expensive downtime. Kal Tire saw an opportunity to overhaul this process not just by digitising it, but by making it intelligent.

At the centre of its solution is TOMS, the company’s Tire and Operations Management System.

Now enhanced with AI, TOMS predicts when tyre work will be required, whether that’s a rotation, a repair, or a replacement, and then plans that work to reduce machine downtime.

“AI takes inspection data, wear patterns, fleet type, and known maintenance windows into account,” Goode said. “It then generates an optimised plan that aggregates tyre work to maintain sufficient spare tyre inventory. It’s like having an expert planner on-call 24–7.”

The impact of this system has already been demonstrated at multiple test sites. In one Australian coal operation trialling the AI-enabled platform, Kal Tire reported a 38 per

IMAGES: KAL TIRE

cent reduction in tyre-related downtime, more than triple the global average improvement of 11 per cent seen across nine trial sites.

“The standout factor was collaboration,” Goode said. “That site really committed to incorporating tyre work into their maintenance program.

“The AI only gets more effective when it’s working in sync with broader operations.”

But predictive planning is just one part of the puzzle. To deliver real-time data into the system, KalPRO TireSight, developed in partnership with Australian company Pitcrew AI, can carry out autonomous inspections.

Thermal imaging cameras installed at site checkpoints scan haul trucks for tread separation, heat anomalies, and signs of internal damage that could otherwise go unnoticed.

“Human inspections are still valuable, but they are inspecting static equipment,” Goode said. “Cameras give us objective data, scanning operational trucks with no downtime or manual input.”

This data is paired with inputs from tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), offering a comprehensive profile of tyre health.

Together with human inspectors, this triangulated approach ensures no early signs of failure are missed.

These integrated technologies are reshaping tyre maintenance into a

SUPPLYING HIGH PERFORMANCE

PARTS FOR:

discipline of prevention rather than reaction. And yet, Goode said, the success of the system depends just as much on people as it does on platforms.

“We built the AI to be transparent,” he said. “Supervisors can see why a task is being recommended, what data supports it, and when it needs to be done. That level of visibility builds trust, and that trust drives adoption.”

Importantly, the technology isn’t about replacing experience on the

ground, but rather amplifies it, giving teams the tools to manage thousands of tyres with the same precision and foresight as a dedicated expert.

Looking ahead, Kal Tire is working to expand its AI capabilities to include tire retread and rim forecasting as the company integrates more deeply with mine planning systems.

“As AI continues to reshape the broader mining industry, its integration

into tyre management is helping clients move from reactive maintenance to strategic planning,” Woodroffe said.

“With smarter prioritisation, predictive insights and safer execution, sites can reduce downtime, extend tyre life and make data-driven decisions that improve performance across their business.”

In an industry where efficiency and safety are non-negotiables, Kal Tire is showing that tyres can be a source of both. AM

MINERAL PROCESSING HEAVY ENGINEERING DRAGLINES PUMPS RAIL

KALPRO TIRESIGHT CAN CARRY OUT AUTONOMOUS INSPECTIONS.

A PIONEER IN MATERIAL SEPARATION

MANY

MINING COMPANIES ARE BEING BOGGED DOWN BY UNRELIABLE MINERAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT. ENTER ERIEZ.

Akey challenge Australian mining operations face is how to process high volumes while keeping costs low.

Eriez is helping mining companies address operating concerns with advanced magnetic separation, metal detection, vibratory conveying, and flotation solutions that protect downstream equipment and improve product quality and recovery rates.

According to Eriez regional business development manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania Omkar Bokil, alongside demand for optimised materials separation, miners also face contamination issues such as dust, spillage and blockages.

“Our equipment is designed to minimise these problems and provide cleaner, more controlled material flow,” Bokil told Australian Mining. “And, of course, safety is a top priority.”

History of innovation

Eriez is not a company content to roll out the same solutions year after year. It has a globally respected innovation culture built on more than 80 years of research and development (R&D), and a desire to push the product envelope.

Established in 1942, Eriez was started in Erie, Pennsylvania by O.F. Merwin, a travelling grain milling equipment salesman who repeatedly heard from his customers about the same issue: ferrous contamination in their processes.

Merwin developed the first permanent magnetic plate separator prototype in the basement of his Erie home to enable grain millers to overcome ferrous challenges. It was a classic tale of applying curiosity to a practical problem and coming up with an ingenious solution.

These days, Eriez is a global leader in separation technologies, with 12 whollyowned subsidiaries around the world

and more than a thousand employees, including factory-trained sales engineers. Its innovation culture was recognised last year by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME), when Eriez was selected to receive the 2024 Robert E. Murray Innovation Award.

The award commended Eriez “for its development of cutting-edge technology that addresses century-old challenges in flotation”, enabling the mining industry “to align best practices in separation science with modern-day sustainability requirements”.

Key trends

Bokil said innovation is a value shared globally across the company.

“We always look for better solutions and strive to maintain strong relationships with our customers after installation,” he said.

“Through site audits and feedback, we identify pain points and pass them on to our R&D department in Pennsylvania. This helps us develop innovations that reduce energy consumption, minimise dust and improve safety.

“We recently launched a highcapacity vibratory feeder that doubles processing rates while reducing dust. We have also redesigned the coils in our tramp removal magnets using anodised aluminium strip, which consumes significantly less power while improving performance.”

Bokil said there are four key trends currently driving demand for Eriez products and services among Australian mining operators: sustainability, digitalisation, safety, and integrated partnership models.

“The industry’s focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, digitalisation, and safety aligns closely

with our innovations,” he said. “We see great opportunities to deepen relationships and help shape mineral processing in Australia through these shared values.”

Bokil said flagship Eriez products such as HydroFloat and StackCell are gaining traction because they deliver higher recoveries with a smaller environmental impact.

“Clients are under pressure to reduce environmental footprints,” he said.

“They want energy-efficient equipment, reduced water usage and lower emissions.”

Digitalisation is no longer a buzzword, he said, with mining companies wanting smarter, connected equipment that provides real-time performance data for predictive maintenance and better process control.

“By integrating digital features into our mechanical products, we provide valuable feedback to customer control systems,” Bokil said. “Combined with regular site visits and audits, this builds long-term relationships and ensures products deliver expected recoveries.

“Our tramp magnets come with PLC (programmable logic controller) programming, for example, and our metal detectors are digital and integrate with control systems.”

Safety is also top of mind for Eriez throughout its product design, from conceptualisation through to installation.

Another emerging factor is a focus on collaborative approaches to integrated solutions that can grow and adapt to the changing circumstances and demands of operators.

“Clients increasingly demand longterm relationships with suppliers who provide lifecycle support and performance optimisation,” Bokil said. “By combining global innovation with local expertise, we are positioning ourselves for a new paradigm where service is king.”

Having been established in Australia since the 1960s, Eriez has continued to invest heavily in its local capabilities.

“Our Melbourne test lab and engineering support, along with offices in Perth and service teams nationwide, ensure close collaboration with customers,” Bokil said.

With its project pipeline looking strong, Bokil said Eriez is committed to working closely with Australian mining clients to process and separate materials more efficiently and safely.

THE ERIEZ SUSPENDED ELECTROMAGNET PROVIDES TRAMP METAL COLLECTION

ERIEZ FEEDERS MOVE HIGH VOLUMES OF BULK MATERIALS RELIABLY AND ECONOMICALLY.

NOT JUST ANOTHER PORT EXPANSION

WITH EXPANSION WELL UNDERWAY, THE PLANNED CHANGES AT LUMSDEN PORT ARE SET TO TRANSFORM WA’S EXPORT OF LITHIUM AND COPPER.

Expansion of Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland has promised to bring a multitude of benefits to Western Australia’s mining industry by facilitating the export of battery metals such as lithium and copper concentrates. It’s being described as “not just another port expansion”.

“This development will establish the Pilbara as a driving force in the clean energy transition, unlocking new trade pathways and creating jobs that will directly benefit our communities’, a Pilbara Ports spokesperson told Australian Mining

The growing capacity supports Federal Government initiatives including the Critical Minerals Strategy, putting Australia at the front of increasing global critical minerals demand.

“Lumsden Point will unlock significant economic opportunities for the Pilbara, including in battery metals exports and renewable energy,” Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said.

“We’re already seeing jobs created during construction and a range of businesses signing on as customers, demonstrating the benefits of this project for the region.”

The $565 million investment –bringing together national and local governments, as well as strategic partners including the likes of BHP, Fortescue and Roy Hill – aims to be the starting point for diversifying WA’s trading status as the world moves to renewable energy sources.

Being strategically connected to the Great Northern Highway and described as crucial in increasing the capacity at the Port of Port Hedland, the project promises to play a vital role in supporting projected trade growth as well as establishing new export pathways.

Beyond mining, the port offers other strategic benefits that will accelerate Australia’s adoption of renewable energy through greater importation capacity of things like wind turbines and blades.

“By handling both the raw materials and the technology driving global decarbonisation, Lumsden Point will anchor the Pilbara’s role in the clean energy supply chain”, the Pilbara Ports spokesperson said.

Whilst construction has been progressing quickly, with dredging and seawalls now complete, work still needs to be done to get the wharves completed, which is expected to happen in late-2026.

A video mock-up of the completed port boasts general cargo and mineral

export berths, a wharf laydown area, large causeway, and a biosecurity washdown area.

Roads and intersection upgrades on the Great Northern Highway began in August 2024 and are set to be completed later this year to improve accessibility, with state-of-the-art mobile harbour cranes set to be fully assembled at

Lumsden Point in the middle of next year.

“With another year of record-breaking throughput at the Port of Port Hedland, the Lumsden Point development aims to alleviate increasing congestion and constraints on existing general cargo infrastructure and facilitate forecast trade growth in the Pilbara,” the spokesperson said. AM

THE $565 MILLION INVESTMENT AIMS TO BE THE STARTING POINT FOR DIVERSIFYING WA’S TRADING STATUS.

THE PROJECT PROMISES TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING PROJECTED TRADE GROWTH.

From 500kg to 5tonnes, BOB isn’t just a carrier—it’s a remote-controlled, all-terrain multi-function platform.

Designed to carry heavy objects in confined spaces or over rough terrain, BOB can also be fitted with smart attachments to handle cleaning tasks like pushing debris from under conveyors or hosing down the underside of fixed plant. Powered to control a wide range of smart tools, it transforms complex jobs into safe, e cient operations—anywhere, anytime.

RESEARCHERS LIKENED FINDING MATCHES FOR SPECIFIC MINERALS TO FITTING LIKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF MINERAL RECOVERY

A NEW INNOVATION COULD MARK A TURNING POINT IN THE QUEST FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE AND SELECTIVE MINERAL EXTRACTION PROCESSES.

In what is being described as a potential breakthrough that could reshape the landscape of Australia’s mining sector, scientists at the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling EcoEfficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals) recently unveiled a biotechnology-driven method to recover critical and rare earth minerals.

Drawing inspiration from targeted cancer therapies, this innovation could mark a turning point in the quest for more sustainable and selective mineral extraction processes.

At the centre of this achievement is Professor Chun-Xia Zhao from the University of Adelaide’s school of chemical engineering. Zhao and her team have developed a technique that uses specially designed peptide molecules to bind to specific minerals with extraordinary accuracy.

“We knew nature contained molecules with selective binding properties,” she said.

“By harnessing these properties, we were able to find precise peptide matches for specific minerals, each one fitting like a jigsaw puzzle.”

The approach represents a departure from conventional mineral separation methods. Mineral processing

traditionally involves multiple stages of physical and chemical separation. These processes are often energyintensive, rely on solvents, and generate considerable waste.

According to data from the Federal Government, the minerals sector is responsible for more than 10 per cent of Australia’s total industrial energy use.

Technologies that reduce complexity and environmental impact are seen as essential to achieving future sustainability goals.

Zhao’s team first applied the biotechnology technique to silver.

Using peptides, they were able to separate silver particles from silica, a common waste by-product, with 98 per cent purity rate. Perhaps more significantly, the entire separation process required only a single stage and no toxic chemicals.

The peptides are also recyclable, making the approach not only more efficient but also less environmentally harmful.

The implications for rare earth elements are equally promising.

These minerals, essential for producing advanced electronics, renewable energy technologies and defence systems, are difficult to extract

in an eco-efficient manner. Concerns about supply chain stability have also recently intensified due to geopolitical shifts and rising demand.

“Current mineral separation processes can require hundreds of stages,” Zhao said. “This is not only inefficient and costly but involves toxic solvents that harm the environment.

BY HARNESSING THESE PROPERTIES, WE WERE ABLE TO FIND PRECISE PEPTIDE MATCHES FOR SPECIFIC MINERALS, EACH ONE FITTING LIKE A JIGSAW PUZZLE.”

“In contrast, the Centre’s new biomolecule approach offers selective and recyclable peptides as a singlestage process, reducing both complexity and waste.”

What is biotechnology?

In the context of mining, biotechnology refers to the use of biological processes

and organisms in mineral extraction and processing. This can include the use of bacteria, enzymes or biomolecules like peptides to leach, bind or transform minerals in a way that is more selective and environmentally friendly.

In the case of COEMinerals, the innovation lies in the use of peptides –short chains of amino acids – that can be engineered to seek out and attach to specific mineral surfaces, and in some cases alter the surface chemistry to make separation easier. This mimics certain cancer-treatment techniques, where biomolecules are used to target and bind with specific cells in the body. In mining, the target is a valuable mineral embedded in rock or waste material.

The peptides used by Zhao and her team can differentiate between closely associated materials. This precision makes it possible to recover minerals that were previously uneconomical to extract or too environmentally damaging to pursue. Importantly, peptides are biodegradable and can be reused, adding to the sustainability credentials of the process.

The Federal Government has placed increasing emphasis on critical minerals, identifying them as essential to economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

According to the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Australia holds significant reserves of rare earths and critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and tungsten. The challenge has always been how to extract these resources responsibly.

COEMinerals, a research initiative supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC), aims to address exactly this issue.

“This achievement shows how government support for research can lead to real-world outcomes that boost innovation, improve productivity and benefit Australia in the long run,” ARC chief executive officer (CEO) Professor Ute Roessner said.

To move the discovery from lab to market, the ARC team has partnered with Theia Metals, which holds the licence to commercialise the technology.

Theia Metals CEO Russell Howard described the partnership as the beginning of a new chapter.

“Partnership and licensing to Theia Metals begins the process of investor and corporate mining partner-led development of this technology to the marketplace,” he said.

Mining remains a cornerstone of the Australian economy, contributing more than $400 billion annually, with critical minerals forming a growing part of that puzzle.

Environmental pressures and economic shifts are forcing the sector to innovate, and biotechnology offers a potential path forward that meets the demands of profit and planet. This innovation aligns with other efforts across Australia to embrace more sustainable mining practices. The Federal Government committed $500 million to critical minerals initiatives in

2023, including funding for research, development, and infrastructure. COEMinerals’ success showcases the kind of innovation this funding aims to stimulate.

As demand for clean energy, hightech devices and electric vehicles continues to surge, the need for efficient and sustainable mineral recovery will only grow. The fusion

of biotechnology with mining offers a compelling vision for the future, one in which science, sustainability and industry progress together.

The discovery by Zhao and her team may represent a blueprint for one of the ways in which mining can evolve, taking a step toward redefining how value can be extracted from the earth, while protecting it at the same time. AM

A NEW WEAR MANAGEMENT FRONTIER

HENKEL IS HELPING MINERS SHIFT FROM COSTLY BREAKDOWNS TO IMPROVED OPERATIONS WITH ADVANCED WEAR PROTECTION AND TRAINING.

Unplanned downtime can be one of the industry’s most expensive inconveniences.

For major miners in Western Australia, it is estimated that interruptions can cost as much as $US650,000 per hour, with maintenance accounting for up to half of total operating costs. For operations under pressure to deliver more with less, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants and coatings, is working with miners worldwide to shift the balance from reactive to proactive maintenance, as Henkel APAC application engineering lead Zhonghua Zhang attests.

“Urgent repair – otherwise known as breakdown maintenance – is costly in terms of labour materials and production loss, and bad for production planning,” he said.

“Money piles up every second, minute and hour of an unplanned shutdown. That’s when a fast-curing product becomes critical.”

and strategy of wear management is helping mine operators extend equipment life, reduce maintenance cycles, and keep crews safer on site.

Trouble spots and tailored solutions

From slurry pumps and cyclones to semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mills and screen membranes, wear is a constant across the mining value chain. The challenge is not whether equipment will wear, but how operators can manage it effectively.

Henkel’s LOCTITE product range offers versatile solutions designed to address specific wear scenarios.

Products include the LOCTITE PC 9593 fast cure wearing compound, which protects SAG mill shells against repeated impact damage. In one Chinese iron ore mine, the product enabled immediate liner installation after just 20 minutes, saving 10 hours of downtime – worth over $US29,000 in additional profit.

Henkel’s LOCTITE PC 9313 high impact wearing compound paired with a coat of the LOCTITE PC 7227 brushable ceramic helped a New South Wales mine extend the service life of its screen membrane from three weeks

$US24,000 in downtime and maintenance costs.

Proactive wear management holds the key to significant savings and a better performing mine.

“A wear protection solution that helps us get as close as possible to eliminating unplanned downtime is an obvious and highly valuable choice, especially when you consider how cost-effective it is compared to the high cost of inaction,” an asset performance manager at a Tier 1 mining company said.

Proving ROI

Mining companies are under constant pressure to justify investments, and Henkel’s approach is rooted in measurable outcomes.

Establishing a baseline is the first step; understanding how long components last without intervention. From there, documented trial reports provide comparative data on reduced downtime, longer maintenance cycles, and cost savings.

This solution improved safety, cut downtime and eliminated unnecessary capital expenditure.

Such data makes the return on investment (ROI) argument clear. For instance, extending pipe bend life by 60 days through the application of the LOCTITE PC 7332 silicone carbide wearing compound can translate into millions in avoided costs across large mining operations.

Application, training, and culture

Henkel stresses that breakthrough results rarely come from products alone – they come from a holistic approach. Correct product selection and application are critical, but so too are training, culture and partnerships.

Improper application – whether through rushed curing, poor mixing, or inadequate surface preparation – can cut equipment life short and erase the benefits of even the best products.

“Taking a little extra time to ensure proper application leads to significant long-term gains, saving both time and money,” a Rio Tinto asset management manager said.

To close knowledge gaps, Henkel runs surface engineering workshops (SEW) with its clients, combining theory with hands-on training. These

sessions help engineers and site teams understand not only the “how” but also the “why” of wear protection, educating that a few more hours of curing time, for example, can lead to months of extended equipment life.

Each workshop runs from 90 minutes to two hours, giving participants practical experience with dummy plates,

mixing techniques, and application dos and don’ts. By simulating real site conditions, the SEW program helps to reduce mistakes under pressure, and empowers crews to make better maintenance decisions on the ground.

For Henkel, wear management isn’t just about providing materials and solutions; it’s about creating a proactive

maintenance culture. This means empowering site teams, embedding training and forging stronger supplier–operator partnerships. It also means building trust through proven results, documented trials, and a focus on longterm value rather than short-term fixes. By combining innovative LOCTITE solutions with practical training backed

by local application engineers, Henkel is helping miners extend equipment life, reduce downtime, and set new standards for operational resilience.

As the industry continues to face labour shortages, ageing assets and rising costs, these strategies offer a path towards safer, smarter and more sustainable mining operations. AM

HENKEL

‘REDEFINING’ THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINING AND TECHNOLOGY

CATERPILLAR’S POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF MINING SOFTWARE COMPANY RPMGLOBAL COULD BE TRANSFORMATIVE FOR THE AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES SECTOR.

Questions surrounding technology, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) are already being asked in boardrooms across Australia and around the world, but a recent potential acquisition might have brought the future a lot closer than expected.

News surfaced in September that Caterpillar, the world’s largest manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, was in discussions for a potential $1.1 billion acquisition of mining software company RPMGlobal.

Veritas Securities Limited research analyst Max Moore described the move as “of the highest quality”.

“Getting acquired by the biggest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the world says a lot about the quality of the business,” Moore said in the Australian Financial Review

Caterpillar’s play came after Micromine, another mining software company, was acquired by Weir Group in March.

That move, Lilford said, points towards something of a digital revolution in the mining industry, with competitors of Caterpillar likely taking note.

“It underscores a broader shift toward deep integration of software into equipment and operations, pushing the industry into a more intelligent, automated, and data-driven future,” Lilford said.

“The acquisition (of Micromine) highlights a decisive shift: technology is now core to mining’s future, not just a supporting function. Companies that act now to digitise, integrate and adapt will be best positioned to lead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

“This development carries key implications for industry stakeholders,

from OEMs to operators, technology vendors and service providers.”

Lilford believes digital integration is no longer optional, but rather a fundamental driver.

A structured process

At the time of writing in early September, RPMGlobal said it was running a “structured process” to determine the best buyer after receiving inbound interest from “global strategic buyers and financial sponsors” that increased after the company divested its advisory division in early April.

“Throughout the process, RPM undertook a period of engagement and preliminary due diligence with interested parties, including Caterpillar,” RPMGlobal said.

“As part of the preliminary due diligence process, RPM provided parties access to a range of materials on the business, including management’s

guidance for FY26 released to the market on August 26.”

Caterpillar’s potential acquisition of RPMGlobal values the latter at $1.123 billion, with $5 per share representing a 32.6 per cent premium to RPM’s last closing price of $3.77 per share on August 28. AM ERIC LILFORD IS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT CURTIN UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF MINERALS, ENERGY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING.

CATERPILLAR’S POTENTIAL ACQUISITION OF RPMGLOBAL VALUES THE LATTER AT $1.123 BILLION.

TURN WEAR PROTECTION INTO UPTIME PROTECTION

Read the whitepaper to learn how wear protection technology can maximise equipment uptime.

Scan QR code to read the whitepaper

RELIABILITY UNDER PRESSURE

In mining, the clock never stops. Crews need to reach the site on time, machinery cannot sit idle, and production targets hang on every shift starting when it should.

Yet one of the smallest line items in the budget – the workforce bus – can trigger the biggest delays. A bus that fails isn’t just a mechanical problem, it strands crews, idles equipment worth millions, and erodes safety and compliance.

Operators know the challenges: endless corrugated roads that rattle vehicles to pieces, extreme heat that tests cooling systems and interiors, and long distances that quickly expose weaknesses. Add in tightening safety regulations and environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments, and transport becomes a frontline issue. Reliability now underpins productivity, reputation, and compliance with the sector’s most pressing obligations.

That pressure has pushed many of Australia’s biggest mining operators to re-evaluate their fleets. The answer has increasingly been Yutong buses supplied by VDI Australia. Their role isn’t simply to move workers, but to deliver uptime, safety, and lifecycle

value in some of the harshest operating environments in the world.

Models like the Yutong D7 and C12 are now mainstays on the daily runs between camps and mine sites, moving workforces reliably to and from shifts. They are powered by Cummins engines and Allison transmissions familiar to Australian mechanics, while sharing parts commonality and extended service intervals, reducing unplanned downtime.

“We build and support our buses to be robust enough to operate in the same environments as heavy mining equipment,” VDI national sales manager Sara Clark said.

Safety is also embedded, not bolted on. Advanced driver assistance, 360° vision systems, automatic braking, fatigue monitoring, and integrated fire suppression are baseline requirements allowing crews to arrive shift-ready and not fatigued.

Efficiency is the final part of the equation. Buses like the C12 – and its electric variant, the C12E – squeeze more out of every kilometre. By reducing cost per passenger, they improve fleet economics while sustaining comfort and reliability.

No operator can ignore the ESG spotlight. Yutong and VDI provide clear pathways: Euro 6 diesel means every new bus delivered already meets ADR80/04 standards, cutting emissions without sacrificing reliability. And battery-electric options such as the D7E and C12E are now being deployed on Australian sites, offering extended ranges, lower running costs, and even stronger benefits where solar and renewables are in place.

Yutong has delivered more than 196,000 new energy buses globally, saving 28.5m tonnes of CO2 – scale that reassures local operators.

Durability has long been a differentiator. Yutong is the world’s largest bus manufacturer, with fleets clocking tens of millions of kilometres across extreme conditions, with chassis, suspension and body structures quality-controlled to a micron level to withstand daily punishment. This global track record is reflected on Australian operations where buses endure the same punishing roads.

Support is the final link. VDI has built trust by backing buses with a nationwide service network of more

than 50 locations, supported by local technical teams and Yutong factorytrained specialists.

On one mining contract, a VDI engineer was on-site within 24 hours to resolve an issue, turning potential downtime into a non-event. That responsiveness, combined with throughlife partnership on training, parts and servicing, means support is not an addon but part of the value equation.

The unforgiving nature of mining means equipment not built for the task likely fails fast, and the costs escalate even faster. Procurement teams are now looking beyond sticker price, weighing uptime, safety and sustainability credentials. Across the Pilbara, the Bowen Basin, and beyond, Yutong buses have proven themselves as enablers of productivity, guardians of safety, and contributors to ESG goals.

The bottom line: in mining, the cost of failure far outweighs any upfront saving. Choosing unproven or ill-suited options exposes operations to downtime, safety risks and reputational damage.

Proven solutions like Yutong, backed by VDI, keep crews moving and shifts on schedule. AM

YUTONG BUSES ARE IN OPERATION ACROSS THE PILBARA, THE BOWEN BASIN, AND BEYOND.

Next Generation Rail Haulage

Transforming Rail Haulage with New Rolling Stock

Martinus is transforming rail haulage with a full-scale develop, build, own, operate and maintain model. Our new rolling stock boosts operational efficiency, delivering more tonnes reliably while incorporating the latest environmentally-friendly technologies. Additionally, through our partnership with InfraPay, we offer a unique Infrastructure Financing, Construction & Ownership Platform (FBoot Model) that converts capex to opex, releasing capital and enabling build-now-pay-later solutions.

THE FUTURE OF ROCKBREAKING

SELECTING THE RIGHT ROCKBREAKER BOOM SYSTEM IS A PIVOTAL DECISION THAT CAN IMPACT A MINE’S EFFICIENCY, LONGEVITY AND SAFETY.

Safety is a primary objective for all modern mines, but can be a balancing act, with operators also keen to maximise efficiency and machine longevity at their sites.

With over two decades’ experience and industry-leading innovations, Total Rockbreaking Solutions (TRS) has provided solutions that stand up in some of Australia’s harshest mining operations.

In selecting the right equipment, operators must carefully consider a range of factors which can impact cost, reliability, safety and efficiency.

Luckily, TRS has you covered for the entire product lifecycle – offering support from the initial selection through to maintenance and installation, including a range of options to suit a wide variety of applications and duties.

Boom size is important; too small could lead to longer working hours and increased maintenance costs, but too big could drive capital costs up unnecessarily.

The solution? Systems that can be tailored to specific applications addressing rock hardness, size and expected duty while being customised for even the toughest of jobs. TRS can provide different boom layouts for jaw crusher, gyratory crusher and static grizzly applications.

The HMD series, for example, is designed for shorter reach and hardworking mining duties, with the HD series designed for demanding and largescale tasks, and the XD series offering extreme-duty applications – there’s a solution for every project.

All TRS booms are created with safety at the fore, with advanced features to enhance operational experience, including energy-absorbing mechanical slew stops, safety-rated slew limit sensors to limit over-rotation, and industryleading BoomSafe Smart Limits to prevent collisions.

TRS BoomSafe technology, the first of its kind in the Australian market, offers automated movement sequences, collision prevention and remote operation connectivity so multiple rockbreakers can be operated from a single workstation anywhere in the world.

Single touch ‘deploy’ and ‘park’ commands ensure routine movements

BOOMSAFE TECHNOLOGY IS DESCRIBED AS “A NEW BENCHMARK IN OPERATIONAL VISIBILITY”.

surrounding infrastructure.

Underlining all efficiency-gains is safety. With intuitive touchscreen configurations built into the TRS BoomSafe technology, rockbreakers can be commanded from anywhere on-site, offering peace of mind to operators.

This is emphasised by the new ‘onboard’ camera, described as “setting a new benchmark in operator visibility”. The camera delivers vision of the hydraulic hammer in real-time, allowing

tool, which is essential in ensuring safety

BoomSafe’s operator assist function allows for automatic adjustments and corrections to account for human error –by altering human-operated movements.

All of this is powered with TRS’ premium hydraulic power units (HPU) – a fully enclosed system specifically designed and manufactured for “arduous Australian mine site applications”.

TRS’ technology will be on show at the International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) in

Sydney in October – where delegates will be able to operate a boom system located in Kewdale, Perth, from the comfort of the exhibition centre.

IMARC brings together the most influential people in the mining industry to deliver ideas and inspiration. The program features six concurrent conferences covering the entire mining chain, with panel discussions and keynote presentations.

The event will provide the perfect platform for TRS’ pioneering technology, with the company exhibiting at stand G31. AM

TRS OFFERS A RANGE OF DIFFERENT BOOM SIZES FOR INDIVIDUAL JOBS.

TRS WILL SHOWCASE ITS SOLUTIONS AT IMARC 2025.

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IWC AUSTRALASIA REBRANDS TO NEXT COOLING

Earlier this year, Industrial Water Cooling (IWC) South Africa and its affiliate, IWC Australasia, formally joined forces under the NEXT Cooling Group. The merger has strengthened the group’s commitment to delivering advanced industrial cooling solutions across power generation, mining and minerals processing, and general industries.

NEXT Cooling South Africa and Australasia managing director Roger Rusch said the strong reputation IWC Australasia has built within the Australian mining industry will remain unchanged.

“The real difference is that it makes us a bigger player in the broader energy space, not just mining and industrial,” Rusch told Australian Mining Rusch said it will be “business as usual” for mining customers, who can expect the same reliable service and technical excellence, now supported by the added capabilities of NEXT Cooling and access to the wider resources of the Nooter/Eriksen group.

A recent example of NEXT Cooling’s expertise involved the design, supply,

and installation of a complete cooling package tailored for an underground mine site, comprising a three-cell condenser cooling tower, two two-cell pre-cooling towers, and a bulk air cooler.

Integrated into the mine’s central chiller plant, the system delivers efficient cooling and air circulation to underground levels, engineered for high thermal efficiency, energy performance, and durability in a moisture-heavy environment.

More than a ventilation upgrade, the project supports a long-term plan to transform underground operations. The new shaft helps to reduce travel times and streamlines logistics, while the IWC cooling system allows safer, more comfortable conditions as the mine expands.

The combined capabilities of the group enhance its competitiveness and market reach, enabling the delivery of world-class cooling technologies, including field-erected cooling towers, bulk air coolers, and slurry and solution cooling towers.

“It also brings additional products like air-cooled condensers, and through our ownership line with Nooter/Eriksen, we gain the ability to provide heat recovery

steam generators in combined cycle power plants,” Rusch said.

The global resources and expertise of Nooter/Eriksen, according to Rusch, gives NEXT Cooling a significant advantage in supply chain economies.

“That’s a big win for us,” he said.

“It strengthens our sourcing and supply chain by giving us access to economies of scale, where we can

leverage better pricing. Hopefully, we can pass those savings onto customers and be even more competitive.”

As part of NEXT Cooling’s commitment to the Australian market, Rusch said the company is looking to expand its aftermarket service.

“In Australia, this side of the business has been fairly low key until now,” he said.

“Our main growth area will be servicing, replacements, spare parts and renovations for cooling towers and bulk air coolers.

“We’ve already employed David Evans, our business development manager for Queensland and the east coast, who is actively engaging with customers and building this aftermarket business.”

The company said the refreshed identity of NEXT Cooling represents a commitment to transformation, impact and leadership within the cooling solutions space.

The new brand embodies stability – reflecting deep-rooted expertise, reliability, and industry leadership – and innovation, symbolising forward-thinking solutions, technical excellence, and the ability to challenge the status quo.

As part of the rebrand and its affiliation with Nooter/Eriksen, NEXT Cooling is establishing itself as a disruptor within the cooling solutions space – one that not only competes but reshapes the industry with forwardthinking solutions and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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LUBRICATION REVOLUTION

TOTALENERGIES’ INNOVATIVE LUBRICATION SOLUTIONS ARE TRANSFORMING MINING OPERATIONS WITH MEASURABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERFORMANCE BENEFITS.

The Australian mining sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. While the local industry is still a global powerhouse, mounting pressures around sustainability and environmental impacts are bearing down.

Mining companies are responding to market demands for cleaner extraction methods through technological innovation and strategic partnerships. However, significant challenges persist, including volatile commodity prices, skills shortages and heightened community expectations around sustainability and transparency.

In this evolving landscape, integrated energy producer TotalEnergies has

emerged as a willing innovation partner, investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to deliver solutions that address the complex pressures the mining industry is facing in Australia.

A holistic approach

TotalEnergies has carved out a distinct position in the Australian mining sector through its comprehensive, partnership-focused approach to lubrication solutions.

Rather than simply supplying standard products, the company leverages its global expertise and commitment to sustainability to deliver integrated services tailored to each mining project’s unique operational demands.

TOTALENERGIES’ RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT LOOKS TO SOLVE THE AUSTRALIAN MINING SECTOR’S MOST PRESSING OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES.

TotalEnergies national mining and industrial lubricants manager Andrew Druwitt said its methodology begins with detailed asset analysis.

“We identify every piece of equipment requiring lubrication across a mine site, and ensure optimal product selection aligned with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) specifications,” he told Australian Mining.

“This extends to understanding clients’ long-term fleet management strategies, helping reduce equipment wear and extend asset lifecycles.”

Setting TotalEnergies even further apart is its collaborative model between local Australian expertise and international innovation capabilities.

Information gathered from local mining operations is fed directly to global research teams, enabling development of lubricants specifically engineered for Australia’s extreme temperatures and diverse mineral extraction environments.

Druwitt said this approach positions TotalEnergies as a strategic partner rather than a traditional supplier, combining advanced lubricants with technical support to optimise equipment performance, reduce emissions, and lower the total cost of equipment ownership for mining clients.

Innovation in lubrication

TotalEnergies has introduced several innovations that directly address the Australian mining sector’s most pressing operational challenges.

The company’s next-generation lubricants are specifically engineered to withstand harsh mining environments, delivering remarkable performance improvements including up to a 30 per cent reduction in engine oil usage and reduced requirements for engine services.

Digital monitoring solutions represent another key innovation, providing real-time platforms for tracking lubricant performance and machinery health. These systems use predictive analysis to help mining operations reduce costly downtime and prevent equipment failures.

Safety is another key area for TotalEnergies’ R&D focus. It has developed on-site supply solutions and risk mitigation measures, particularly around high-pressure injection risks.

Druwitt said the company had also developed a real-time dust monitoring and suppressant package that has achieved strong results.

“It contributed to a 30 per cent reduction in water usage and reduced hazardous fine dust particles that add to respiratory health risks,” he said.

Lubricants are playing a largerthan-expected role in decarbonisation efforts across the mining industry.

High-performance lubricants contribute directly to lower gas emissions by reducing friction, wear and overall energy consumption.

But, as Druwitt explained, TotalEnergies’ advanced lubricant technologies go even further.

“These lubricants work at the molecular level to truly optimise equipment performance,” he said.

“When friction is reduced within machinery components, less power is required for operation, resulting in decreased fuel consumption and emissions.”

The effect is multiplied in mining operations, where equipment operates continuously, often under extreme conditions. Even small gains in performance become game-changing when the machine is scheduled to run for 8000 hours or more in a year.

There are also lifecycle benefits on offer. By extending machinery lifespan through protection against wear and corrosion, advanced lubricants

further reduce the operation’s broader carbon footprint. Replacement equipment, and the associated transportation logistics and disposal of the original item, are all required on a much longer timeframe.

Druwitt said TotalEnergies’ R&D investments focus specifically on understanding Australian mining applications, leading to product formulations that maximise performance and environmental benefits.

“Our commitment to continuous innovation ensures that lubricant technology keeps pace with evolving equipment designs, and increasingly stringent environmental requirements,” he said.

“That positions advanced lubricants as essential tools in the mining industry’s decarbonisation journey.”

Advancing with bio-lubricants

The innovation doesn’t stop there, and Druwitt believes bio-lubricants, derived from purely renewable resources, represent the next frontier in sustainable mining operations.

“We’re expecting significant growth across the Australian mining sector for these products,” he said. “They offer compelling performance characteristics, while also addressing key environmental concerns.”

The environmental advantages of biolubricants are substantial. With renewable inputs, they are naturally biodegradable and have lower-to-zero levels of toxicity. Leaks

SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS ARE DRIVING NEW INNOVATIONS ACROSS LUBRICANTS, INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT OF RENEWABLE BIO-LUBRICANTS.

and spills thereby have no long-term impact on the environment. Still, there are some hurdles that have so far prevented widespread adoption of bio-lubricants.

Druwitt said fully-renewable products are not yet cost-competitive against traditional products, which has meant they are not yet compatible with a complete range of heavyduty mining equipment.

But the industry direction is clear, and TotalEnergies is making significant investments to overcome these barriers.

“In the coming years, we are expecting bio-lubricants to transition from exceptions to standard practice,” Druwitt said.

The Australian mining industry faces an unprecedented transformation challenge, requiring a careful balance between economic imperatives and environmental responsibilities.

TotalEnergies, through innovative lubrication technologies and an unwavering commitment to decarbonisation, provides strategic partnership capabilities essential for navigating this transition successfully.

The integration of advanced lubricants and emerging bio-lubricant technologies offers mining companies practical pathways to enhanced operational efficiency.

As regulatory frameworks evolve and community expectations intensify, these innovations will prove increasingly vital for maintaining the Australian mining sector competitiveness on the global stage. AM

Conveyor belt mistracking leads to potentially expensive problems such as material spillage, reduced life for belting and structure, and increased maintenance.

ESS Trackers will keep your conveyor belt aligned and your operation on track!

ESS BELT TRACKERS

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Force Utilisation Design

Use the force of the wandering belt against the guide rollers to position the steering roller.

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ESS QCTM

ESS belt trackers can be combined with the ESS QCTM Retractable Idler frame to allow the safe withdrawal of the idlers from either side of the conveyor.

QUEENSLAND’S ECONOMIC ANCHOR

BRAVUS IS BACKING QUEENSLAND’S RESOURCES FUTURE WITH A BOLD EXPANSION AT ITS CARMICHAEL MINE.

Bravus Mining and Resources recently announced a major capital investment to boost production at its Carmichael coal mine in central Queensland, underscoring confidence in the state’s resources sector.

The company will lift production from just over 12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 16Mtpa within four years, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the resources sector and Carmichael’s position in the global seaborne coal market.

Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe said the decision to export more coal from Carmichael will create hundreds of new jobs for Queenslanders during construction and ramp up.

“Over the last three years our Carmichael mine has safely and efficiently ramped up to more than 10Mtpa, which has boosted the Queensland economy and created thousands of jobs,” Crowe said.

“This new investment expands Carmichael’s output further, creating more opportunities for suppliers and high-paying industry roles across Clermont, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bowen, Townsville and Cairns.”

A central part of the expansion is a five-year, $2 billion mining services contract awarded to MacKellar Group.

The deal, which includes riskand-reward incentives, is designed to maximise efficiency and production while giving long-term certainty to the workforce.

Crowe said the partnership will secure Carmichael’s operations for the long term while supporting the 1000 MacKellar workers who travel from around the region to work on site.

“This decision secures the operational efficiency of Carmichael for today and sets a platform for growth in the future,” he said.

“It also gives confidence to the MacKellar workers who have been with us since first ground was broken on the mine in 2019.”

The announcement to increase production at Carmichael follows the recent awarding of a $40 million contract to two Queensland businesses to build a new heavy vehicle maintenance workshop at the mine.

CSF Steel Fabricators will fabricate and deliver more than 685 tonnes of structural steel, while Hawkins Group will construct the 5700m² facility on site.

Since the project began in 2019, Bravus has already paid in excess of $2 billion to regional contractors and suppliers.

“We’re a proud regional Queensland business and supporting local jobs, contractors and suppliers has been one of our core values from the very start,” Crowe said.

“Our regions boast world-class talent and leaning into that helps us remain globally competitive.”

The company is also bolstering its future workforce. A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CQUniversity is designed to create pathways for students and early-career professionals in engineering and mining.

Through mentoring, vacation placements, internships and graduate programs, the partnership will help students bridge the gap between study and industry, while research collaboration will explore sustainability, resource management and innovative mining practices.

“Mining offers fulfilling careers in well-paid, highly skilled jobs that make a real and positive difference to workers, their families and our communities,”

Crowe said. “This MoU opens doors for regional students and helps us build the workforce we’ll need to keep Carmichael a sustainable and competitive operation over the next 50 years.”

CQUniversity dean of engineering and technology Professor Rabin

Tuladhar believes the partnership will help to ensure students gain the skills, experience and industry connections to thrive.

“With Bravus Mining and Resources’ strong regional presence and our focus on applied, real-world learning, we’re creating a powerful pipeline of local talent that’s job-ready and committed to the sustainable future of the mining sector,” Tuladhar said.

With close to 1200 people currently employed at Carmichael, billions of dollars flowing into regional supply chains and a new wave of investment under way, Bravus is positioning the mine as a long-term anchor for Queensland’s resources economy. AM

AROUND 1200 PEOPLE ARE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AT BRAVUS’ CARMICHAEL MINE IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND.

PATHWAY TO OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

ANDRITZ’S FLEXIBLE, MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH IS HELPING TO BRING OUT THE BEST IN MINING OPERATIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND AROUND THE WORLD.

As Australia’s mining sector continues to evolve, operators are increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions that can optimise their entire processing chain.

International technology company ANDRITZ has positioned itself with a flexible, multi-level approach with options spanning simulation, installation and continuous optimisation, a strategy that’s gaining traction with mining operators around the world.

Virtual validation

The mining industry’s appetite for risk mitigation has driven significant investment in simulation technology, and ANDRITZ’s IDEAS platform has emerged as a standout solution. This technology creates virtual process environments where complex plant designs can be tested and refined before physical construction begins.

The approach offers great value for Australia’s diverse mining landscape.

IDEAS simulation technology allows engineers to model everything from comminution circuits for crushing activities to complex hydrometallurgical processes, including high-pressure acid leaching, neutralisation and countercurrent decantation systems.

Metris Digital Twin, built on the IDEAS platform, enhances these simulations with real-time plant data. This allows operators to run “what-if” scenarios, forecast performance, and apply advisory logic for better planning and faster optimisation. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered predictive models can also be embedded into these simulations, offering insights that reduce risk and support more confident decision-making at the design phase.

This pre-operational training approach has been adopted by operations around the world, including in Australia.

ANDRITZ’s operator training simulator also provides a risk-free environment for personnel development. This becomes particularly relevant for Australian operations, where labour shortages are already having an effect, and where comprehensive simulationbased training can accelerate operator competency development.

A key enabler of ANDRITZ’s digital strategy is its growing integration of AI and advanced process control.

By leveraging AI-driven analytics, reinforcement learning and selfoptimising control systems, ANDRITZ

helps operators enhance decisionmaking, streamline operations, and unlock new levels of efficiency.

Recent cases include the application of AI to automate shuttle movements at a major WA mine, and the implementation of advanced process control for semi-autonomous grinding mills to optimise efficiency in real-time.

From predictive modelling in simulation environments to autonomous control in live operations, AI plays an increasingly central role in improving outcomes across the processing chain.

Comprehensive portfolio

ANDRITZ’s range of equipment offers an ideal complement to those developed processes. The product line-up spans four key processing areas: sedimentation through various thickener configurations; centrifugation via pusher, peeler, screen bowl and screen scroll centrifuges; filtration using heavy-duty belt presses, overhead and sidebar filter presses; and drying through fluidised bed, paddle and plate dryers, among others.

Recent consolidation has further strengthened its position in key markets. An acquisition in late 2023 brought roto-flash, flash and spray drying technologies into the ANDRITZ stable.

September 2025 saw the introduction of the ANDRITZ MiningMaster filter press, specifically developed for mining applications with a particular focus on tailings treatment. This development responds to the industry’s increasing emphasis on tailings management and environmental compliance.

This breadth of equipment options allows for customised processing lines tailored to specific operational requirements. Whether handling iron ore, lithium, coal or other minerals, or their respective tailings, and with throughputs of up to 100 tonnes per hour

or more, the company can configure integrated thickening, dewatering and drying solutions from a single supplier.

The transition from basic automation to intelligent process control represents an important industry step. Metris addIQ control system (part of Metris, the ANDRITZ brand for digital solutions) forms the foundation for more sophisticated automation solutions.

The product range spans from basic automated movement through to advanced systems capable of recognising process changes and imbalances, then automatically implementing optimisation responses. Such a broad range allows operations to implement intelligence gradually, matching technological advancement with operational readiness.

Two specialised solutions serve to demonstrate the practical application of Metris addIQ technologies.

Metris addIQ RheoScan is applicable to heavy-duty belt presses used in coal and sand tailings processing. It continuously monitors and adjusts polymer dosage in real-time. Meanwhile, Metris addIQ radar feed control detects the fill level of filtering centrifuges by emitting rapid microwave pulse. This allows precise measurement of the actual fill level that is more reliable and more efficient than the mechanical equivalent.

The pinnacle of Metris addIQ technology is the ANDRTIZ intelligent filter press. This system incorporates several advanced features in one machine, including a filter cloth tracking system, a membrane leakage detector, the intelligent filter plate, hydraulic closure monitoring and automated cloth washing systems. These features reflect the shift toward predictive maintenance and autonomous operations, both of which are powered by AI algorithms embedded within the Metris platform.

For plants seeking 24–7 support and process supervision, the Metris

Performance Center enables remote diagnostics, troubleshooting and continuous performance optimisation.

For Australian mining operations, ANDRITZ’s approach addresses several key challenges. With process simulation, operators can reduce the risks associated with major capital investments, particularly relevant given the scale of projects typical in Australian mining. The comprehensive equipment portfolio provides flexibility to handle the country’s diverse mineral processing requirements, from traditional to emerging commodities.

Significantly, the optimisation options address the ongoing challenge of operational efficiency in remote locations. Intelligent systems that can self-monitor and optimise reduce the need for specialist technical personnel at remote sites while maintaining or improving performance standards.

Cybersecurity is also built into the solution architecture. Through a partnership with global cyber exposure management provider Armis, ANDRITZ integrates operational technology cybersecurity to protect mining data, assets and networks, a key consideration for digitally mature and remotely managed sites.

As the industry continues its digital transformation journey, ANDRITZ’s integrated approach provides a pathway for operations to evolve from traditional manual processes to fully autonomous systems. For Australian mining companies evaluating their technology roadmaps, this comprehensive offering presents an alternative to managing multiple vendor relationships while achieving process excellence across the entire solid–liquid separation chain.

ANDRITZ’s continued investment in emerging technologies, combined with a proven track records in established processes, positions it well to serve an evolving Australian mining sector navigating the challenges of sustainable, efficient mineral processing. AM

ANDRITZ HAS POSITIONED ITSELF WITH A FLEXIBLE, MULTI-LEVEL APPROACH.

EXPERTISE IN BULK MATERIAL HANDLING

Engineered for Maximum Performance in Dry Bulk Handling

SMARTER, SAFER MINING COUPLERS

AUSPROOF HAS HELPED SAFELY CONNECT MINING PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD.

For more than three decades, AusProof has held a deep commitment to safety, reliability and innovation.

The company has played a pivotal role in shaping the electrical infrastructure of Australia’s underground mines and heavy industry.

Since the mid-1980s, AusProof has built a legacy of engineering milestones, from pioneering an anti-tracking material that continues to underpin its designs, to launching the 11kV and 22kV phase segregated coupler systems that raised the bar for safety and performance in Australia.

The company went on to engineer the 35kV phase segregated coupler system in 2013 and later introduced its 11kV replaceable flange system, reducing maintenance times and costs for miners.

Each of these innovations reflects AusProof’s philosophy that technology should always meet the realworld needs of people working in the toughest conditions.

With headquarters in Gladstone, Queensland, AusProof remains proudly Australian-owned and operated.

electrical cable couplers for mining, tunnelling, pumping and heavy industry, with a reputation built on durability and safety.

Its product range spans flameproof and restrained couplers certified for Group I hazardous areas, high- and low-voltage systems compatible from 660V to 35kV, fibre optic couplers designed for high-performance signal transmission, and tools like the LED Live Line Indicator, which confirm live power with superior visibility. All are engineered to perform in the harshest conditions, particularly within the demanding environments of Australian mines.

AusProof’s technology has proven its worth in the field. At Callide Mine in Queensland, an AusProof 22kV coupler remained in full operational service for over 25 years.

“We have had no problems with the AusProof 22 kV coupler,” Callide mine maintenance supervisor Kevin Kington said. “It is astounding to think that it has been supplying power ... for the last 25 years or so without any failures or downtime.”

For miners, this kind of reliability is more than a benchmark; it’s an assurance of uninterrupted operations.

AusProof has also pioneered designs that continue to set new standards for

More recently, the introduction of aluminium low-voltage couplers has provided a lightweight and costeffective option without compromising compatibility or performance.

As the mining industry accelerates toward electrification, automation and digital integration, AusProof is investing in the next generation of smart coupler systems.

These will be capable of monitoring temperature, load and wear in real time, providing operators with the data they need to make proactive safety and efficiency improvements.

At the same time, the company is exploring sustainable manufacturing practices and advanced materials science to ensure its products remain durable, reliable and environmentally responsible. With a long history of Australian innovation and a future geared toward smart, sustainable technology, AusProof continues to power the progress of the nation’s mining sector.

By keeping safety, durability and efficiency at the core of its designs, the company has earned the trust of mine operators who know they can rely on AusProof where it matters most. AM

AUSPROOF WORKS TO SET NEW STANDARDS IN ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT MINE SITES.

LEADING RESOURCES BODY BACKS QME 2026

GET READY AS AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST REGIONAL MINING EVENT RETURNS IN 2026.

The Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) has received significant industry backing ahead of its return to Mackay in July 2026, with the Queensland Resources Council (QRC) confirmed as an official association partner.

As a leading voice for the state’s resources sector, QRC plays a critical role in advocating for a sustainable regulatory environment and promoting excellence in health, safety, environmental performance, diversity and industry leadership.

QRC’s support marks a milestone in QME’s evolution as a platform not only for showcasing innovation but also for shaping the future direction of the industry.

QRC chief executive officer Janette Hewson said in a statement that the event highlights the resources sector as a major direct contributor to the Mackay regional economy, with significant flow-on benefits to local supply chains supporting new and existing businesses.

“QME is now a major event on the Queensland resources calendar and, as the industry’s peak body, QRC is proud to be involved as the official association partner,” Hewson said.

“The exhibition also takes the resources sector to the wider public and shares the innovation and worldbest practices that are homegrown in Queensland.

“QRC encourages industry members to get behind this event, which is being held in the heart of one of Queensland’s powerhouse resources regions.

“I am looking forward to QRC playing a part in QME 2026, showcasing what’s best about our sector and the opportunities we have to secure a strong future for the industry as global demand continues for all of our commodities.”

Hewson will deliver a keynote address as part of the QME conference program, while QRC will also have a presence in the exhibition to engage directly with industry stakeholders.

Held in Mackay, the heart of Queensland’s mining sector, QME has long been the state’s premier mining exhibition. Now entering its fourth decade, it remains Australia’s largest regional mining event and a key meeting place for industry professionals from across the country and beyond.

Following a highly successful rebooking phase, QME 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest in the event’s history, with many major suppliers already confirmed to return, including ATOM, Brooks/

XCMG, Busch ANZ, EATON, Endress & Hauser, Flexco, Hidrive, Hitachi, Hoses24, MATO Australia, Radical Torque Solutions, Sime Darby Group, Regal Rexnord, MOTION, and WEG Industries.

QME 2026 will once again feature hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations and a comprehensive conference program tackling key topics such as workforce development, safety innovation and productivity. The event will feature hundreds of suppliers and is expected to attract thousands of visitors across the three days.

Making its return in 2026 is the freeto-attend leadership series, which will provide direct benefits across several mining functions.

The popular QME Mining Pavilion will also return, providing a dedicated space for mining companies to share insights, showcase initiatives, and connect with the broader supply chain.

Now fully integrated under the Prime Creative Media banner, the 2026 iteration of QME is clearly shaping up as the go-to destination to witness supplier innovation and the world-class capabilities of the state’s mining industry.

Prime Creative Media marketing manager – mining events Rebecca Todesco said the exhibition’s success

QME PROVIDES UNMATCHED EXPOSURE FOR COMPANIES SERVICING THE MINING INDUSTRY.

comes down to the strength and pride of the industry it represents.

“It’s where the entire sector comes together, from operators to innovators, to connect, collaborate and showcase what’s next,” Todesco said.

“There’s a certain energy when the industry gathers in one place for QME that comes from shared challenges, bold ideas, and a collective drive to lead the way forward.” AM

QME 2026 will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds from July 21–23. For more information, visit queenslandminingexpo.com.au/ getinvolved

QME 2026 IS SET TO BE THE BIGGEST AND BEST YET.

THE CONFERENCE PROGRAM PROMISES TO DELIVER AN ENGAGING DISCUSSION OF TRENDS SHAPING THE SECTOR.

LEVELLING UP FOR 2026

attendees being directly involved in decision-making processes, and 62 per cent of attendees being local to Papua New Guinea, the 2026 PNG Expo is building on last year and is shaping up to be the best yet.

Hosted at the Stanley Hotel, the event offers a vibrant hub buzzing with innovation, networking opportunities, and practical industry solutions and insights.

Bringing together all sectors of the mining, industrial and resources industries into one location, the PNG Expo helps to create a marketplace where business can be done and ideas can be shared.

A key highlight for 2026 will be a redesigned and expanded exhibition floorplan – following valuable feedback from exhibitors, partners and attendees – aimed at improving visitor flow, increasing visibility for exhibitors, and creating more interactive and engaging display areas.

This refreshed layout will support a larger number of exhibitors, enhance networking opportunities, and offer more strategic positioning options for sponsors and suppliers.

The free-to-attend conference program will be developed in collaboration with the editorial team

will be a key focus, with opportunities for face-to-face interaction designed to generate meaningful outcomes.

In addition, TriCab will return as a key networking sponsor in 2026, continuing its valued support for impactful industry initiatives.

Prime Creative Media marketing manager – mining events Rebecca Todesco said the energy across the sector is building, and PNG Expo 2026 is positioned to grow in line with this momentum.

“The launch of our 2026 event ushers in a new era for PNG Expo, one we are excited to lead,” she said. “From a redesigned floorplan to stronger content streams and bigger networking opportunities, everything we’re doing is designed to add value for both exhibitors and attendees.”

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WILL AGAIN BE A HIGHLIGHT.

It’s clear this event represents the next stage in PNG Expo’s evolution.

Whether you’ve supported the event for years or are joining for the first time, the 2026 iteration of PNG Expo is ramping up to be the best yet. AM

The PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference will be held at the Stanley Hotel from July 1–2, 2026. For more information, visit pngexpo. com/get-involved/

A REFRESHED LAYOUT IN 2026 WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR MORE EXHIBITORS.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG REGISTRATIONS OPEN

AUSTRALIAN MINING PROFILES

CONEXPO-CON/

AGG brings every major sector of the construction industry together to explore the latest equipment, innovations, and technologies.

“If you move dirt, lay pipe or build infrastructure, this is your show,” Dylan Mercier of D2 Contracting, a construction contracting company based in Brighton, Michigan, said. “Don’t waste time wondering if it’s worth it.

“At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, you’re not sitting in a conference room listening to buzzwords; you’re hands-on with machines, tech, and people who do the work.

“One trip out to Vegas could change how you bid jobs, build crews, and run your entire operation. You’ll leave with ideas and connections that will put you miles ahead.”

Following the resounding success of the 2023 event, CONEXPOCON/AGG returns to the Las Vegas Convention Centre from March 3–7, 2026, with a range of exciting new features and innovations.

Registration has now opened for the show, which takes place only once every three years.

“CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is more than a gathering; it’s the launchpad for the next era of construction,” show director Dana Wuesthoff said.

“This is where construction industry leaders, innovators and visionaries converge to rewrite what’s possible. From ground breaking technologies to lasting

CONEXPO-CON/AGG, WHICH TAKES PLACE AT THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTRE IN MARCH 2026.

partnerships, every moment at the show is designed to inspire progress, spark new ideas, and propel the construction industry forward.”

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

promises an expansive and dynamic event, with around 150 conference sessions on tech, management, safety, workforce, and more.

Special additions for this iteration of the show include the Ground Breakers keynote stage and specialised workshops tailored for key industry professionals.

Ground Breakers stage

The Ground Breakers keynote stage will spotlight the construction industry’s global reach and influence.

Featured sessions will explore a range of valuable topics for industry professionals, including construction technology and methodology advancements, public policy analysis, workforce growth solutions and overcoming labour shortages, strategies for sustainability and environmentally conscious practices, and the importance of mental health within construction professions.

Women in construction

Celebrate Women in Construction Week 2026 by joining the EmpowerHER Workshop, a two-day event designed to champion the aspirations of women throughout the industry.

The program includes networking opportunities that foster community and mentorship, panels and keynote addresses delivered by

accomplished industry voices, and sponsorships to advance women-led construction initiatives.

Small business workshop

Small businesses are the backbone of the construction industry, and this workshop is crafted to empower them to tackle their unique obstacles.

The workshop gives small business owners the chance to network and engage in meaningful conversations with industry experts about actionable strategies and resources to drive immediate business growth.

Shop talks and walks workshop

A hands-on workshop experience that provides practical solutions for the everyday operational challenges that construction industry professionals face.

This maintenance-focused workshop is designed to equip participants with hands-on solutions by offering targeted sessions on preventive maintenance and maximising equipment effectiveness, as well as educational resources to help attendees resolve reallife industry problems.

More than an industry event

“CONEXPO-CON/AGG is far more than an industry event; it’s the crucible where the future of construction is forged,” show chair and president and chief executive officer of LBX Company Eric Sauvage said.

“For exhibitors, this is a rare and invaluable opportunity to connect directly with thousands of decision-

makers, showcase state-of-the art products to an international audience and gain firsthand insight into the evolving needs of the marketplace.”

Sauvage said that with around 2000 exhibitors across 260,000m2, the show will give attendees the chance to see the world’s leading innovators unveil their latest breakthroughs.

“CONEXPO-CON/AGG is truly an unrivalled platform to demonstrate cutting-edge technology, engage with the brightest minds, and build enduring momentum for lasting success.”

Attendees who register early will enjoy discounted pricing by using the code NEWS30 until December 5, 2025. Early registrants also receive priority access to limited-capacity workshops, hands-on experiences, and exclusive education sessions that are expected to fill quickly.

CONEXPO-CON/AGG is owned in partnership with the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), and managed by the AEM, the international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors around the world. AM

CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held in Las Vegas from March 3–7, 2026. Registrations are open. For more information, visit conexpoconagg.com

8-9

waminingexpo.com.au

AUSIMM’S 2025 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES EXPLORES THE URGENCY OF ESG AND RAPID TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT IN THE MINING INDUSTRY.

As the global race to secure critical minerals intensifies, the mining industry finds itself at the centre of one of the world’s most urgent transitions.

Copper, lithium, rare earths and alumina are all essential to the technologies that will drive decarbonisation, from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage.

But the pressure to scale production is matched by equally strong expectations regarding how those resources are extracted. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance has become a defining measure of mining’s future, influencing everything from investor confidence to community trust.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) commitments are also under the spotlight, reflecting broader social demands on the sector.

At the same time, the political landscape is shifting, creating new challenges for miners navigating competing regulations, community concerns, and reputational risks.

It is against this backdrop that AusIMM will host its ESG, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement session as part of the 2025

Thought Leadership Series, available online from November 12.

Now in its eighth year, the series provides a platform for industry leaders to explore the global issues shaping the mining industry and to consider what transformation is required for long-term success.

The panel will feature ATC Williams chief technical officer Kim Morrison, who has led major ESG transformations across global mining operations.

Morrison’s work implementing sustainability frameworks and guiding innovation in waste management has positioned her as one of the industry’s most experienced voices on operationalising ESG.

Joining her is Schlam Payload director of ESG and corporate affairs Joanne Pafumi. With deep expertise in reputation management and corporate affairs, Pafumi will highlight how transparent communication and continuous stakeholder engagement are now central to sustaining social licence. Adding a technical perspective is SRK Consulting principal hydrogeologist Brian Luinstra, whose two decades of experience in groundwater supply, monitoring, and aquifer protection demonstrate the critical role of science in delivering ESG outcomes on the ground.

The panel will also investigate the growing impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on mining’s public image.

These channels are increasingly where younger generations form their opinions about climate and industry, meaning companies must rethink how they communicate to remain relevant and trusted.

Another event in the Thought Leadership Series is the Technological Innovation and the Future of Mining, to be released online on November 26.

This session will examine whether mining is investing enough in research and development, how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping operations and whether decarbonisation is driving a new wave of technological advancement across the sector.

Fleet Space Technologies cofounder and chief executive officer Flavia Tata Nardini will bring her experience developing satelliteenabled solutions for mining, exploration and defence. Her work in space technology and connectivity demonstrates how real-time data and advanced communications can transform efficiency and sustainability across the industry.

Amazon Web Services industry business development lead for mining and manufacturing Lauren Stafford will also join the panel. With 20 years of experience in technology development and commercialisation, Stafford will provide insight into how cloud, AI and digital transformation are accelerating change in the resources sector.

Together, the panellists will consider whether the industry is seizing the opportunities created by rapid technological change or continuing to treat innovation as an afterthought.

The 2025 Thought Leadership Series aims to address these challenges head-on, offering insights into how miners can strengthen ESG performance or adopt new technologies that will optimise operations. AM

IMAGES: AUSIMM

NOW IN ITS EIGHTH YEAR, THE SERIES EXPLORES THE GLOBAL ISSUES SHAPING MINING.

AUSIMM’S 2025 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP SERIES AIMS TO ADDRESS MINING CHALLENGES HEAD-ON.

THE NEW B-AIR COMPRESSOR

The Atlas Copco B-Air 185-12 is a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, batterypowered mobile screw compressor.

Designed for sustainable operations, it offers zero local emissions and significantly reduced noise levels, making it ideal for urban, indoor and environmentally sensitive applications.

Equipped with a 57kWh battery and a highly efficient variable speed drive permanent magnet motor, the B-Air 185-12 can operate for a full work shift on a single charge and is up to 70 per cent more energy-efficient than traditional diesel units.

It features PACE (pressure adjusted through cognitive electronics) technology, allowing electronic pressure regulation from 72–175 pounds per square inch (psi) and free air delivery up to 5.3m³ per minute, adapting to various tasks like powering hand tools, sandblasting, or cable blowing with a single machine.

With sustainability and operational efficiency at the forefront of modern mining and construction practices, ALLU – a global leader in material processing attachments – has unveiled the latest addition to its comprehensive bucket range: the ALLU asphalt.

Joining established models such as the ALLU M-series, widely used in mining for its ability to combine screening and loading in a single step, the ALLU asphalt bucket is purpose-built for processing reclaimed and coldmilled asphalt.

Key features of the ALLU asphalt bucket include its serrated cutting edge for heavy-duty applications, a mix of screening and crushing blades to crush clumps, screen fines and separate oversized particles in a single pass, and proven throughput of up to 250 tonnes per hour.

The ALLU asphalt bucket is scheduled to release in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Total Rockbreaking Solutions to distribute the product to Western Australia.

VERSATILE STORAGE FOR REMOTE MINE SITES

Whether you’re operating in a remote exploration camp or managing materials at an active production site, every tool and container used at a mining operation must be optimised for safety, efficiency and longevity.

The foldable pallet bin, also known as EcoPallets’ EcoOzCrate-2, meets these demands head-on, offering a purpose-built solution that enhances logistics and site operations across the mining value chain.

From its durable materials to its collapsible design and 3:1 folding ratio, the Eco-OzCrate 2 was built to assist with the requirements of mine site facilities and stores.

With a generous 750L internal volume and robust weight capacity, it can handle a wide variety of site requirements, including holding and moving spare parts, equipment and tools within camps or warehouses, storing personal protective equipment, supplies and lubricants in field workshops, and storing safety and emergency gear like spill kits and first-aid.

The Eco-OzCrate 2’s ability to seamlessly shift between storage and transport tasks makes it especially useful in dynamic mining environments where space, mobility and durability are critical.

•ecopallets.com.au

DISCOVER SANDVIK’S ROTARY IE DRILLS

Sandvik is redefining rotary drilling with its groundbreaking rotary iE series, delivering a leap forward in productivity, efficiency and sustainability for surface mining.

With 95 per cent energy efficiency and triple the service life of dieselpowered alternatives, these electric drills lower maintenance costs, minimise breakdowns, and create healthier work environments through reduced heat, vibration and noise.

Powered by robust electric power groups that meet the demands of high-altitude applications, the Sandvik iE drill rigs boast a sophisticated electric system that incorporates a soft starter to help reduce impact on the mine’s power grid, preventing disruptions to other equipment.

The multi-voltage and multi-frequency electric motors offer outstanding flexibility, while the optional cable reels ensure ample capacity for connecting to the mine substation. Additionally, operators benefit from the familiar DRi control system used across all Sandvik i-series rotary drills, simplifying training and operation.

•rocktechnology.sandvik

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS

EVENT SUBMISSIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO TOM.PARKER@PRIMECREATIVE.COM.AU

WA Mining Conference and Exhibition

Perth | October 8–9

Taking place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre from October 8–9, the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition 2025 brings together industry leaders, suppliers, and innovators to explore the future of Western Australia’s mining sector.

With a strong focus on operational excellence, emerging technologies, and workforce development, the event fosters collaboration across all levels of the industry.

This year’s program will also highlight mental health through its partnership with Lifeline WA.

The conference will bring together major players in the mining technological space including Komatsu, Denver Technology, Martin Engineering, Pinnacle Hire, VIPER Metrics, and more.

• waminingexpo.com.au

IMARC

Sydney | October 21–23

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) has long 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 event will run this October and feature nine extensive concurrent conferences.

• imarcglobal.com

Global Resources Innovation Expo

Perth | May 5–7, 2026

The Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX) is an industry-led conference and exhibition hosted by Austmine in partnership with AusIMM. It represents an exciting evolution from past Austmine conferences, with GRX26 building off the successful GRX25 in May, which connected attendees with global leaders, allowing them to discover cutting-edge solutions and engage in insightful discussions. GRX26 will feature some of the most influential voices in technology, emerging industries, mining and resources.

• grx.au

PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference

Port Moresby | July 1–2, 2026

The PNG Industrial & Mining Resources Exhibition (PNG Expo)

delivered a record-breaking edition in 2025, attracting more attendees than ever before. The event saw more than 80 local, national and international manufacturers and suppliers showcase the latest innovations for the industrial, mining and oil and gas sectors.

The exhibition will return in 2026, providing the perfect meeting place to connect and network with thousands of key 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, PNG Expo is a premier meeting place for industry trade and a forum for establishing high-quality customer contacts and conducting business.

• pngexpo.com

Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition

Mackay | July 21–23, 2026

With a legacy spanning more than three decades, the Queensland Mining & Engineering Exhibition (QME) is Australia’s largest regional mining event.

Following a record-breaking 2024 edition, QME returns to Mackay in July 2026, promising even more exhibitors, expanded content, and

new networking opportunities. Featuring live demonstrations, a free leadership series, and hundreds of suppliers, QME is a vital hub for innovation, industry connection and regional growth.

QME 2026 is shaping up to be the most impactful edition yet, with many suppliers already signed up to participate after a strong rebooking phase.

• queenslandminingexpo.com.au

Diggers

and Dealers Kalgoorlie | August 3–5, 2026

The Diggers and Dealers Mining Forum returns in 2026, combining corporate presentations by listed mining and exploration companies alongside a large exhibition area housing more than 150 exhibitors from the sector.

Delegates include miners, explorers, brokers, bankers, investors, financiers and mining service industries from around the world. .

The event provides a unique opportunity for industry professionals to meet and network, visit regional mine sites, engage with media, raise finance, invest in projects and generally engage with the resources sector at an executive level in a mining community setting, Kalgoorlie, the unofficial gold mining capital of Australia.

• diggersndealers.com.au

The global expert in load and haul attachments