Metso has broken ground at its new service centre in Prince George, British Columbia, bolstering the company’s ability to best serve the emerging Canadian mining region.
Originally announced in September 2024, the centre will service mining equipment used from pit to port, including filters, flotation cells, grinding mills, crushers, screens, pumps, apron feeders, slurry handling, thickeners, loading and hauling solutions, and chute lining solutions.
It will also possess warehousing capabilities for spare and wear parts while offering on-site inspections that are OEM (original equipment manufacturer) certified, turnkey service solutions, and off-site repairs.
“The investment decision, announced in September 2024, was very well received by our customers,” Metso vice president Canada sales and service Justin Ayotte said.
“Metso’s strengthened local presencewill enable faster repairs, shorter turnaround times, and increased sustainability by reducing transportation distances. We’re grateful for our customers’ trust, and we remain committed to becoming the preferred service provider in the industry.”
The service centre is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, creating jobs for skilled personnel such as service engineers and technical experts.
The service facility in British Columbia follows Metso celebrating the one-year anniversary of its service centre in Karratha, Western Australia, opening. The Karratha centre is the largest Metso service centre globally.
Metso is further increasing its global footprint by establishing a Metso training centre in Arizona, US, a repair centre expansion in Chile, and the construction of a new service centre in Peru.
The company is also increasing the repair shop area at its Arizonian service centre by nearly 60 per cent, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
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The Northern Territory Government is supporting resource development at one of Australia’s most remote gold mines, delivering jobs, investment and royalties for the community.
The Tanami gold mine, owned by Newmont, is expected to produce approximately 380,000 ounces (oz) of gold in 2025. With gold prices soaring, this level of production is set to deliver millions in royalty revenue to the Northern Territory economy.
Tanami has been producing gold since the early 1980s and has held the title of the world’s largest gold producer since 2002.
“The Tanami mine is a powerhouse of gold production and a major economic driver for the Territory,” NT Mining and Energy Minister Gerard Maley said.
“With expansion works well underway and record commodity prices, this project represents long-term jobs, royalties and investment for the Territory, exactly what our government is focused on delivering in our year of action, certainty and security.
“Our mining sector continues to lead the way in rebuilding the Territory economy, and the Tanami operation stands as proof of the opportunities that exist when government and industry work together.”
Maley visited the Tanami development in June, which is located approximately 550km northwest of Alice Springs.
Maley travelled 1.3km underground to inspect the mine’s operations, including a new ore crusher and the key Tanami expansion 2 project.
The Tanami expansion 2 project is expected to increase the operation’s average annual gold production by approximately 150,000–200,000oz per year to 600,000oz per year for the first five years.
It is also expected to reduce operating costs by approximately 10 per cent, significantly enhance the mine’s production capabilities and extend its operational life well beyond 2040, supporting around 1800 jobs.
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Copper concentrator at the Oyu Tolgoi mine (Image: Rio Tinto)/
Rio Tinto will commence work under a revised mine plan at the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold operation in Mongolia, with the mine’s board approving a new approach.
Oyu Tolgoi is a 66:34 joint venture (JV) between Rio Tinto and the Mongolian Government, with works having progressed in the Entrée Resources JV area while licence transfer discussions between Entrée Resources and the Mongolian Government continue.
Oyu Tolgoi, a world-class copper-gold deposit, remains on track for its long-term ramp-up. Rio Tinto has reaffirmed its 2025 copper production guidance of 780,000 to 850,000 tonnes (t), planning to ramp up production from panel 0 and expects to add panel 2 in 2026.
Under the original mine plan, panel 1 – which includes the Entrée JV area – was scheduled to contribute to production from 2027. However, that timeline is now subject to the resolution of the licensing matters.
“Transferring the licences for the Entrée joint venture area will maximise the value Oyu Tolgoi delivers for all parties, and we are continuing to work with the Government of Mongolia and Entrée Resources towards this outcome,” Rio Tinto copper chief executive Katie Jackson said.
“Our understanding of the ore body is growing as production and development progresses, further increasing our confidence and flexibility.
“With lateral development work only just beginning in panel 1, this is the right time to pivot and bring forward development in panel 2 south to maintain our options.”
While development in the Entrée area is paused, limited activity will continue in other parts of panel 1. Resources are being redeployed to bring forward work in panel 2 south, which lies outside the JV area.
From 2028 to 2036, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce an average of around 500,000t of copper per year, with flexibility to initiate production from either panel 1 or panel 2 south depending on the timing of licence transfers.
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The Western Range operation in WA. Image: Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto has officially opened its Western Range operation in Western Australia, joining the major miner’s integrated network of 17 iron ore mines, four independent port terminals, a rail network spanning nearly 2000km and related infrastructure.
A 54:46 joint venture between Rio Tinto and Baowu, Western Range has the capacity to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore per annum and can sustain the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for up to 20 years.
Western Range saw the construction of a primary crusher and 18km conveyor system connecting to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant, which currently has more than 880 residential and FIFO (fly in, fly out) employees.
The project cost $US2 billion and was completed on time and on budget, following first ore being processed in late March.
“Opening Western Range is an important step in Rio Tinto’s extension plans in the Pilbara and ensures the longevity of one of our oldest mining hubs, Paraburdoo, which began operating in 1972,” Rio Tinto chief executive officer (CEO) Jakob Stausholm said.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done with the Yinhawangka People to develop Western Range and we’ll continue to work closely together.
“Partnering with Baowu ensures our biggest customer directly benefits with a consistent, dedicated supply of Rio Tinto’s world leading Pilbara Blend iron ore.”
To celebrate the milestone, several representatives attended the Western Range mine site for its official opening.
“The opening of Western Range is a significant achievement, and its importance to Western Australia’s economy cannot be overstated,” Cook said.
“My government will continue to back in our resources industry, which is creating quality jobs for Western Australians while helping us maintain the standard of life we all enjoy.”
King echoed similar sentiments.
“The opening of Western Range is fantastic news for the Pilbara, for Western Australians, for Traditional Owners and for the nation,” King said.
“The Pilbara is the engine room of the nation’s economy. Projects like Western Range will keep that engine running for future generations of Australians.”
Western Range is Rio Tinto’s first project to feature a co-designed social, cultural and heritage management plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners, which was originally announced in 2022.
“For Yinhawangka People, Country is everything – it holds our spirit, our law, and our deep responsibility to protect what was passed down to us,” Hayden said.
“The opening of the Western Range mine represents a shift in how our heritage is being recognised and respected. We acknowledge the work Rio Tinto has done to change how they engage with us, and the steps they’ve taken to build a stronger, more honest partnership.
“This is a meaningful beginning – and we stand ready to walk forward together.”
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ITT Blakers and Truflo Pumping Systems have partnered to expand their services across Australia. Image: Image: Truflo Pumping Systems
Truflo Pumping Systems is committed to providing top tier service to its clients, partnering with ITT Blakers in WA to help make a difference.
As mining operations across Australia continue to wrestle with downtime, Truflo Pumping Systems is investing heavily in after-sales support to ensure the downtime its clients experience is kept to a minimum.
A family-owned business with strong roots in Bathurst, Truflo Pumps is expanding its service capabilities across the country to match the reliability of its products.
Recently, Truflo Pumps secured a new alliance with ITT Blakers in Western Australia – an agreement that will be key to achieving its mission of providing top-tier customer service across Australia.
“We manufacture the pumps from start to finish, but what we really want to emphasise now is our repair sector,” Truflo Pumps national operations manager Jason Bemrose told Australian Mining.
“It used to be quite small, but we’re spending a lot of money to build it up so we can provide faster turnaround and stronger customer support.”
Bemrose said the company is placing greater emphasis on repairs, rebuilds and proactive stock holdings, especially in high-demand regions like Queensland and New South Wales.
“Customer support is very important to us,” he said. “To ensure our clients are happy, they need to be serviced quickly, so spending the money and putting the people on the ground is critical to make that happen.”
One of Truflo Pumps’ key initiatives is its investment in wet end stock to enable rapid repair by replacement services.
The company has also launched a successful service exchange program that provides quick replacement of pump components for clients with urgent needs.
“Through our service exchange program, clients send their unit in and receive a replacement unit right away,” Bemrose said. “Sometimes we have it there before they have even removed the old one and that reduces downtime to hours, not weeks.”
This model has resonated particularly well with clients operating in remote locations, where shipping delays can significantly impact production.
“The feedback from those remote sites has been very positive,” Bemrose said. “Some operations simply can’t afford to be down for more than a day or two, so our ability to provide quick turnaround is saving them time and money.”
Truflo Pumps’ partnership with ITT Blakers will expand that same support to WA.
“This is a strategic move to provide faster service and turnaround in WA,” Truflo Pumps’ national sales manager Martin Richardson told Australian Mining.
“ITT is a reputable name in the mining sector and the company is fully equipped to support our customers with rebuilds, overhauls, and stocking key components locally.”
Rather than building a standalone facility which could take years to construct, Truflo Pumps chose to work with an established partner in WA to ensure miners in the area get the same high-quality after-sales experience already available on the East coast.
“For us to establish our own workshop in WA, we’d be looking at a two-to-three-year timeline,” Richardson said. “But through this partnership, we can hit the ground running.”
He says this initiative supports the company’s long-term customer service vision.
“What we gain is customer satisfaction and long-term relationships, and that’s valuable to us.”
Truflo Pumps and ITT Blakers are cross-training staff and aligning systems in their NSW, Queensland and WA service centres to ensure consistency.
Teams from each company will travel between Bathurst and Perth to share knowledge, tools and processes.
“This isn’t just a case of slapping our name on a workshop,” Richardson said. “We’re training each other, investing in the right equipment and making sure we deliver a consistent Truflo Pumps experience.”
From the customer’s perspective, the process is designed to feel seamless, with a dedicated service email address that is monitored by ITT Blakers and Truflo staff to maintain open and timely communication.
“Our goal is for WA customers to feel like they’re working directly with Truflo Pumps,” Richardson said. “They reach out, they get a fast response, and their pump gets back on site quickly.
“It’s about delivering the same level of support no matter where in Australia they are.”
Truflo Pumps’ service exchange model continues to grow, now covering its core wet ends, as well as its Jumbo and Heli-Flo product lines.
With demand increasing for rapid replacement and rebuilds, the company plans to continue investing in stock, systems and people.
“Service exchange for Heli-Flo helical rotor pumps is a hot topic at the moment,” Richardson said. “We’re expanding into that now to keep up with demand.”
At the heart of Truflo Pump’ after-sales expansion is a commitment to reducing downtime and creating long-term value for mining clients.
“We’re not just here to sell a pump,” Richardson said. “We’re here to support our customers through the full life of the equipment and that means fast repairs, smart partnerships and always being ready to respond.”
Group 6’s Dolphin tungsten mine in King Island, Tasmania. Image: Group 6 Metals
The Tasmanian Government has issued a new $7.5 million loan to Group 6 Metals (G6M) to help stabilise operations at its Dolphin tungsten mine on King Island.
The financial support follows the Tasmanian Government’s recent conversion of a $10 million loan into equity, giving it a 12 per cent stake in G6M.
A Tasmanian Government spokesperson told the ABC the funding was approved because the mine is “critical” to the region’s economy and employment.
“The $7.5 million loan was an important element of the business transformation plan that aims to deliver operational improvements to mining and processing activities to achieve profitability and growth, as the demand for tungsten continues to grow,” the spokesperson said.
“The loan was independently assessed and recommended by the Tasmanian Development Board as being in the best interests of the mine, the Tasmanian mining sector and the King Island community.”
The Tasmanian Government approved the load at 12 per cent interest over a two-year period. It does not require additional budget funding, with the money coming from Tasmanian Development and Resources’ borrowing facility.
Tasmanian Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz reaffirmed the State Government’s support of the mine in February following the initial $10 million loan.
“The Dolphin tungsten mine is a major employer on King Island and a key contributor to the local economy,” he said.
“This is intended to be a short to medium-term investment to help stabilise the mine through challenging global conditions.”
According to G6M, Dolphin hosts the highest-grade tungsten deposit of significant size in the Western world. It first operated from 1917 to 1992 before G6M recommenced operations in 2023. The mine currently employs about 95 people.
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Sandvik Mobile Crushing and Screening is proud to announce the launch of the QH443E, the latest innovation in tracked cone crushers.
This new electric unit has been designed with a focus on sustainability and productivity and is set to revolutionise operations in heavy-duty applications.
The new QH443E is Sandvik’s flagship Q-Range electric-driven cone plant. It takes a significant step towards bridging the gap between tracked mobile, wheeled portable, and stationary plants by combining electric drives and track mobility on a single platform.
The QH443E electric cone crusher completes Sandvik’s revolutionary electric train, which includes the UJ443E fully electric jaw crusher, the QE342e hybrid scalper and the QA452e hybrid triple-deck Doublescreen.
Sustainability at its core
The QH443E features a new and improved heavy duty feeder design and is equipped with electrically driven components. Its advanced design allows for operation through a connection to an external electrical grid supply or on-board generator, providing flexibility and reducing operational costs.
The integration of the latest generation of fuel-efficient engines further enhances flexibility, allowing the unit to be operated via HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or diesel when required, maximizing uptime whilst lowering emissions and operating noise.
Due to the electrification of the onboard components, running the QH443E via the genset can result in up to 25 per cent* fuel savings and a 78 per cent* reduction in hydraulic oil usage compared to previous generations.
Unmatched productivity
The QH443E is designed to maximize uptime and boost output. With the renowned versatility and reliability of the Sandvik CH440 Hydrocone, Constant Liner Performance (CLP), and Hydroset CSS adjustment, this crusher delivers superior power transfer and precision crushing. The new Optik intuitive automation system and My Fleet remote monitoring provide 24/7 fleet management, geo-fencing, and remote operator support, ensure continuous crushing and optimal performance.
One platform, endless possibilities
Engineered to operate in the most hostile environments, the QH443E is ideal for large quarries and mines. Its robust design, featuring a unibody mainframe and premium components, ensures durability and strength. The load-sensing system for the feeder drive, camera, and level sensor guarantees continuous crushing, while the choice of chambers, throws, and settings allows for customization to suit a wide range of applications.
Safety and Support
Safety is paramount in the design of the QH443E. The unit includes remote camera viewing of the crushing chamber, 270° access around the crusher for easy maintenance, and mandatory audible and visual warnings for safe operation. Our extensive global distributor and sales support network ensures that you receive the best support for your operations.
The Sandvik QH443E represents a significant step forward in the evolution of tracked cone crushers. With its focus on electrification, sustainability, and productivity, it is the perfect solution for large quarries and mines looking to enhance their operations. Experience the future of crushing with the Sandvik QH443E.
Australia’s first low emissions steel mill and Western Australia’s first steel recycling mill are one step closer with Green Steel of WA securing all regulatory and statutory approvals required for feasibility.
Supported by $2.7 million in funding from the Cook Government, the project is closing in on its final investment decision with front-end engineering design now complete.
In a first for WA, Magnium’s state-of the art pilot plant is now operational in Collie’s Light Industrial Area, marking a major milestone in the development of sustainable magnesium production in Australia.
“Establishing a green iron and steel industry in WA is a key focus of our Made in WA plan, and Collie’s Green Steel Mill will kick start this new industry,” said premier and State Development minister, Roger Cook.
“Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub.”
Magnium’s facility represents a significant step forward in establishing a domestic supply of this critical defence and automotive metal and was supported by $7.5 million through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund.
International Graphite has commenced its Battery Anode Material Facility Feasibility Study, demonstrating industry interest in developing projects at Coolangatta Industrial Estate.
The facility will produce graphite products for battery materials and a variety of industrial uses. The State Government has provided $12.5 million in support to International Graphite.
Tesla’s battery re-manufacturing facility is also powering ahead with construction underway, and due for completion in October 2025. The facility will service, repair, and renew Tesla’s battery products, including Megapacks.
The projects reflect the WA Government’s commitment to the transition of Collie’s economy and workforce as it moves towards a renewable future.
The WA Government has invested more than $662 million to deliver a Just Transition for Collie, attracting new industries and putting training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.
Metso has continued to push the boundaries of its Nordberg HPe crusher series through another expansion of the crushing range.
The HPe range was introduced by Metso in 2023 and in just two years, has grown to six models which encompass crushing solutions from secondary to tertiary and quaternary crushing.
The HPe is an evolution of the Nordberg HP cone crusher technology. Since being released by Metso has seen more than 200 units sold globally while old HP models have been retrofitted with HPe upgrade kits.
“With the latest addition of the Nordberg HPe crusher series, we are able to offer customers the ideal balance of power and efficiency for their specific crushing needs,” Metso HP cones product manager Ilkka Somero said.
“The HP450e, as a mid-range unit, is designed for customers who require reliable, high-capacity crushing without excessive energy consumption.
“With this unit, we have further improved its application flexibility so that customers get the maximum production and yield of wanted end products.”
Metso showcased the sixth model of the HPe series, the HP450e, at bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany. Attendees to the trade show were able to witness a launch event for the HP450e.
According to Metso, the HP450e has 10 per cent more head motion, 13 per cent more power and 20 per cent more force than its predecessor model. The new chamber design makes it more efficient while the head spin brake enables higher uptime and it is a more environmentally friendly solution due to backing material not being required.
Somero said the market response to the new HPe models highlights a clear industry shift toward higher efficiency, safety and sustainability in crushing operations.
Metso offers upgrade options for customers with earlier generation HP crushers. Many of the new HPe features can be applied to existing units through upgrades, including no-backing liners that reduce maintenance downtime, a redesigned split nut for improved safety and easier maintenance, and a crusher head spin brake that extends liner life.
Additionally, most spare and wear parts from the HPe series are compatible with HP crushers, providing cost-effective and operational benefits for mixed fleets.
With these six HPe crushers, a wide range of 10 different chamber profiles, advanced simulation software, and Metso’s expertise, customers can optimise their operations and achieve their production targets. Designed for versatility, Metso’s HPe crushers can be configured for various applications, from wheel-mounted Nordwheeler setups to modular Nordplant installations and track-mounted Lokotrack units.
ROTO Pumps recently helped a mining client out of a sticky situation.
Having supplied solutions to the mining industry since 1968, ROTO Pumps was an obvious call for one miner with serious pumping woes.
The mine’s entire processing and dewatering network was struggling to keep up with the demands of the site, with significant implications for overall operations. The project deals with harsh conditions and aggressive media that requires a high head pressure, calling for pumps that are capable of heavy lifting beyond the norm.
ROTO Queensland and Northern Territory manager Brett Layt said the team deployed to site immediately and met the challenge head-on.
“ROTO has capabilities to supply any PCP [progressing cavity pump] package worldwide, meeting any site or national standards and requirements,” Layt told Mining.
“For this client, we created a bespoke dual-positive displacement helical rotor pump package with in-built dewatering fish tank to meet and exceed the site-specific application.”
The solution was swiftly implemented at the mine site by a team of ROTO pumping experts.
How did they deliver so quickly?
“We hold stock of all required mining pump service parts ready to go,” Layt said.
“Our knowledgeable team are always on hand to troubleshoot any enquires sent our way.
“Our optioned package for this client is designed to increase the service life of the pump, with multiple baffles and flushing points to mitigate the harshness of the media collected in the fish tank.”
ROTO also offers on-site after-sales training on its pumps and systems to help ensure its clients get the most out of their solutions.
For Layt, keeping the mining industry’s pumping systems running smoothly is about more than just a job well done.
“Our adaptability and attention to detail for the requirements of every application really set us apart,” he said.
“We strive to not only be a cost-effective option but also smash lead time while providing a more personable experience.”
Over more than 57 years spent gaining insights into the mining industry’s major pumping challenges, ROTO has developed a comprehensive range of progressive cavity pumps and systems to effectively handle all mining and explosive applications.
Central to the company’s practices is a deep commitment to, and passion for, supporting clients to set and achieve larger goals than ever before. Layt believes this is the only way to drive the industry forward into a successful future.
“ROTO’s range and capabilities are forever growing and evolving,” he said. “We will continue to be a valued ally with our customers to provide stress-free pumping solutions.”
