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The new 250LEN series inline filter: A game-changer in high-pressure filtration

Image: Hengst Filtration

Hengst Filtration has announced the launch of its latest addition to the inline filter series: the 250LEN series inline filter.

This highly engineered filter is designed to meet the tough demands of high-pressure industries. The 250LEN series is designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of hydraulic machinery and industrial equipment while minimising operational costs.

Key features of the 250LEN series inline filter

The 250LEN series inline filter is a cutting-edge solution that complements Hengst’s existing range of filtration solutions.

With a maximum operating pressure of 250 bar, this new filter series offers strong performance under pressure for demanding environments.

Optimised cyclone-effect technology: the 250LEN series incorporates an optimised flow path that significantly improves differential pressure and enhances separation capabilities. This innovation results in a remarkably low Delta P value
Additional mounting flexibility: from size 250LEN0160-0400, the 250LEN series is equipped with additional side mounting, offering greater flexibility for installation in various industrial setups. For added convenience, Mini-Mess connections are available as an option from size 250LEN0160-0400 onwards, providing further customisation to meet specific applications
High stability: the innovative non-circular design (NCD) of the 250LEN filter head ensures uniform stress distribution within the filter head. This design enhances the overall durability of the filter. This advanced design increases the life cycle of the filter to an impressive two million cycles, making it a reliable and cost-effective choice for long-term use in high-pressure environments

Increase performance with cyclone effect technology and PURE POWER filter elements

Cyclone-effect technology makes the incoming fluid flow tangentially and moves downwards around the filter element in a helical pattern.

This feature transports heavy dirt particles to the outside and prevents the filter pores from blocking prematurely. These heavier particles will accumulate on the inside and bottom of the filter bowl, depending on the actual fluid flow conditions, increasing the dirt holding capacity and extending the time between element replacements by seven to 10 per cent.

The 250LEN series inline filter is designed to work in tandem with the Hengst advanced PURE POWER (PWR) filter elements.

The PWR filter element layers are designed in such a way, that the combination achieves a high retention rate and dirt holding capacity, in conjunction with a low clean differential pressure drop.

The filter material is pleated and wrapped cylindrically round the support tube and glued, so it is impermeable to liquid along the material seam and top and bottom end caps. This highly engineered construction enhances the overall durability, performance and longevity of the filter, making it the perfect choice for critical industries.

Whether for use in mining, manufacturing, or other heavy-duty industries, the 250LEN series inline filter from Hengst sets a new benchmark in high-pressure filtration, combining innovative design with proven technology to deliver superior performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.

Arcadium to put Mt Cattlin on hold

Kelsie Tibben

Image: Michael Evans/stock.adobe.com

Arcadium Lithium will transition its Mt Cattlin mine in Western Australia into care and maintenance following the recent softening of lithium prices.

Stage 4A waste stripping and any expansionary investment will be suspended after the mine completes Stage 3 mining and ore processing by mid-2025.

Though considered a relatively small mine compared to its neighbours, Arcadium president and chief executive officer Paul Graves said the mine will continue to play a big part in the company’s future.

“We remain committed to developing our global portfolio of hard rock assets and are confident that they will continue to be a significant part of Arcadium Lithium’s growth story,” Graves said.

“Unfortunately, production at Mt Cattlin beyond the current stage of the open pit cannot be justified in the current price environment for spodumene.

“We will maintain open and transparent dialogue with all of our stakeholders while supporting our employees and communities in Western Australia during this transition period.”

Arcadium was firm Mt Catltin will not be closed, with its care and maintenance program intended to keep the mine and processing facilities in a position to potentially resume operations when market conditions become more favourable.

The company said it will continue to explore the viability of underground mining at the Mt Cattlin site, which could potentially extend the remaining mine life.

As a result of the decision to put Mt Cattlin on hold, Arcadium expects to increase its net expected cash flow in 2024 and 2025 cumulatively by approximately $US75 ($111.2 million) to $US100 million ($148.3 million).

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Is South Australia the world’s next copper leader?

Kelsie Tibben

The Olympic Dam operation. Image: BHP

The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) has weighed in on BHP’s plan to more than double its copper production in the state by 2030.

BHP plans to upgrade its Olympic Dam copper smelter to a ‘stage-two smelter’, as well as expand its refining capacity.

As one of only two copper smelters in Australia, the expansion will be a potential boon for the state.

“South Australia was known as ‘The Copper Kingdom’ in the 1840s when copper was first discovered,” SACOME chief executive officer Rebecca Knol said.

“Today’s copper renaissance is crucial to our everyday lives and to our energy transition.

“From EVs (electric vehicles) and charging stations to mobile devices and life-saving healthcare, copper is fuelling our lives and our net-zero ambitions.”

In SA, BHP currently operates the Carrapateena, Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, and Oak Dam copper mines.

The Big Australian has been outspoken in its desire to become a global copper powerhouse, and has placed its focus directly on SA.

SACOME said it is essential for state and Federal governments to ensure BHP’s strategy for the smelter and refinery expansion becomes a reality.

There are now several steps that need to be undertaken to advance the project, including an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation determination, development of Terms of Reference, and the preparation of an environmental impact assessment.

“(This) is a significant milestone in BHP’s proposed smelter and refinery expansion, which aims to position SA as a leading global copper jurisdiction,” Knol said.

“The State Prosperity Project has provided a framework for strategic development that enables value-add to South Australia’s already impressive resource endowment.”

The State Prosperity Project is a co-ordinated initiative by the SA Government to unlock the full potential of renewable energy, critical minerals and green manufacturing to herald a new era of prosperity for South Australia.

The project’s key focus is the Upper Spencer Gulf, with the SA Government investing jobs and training in the region.

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Weir makes a mark overseas

Alexandra Eastwood

Weir’s redefined flowsheet solution includes Enduron HPGR technology. Image: Weir

The Weir Group has been awarded a £53 million ($102 million) contract to provide energy-efficient and sustainable solutions to the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan.

The project is 50 per cent owned by Barrick Gold, and is located in the Chagai district of Balochistan. Barrick is targeting first product at the site in 2028, with an estimated mine life of over 40 years.

The contract will see Weir provide fine grinding, separation and tailings solutions, featuring equipment such as Weir’s Enduron high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR), Enduron Elite wet and dry vibrating screens, Warman slurry pumps, and Cavex hydrocyclones.

“We are delighted to have secured this significant contract which represents further industry acceptance of Weir’s differentiated sustainable and cost-effective redefined flowsheet solution, with our market leading HPGR technology particularly suited for the water-scarce climate and geology of the Reko Diq copper-gold project,” Weir chief executive officer (CEO) Jon Stanton said.

“Our engineers have designed an innovative solution that comprehensively addresses the particular challenges of this project and is a great example of working in close partnership with an ambitious customer who shares in our purpose to sustainably and efficiently deliver the natural resources essential to create a better future for our world.”

After equipment commissioning is completed, Weir will provide aftermarket support via an on-site service centre staffed with Weir technical personnel.

Barrick president and CEO said the company is proud to be partnering with Weir.

“The Reko Diq project will grow Barrick’s strategically significant copper and gold portfolios, benefiting all its Pakistan and Balochistan stakeholders,” he said.

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Weir, De Grey partner up

Alexandra Eastwood

Weir’s new Port Hedland facility services Enduron® HPGRs along with critical parts storage for faster service times for customers. Image: Weir

De Grey Mining has awarded Weir a contract to supply an Enduron high-pressure grinding roll (HPGR) for its Hemi gold project in the Pilbara.

The contract comes as Weir officially opens its Port Hedland Service Centre to further support its customers in the Pilbara.

De Grey Mining project director Peter Holmes said the company is looking forward to the partnership.

“De Grey Mining is pleased to partner with Weir on one of its key long lead items for its Hemi gold project and appreciates Weir having a local service facility to provide the required support to our site and the region,” he said.

Weir Enduron HPGRs global product manager Bjorn Dierx echoed similar sentiments.

“Our partnership with De Grey Mining further expands our footprint in sustainable comminution,” Dierx said.

“Our proven track record of developing highly engineered solutions for the industry, together with our capability to partner with our customers to bring projects to life, ensures that De Grey Mining will be in good hands to achieve its productivity, sustainability and project execution targets.

“Importantly, Enduron HPGRs also provide significant improvements versus traditional tumbling mill technology with energy savings of up to 40 per cent and in turn, a lower carbon footprint. This will be the fifth, similar-sized Enduron HPGR in the Pilbara region alone, which is a testament to its credibility in high capacity, hard-rock grinding.”

Weir regional managing director Kristen Walsh said the contract elevates Weir’s sustainability goals.

“This win further underscores Weir’s commitment to making mining more sustainable and demonstrates the substantial opportunity that can be made to CO2 emissions reduction when choosing an energy-efficient technology in a large greenfield project,” she said.

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From video games to mineral veins

Staff Writer

Revizto uses the unity of BIM intelligence to empower its users. Image: Revizto

Revizto is bringing its project coordination platform to the mining industry, with Thiess one of its trusted mining clients.

Over 12 months ago, Thiess was looking to digitise its engineering coordination workflows across projects and streamline its site-based delivery objectives.

The global mining services provider wanted to visualise its upcoming construction projects by using a platform to better deliver projects digitally, while managing all external project members, its technical query processes and site-based defects.

To address these issues, Thiess engaged Revizto, a Swiss-based company that first launched its coordination software for the architecture, engineering, construction and mining industries in 2012.

“One of the fastest growing 2D and 3D fully integrated collaboration platforms, Revizto has been operating in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for more than seven years now.” Revizto mining lead Jack Joy told Australian Mining.

The Revizto platform empowers users to access, manage, and collaborate on construction and infrastructure projects through the unity of building information modelling (BIM) intelligence.

Users can access Revizto via a computer or mobile app.
Image: Revizto

“Built on a video game engine, Revizto is easy to use and allows fast adoption by project teams across all disciplines and with any level of technical skills,” Joy said.

“Its processing power and ability to bring in hundreds of 3D models and thousands of 2D drawings into the one platform is unmatched, making Revizto suitable for projects of any size.”

Users can also use Revizto via a mobile app, allowing subcontractors and site-based teams to access and use the models and drawings on-site, leading to less redrafts, safer workflows, and higher efficiency.

It was these features, and Revizto’s ease of use, that caught the eye of Thiess.

Thiess senior civil engineer Brett Jenkins told Australian Mining the company operates a greenfield site in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, which includes the construction of the mine infrastructure area.

“Revizto is working with Thiess on this construction to coordinate and collate the various design models and drawings,” Jenkins said.

“Thiess and MACA (Thiess’ subsidiary) are also working together with Revizto to assist with the project management of construction activities Thiess provides to the mining industry.”

Since using Revizto, Thiess’ civil engineering and delivery teams have seen an array of operational benefits.

“Revizto has allowed for the various design models, including the pit and dump designs, to be incorporated into a single program allowing multiple views without the need for installing design software,” Jenkins said.

“Revizto has also allowed for the management of subcontractors with RFIs (requests for information), NCRs (non-conformance reports) and as-built mark ups all coordinated into the single program.”

Since using Revizto, Thiess has saved a significant amount of time and resources.
Image: Revizto

Prior to using Revitzo, Thiess would have a person go through each NCR or RFI to ensure they were referenced in drawings, which used a significant amount of time and resources.

“Previously, RFIs and NCRs were managed through emails and folders with information needing to be updated for the as-built mark ups,” Jenkins said.

“Revizto incorporates this into the program, eliminating the requirement to manually update document trackers and as-built drawings, and email documentation to relevant parties.

“The Revizto software also automatically references the relevant drawings and has helped stakeholders visualise the design of the infrastructure, as well as recommending design changes prior to construction.”

After resolving various engineering and design issues with Revizto, Thiess is in talks with the company to bring the platform to other upcoming projects.

The partnership between Thiess and Revizto continues to thrive.

“Revizto’s ability to manage RFIs and NCRs has significantly reduced our manual efforts,” Jenkins said.

“With these improvements, Revizto looks forward to demonstrating its impact at various events across APAC and beyond, highlighting the substantial benefits the company brings to the mining industry.”

This feature appeared in the August 2024 issue of Australian Mining.

The global opportunity for mining services

Contributor

Image: Kings Access/stock.adobe.com

Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sectors generated $114 billion in revenue in 2020, according to the latest Austmine national survey, of which two-thirds of companies exported $17 billion of goods and services (five per cent of all exports in 2020).

Strong resources and energy exports and a steady increase in mining investment suggest METS sectors have grown considerably in subsequent years.

And expenditure is expected to continue. Australia’s mining industry invested $11.5 billion in the March quarter of 2024, up six per cent from a year earlier and nearly 60 per cent higher than the March quarter of 2019. Current estimates suggest the mining industry invested $53 billion during the 2023–24 financial year.

Further, rising exploration expenditure indicates an increase in broader capital expenditure from resources and energy firms in the coming years. Spending on exploration and other mining support services averaged $486 million per quarter in the year to March 2024, 25 per cent more than the average quarterly spend in the prior five years.

In particular, growth in exploration expenditure since 2020 suggests interest is rising in precious and industrial metals (such as copper and iron ore) and critical minerals amid the ongoing shift toward net-zero global emissions.

The June 2024 Resources and Energy Quarterly report shows exports of clean energy metals and minerals are projected to remain over $50 billion per annum over the next two years. Meanwhile, there are expectations for enhanced exploration activity over the next few years for traditional energy commodities including coal, gas and uranium that are currently experiencing relatively strong prices.

To execute these plans, services – ranging from provision of labour, explosives and transport to draining and pumping services, drilling and blasting services, railways, piping and electrical cabling – are all poised to benefit.

For access to more economic insights, explore Export Finance Australia’s World Risk Developments here. If you would like to learn more about how Export Finance Australia could support your business with finance to secure more contacts, visit the website or contact the team today at 1800 093 724.

This article is also available on the Export Finance Australia website.

Rethinking tailings

Staff Writer

Weir is aiding the mining industry in rethinking tailings. Image: Weir

While producing tailings is inevitable, Weir is here to ensure waste is removed and handled sustainably.

As millions of tonnes of ore are processed each day across the mining industry, it stands to reason that not all material is exported or used.

Although mine waste – also known as tailings – is unavoidable, heightened environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards in the mining industry are necessitating enhanced waste management methods.

Luckily, Weir is here to help.

Backed by an extensive portfolio of tailings solutions, technologies and processing equipment, Weir is on a mission to help the industry rethink, reduce and repurpose tailings through its transformational tailings flowsheets.

“We are looking to engage with the market to assist with solutions that will achieve new benchmark outcomes for water recovery, energy consumption, carbon footprints and safe storage,” Weir head of tailings and pipelines – Asia Pacific Simon Acutt told Australian Mining.

“We want to trigger new thinking on how to treat tailings.”

An example of this is Weir’s Cavex DE hydrocyclone, a technology that performs two stages of classification in one operational unit.

“The larger particles move downwards under gravity and leave via the bottom outlet with a small quantity of water,” Acutt said.

“A small amount of the fine solids remain with most of the water; this then spirals upwards through a central pipe and out the top as the overflow product. The Cavex DE hydrocyclone goes through this process twice.

“The aim is to separate the large particles and use them for construction material. The main use for the cyclone underflow is to build tailings dam walls.”

The Cavex DE hydrocyclone works without the need for intermediary pumping, piping or sumps. It’s fitted with an air core booster to improve capacity and efficiency by reducing the total pressure across the hydrocyclone and increasing the volume flow split to the overflow.

The Cavex DE hydrocyclone works without the need for intermediary pumping, piping or sumps.
Image: Weir

“This creates value out of the mine’s waste,” Acutt said. “By using sand from tailings, operators have less product going into their tailings storage facility (TSF), meaning the TSF can be smaller and save on diesel-powered earthmoving equipment.”

Another example of innovation is Weir’s second-generation Cavex 2 hydrocyclone, which expands upon the Cavex hydrocyclone range and marks a new era in separation technology.

Combined with the feed chamber, the LIG+ advanced laminar spiral inlet reduces turbulence and enables the hydrocyclone to classify up to 30 per cent more feed slurry within a similar footprint as the original Cavex hydrocyclones.

Alongside Weir’s range of tailings products and solutions, the company carries out pipe loop testing to provide design data, centrifugal pump testing, and high-pressure positive displacement pump testing at Weir Technical Centre in Victoria.

“Mineral slurries vary in many ways, meaning each slurry behaves differently in a pipe system,” Acutt said. “Therefore, pilot testing is important to help determine the best solution for each site and reduce the overall design risk.

“Weir can run a variety of tests to identify possible operational issues, with testing able to determine how the slurry behaves when pumped in a range of different conditions, solids concentrations and velocities, all while simulating pump failure and a potential restart event.

“The outcome ensures the selected pump and motors are right for the job and tailored to a mine site’s unique operating environments.”

To ensure it can offer the coarse particle flotation (CPF) technology to its customers, Weir has a cooperative agreement with Eriez, allowing the company to collaborate and apply its HydroFloat CPF technology when needed.

The CPF solution reduces energy consumption by 10–20 per cent and increases water recovery by up to 85 per cent by using advanced dewatering technologies.

“The technology works by injecting air bubbles into the lower levels of the tank,” Acutt said. “These bubbles lift ore to the top of the tank, which is collected via a concentrate overflow.

“The grind size is substantially larger than conventional flotation, significantly reducing energy consumption in the comminution phase. This also makes it much easier to separate water from tailings.

“CPF waste stream can be used for dam wall construction and dam wall support. It requires little further treatment, hence less expensive capital equipment and energy consumption. Weir is working closely with Eriez on several pilot trials.”

With a long-standing global presence in tailings management, Weir is an ideal partner to help the mining industry rethink its approach to tailings.

“Weir is not new to the tailings space,” Acutt said. “We have been actively investing in and expanding our knowledge and testing support facilities, positioning ourselves as a key partner for the future.”

This feature appeared in the August 2024 issue of Australian Mining.

Metso locks in $333m order at Reko Diq

Olivia Thomson

Image: Metso

Metso has signed a comprehensive frame agreement with Reko Diq Mining, the owner of the Reko Diq copper-gold project, one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.

Under the agreement, Metso will deliver crushing and grinding circuits that include Superior6089 MKIII gyratory crushers, Nordberg MP1250 cone crushers and Premier ball mills with 51-megawatt installed power. These are equipped with gearless mill drive technology and Metso’s failsafe polymer hydrostatic shoe bearing systems.

Reko Diq Mining has also placed orders for TankCellmechanical flotation cells, high-intensity Concorde Cellunits, HRT thickeners, Vertimill and HIGmill regrind mills, mill reline equipment, concentrate filters and automation equipment, all of which are expected to be signed and booked in Metso’s minerals segment order intake later this year and 2025.

The equipment packages under the framework agreement are valued at $EU200 million ($333 million).

“We are excited to work as a strategic partner with Reko Diq Mining in this major greenfield project which will ramp up global copper production required for energy transition,” President of Metso’s minerals business division and deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Markku Teräsvasara said.

“Metso will provide Reko Diq with advanced and sustainable technology for the production of copper and gold concentrates.”

Reko Diq Mining is 50 per cent owned by Barrick Gold, 25 per cent owned by three federal state-owned enterprises, with the balance held by the Balochistan Government.

The Reko Diq project is expected to have a mine life of approximately 40 years as a truck-and-shovel open pit operation, with construction expected in two phases. This will provide a combined processing capacity of roughly 90 million tonnes per annum. First production is targeted for 2028.

“Reko Diq will substantially expand Barrick’s strategically significant copper and gold portfolios and benefit all its Pakistani stakeholders for generations to come,” Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said.

“We are pleased to partner with Metso in this project where sustainable concentrate processing is one of the key drivers for plant design and operation.”

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The future of conveyor componentry

Staff Writer

Lorbrand has provided industry-leading conveyor belt systems for over a decade. Image: Lorbrand

Australian Mining spoke to Lorbrand about what makes its composite rollers stand out.

Conveyor rollers remain one of the most important conveyor belt components on the market.

As it looked to boost operational efficiency and material transportation, the bulk material handling industry had been searching for a lighter and more robust conveyor roller.

Enter Lorbrand Australia.

For over a decade, Lorbrand has provided industry-leading conveyor belt systems and solutions such as conveyor idlers, pulleys and rollers.

Now, Lorbrand offers a lightweight and durable alternative to standard steel conveyor rollers.

“Traditionally, steel rollers have been the way of the industry, but over the last 10 years there’s been a transition to composite,” Lorbrand general manager – Australia David Massarotto told Australian Mining.

“There’s several drivers behind the change, weight being one. A composite roller will weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 per cent less than a steel roller.”

Reduced weight offers several advantages.

“By carrying less weight, we considerably reduce the risk of manual handling issues and physical injury,” Massarotto said. “Our aim for iron ore is to get everything under 20 kilograms, which is not possible with steel.

“Miners and exporters are always looking at ways they can put more tonnes on their conveyors. So every kilogram we take off a machine means an added kilogram to their throughput.”

Available in materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and nylon, Lorbrand’s composite rollers are known for reducing noise violations and being “belt-friendly”.

“If a composite roller is to seize or fail, it won’t damage the conveyor belt allowing belt crews to plan a roll changeout or slot it into scheduled conveyor downtime rather than having to stop the conveyor to prevent damage to other conveyor componentry,” Massarotto said.

“With a traditional steel roller, if it jams or seizes and the belt runs over it, the rollers begin to wear and form sharp edges which can severely damage the conveyor belt, impairing a critical piece of conveyor componentry and leading to unscheduled downtime. This can have considerable cost implications.”

It’s no secret unscheduled downtime can cost operations millions of dollars of lost productivity per day. With Lorbrand’s composite rollers, operations can continue even if a roller fails.

“Historically, a site will immediately have to stop a belt if it has a seizure,” Massarotto said. “If you’re in iron ore, to change one roll can take between one and three hours of downtime given the associated safety measures that need to be completed first, especially on long overland conveyors.

“However, a composite roller will continue to wear without sharpening, meaning you don’t get this razor sharpness that can cause conveyor failures.

“A composite roller enables you to continue running the belt, and then when you have scheduled downtime, you can go through and change the rollers when possible.”

While many Australian mining operations are in remote regions of the country, there are also mines proximate to residential areas. Here, noise reduction is critical.

“In regions such as the Hunter Valley, you might have big overland conveyors running close to residential areas between a power station and a coal mine,” Massarotto said.

“Noise pollution can be deadened by transitioning to composite rollers, because there isn’t the shell resonance that you get with steel or aluminium rollers.

“This means mining companies and exporters can operate for longer with lower chance of noise restrictions being enforced on them.”

Lorbrand also manufactures composite conveyor guarding and composite wind guards to further supplement conveyor systems. These provide further noise reduction.

“Our guards and wind guards tend to further dampen noise around the conveyor,” Massarotto said. “Plastic tends to absorb noise, whereas steel reflects noise.

“We installed wind guards to help with corrosion and weight, but we’re seeing this product also make conveyors quieter.

“This highlights the advantages of using composite componentry around conveyors. They are safer, can drive down weight and noise and enable operators to avoid costly unscheduled downtime on their conveyors.”

This feature appeared in the August 2024 issue of Australian Mining.