Porter Group has been appointed as the official distributor for Sandvik crushing equipment in New Zealand.
As a new distributor, Porter Group will lead the sales and service of Sandvik’s range of crushers and provide aftermarket care to customers consisting of spare parts and local service support.
Porter Group chief operating officer Darren Ralph said the company is thrilled to be working with Sandvik.
“Two iconic brands in New Zealand, the Porter Group and Sandvik form a formidable partnership to further enhance the product offering and service provided to New Zealand’s extraction and recycling industries,” he said.
“We look forward to making significant progress with the product range and assisting our valued customer base with their requirements in this area.”
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions vice president original equipment for Oceania Amit Parimoo said the partnership with Porter Group aligns with Sandvik’s strategy to enhance customer focus.
“Together with Porter Group, we will drive greater efficiencies for New Zealand’s mining and aggregates sectors by combining world-class technology with trusted, local service,” Parimoo said.
“Our shared goal is to help customers achieve maximum productivity while lowering their environmental impact.”
Both Sandvik and Porter Group are excited to provide strong products and support, from initial sales to ongoing maintenance and technical assistance.
The partnership highlights Sandvik’s commitment to delivering premium solutions with local support, giving customers the best of both worlds – global innovation and local expertise.
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Newmont has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Akyem gold mine in Ghana to Zijin Mining Group for up to $US1 billion ($1.5 billion).
This deal marks a significant step in Newmont’s strategy to focus on its Tier 1 assets, which are expected to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.
The transaction includes a cash consideration of $US900 million upon closing, with an additional $US100 million contingent on certain conditions being met.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to bolster Newmont’s balance sheet and return capital to shareholders.
“The sale of Akyem represents continued progress on the non-core asset divestiture program announced in February, supporting our focus on the Tier 1 assets in Newmont’s portfolio that will drive sustainable growth and the return of capital to shareholders,” Newmont’s president and chief executive officer Tom Palmer said.
“We believe the proposed transaction results in the greatest overall value for Newmont shareholders and is the best strategic fit for Akyem.
“We are confident that Akyem will continue to thrive under new ownership with long-term benefits for local stakeholders and surrounding communities.”
Palmer said the successful completion of this transaction will strengthen Ghana as a favourable mining jurisdiction, with Newmont committed to supporting the growth and development of the region which includes the development of Ahafo North.
“In line with President Afuko-Addo’s address in February, we ensured that our robust divestment process provided equal opportunity for all potential buyers, Ghanaian and international, to participate,” Newmont managing director for Africa Rahman Amoadu said.
“Additionally, we have included the minerals income investment fund (MIIF) in the process in preparation of their potential investment in Akyem to further Ghanaian interest in the mine.”
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
With the Akyem divestment, Newmont does not anticipate a material impact on its 2024 outlook and remains committed to its investments in Ghana, including between $950 million–1.05 billion in development capital for Ahafo North.
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Treotham worked with Southern Ports to deliver boosted efficiency to its Esperance ship loader.
Western Australia’s Port of Esperance is a busy place, with more than 13 million tonnes of trade passing through the port last year.
Esperance is a well-traversed path for Australian miners, with iron ore and spodumene joining nickel as the port’s major exports.
When dealing with this kind of tonnage, even the slightest inefficiencies can have an impact on trade. That’s why the Port of Esperance’s custodian, Southern Ports, looks for solutions it can count on to reduce inefficiencies.
Treotham national sales manager John Sharp was brought in by Southern Ports to design a solution that would keep the port running smoothly while offering cost savings and boosting worker safety.
“I had been to the site a few times and saw the opportunities to improve the system that supplied power to the ship loader,” Sharp told Australian Mining.
“Treotham’s priority is to develop solutions that work, so we put together a new custom-designed system that would get the loader running more efficiently.”
The system, called a belt tripper, was incorporated onto a conveyor in order to “trip” the material off at specified locations between the terminal pulleys. The material is then discharged onto another conveyor that loads the Port of Esperance’s ship-loader.
rol e-chain built for harsh environments, highlighting the cable management of fibre optic cables and water hoses. Image: Southern Ports
A belt tripper can be in a fixed position or travel continuously at a constant speed for layered stacking.
In the port’s case, as the ship-loader was moving, it caused the energy chain to move from where it should be, disrupting the ship-loading operation and requiring it to be stopped until the energy chain was put back in its trough.
Treotham supplied Southern Ports with a marine-grade aluminium guide trough, energy chain and cable management system with anti-lift protection used to power the loader.
Sharp said the biggest challenge was determining where the energy chain should go.
“We ultimately decided to put it in the gallery, meaning we could simply put brackets on the existing conveyor structure, making installation quicker and more efficient than alternative locations,” he said.
Treotham turned to long-time partner igus for a 105m energy chain that was used to get the power needed for the system.
When igus first began developing its energy chain solutions, it saw great potential in an area that it felt had been somewhat overlooked.
Working from its extensive testing facilities in Germany, igus uses different construction methods within the cable materials to find those that work best. Its portfolio now contains tens of thousands of chains divided up into family groups, with the E4 family known as the most ‘heavy duty’ solution.
A key feature of these chains is their flexibility.
“For the Port of Esperance’s solution we used water hoses, fibre optics and high-voltage igus Chainflex cables,” Sharp said. “If you think about the market for high-voltage cables, they’re around on every street corner at a transformer, but they’re not flexible, so they’re for static installation.
“Then when you look at high-voltage cables for continuous motion, not many companies actually produce this; it’s quite a feat of engineering to build such a high-voltage cable designed to continually bend.”
Sharp said using the igus energy chains for the Esperance project led to something of an eye-opening development.
“When the chains are moulded, tools can wear out over time,” he said. “That means it’s possible to build a chain that’s no longer straight because of the different lengths of each side part.
“What igus did with the E4 was make left and right sides interchangeable, so there’s just one tool.
“This streamlines the stock holding, and also makes for a better-quality product.”
igus energy chains are designed to withstand extreme push and pull forces, a critical element in bulk material handling.
Such is the reliance on the energy chain’s durability, most systems integrating them don’t shut down until a ‘catastrophic’ failure. When a failure does reach a catastrophic level, the downtime caused by damage to the chain or the system can be excessive.
That’s why Treotham’s Esperance solution included a ‘push–pull detection system’ (PPDS) that triggers a signal to operators when forces on the chain are becoming too great.
Marine-grade aluminium guide trough combined with a rol e-chain system. Image: Southern Ports
“The PPDS is a mounted sensor that measures force continually,” Sharp said. “It can be configured to meet the needs of the operator when excessive force is detected, whether that be a warning or an automatic controlled stop.”
The system’s safety features were put to the test when a ladder was left against the new system.
“The ladder hit the chain, which proceeded to stop completely rather than continue and risk causing a catastrophic failure,” Sharp said. “The customer was extremely pleased to not have the damage and downtime that would have ensued.”
Treotham’s expertise allowed Southern Ports to explore a unique solution to the issues it was facing with its ship-loader.
The end result delivered not only improvements to the tripper but also reduced installation costs in a collaboration between Treotham personnel and Southern Ports’ own in-house technicians.
“It was a huge benefit to be on the ground, implementing the Esperance solution in-person,” Sharp said. “With a team of two fitters and two electricians from Southern Ports, we fitted the system in five days. I’ve seen similar projects that were sub-contracted out and snowballed into taking more than 12 months.
“It’s always fun working with a customer that can operate in-house for these kinds of solutions and bring in our team to create a group of like-minded experts to get the job done.”
BHP has locked in a deal to support India’s steelmaking decarbonisation journey.
India’s largest government-owned steel producer, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), will work with BHP to lower carbon steelmaking technology pathways for the country’s blast furnace route.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the parties are already exploring a number of workstreams supporting the potential decarbonisation of SAIL’s blast furnace steel plants, commencing with an initial study to assess various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
These workstreams will consider the role of alternate reductants for the blast furnace such as hydrogen and biochar use, with a view to also building local research and development capability to support the decarbonisation transition.
BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd said the deployment of technology and abatements on the blast furnace is critical to progressing India’s decarbonised steel industry.
“We recognise that decarbonising this industry is a challenge that we cannot meet alone, and we must come together to leverage shared expertise and resources, to support the development of technologies and capability that could have the potential to create a real change in carbon emissions both now and in the longer term,” Udd said.
SAIL chair Shri Amarendu Prakash said mid- to long-term partnerships like SAIL’s collaboration with BHP are vital to decarbonising not only India’s steel industry, but will have implications on a global scale.
“SAIL is looking forward to this collaboration with BHP in taking a step forward towards engaging in developing sustainable ways to produce steel,” Prakash said.
“SAIL is committed to contributing towards tackling the issue of climate change through fostering an innovative future for the steel industry in India.”
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Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions launched DeckMapp, a groundbreaking new digital platform for screen deck maintenance, at MINExpo 2024.
This highly innovative, cloud-based software solution is set to transform screen deck maintenance and drive substantial improvements in the efficiency and operational performance of mineral processing plants.
Accessible via laptop, tablet or mobile phone, DeckMapp captures, stores and shares real-time data to present a reliable, single source of truth for all activities within the screen media lifecycle.
According to Matt Cutbush, Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions digital solutions product manager, DeckMapp empowers teams engaged in screening operations with comprehensive tools to view deck history, share deck plans, visualise panel wear patterns and capture feedback, as well as access maintenance plans and activity reports.
Image: Sandvik
“By guiding operators through maintenance updates and wear assessments, DeckMapp ensures consistent data entry across the board, resulting in robust, reliable historical wear data for every screen in your operation,” Cutbush said.
“DeckMapp enhances data quality and formalises maintenance processes, thereby eliminating information inconsistencies that can adversely affect production and profitability due to rework and extended task durations. DeckMapp delivers real-time updates to ensure all team members are aligned, further reducing the risk of miscommunication and operational inefficiencies.”
A key feature of DeckMapp is the optional add-on WearApp, an innovative wear assessment system powered by artificial intelligence.
With WearApp, users simply capture images of worn screening media panels with a smartphone or a tablet. WearApp then applies artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically assess each aperture calculating amount of wear, panel efficiency and remaining wear life. This revolutionary application not only saves substantial time, but also delivers far greater accuracy over traditional manual wear assessment methods.
With DeckMapp and WearApp, plant operators can leverage data-driven insights to make smarter, more efficient maintenance decisions, and significantly reduce cost overruns associated with screen deck maintenance.
These enhanced capabilities will allow processing plant operators to make more informed decisions regarding their screening media maintenance strategies, such as determining optimal replacement times based on actual open area rather than individual aperture wear.
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Astec Australia has announced an expansion of its dealer agreement with Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS) to include construction materials product lines in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.
MPS will supply Astec material solutions, fixed and modular plant, equipment, parts and service throughout Australia.
Under the terms of the new agreement, MPS will distribute all Astec fixed and modular crushing, fixed screening and washing equipment and systems, as well as material handling (Telestack) and breaker technology (BTI) products to all states and territories.
The move represents a significant development in the relationship between the two companies.
According to Astec regional managing director David Smale, Astec and OPS Group (MPS’ parent company) have forged a strong partnership over the years.
“In June, we announced that MPS would take over distribution of Astec fixed and modular equipment in NSW, with other eastern states to follow later,” Smale said.
“It is testament to the strength and success of the relationship between Astec and MPS that those plans have now been brought forward.”
Image: Astec
Smale said the partnership has also delivered significant benefits to customers.
“This new network will enable us to deliver parts more efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing the operational efficiency of businesses,” he said.
“The MPS team’s extensive local market knowledge and experience in mineral processing – supported by Astec’s innovative technologies and manufacturing capability – has made MPS the perfect partner to deliver outstanding products and service.”
MPS already has a strong presence on the east coast with well-stocked depots in Goodna (QLD), Rutherford (NSW) and Laverton (VIC), and experienced local sales and service teams able to provide a quick response to customers. Without forgetting Darwin, Perth and Adelaide branches bringing multiple options to the mix.
Smale said by combining Astec’s expertise in supplying high-quality equipment with MPS’ extensive distribution network, it is creating a robust channel that guarantees better service or exceeding relationships and expectations across the nation.
“I’m delighted to be making this announcement today and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our customers working alongside MPS,” he said.
“Such synergy will continue to strengthen our market presence but also set highest standard for service in building the infrastructure of Australia.”
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The Weir Group, a global mining technology leader, has been awarded a £25m ($48.2 million) contract to provide sustainable solutions to the next phase of OCP Group’s Benguerir and Louta greenfield phosphate projects in Morocco.
The order, which includes the company’s WARMAN slurry pump and CAVEX hydrocyclone technology, will support the continued construction of the Louta project and the trebling of production from the Benguerir project.
Weir has previously provided similar separation and de-sliming solutions also based on its WARMAN and CAVEX technology.
The Benguerir expansion will start up following the initial phase of the project which has scheduled first production in 2024, with an estimated total mine life of more than 100 years.
“We are pleased to have secured this major contract. It represents a strong endorsement of our WARMAN and CAVEX ranges that provide energy efficient separation at scale to support our customer’s productivity and sustainability goals,” Weir chief executive officer Jon Stanton said.
“Along with our industry-leading solutions, we promise our customers world class service; our local team are delighted to continue to deliver for OCP as they commission the initial phase at Benguerir and look to expand these exciting projects.”
After commissioning of the equipment, aftermarket support will be provided via Weir technical experts from the company’s Moroccan service centre, which is located close to the projects.
Founded in 1871, The Weir Group is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient.
Weir’s highly engineered technology aims to enable critical resources to be produced using less energy, water and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership.
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ANDRITZ is finding innovative ways to help mining companies be more sustainable in their operations.
As the mining industry explores ways to enable greater operational sustainability, effective tailings management has become a major focal point.
As one of the leading companies in industrial separation technologies, ANDRITZ offers a suite of advanced tailings solutions designed to optimise water recovery, reduce environmental impact, enable dry-stacking solutions, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
ANDRITZ’s tailings offerings encompass a wide range of products designed to cover every aspect of the tailings management process. The company’s solutions extend from sedimentation and dewatering to filtration and water recovery.
“Our broad portfolio for tailings treatment covers the full solid–liquid separation process, including decanter centrifuges, heavy-duty belt presses, hyperbaric and vacuum disc filters, vacuum belt filters, and filter presses,” ANDRITZ regional manager – Australia and New Zealand Paul Stevens said.
These solutions aim to maximise water recovery, reduce storage volumes, and provide safer disposal options for processed tailings.
Among ANDRITZ’s many products, the company highlights its heavy-duty belt press CPF-Q and robust filter presses as key solutions for tailings dewatering.
“Our heavy-duty belt press CPF-Q is a reliable and robust machine that is simple and cost-efficient to operate,” Stevens said. “The CPF-Q is a solution for high throughput tailings dewatering, achieving a low residual moisture with low operating costs.”
Additionally, the excellent water recovery rates of ANDRITZ’s filter presses, a technology known for delivering high filtration rates even in harsh conditions, contribute to reducing water consumption and improving sustainability.
The company’s decanter centrifuges also play a crucial role, especially for operations dealing with slurries that have fine particle size distributions. These machines, with high-speed design capabilities and large diameter-to-length ratios, are particularly effective in handling high volumes while enhancing recovery rates.
Innovation is at the core of ANDRITZ’s strategy in tailings management. The company’s research and development (R&D) efforts in the field of tailings management are focused on three primary objectives: enhanced water recovery, sustainability, and automation and digitalisation.
ANDRITZ is actively developing technologies that maximise water extraction from tailings, which is vital for regions where water scarcity is a significant issue. The company is also exploring ways to reuse processed tailings in applications like construction materials, further promoting sustainable mining practices.
Automation and digitalisation are becoming an increasingly important part of ANDRITZ’s solutions.
“We’re working on advanced monitoring systems and AI-supported process controls that can optimise tailings management in real-time,” ANDRITZ industry director – minerals and mining Mario Gerards said. “This digital shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves safety and reduces downtime.”
Mining environments are notoriously tough, and equipment longevity is a major concern. ANDRITZ addresses this by utilising high-quality, wear-resistant materials in its designs and offering comprehensive maintenance programs.
“Our solutions are engineered with robust construction to withstand continuous operation in the harshest conditions,” Gerards said.
ANDRITZ’s commitment to providing comprehensive global service support ensures that equipment remains in peak condition, minimising operational disruptions.
And the company’s focus on reducing energy consumption through optimised designs adds another layer of sustainability to its offerings. By delivering a complete range of solutions from dewatering to water treatment, ANDRITZ enables streamlined operations that maximise efficiency across the entire tailings management process.
One of ANDRITZ’s most notable success stories and one of the best references for dry stacking of tailings comes from the Itaminas iron ore mine in Brazil. By implementing ANDRITZ filter presses with LENSER filter plates as well as an advanced Metris addIQ control system, the mine achieved significant improvements in water recovery and reduced tailings volumes.
The Metris addIQ RheoScan for belt filter presses optimises polymer consumption. Image: ANDRITZ
This not only minimised Itaminas’ environmental footprint but also lowered operational costs associated with tailings storage, proving the value of ANDRITZ’s technologies in real-world applications.
Looking ahead, ANDRITZ is working on several cutting-edge technologies aimed at revolutionising tailings management.
“One of our current development programs is focused on significant operational enhancements within our filter press technology,” Gerards said.
“Inspired by our vast experience in the Brazilian iron ore industry, we have implemented R&D in improving filter plate handling and filter cloth changing technology.”
Another interesting innovation is the Metris addIQ RheoScan, a system designed to optimise polymer dosage in real-time during the dewatering process.
“This technology automatically adjusts polymer dosing based on the rheological properties of the tailings, ensuring maximum efficiency in flocculation and sedimentation processes,” Gerards said.
The result is reduced polymer consumption, enhanced water recovery, and lower operational costs.
ANDRITZ is currently developing digital twin models that simulate and optimise tailings processes in real-time. These virtual models allow operators to predict and fine-tune performance, leading to improved efficiency and safety in tailings management.
The company is also exploring energy recovery systems that capture and reuse energy generated during the dewatering process, turning waste into a valuable resource stream.
ANDRITZ also plans to roll out a new filter press design over the next 12 to 18 months, alongside other advancements like enhanced digital twin applications and energy-efficient filtration systems.
These innovations are expected to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of tailings management while improving operational efficiency and safety.
Zenith plate lips currently come in standard, long and heavy-duty options to suit all application requirements. Image: Bradken
Last week Bradken was on the floor at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL to showcase its latest innovation in ground engaging tools, the Zenith Plate Lip System.
The Zenith Plate Lip System has been engineered to minimise dig energy required for penetration and extend wear life.
With styles available across multiple machine classes over 300 tonnes, and engineered to suit various digging conditions, the Zenith System can deliver a reduction in total cost of ownership, safer removal processes, and reduced downtime and maintenance.
Bradken Zenith points and adapters are available in three options to support the system across multiple applications.
That means an easy conversion to the Zenith Plate Lip system from existing lip kit or new complete lip fitments.
Bradken’s design reduces change-out time with a hammer-free pin, allows point rotation for maximum wear, and is engineered to perform in all climate conditions.
Weir is an innovative, end-to-end solutions provider focused on accelerating sustainable mining.
Exhibiting at this year’s MINExpo, in the Central Hall Booth #8833, Weir has showcased its marketing-leading brands and unveiled a range of new innovative technologies and solutions.
Weir has launched its ESCO NEXSYS GET Lip System for rope shovel dippers, which lowers lip maintenance requirements, extends tooth and adapter life and, ultimately, provides miners with longer uninterrupted shovel operation.
ESCO NEXSYS GET Lip System. Image: Weir
Weir has also unveiled its new high-capacity ENDURON ELITE screen. It’s a double-deck banana screen, available in a range of sizes, the largest of which has a deck measuring 4.3m x 8.5m and weighs nearly 50 tonnes. It’s driven by two exciters, whereas competitor machines of comparable size require three.
It will form an integral part of Weir’s commitment to deliver transformational flowsheet solutions in which traditional tumbling mills are replaced by high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) and vertical stirred mills, potentially reducing energy consumption by up to 40 per cent.
Weir’s booth features the digital hub, which will highlight Weir’s digital offering, MOTION METRICS, and Weir’s new digital brand, NEXT Intelligent Solutions.
The new MOTION METRICS ShovelMetrics Gen 3 Payload monitoring solution is designed to optimise truck loading and improve haulage efficiency by reducing both underloading and overloading. And as part of Weir’s commitment to service its customers even in the most remote locations, MOTION METRICS systems now support connectivity via Starlink, enabling reliable data transmission anywhere in the world.
Weir’s NEXT Intelligent Solutions. Image: Weir
NEXT Intelligent Solutions extend and expand Weir’s current capabilities and transforms its process optimisation services into real-time digital solutions. Weir has developed digital packages for all of its market-leading solutions – pumps, cyclones, HPGRs, screens and hoses and spools – based around key customer needs: insight, uptime and production.
The digital hub will use monitors to create a remote operation centre, allowing attendees to experience the same digital platforms and interfaces that Weir utilises to support its customers.
Attendees have also had an opportunity to experience an interactive scale P&H 41000XPC shovel model demonstration of MOTION METRICS ShovelMetrics Gen 3, as well as a ShovelMetrics model control station, featuring the same touch screen monitor and controller used by operators.
Weir experts from its digital, extraction, processing, comminution, tailings, and flowsheet solutions teams will be available at the booth to continue the conversation about how Weir is partnering with customers to accelerate sustainable mining.
“MINExpo is a wonderful event and a great opportunity to catch up with our customers and colleagues,” Weir chief executive officer Jon Stanton said.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work to expand our portfolio of innovative, end-to-end solutions to help our customers produce the metals and minerals required to transition to a low carbon economy and it’s exciting to be able to show that off at the world’s largest mining show.
“It is clear the world needs more metals and minerals but there is a recognition in the industry that we need to mine them more sustainably than we have in the past. That means using less energy, using water wisely and generating less waste. And Weir – with our world-class engineering, advanced materials science and intelligent automation – is at the forefront of helping miners do that.”
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