Stellar Resources has successfully raised millions to advance its flagship Heemskirk Tin Project in Tasmania.
The company received commitments for approximately 409 million shares at an issue price of $0.022 per share, for a total of $9 million, per a company report.
Proceeds will be targeted towards development study costs for Heemskirk, which Stellar said is the highest-grade undeveloped tin resource in Australia and the third-highest globally.
Funds will also support due diligence on surrounding infrastructure options and exploration at the highly prospective East Renison Project. This new funding, combined with a recent $2.9 million from option exercises, brings Stellar’s total capital raised in recent months to $11.9 million.
“We are very pleased with the strong support received for this placement from both existing shareholders and new investors, enabling the board to increase the amount raised from what was originally sought,” Stellar managing director Simon Taylor said.
“The funds raised, together with recent option conversions, significantly strengthen our balance sheet and position Stellar to advance the Heemskirk Tin Project towards development, as we aim to become a global top-10 tin producer.”
According to Stellar, the strong investor interest stems from tin prices trading around $US36,000 per tonne, driven by demand from the electronics and renewable energy sectors.
The MACAR Group has turned to a Striker CQ400 cone crusher from Onetrak to handle a challenging mining project.
The MACAR Group, a Western Australian crushing and screening company operated by a husband-and-wife team, was looking to expand into the gold processing industry.
After landing a key contract, the company had a tight timeframe to get a crusher up and running.
MACAR Group owner Matt Kelly said it was a challenging application, but Striker distributor Onetrak was able to help find the right solution.
“This is our first purchase, but we’ve got a good relationship with Striker,” Kelly said.
“With my background as a boilermaker and fitter I’m familiar with Striker machinery, and their ease of use and accessibility has always stood out.
“We were looking for a cone crusher and Striker couldn’t supply us a machine in the timeframe we had, so they put us on to Onetrak and they’ve been fantastic.”
At the beginning of September, a Striker CQ400 cone crusher joined MACAR Group’s fleet and is now processing scats at a gold processing plant in Meekatharra.
It was the first Striker machine to join the fleet, and the first to be supplied by Onetrak.
MACAR Group has been operating across WA since 2021. After purchasing a reclaimer screen, the next step was to expand within the Goldfields and Murchison regions of WA.
“We’ve done crushing at the Granny Smith mine for Gold Fields and we’ve just started a project for Westgold,” Kelly said.
“We’re pushing hard in the gold sector at the moment.”
With a long-term plan to build a fleet of Striker machinery, Kelly said the starting point is the CQ400 cone crusher.
Currently it is crushing 25mm milled rock down to -8mm “and getting through it really well”.
“At the gold plant, when they crush and then put the ore through a mill, there’s a certain size that they screen out, which in this case is 25mm,” he said.
“However, it comes out with a lot of mill balls and steel in it. So Onetrak also built us a feeder with a magnetic head drum, which is doing a great job at pulling all the steel out before we crush it.”
The design of the crushing chambers produces a consistent end product. Image: Onetrak
When asked why he chose a Striker machine, Kelly said the design of the crushing chambers produces a better end product, and the ease of use means new operators can quickly be trained to run the machine.
“It’s very simple for our guys to pick up if they haven’t used the Striker machine before,” he said.
“They’re user friendly, so, if we were to dry hire this machine out, that’s a benefit.
“Instead of someone taking three or four days to learn the ins and outs of a machine, with this cone crusher, within a day they can have a pretty good handle on how it works. Plus, as a brand, Striker are reliable and proven.
“At the moment we’re crushing around 80 to 90 tonne an hour, which is slow, but it’s also very hard work. Every single rock has to be crushed to that specific size.”
Another advantage is the use of a Cat engine, which means parts are easily accessible and most mechanics are already familiar with the brand. Having spent years repairing and operating crushing machinery, Kelly said the design of Striker equipment stands out for its ease of maintenance.
“Striker builds machines that are very easy to work on,” he said.
“When you’re a fitter and you need to fix something, you need to be able to get in there quickly, without having to strip half the machine to pieces.
“On a Striker, I can access 90 per cent of the stuff on there no problem.”
Kelly said that Onetrak has been highly supportive in quickly getting him the machine that he needed.
“Onetrak have just been amazing so far. They’ve gone out of their way to help us build and they want to see us grow. There’s a very good relationship between us, that’s for sure,”he said.
With MACAR Group continuing to grow its presence in the Western Australian market, Kelly said a major focus is safety and quality of service like he had experienced with Onetrak and Striker.
“We’re focusing on the safety side and our strong maintenance background,” he said.
“By the end of this year, we’ll have our ISOs done so we can stand out a bit more. We don’t want to be the biggest, but we want to be the safest and the best.” •
Quarry speaks with Astec Industries’ Adam Gordon to find out how innovative technologies have unlocked a brand-new design of crushing and screening equipment.
Astec Industries does not want to stand still. If it does not stay up to date with the latest innovations and improvements, it risks being surpassed in the competitive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market.
“If you don’t incorporate improvements into your machinery, someone else will,” Astec Industries business line manager Adam Gordon told Quarry. “That means we have to stay innovative.”
This drive to evolve is what inspired the company to design 20 new mobile tracked crushing and screening plants.
Based on tried-and-tested machinery that has proven popular in the US, the new range of plants has been designed to be easier to maintain.
The new range has also incorporated improvements in engines, hydraulics, and materials.
Gordon said that in an industry where heavier usually means longevity, the new range has reduced weight to make it easier to move.
“It’s not just our industry that has seen rapid development, it’s the whole world. There are all new specialty steels with unique performance characteristics that allow us to design these machines even better,” he said.
“Some of the heavy-weight sections can be reduced in thickness because the steel has gotten much stronger.
“With greater strength characteristics, you can reduce the weight of the steel section, which means more flexibility and less impact on the ground.
“Similarly, if you can make your conveyors more efficient and require less power, then your drives can be smaller. Your hydraulic flow can be reduced thanks to more efficient pumps.
“All of these small improvements add up to about a 10 to 15 per cent improvement in productivity and yield.”
Mobile equipment offers significant benefits for Australia’s quarrying sector. Image: Astec
Finding new ways to improve efficiency for customers is key for Astec. At the end of the day, the company’s clients are looking to reduce their cost per tonne, which means using the most cost-effective equipment possible.
Mobile equipment also offers significant benefits for Australia’s quarrying sector.
Gordon said they offer an effective way of avoiding lengthy approvals.
“It can be difficult to get approvals in this industry for fixed infrastructure,” he said. “Setting up a fixed plant is also a big capital investment, and securing a lender can be a headache.
“Mobile equipment is fast to set up on a site, meaning that equipment can get to work as soon as possible.”
This flexibility is especially important for smaller quarry operations. Often, the profit margins are much tighter, so finding the right size of equipment is key to getting the economics right.
Mobile gear can also be moved to different sites, creating the potential for smaller production volumes to become more economical.
Astec has a global network of facilities to provide customers with support. Image: Astec
Australian support
The first few of the new machines, the SF-20 Tracked Screeners, have already been rolled out. Three have already been in the field for thousands of hours to ensure they can handle all the challenges operating in a quarry can throw at them.
This robust field testing helps Astec find the unexpected and is important to improving the designs.
Astec has service facilities in Brisbane and Melbourne, with technicians located throughout the country to support its asphalt plants and crushing equipment products. Most of these service technicians are cross-trained, enabling them to handle any issue that may arise across Astec’s broad range of products.
Gordon said it’s important to provide high-quality, fast-response service in the quarry sector.
“When a piece of equipment breaks down, it’s not just affecting one thing – it impacts the entire process,” he said.
“The loaders, the excavators, the tracked equipment – all of it comes to a halt waiting for the problem to be solved. If you’re working with something like an asphalt mixer, there’s also a time limit before the material begins to thicken and solidify. That’s why reliability is so important for our customers. If there’s a breakdown, they’re losing out on productivity. The better we can support our customers, the more likely they will support us in return.”
Repeat business is an important part of Astec’s goal of growing six times larger by 2030.
The company recently acquired TerraSource, a specialist manufacturer of complementary equipment, providing new opportunities for the company.
This international growth has given Astec the support it needs to start rapidly expanding across Australia.
Gordon said the tracked equipment market was competitive, which is why having an efficient production process were vital.
“Each company is trying to continually evolve, offering greater features and benefits while improving their production volumes while reducing their manufacturing costs,” he said.
To reach this, Astec has fast-tracked the growth of its manufacturing facility in Omagh, Northern Ireland.
The country has long been a hub for crushing equipment manufacturing, and by expanding its presence there, Astec has freed up its US factories, which had previously supplied the global market.
Gordon said having its manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland was the best for ease of manufacturing and logistics.
“If you look at Northern Ireland, around 7000 tracked crushers and screeners are manufactured and shipped from there to the world market,” he said. “That means there is a lot of expertise we can harness, as well as the auxiliary equipment that is needed for tracked equipment. At the moment, we have 19 pieces of tracked equipment in our Australian inventory, and this is growing all the time. We’re excited to start showing off what it can do.” •
XCMG’s mobile crushers are compact, enabling easy transportation from site to site. Image: XCMG 徐工的移动式破碎机结构紧凑，便于从一个地点到另一个地点的运输。图片：徐工
XCMG’s new mobile crusher range is underpinning faster, more efficient mining operations. 徐工的新型移动式破碎机系列正在为更快、更高效的采矿作业奠定基础。
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. 当您想到采矿和建筑行业的移动性时，您的思绪很可能会跳到运输解决方案、机械搬迁或敏捷运营规划上。
But what about crushing? 但是压碎呢？
In a sector where power and performance often come in bulky and stationary packages, XCMG is shifting the paradigm. 在动力和性能通常采用笨重且固定封装的领域， 徐工正在改变范式。
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. 随着其强大的移动式破碎机系列（XPE0810、XPE0912、XPF1214 和 XPY1100）的发布，徐工集团明确表示：力量和机动性可以齐头并进。
From quarries to remote mining operations, infrastructure projects to demolition sites, these crushers are built for action. 从采石场到偏远采矿作业，从基础设施项目到拆除现场，这些破碎机都是为行动而生的。
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. 它们快速、灵活、省油且强大。但除了规格和钢材之外，破碎机还代表着更大的东西：向更智能、更精简、反应更灵敏的破碎系统迈进，以适应现代矿场的需求。
Let’s break it down. 让我们来分解一下。
Mobility meets muscle 机动性与肌肉的结合
Traditional crushers demand infrastructure, pads, foundations, power sources, and logistical planning. 传统破碎机需要基础设施、垫片、基础、电源和物流规划。
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. 徐工移动式破碎机的推出意味着这些限制已成为过去。这些机器安装在坚固的轨道上，专为无缝运输而设计，正在重新定义现场就绪的含义。
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. 无论是紧凑敏捷的 XPE0810、中档 XPE0912 主力，还是重磅 XPF1214 和高效 XPY1100，该系列都为各种场景提供了粉碎解决方案。
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. 是什么将它们结合在一起？他们的精密设计、经过现场测试的耐用性和对效率的不懈追求已成为徐工品牌的标志。
Balancing power and precision 平衡功率和精度
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. 当您需要性能而不牺牲移动性时，XPE0810 可以满足您的需求。这款中型颚式破碎机专为要求苛刻的工作负载而设计，在动力、便携性和效率之间实现了理想的平衡。
Engineered for tough conditions, the XPE0810 thrives on job sites where reliability and productivity are non-negotiables. 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. 该 XPE0810 专为恶劣条件而设计，在可靠性和生产力不容谈判的工作现场蓬勃发展。从钢筋混凝土到硬岩，它可以轻松处理各种材料，使其成为需要结果的承包商的首选解决方案。
Key features include: 主要功能包括：
being compact enough for easy transportation and powerful enough for large jobs 足够紧凑，便于运输，功能强大，适合大型作业
rapid set-up and intuitive operation 快速设置和直观作
robust jaw crushing performance 强大的颚式破碎性能
suited to construction sites, recycling yards, quarry and mining operations. 适用于建筑工地、回收场、采石场和采矿作业。
The versatile workhorse 多功能主力
Step up a level to the XPE0912, a mobile jaw crusher engineered for higher output and more demanding tasks. 更上一层楼，XPE0912，这是一款移动式颚式破碎机，专为更高的产量和更苛刻的任务而设计。
With a larger feed opening and increased throughput, the XPE0912 is perfect for contractors and mining operators who need a robust, multi-purpose crusher that can adapt on the fly. 该 XPE0912 具有更大的进料口和更高的吞吐量，非常适合需要坚固耐用且可动态适应的多用途破碎机的承包商和采矿运营商。
The XPE0912 mobile jaw crusher. Image: XCMG XPE0912 移动式颚式破碎机。图片：徐工
Whether operators are breaking down blasted rock or reprocessing concrete debris, the XPE0912 keeps sites moving. 无论操作员是分解爆破的岩石还是再处理混凝土碎片，XPE0912 都能让现场保持运转。
Key features include: 主要功能包括：
a heavy-duty jaw plate design 重型钳口板设计
hydraulic adjustment for quick changeovers 液压调节，可快速转换
remote control mobility 远程控制移动性
suited to medium to large crushing volumes. 适用于中到大破碎量。
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. 这是一台可以轻松地从一个工作转移到另一个工作而不会错过任何一个节拍的机器。该 XPE0912 足够坚固，可以应对恶劣的条件，并且足够智能，可以应对动态工作流程。
The heavy-hitter 重量级人物
The XPF1214 mobile impact crusher is built for productivity. With a powerful rotor and large crushing chamber, it delivers aggressive performance for high-volume operations. XPF1214 移动式反击式破碎机专为提高生产率而设计。凭借强大的转子和大型破碎室，它为大批量作业提供了积极的性能。
It’s ideally suited for limestone, concrete, asphalt, and other medium-hard materials, delivering uniform product size with exceptional shape. 它非常适合石灰石、混凝土、沥青和其他中等硬度材料，提供均匀的产品尺寸和卓越的形状。
But the XPF1214 isn’t just about brute force. It’s loaded with intelligent features that reduce downtime and boost productivity. 但 XPF1214 不仅仅是蛮力。它加载了智能功能，可减少停机时间并提高生产力。
Adjustable aprons, fast maintenance access, and dust suppression options all contribute to a machine designed for real-world performance. 可调节围裙、快速维护访问和粉尘抑制选项都有助于打造专为实际性能而设计的机器。
Key features include: 主要功能包括：
high-capacity impact crushing 大容量冲击式破碎
an advanced hydraulic opening mechanism 先进的液压开启机构
flexible feed size and output adjustments 灵活的进料尺寸和产量调整
suited to quarry, roadwork, and recycling applications. 适用于采石场、道路施工和回收应用。
Cone crusher for consistency and control 圆锥破碎机，确保一致性和控制
Rounding out the range is the XPY1100, a mobile cone crusher engineered for precision and consistency. 该系列的最后一款产品是 XPY1100，这是一款专为精度和一致性而设计的移动式圆锥破碎机。
Cone crushers have always been valued for their ability to produce high-quality aggregates, and the XPY1100 is no exception. 圆锥破碎机一直因其生产高质量骨料的能力而受到重视，XPY1100 也不例外。
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. 该型号具有智能控制系统、坚固的易损件和优质的级配能力，是采矿和骨料生产中二级和三级破碎阶段的理想选择。
Key features include: 主要功能包括：
hydraulic cone technology with overload protection 带过载保护的液压锥体技术
automatic clearance adjustment 自动间隙调整
high reduction ratio and cubical product shape 高减速比和立方体产品形状
smooth integration with other XCMG crushers for multi-stage setups. 与其他徐工破碎机顺利集成，实现多级设置。
Operators choose the XPY1100 for its stability and control, while managers appreciate its uptime, output, and low operating costs. 运营商选择该 XPY1100 是因为它的稳定性和控制性，而管理人员则欣赏其正常运行时间、产量和低运营成本。
It’s a high-performance machine that brings balance and finesse to the crushing process. 它是一款高性能机器，可为破碎过程带来平衡和技巧。
Why choose XCMG mobile crushers? 为什么选择徐工移动式破碎机？
There are plenty of crushing options on the market, but here’s why XCMG’s lineup stands out. 市场上有很多粉碎选择，但这就是徐工产品线脱颖而出的原因。
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. 真正的机动性： 所有四台破碎机都安装在高强度轨道上，并配备强大的行走电机，即使在崎岖的地形中，也可以轻松地跨作业现场重新定位。无需等待运输，也无需浪费时间。
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. 即插即用的简单性： 设置快速直观，减少部署之间的停机时间。在几个小时内，您的团队就可以启动并运行，只需最少的培训。
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. 可靠性 ：徐工的工程传统意味着这些机器经久耐用。加固的框架、高质量的易损件和智能液压系统确保了可靠的性能，即使在严酷的工作量下也是如此。
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. 低运营成本： 高效的动力系统、燃油经济性和低维护要求转化为更好的利润和更低的每吨成本。这些破碎机旨在破碎您的材料，而不是您的底线。
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. 智能集成： 所有型号都可以轻松集成到多级破碎回路中，或与徐工的筛分和输送设备配对，以获得完整的物料加工解决方案。
Today’s mine sites are fast-paced and ever-evolving, so operators need machines that can keep up. 当今的矿场节奏快、不断发展，因此操作员需要能够跟上的机器。
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. 徐工的移动式破碎机具有让地面工作人员更轻松的功能，包括用于快速故障排除的远程诊断、带有触摸屏显示器的用户友好控制界面、带有无障碍维护点和紧急停止系统的安全第一设计，以及为注重燃料的操作员提供生态模式选项。
Every detail is designed to maximise uptime, optimise throughput, and minimise complexity. 每个细节都旨在最大限度地延长正常运行时间、优化吞吐量并最大限度地降低复杂性。
Real results in the field 现场的实际结果
It’s one thing to talk specs, it’s another to deliver results in high-pressure environments. 谈论规格是一回事，在高压环境中交付结果是另一回事。
Operators are reporting significant time savings thanks to fast setup and simplified mobility between crushing zones. 运营商报告说，由于快速设置和简化了破碎区之间的移动，可以节省大量时间。
In multi-stage applications, the pairing of jaw and impact crushers has proven especially effective in cutting down material handling steps and streamlining workflow. 在多级应用中，颚式破碎机和反击式破碎机的配对已被证明在减少物料搬运步骤和简化工作流程方面特别有效。
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. 团队还注意到，在切换到徐工的移动系统时，磨损率降低，输出级配更平滑，特别是在进料可变的现场。结果？效率更高，延迟更少，整体生产性能显着提高。
As global construction and mining trends evolve, so do the demands on equipment. Flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability are no longer optional – they’re expected. 随着全球建筑和采矿趋势的发展，对设备的需求也在不断变化。灵活性、效率和可持续性不再是可选的，而是人们所期望的。
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. 凭借其移动破碎范围，徐工不仅满足了这些期望，还树立了新的期望。这些机器提供现代采矿作业所需的性能、智能和适应性。
In short? XCMG is crushing it in every sense of the word. 总之？徐工集团在各个方面都碾压了它。
Metso director for standard crusher spares Toni Pimenoff shows how optimising your existing HP crusher through the growing range of upgrade options can unlock better performance and operational benefits.
In aggregates production, shifting market demands and evolving site conditions often require producers to rethink how they achieve performance, safety, and sustainability goals. Metso’s HP series crushers have long been a cornerstone of efficient crushing operations, but when targets rise significantly or regulations tighten, producers face a choice between optimising their existing crushing circuit or possibly investing in new machines. These two options need to be considered, but optimisation can bring improvements, but eventually reaches a ceiling. New machines may bring higher production and new technology, but can require considerable investment.
However, a third option producers should explore is to consider the growing range of upgrade options available for their current HP crushers. This latter path—upgrading—offers a compelling opportunity to unlock better performance and operational benefits without the capital expense of new equipment. Upgrades can help producers meet today’s challenges while also future-proofing their operations. With a wide range of upgrades to choose from, older HP crushers can be modernised with many of the features found on the newer HPe crusher models. Many of these upgrades can also be installed during regular maintenance intervals and planned out easily and cost effectively to not negatively affect production.
Raising production targets
Reacting to market changes can encourage sites to increase production. Optimisation work can help to an extent but may still fall short of the yield gains needed. The HPe Enhanced kinematics upgrade can improve the overall performance of the crusher. The scope of the upgrade kit varies between machine sizes and models but generally involves upgrading several key components. Though requiring some upfront investment, the upgrade can lead to:
Higher performance in terms of throughput and reduction
Increases in the crushing forces and horizontal head motion.
Processing the highest possible amount of material per hour while maintaining consistent product output size.
Metso’s HP series of crushers has been utilised worldwide. Image: Metso
Availability gains with less waste
Many plants struggle with the idea of looking to increase production time and equipment availability while minimising their environmental footprint. Upgrade opportunities that bring production and environmental benefits, however, are available. Traditionally, liner change outs require the use of a backing compound.
With a no-backing liner upgrade this is no longer needed. The upgrade brings sustainability advantages as well as results in more production time due to faster liner changeouts, as drying time for the backing compound is no longer required. Benefits include:
No need for backing material and related costs
Eliminates transporting and handling liner backing material
Up to 50 per cent faster liner changes which means no waiting time for dry out
Sustainable and safer solution for the operator
Less worries and more equipment life
Properly maintaining your crushing assets can lead to longer equipment and component life, helping to save costs by reducing parts change outs and also defer the need for new machine purchases. Keeping an eye out for early warning signs can help spot issues before they occur. Even when a crusher is initially set up in an optimal way, it does not mean sites can set it up and then forget it. Changes in operating conditions can lead to issues such as excessive fines entering the crusher or feed imbalances which can lead to adjustment ring lift, known as ring bounce.
Many features on the HPe crusher line are also available as upgrades for existing HP machines. Image: Metso
Undetected this can lead to costly fractures in the adjustment ring or mainframe and cause unplanned downtime and production losses. Many sites still rely on plant personnel to see or “hear” ring bounce manually. However, crushing is loud by nature, and it is easy to mistakenly hear ring bounce or dismiss actual ring bounce as “just how the crusher sounds”. A more efficient solution is to consider a Ring bounce monitoring upgrade which:
Protects and analyses the crusher by detecting adjustment ring movement and warns the operators via the Metso IC70 automation
Helps prevent extra wearing of parts like main frame seat liners, adjustment ring guide pins and bushings and general overloading of the machine
Leads to less parts change costs by avoiding wear and tear on parts caused by overloading and shock loads
When site conditions and goals change, all options are on the table but exploring which upgrades are available for your crusher should always be something to consider as it can achieve impressive performance gains while minimising investment costs.
The Olympic Dam mine in South Australia. Source: BHP
BHP has provided an update on the progress of its Olympic Dam expansion, with a maintenance campaign to occur two years from now.
BHP chief financial officer Vanita Pant said the company remained committed to growing production in the state despite a reshuffle of spending plans.
“Our aspiration to double copper production out of copper South Australia remains unchanged,” Pant said. “What we have done is a minor re-sequencing of capital and construction to accommodate a smelter maintenance campaign in 2027.
Pant said consistency of policy would be essential to making the expansion a success and is what would give the company confidence to put billions of dollars of capital to work for the long term.
BHP chief executive Mike Henry highlighted copper’s central role in BHP’s performance and outlook.
“We’ve made so much progress in recent years, and copper today accounts for 45 per cent of the underlying profit of the company,” he said.
“South Australia has some of the best copper endowment in the world, and we think there’s still more to come. We’ve got a tremendous resource base there and strong opportunities to keep growing.”
BHP’s growth pipeline extends beyond Australia, with projects in Argentina and the United States. In Argentina, the company is part of the Vicuña joint venture, which combines the Josemaría and Filo del Sol deposits.
“Filo del Sol is one of the biggest copper discoveries globally in the last 30 years,” he said. “We expect to have a development plan out in the first quarter of next year, and we’re also working with government on the RIGI bill which, if passed, will help make that project become even more attractive.”
The RIGI scheme is an initiative by the Argentine Government designed to attract investment in industries such as mining.
The likes of Glencore and BHP are participating in the scheme, with eligible projects able to secure tax breaks and deductions, as well as a stability agreement over 30 years that cannot be repealed by future governments.
AIMEX 2025 kicks off next week in Adelaide. Register for the free event here.
AIMEX’s Transformative Technology Showcase will display trailblazing technology and digital solutions. Image: Prime Creative Media
From 23–25 September, AIMEX will bring together over 5000 decision-makers, more than 230 exhibitors, and attendees from 30+ countries for three days of connection, innovation and insight.
There will be plenty to see and do at AIMEX 2025. Here is a selection of exhibitor highlights to put on your list to visit.
NMS
Stall: K25
Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. Ltd. (abbreviated as NMS in English, and commonly known as Nankuang Group, Nanchang Mineral Systems or Nankuang in Chinese) was founded in 1970.
Headquartered in the Meiling Scenic Area of Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, NMS is a technology-driven company engaged in mineral and aggregate processing technology research, design, product development, equipment manufacturing, production operations, and intelligent operation and maintenance.
Over the years, NMS has grown into a well-known company in the crushing and screening industry, becoming one of the leading providers of high-end mining equipment and intelligent production operation services in China.
Image: Nanchang Mineral Systems (NMS)
NMS products and technical services are widely used in industries such as iron ore, bauxite, gold, phosphate and coal, as well as municipal engineering, bridges and railways. The company collaborates extensively with well-known domestic and international enterprises, including Chalco, China Gold, China National Nuclear Corporation, Power China, CNBM, MINMETALS, Zijin Mining, China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd., WISCO and TISCO.
Other partners include Pangang, Shougang, Benxi Steel, Ansteel, Baotou Steel, China Shenhua Energy, Wengfu Phosphate, BHP, CRH, Holcim, and Vale, among others.
Amidst increasingly intense global economic competition, NMS is actively expanding its overseas market and has established subsidiaries in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Sweden, and the United States. Its end users span across various industries including mining, hydropower, nuclear power, aggregates, building materials, and chemicals, both domestically and internationally.
NMS’s equipment is exported to over 60 countries and regions, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies worldwide.
Metso Corporation is continuing to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia thanks to two strategic bookings in Malaysia.
The order, from Fortress Minerals Inc, is for a comprehensive suite of mineral processing equipment to be sent to the Bukit Besi iron ore project and the Mengapur copper project.
The core of the two orders, Metso said, are two high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) which are key in energy-efficient comminution and a main contributor to the company’s rapid expansion.
“This order is a great example of how our customers are embracing more energy-efficient and sustainable flowsheets,” Metso vice president of mineral sales – Asia Pacific Kai Rönnberg said.
“We are proud to support Fortress Minerals with advanced technologies that not only improve performance but also align with their long-term environmental goals.”
Other equipment on order includes flotation cells, vibrating screens, slurry pumps and hydrocyclones.
Metso has already begun its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region with distribution agreements in place across Pakistan as well as already-established trade deals in Australia for its HPGR technology.
The circuit comprises a portable NW800HRC HPGR with flanged and studded rolls, a portable Nordwheeler NW200HPS cone crusher paired with a skid-mounted screen for efficient classification, and interlinked portable conveyors to maintain a smooth material flow.
The entire setup is designed to plug directly into the existing operation with minimal disruption.
Family businesses from around the globe are working together to deliver crushing equipment tailored to support Australian quarries.
Paul Kerr has spent more than 30 years in the quarry equipment business. During this time, he has visited dozens of factories, learning what makes them tick and how they build equipment for the Australian environment.
He brings this experience to his role as Onetrak’s national manager for crushing and screening. His responsibility is to liaise with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the Australian-based family business.
One of these OEMs is Anaconda, which itself is a family business based in Northern Ireland. It specialises in designing, manufacturing, and supplying trommels, crushers, and screens for the material handling sectors.
Originally founded in 2005 as sub-contractor specialists, Anaconda was acquired by another family business – the McLanahan Corporation.
“It’s dynamic to work with three different family businesses, across three different continents,” Kerr told Quarry.
“We can get technical support from the factory – and not just from Northern Ireland. Reciprocal engineers in the United States means we have someone available across 16 hours a day.
“While they support us, we can also support them.”
Anaconda is a family business based in Northern Ireland. Image: Onetrak
The Australian quarry industry has unique demands. This is why Kerr was an ideal person to work alongside Anaconda’s design team. He said the three main issues facing Australian equipment are the heat, the dry climate, and geographical remoteness.
“We’re quite unique as a market segment, and we’re an area where Anaconda wants to make a difference,” Kerr said.
“Heat mostly affects screens. They’re hydrostatic and hydraulically driven. High temperatures can affect the longevity of seals and hoses, which can cause a loss of efficiency.
“There’s also a need to make sure the viscosity of the oil is the right level, and heat plays a major role. It’s important to make sure that every component is appropriate for the hot weather and high ultraviolet radiation.”
A dry climate means dust ingress can become a major problem. If dust manages to get into bearings and seals, it can significantly reduce the reliability of a machine. Placement of the bearings can also reduce the risks of dust ingress. To address these issues, Kerr visited the Anaconda factory and spent three days working with the company’s engineers. During this time, he reviewed the Anaconda machinery bit by bit, consulting with the Northern Ireland team to make sure the products would be fit for Australian conditions.
Kerr had visited the company’s factory a decade ago and said the McLanahan Corporation’s investment had enhanced it.
“I’ve been to all of the major manufacturing facilities for this type of equipment in Northern Ireland, and Anaconda’s paint facility is the best I have seen,” he said.
“The software they use is on the cutting edge. With McLanahan’s help, they have been able to incorporate the latest technology, from hydraulic flow to finite element analysis.
“It is all used to make sure each machine meets the company’s standards, using the right materials.”
Onetrak is more than just the official Australian dealer for Anaconda. It is also part of the company’s consulting team for developing new products.
Kerr was impressed at how quickly his feedback was taken on board. Where it might have taken months for these changes to be made in another manufacturer’s process, Anaconda was able to update the design almost immediately.
“One of the most important things about Anaconda is its versatility. They’ve been around for a decade and have been improving their designs from day one,” Kerr said.
“They’ve designed machines that offer good value for money. The whole design concept is to create a dependable workhorse and have been able to make them even more reliable for the Australian market.”
This reliability is vital for Australian quarries. Not only is Northern Ireland on the other side of the world, but often quarries cannot afford to wait for replacement parts if a machine breaks down.
Anaconda was acquired by the McLanahan Corporation. Image: Onetrak
To solve this problem, Onetrak has eight branches that are spread across the country. Each branch carries important components and wear parts for the crushing and screening sector. In addition, a full fleet of trucks lets the company’s teams support quarries around Australia.
Its distribution centre in Melbourne supports these branches, and its partnerships in Asia, North America, and Europe help keep the stock of spare parts high.
Kerr said if anything needs to be done quickly, each branch has teams of specialists that can move quickly for emergency breakdowns.
“We’re continuing to expand,” he said. “We’re looking at opening up another office this year.”
“We’re also excited to celebrate a major milestone. This year, we will have delivered more than 500 Anaconda machines into Australia over the past decade.”
Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. (NMS) is offering its long-standing expertise to the crushing and screening sector.
Established in 1970, Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. (NMS) has been focusing on crushing and screening sectors for more than 50 years. Integrating research and development, manufacturing, production and operation, NMS can provide turnkey project services in mining, quarrying and recycling industries.
The company recently delivered a complete set of flip-flow screeners:
• Extremely high vibration intensity, effective and efficient for screening sticky and wet materials
• Polyurethane screen media being used, with high opening rate and long service life
• When tensioned and loosened on the screen, the materials bonded on the screen is easy to go through
• Frequency adjustable to suit various working conditions
• High reliability of machines
• Low energy consumption and impact on the environment
NMS will attend AIMEX in this September in Adelaide. To book a meeting with its engineers, call 0401 459 289.
