A gold-standard crushing and screening performance at Agnew

A New crushing and screening plant at Agnew Gold is delivering financial rewards to Gold Fields. Image: Sandvik

A new Sandvik crushing and screening plant at Gold Fields’ Agnew gold mine in WA is delivering greater efficiency, throughput and operational safety.

Gold Fields Limited is one of the world’s largest gold mining companies with nine operating mines, located in Australia, South Africa, Ghana, Peru and Chile.

The Agnew gold mine is one of four Australian gold mines operated by Gold Fields. The site is situated approximately 375km north of Kalgoorlie and has a long history of gold production dating back to the late 1970s.

The mine is best known for its underground operations, primarily targeting the Agnew and Lawler gold deposits. Ore is extracted using a combination of underground and surface mining and is then processed on-site.

Around 2018, with the mine expanding into a third underground source, there was a need to increase plant throughput. The 21-year-old tertiary crushing circuit, which was suffering from poor reliability, was unable to meet the demand.

Gold Fields metallurgy manager Reg Radford is the company’s technical expert in the field of processing metallurgy. He works with process managers across all Gold Fields sites in Australia to assist in optimising operations.

Gold Fields metallurgy manager Reg Radford.
Image: Sandvik

Radford could see that the crushing and screening circuit was not in keeping with the company’s broader standards.

“It was working to its limits, and if you compared it to other Gold Fields sites, it was not to the standard that would be accepted elsewhere,” he said. “It didn’t meet our criterion for a well-organised, safe, professional gold processing operation.

“The equipment was old, and there was little or no spare parts availability. From a metallurgical perspective, it was being pushed to its limits to deliver the tonnage required. At best it was giving us an 8–10mm output, which was putting pressure on the downstream grinding circuit.”

The age and complexity of the existing plant also meant that access for operation and maintenance was difficult, presenting potential safety concerns.

Seeking a complete solution

The existing crushers were reaching end-of-life, and rather than just replacing them, it was decided to build an entirely new crushing and screening circuit.

To do this, and address various other concerns regarding the existing plant, a comprehensive upgrade project, known as the Agnew Stage 1 upgrade, was conceived.

The initiative examined bespoke and modular designs that could replace the existing plant. The project aimed to improve site water drainage and dust management (by installing a fine ore bin) while minimising disruptions during construction and commissioning.

Gold Fields manager – processing Tristan Freemantle was appointed as project director for the upgrade at Agnew. A veteran of the gold and copper industry, Freemantle originally worked for Barrick Gold and then transferred to Gold Fields around 12 years ago.

Gold Fields manager – processing Tristan Freemantle.
Image: Sandvik

Since then, he has worked across several of Gold Fields’ Australian sites and is currently based at Gruyere, a joint venture project with Gold Road Resources in the Yilgarn area of WA.

“Agnew’s mine life had been extended for a further eight years, so upgrading the crushing and screening circuit was important to increase our processing capabilities: we needed to be in a position to process more ore from the new third mine coming online,” Freemantle said.

Gold Fields has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Sandvik, with the company having Sandvik crushers installed at both their St Ives and Granny Smith operations. After considering a bespoke solution, the Gold Fields team chose to go with a Sandvik modular plant.

“We needed a circuit that was simple, low maintenance and reliable, but also wanted the best crushers and screens that we could get,” Freemantle said.

“Sandvik showed a willingness to work with us within our parameters. Initially, it was just the crushers and screens, but in the end, they presented a complete plant design, which was modular and comparable with the bespoke designs we were considering.

“Sandvik was also able to accommodate our desire to manage our own electrical and process control design.”

A key to the successful implementation was Sandvik’s expertise in crushing and modular plant design combined with the screening know-how of Schenck Process.

The scope of supply included a Sandvik reciprocating plate feeder, grizzly screen, jaw crusher, and two cone crushers, as well as a Schenck Process double-deck banana screen fitted with Screenex screening media. Sandvik also provided bins, chute work, associated wear protection, and conveyors.

Sandvik 800i series cone crushers perform secondary and tertiary crushing functions at Agnew.
Image: Sandvik

The innovative plant design eliminated the need for two screening stations and associated conveyors when compared with other proposed designs.

“Having a single vendor was an advantage,” Radford said. “Sandvik’s initial designs and 3D models were quite detailed and comprehensive, which was encouraging. It gave us confidence in the circuit because we knew exactly how the proposed layout would interact with the existing plant.”

Changeover challenges

A significant challenge for the project team was that Gold Fields needed the new plant to be installed in parallel with the old one so that, ideally, there would be zero downtime.

“Agnew can’t afford to be down for two or three weeks,” Radford said. “The mill is pushed to its limits, so it has little ability to catch up.

“Solving this problem – where we could build the new circuit and how to tie it in – was a good part of the success story. Commissioning on-time and within budget, with limited downtime, was a very important part of the brief.”

To accommodate this requirement, the team decided to move the run-of-mine (ROM) pad and build the new circuit on the site of the old ROM pad. While this achieved the brief of zero downtime, it introduced a new challenge.

The geology of the ROM pad was untested, and some contractors argued that a substantial concrete foundation would be required to support the crushing and screening plant, greatly increasing both the build time and cost.

In the end, working with Gold Fields geotech consultants, Sandvik’s design team resolved this problem by delivering a support structure for the new circuit that was strong and rigid enough to reduce the concrete foundations required.

This feature appeared in the February 2025 issue of Australian Mining.

How Metso has revolutionised the crushing industry

Staff Writer

Metso has been working to reshape crushing and screening in the industry for over 100 years. Image: Metso

With decades of industry knowledge and a desire to make its customer’s lives easier, Metso is helping to revolutionise the crushing and screening industry.

A lot can happen in a century.

Industries rise and fall, cities transform, and companies like Metso help to reshape the mining industry as we know it.

During the past century, Metso has been at the forefront of crushing applications. From the primary crusher stage down to fine crushing and pebble applications, the company is renowned for its benchmark crushing solutions – and it has no plans of slowing down.

“Metso takes pride in the deep knowledge of our people and our strong customer service commitment,” Metso crusher technology manager –capital equipment Troy Barry told Australian Mining.

“In Australia for example, we have an impressive footprint of service locations and experts, including our recently opened Karratha Service Centre, Metso’s largest service centre globally.

“We also have a particularly strong team of crushing experts here in Australia, some with over 30 years of crushing expertise – working closely with our expert global design and engineering teams.”

Having been involved in the industry for as long as it has, Metso is no stranger to adapting with the times, especially when it comes to one of the industry’s favourite buzzwords: digitalisation.

The XM series
Nordberg MP crusher.
Image: Metso

“Metso includes a full digital offering for its XM crusher series, comprised of SmartCone, SmartStation and Mineral Crusher Pilot (MCP) automation,” Barry said.

“We deliver intelligence from the simple connection of our IC (integrated control) system at a local level through to the full connection of the operator’s control suite, and all the way to expert global teams remotely monitoring and evaluating the crusher performance.”

The ability to remotely monitor and evaluate a crusher’s performance allows Metso’s teams to be in constant contact with the machine, able to recommend changes to optimise performance in real time.

“This advanced technology extends the time between maintenance intervals and allows for a more continuous operation,” Barry said.

Recognising that each customer has differing crusher requirements, Metso always adapts its approach to suit.

“Our end targets are always based on the customer’s requirements,” Metso senior manager, crusher technical support Neale Baigent told Australian Mining.

“With our chamber optimisation program for instance, each crushing process is unique and feed material properties change over time.

“Based on Metso’s extensive database of over 40,000 crushing installations, plus tools such as our unique simulation software and CrusherMapper scanning, we select optimal alloys, choose or design chamber geometry to maximise wear life and performance.”

The chamber optimisation program is an evolution borne from customer demand, as it’s now also available to non-Metso crushers.

“Based on our results from this program, customers wanted our chamber optimisation also across non-Metso crushers, which is what we now do,” Baigent said.

In terms of evolution, the new poly-cer product, part of Metso’s protective wears portfolio, gives up to four times better wearlife, reducing shutdown frequencies.

“Poly-Cer is a specially designed blend of rubber and high-quality ceramics, reinforced with steel. This ensures both strength and performance,” Baigent said.

“Installation of Poly-Cer is easy and safe, with plug-in, bolt-in installation for most crushers.”

As the company evolves, Metso’s crushing capabilities are always increasing, with the XM series a particular highlight for Barry.

“The entire premise of the XM series is giving the customer the highest performance equipment to achieve optimisation,” he said. “Our up to 25 years warranty protects the customer’s investment and is unheard of in the industry.”

Barry said Metso’s drive to change means it has been able to stay at the forefront of innovation.

“The recently launched XM crusher series combines resilient engineering, unmatched warranties and a new digital package,” he said. “It combines the toughest and most advanced mechanical parts with the latest in digital technologies and automation. And by using the most robust crushers available on the market, the XM series enhanced the Nordberg MP cone crusher and the Superior MKIII primary gyratory with the most extreme duty parts, increasing wear life.”

As Metso looks to the next century, it’s clear this crushing behemoth isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

“As we look to the future, we continue to develop our alloys, product offerings and services,” Baigent said.

“We are always looking to improve and innovate in anticipation of our customers’ needs– after all, the best new developments come from feedback and challenges faced by our customers.”

Metso invests in China to strengthen screen offering for mining & aggregate industries

by Guy Woodford

Metso is investing in the expansion of its screening solutions in China. Image/Metso

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Metso is expanding its screening solutions in China. The initial investment includes an agreement to acquire Selm (Beijing) Technology Company, a privately owned company’s screening business, operations, and key assets.

By combining the new offering with Metso’s expertise in screening equipment, media, repairs, and services, Metso can strengthen its services to better support mining and aggregates customers in China.

“The acquisition is a significant step in advancing our regional strategy in screening of being closer to our customers, fostering a market-focused approach. We are excited to enhance our role in China as a leading provider of screening solutions for large projects like super quarries. We warmly welcome new colleagues to contribute to our growth targets and improved customer service,” says Jouni Mähönen, Vice President, Screening, Metso.

“Selm is a respected company with its products and services well recognized by the customers in both mining and aggregates industries. The acquisition will further enrich Metso’s product portfolio and strengthen our competitiveness and market position. This move will enable us to provide comprehensive screening solutions in China, where Metso has a strong customer base and service capability in both the mining and aggregates industries,” says Xiaofeng Liang, President of Great China market area, Metso.

The acquisition is subject to conditions precedent and expected to close during the second quarter of 2025. The parties have agreed not to disclose the transaction value, which has no material impact on Metso’s financials.

Selm (Beijing) Technology Company is a Chinese manufacturer of mining and aggregate screens and technologies, including micro-sizing screening solutions. The company has around 180 employees and its operations are in Shenyang, Northeast China.

Huifeng Tang, founder of Selm says: “We have been developing our screening business over the past years, building expertise and strong reputation among customers. Moving forward, the screen offering will bring benefits for customers as part of Metso and our employees will get a valued new employer.”

Metso’s screening solutions for aggregates and mining customers consists of banana screens, horizontal screens, inclined screens, mobile screens, portable screens, ultrafine screens as well as screening media, and capital screen related parts, repairs and services.

Striker Crushing and Screening: Big enough to deliver but small enough

to care

by Adam Daunt

Striker Crushing and Screening is a family-owned-and-operated business. Image: Striker Crushing and Screening

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Craig Pedley, founder and CEO of Striker Crushing and Screening, shares how keeping things simple, rugged and operator-focused has set the Australian business apart from the competition.

When Craig Pedley started Striker Crushing and Screening in 1998, he did not have a corporate roadmap or a boardroom of advisors. What he did have was a passion for designing machines that made life easier for the operator.

“From day one, our philosophy has been simple. Build machines that are easy to operate, easy to maintain, and tough enough to handle remote Australia,” Craig said. “We’ve always designed equipment with the operator in mind and built it to last in remote Australia.”

Keeping it Real: Designed for
the Operator

Striker’s no-nonsense approach has earned it a loyal customer base both in Australia and worldwide.

Craig said being focused on designing machines that are tough, practical, and focused on the operator helped set Striker apart. These core values have shaped the business for over 25 years.

Striker’s equipment is built for ease of operation, ensuring operators can hit the ground running, and ease of maintenance, with simplicity that means less downtime. The commonality of parts keeps spare parts inventory and costs low for the customer.

A focus from day one was to design equipment with interchangeable components. This was important to the Striker team to help operators reduce spare parts inventory, lower costs, and streamline maintenance. Whether it’s jaw crushers, impact crushers, cone crushers, or screens, having parts that work seamlessly across the range means fewer headaches on-site and faster turnaround when maintenance is needed. This thoughtful approach simplifies operations and ensures greater up-time, keeping projects running efficiently and cost-effectively. It’s a practical solution built for real-world operators needing reliability without unnecessary complexity.

“On site, simplicity and reliability are hands down the most important things to our clients,” Craig said.

The Next Generation

Today, Craig’s daughter, Jordan Pedley, is leading the charge as the next generation of Striker. Energetic, driven, and proudly carrying on the family legacy, Jordan combines a fresh vision with the same hands-on, customer-first mindset that built the business.

“I grew up watching Dad build Striker from the ground up,” Jordan said. “One thing that’s always stuck with me is that listening to our customers drives a lot of what we do. While our innovation and design teams are amazing, the customer is the real expert.”

Jordan credits Striker’s agility and personal approach as key to its success.

“We’re big enough to deliver but small enough to care. Whether it’s our service team helping operators or the production team walking through the machine build in the factory with the customers, we’re responsive and hands-on. That’s something our customers value,” she said.

Striker builds its equipment with a focus on quality and durability. Image: Striker Crushing and Screening

Alongside Jordan, Nicole Talbot, Striker’s chief operating officer, plays an integral role in driving the business forward. Over her 16 years with Striker, Nicole has grown into her role with the support of her colleagues and mentors.

“When I first started with Striker, I knew nothing about this type of equipment,” Nicole said.

“I spent a lot of time learning from some really influential people within this business. People like Ken Baudinette, Adam Quad, and Mark Mackey who are not only a wealth of knowledge on our equipment but on machinery across the board.”

A Greener Future

Striker is paving the way for a greener future with its E-Trac range, a line of electric mobile crushing and screening equipment designed to help customers meet sustainability goals without sacrificing performance.

“At Striker, innovation is at the heart of what we do,” Jordan said. “E-Trac was designed to reduce diesel consumption, lower emissions, and improve safety. All while maintaining the power and reliability Striker machines are known for. On top of that, our remote monitoring systems provide customers with real-time data on machine performance, empowering them to make more informed strategic decisions efficiently.”

Growing Capabilities, Stronger Support

Striker has invested heavily in its manufacturing capabilities, leading to a 150 per cent increase in capacity in Australia. This expansion ensures faster delivery, reduced lead times, and stronger customer support.

“Our goal for 2025 is to roll out more Australian-made tracked machines than we have in years,” Jordan said. “We’re also expanding spare parts manufacturing right here at home. That means less downtime and quicker solutions for our Aussie customers when they need it most.”

Built on Trust

At its heart, Striker is a business built on trust. Trust in the machines, trust in relationships, and trust in the team that makes it all happen.

“You can’t build a company on your own,” Craig said.

“It’s about the people, our team, our customers, and our suppliers. We’ve worked with some incredible people over the years, and every one of them has helped shape Striker into what it is today.”

For Jordan, stepping into the role comes with big shoes to fill, those of her father, Craig Pedley, whose passion and vision built Striker from the ground up. Her focus now is on balancing innovation and growth while staying true to the values that have defined Striker from the start.

“We’re here to make life easier for operators and businesses,” she said. “That’s what we’ve always done, and that’s what we’ll keep doing. There’s nothing better than hearing from a customer that one of our machines made their job easier, faster, or more cost-effective. That’s what keeps us going.”

As the founder of the business, Craig is looking forward to watching the business continue to grow.

“We’ve got a lot of knowledge that we can draw on in terms of how to do it right. It is something that I am pretty excited about, that there are people within our organisation who want to take this to the next step and put their own stamp on it.

“I look forward to watching it progress as they take the business to the next step.”

For more information, visit strikercrushing.com.

Precisionscreen’s sand solutions are made for Australia

by Adam Daunt

Precisionscreen designs and manufactures its sand washing equipment in Brisbane. Image: Precisionscreen

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The sand-washing range from Precisionscreen is made for Australian conditions with options for all types of operators and contractors.

Demand for natural or manufactured sand is rising in the Australian market, so having the right equipment is essential.

Precisionscreen has developed its sand-washing equipment range over several years to ensure it could help the smallest of sand producers to the larger players in the sector.

Jonny McMurtry, chief operating officer at Precisionscreen, told Quarry he believed there would likely be continual strong demand for the material.

“There has been an increase in demand for sand washing equipment as I think there is increased demand for washed sand in the market,” he said.

“As the volume of infrastructure continues to be there and climb, the requirement for sand isn’t going to go away.”

The market for washed sand and manufactured sand is becoming more diverse as quarries explore how they can use the material to either expand their offering to the market or add new revenue streams.

Original equipment manufacturers like Brisbane-based Precisionscreen have developed a wide range of sand-washing equipment to suit specific applications and help customers take advantage of the growing demand. In one case, Precisionscreen worked with Victorian-based construction materials supplier site to create a sand-washing solution for their manufactured sand application. The company has employed the use of a sand screw from Precisionscreen to create a manufactured sand using washed crusher dust.

“Our sand washing equipment has been developed over a number of years and we offer different machines for different applications or customer price ranges or throughputs,” McMurtry said.

Precisionscreen has built out its range of sand washing equipment to provide solutions for customers from the first stage of washing to the final stage. The company manufactures all its sand washing equipment at its headquarters in Wacol, Brisbane which gives it the distinction of being Australian made.

The company’s adaptable wash kits have a range of customisable features to tailor the kit to the customer’s specific application. The Precisionscreen wash kit can range from single deck to two or three-deck kits which are built on the screen box.

Each deck has multiple spray bars with several spray nozzles to rinse the product being processed.

Operators can finely control the individual gate valves to each bar which provides enhanced control and excellent washing coverage.

“The wash kits as part of our screen boxes are probably the first step for sand washing,” McMurtry said.

“We sold quite a few of those this year, predominantly for sand washing but even washing pebbles or rinsing different products to remove dust has been in demand.”

Precisionscreen Sandscrew has also been in demand from customers across Australia due to its versatility. It can work alongside Precisionscreen’s wash kits or other wash plants to help dewater and classify sand products.

The sand screw has a hydraulic drive and features a mobile-wheeled axle as well as an adjustable overflow weir. The Sandscrew can be operated off the Precisionscreen’s screening plant powerpack.

The spiral screw helps separate heavier particles as they sink to the bottom of the trough after being dragged through the trough by the spiral screw. Dewatering occurs throughout the trough until the finished product is discharged via a chute.

“Our Sandscrews have been quite a hit just due to the adaptability. It can work with existing screening plants or existing applications if needs be. We’re one of the few manufacturers that makes our sand screws semi-mobile so it can couple up with existing systems if needed,” McMurtry said.

“The sand screw is probably on the lower end with throughput and cleanliness of sand but it has performed very well [in creating] a manufactured sand where it is quite suitable and economical for that type of application.”

Precisionscreen has a wide range of sand washing solutions for customers. Image: Precisionscreen

Precisionscreen has also created a modular sand washing plant which combines a galvanised 10×5 two-deck wash screen with a SRD180 bucket wheel dewaterer and a fines recovery pod to create a one-stop solution for sand producers.

It allows operators to create up to three different sand fractions and accept material from a dry screening process via conveyor belt or cyclone mounted above the screen. The SRD180 bucket wheel dewaterer collects sand particles from slurry materials in a wet screening process with its primary responsibility being to pick up heavier particles of sand as they sink to the bottom of the tank. It can manufacture coarse and fine grade sands simultaneously. It features a submerged back screw which helps float off unwanted silts while its large water overflow area and polyurethane bucket inserts provide a sizeable dewatering capacity.

The FRP has a 250mm cyclone on-board, discharging heavy particle sand onto the high-frequency dewatering screen for draining. The screen helps remove unwanted materials, excess water or organic materials from the sand material. The cyclone and screen are hydraulically driven and designed to work with Precisionscreen’s washing plants.

McMurtry said the SRD and FRP had benefits even as standalone products for Australian operators.

“The SRD180 or the FRP gives a greater throughput and a cleanliness of the sand as well and that’s where it comes into its own.

“If you have a high silt content and you need to float off a lot of that bottom end product in that super fine sand, that’s when the likes of the SRD or FRP comes into its own,” he said.

“If a customer has water restrictions or low access to water that is where the FRP can allow any residual water to be taken off your sand product quite quickly and easily. Or it can use the cyclone to take out the super fine sand to recycle that water quickly.” •

For more information, visit precisionscreen.com.au

PumpDim™ software

The PumpDim™ software streamlines the complexities of accurately modeling how a slurry pump will perform in a system. The software takes into account particle size distribution, percent solids of the slurry, liquid viscosity, and the piping conditions around the slurry pump to accurately size the ideal pump for the given conditions.

✅ Are you working on a brand new plant or upgrade? PumpDim™ can be used to determine the best slurry pump.
✅ Have an existing plant with slurry pumps? PumpDim™ can model how the slurry pumps are performing.
✅ Curious to see the hydraulic performance curves of Metso’s slurry pumps? This can be found in PumpDim™ with the Performance curve viewer.

https://www.metso.com/campaigns/pumpdim-slurry-pump-selection/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=2024-min-social-media&utm_content=slurry-pump-selection

A winner for Weir

A Warman MCR 760 installed at a copper mine in Chile. Image: Weir

Weir will supply its Warman slurry pumps and Cavex hydrocyclones to Teck’s Highland Valley copper (HVC) mine in Canada in a new contract award.

Teck is completing its HVC mine life extension (MLE) project, aiming to extend the mine’s operational life through enhancing site infrastructure. The project is expected to yield around 1.95 million tonnes of additional copper over its lifespan.

The Warman MCR 760 pump is a cornerstone of the project, holding the title of the largest mill circuit pump in North America.

Designed to maximise wear life in arduous mill duties and facilitate easy and safe maintenance, the Warman MCR 760 pump addresses the global trend of declining ore grades that require increased throughput for economical mineral recovery.

Weir will also supply its Cavex 800CVX and 650CVX hydrocyclones for the MLE project. The solution was chosen thanks to its consistently high classification efficiency, capacity and low maintenance requirements.

A Warman MCR 760 slurry pump.
Image: Weir

“Weir has a proven track record of supplying and supporting the largest, highest capacity mill pumps on the market,” Weir divisional senior product manager, pumps Quinton Sutherland said.

“Designing, manufacturing, and supporting pumps of this scale presents unique technical and engineering challenges, which is why Weir’s team of experts, drawing on decades of experience supporting customers across the globe, are the best choice when deciding who to trust with the most critical mill circuit operations.”

Weir director, capital sales North America Phil Blondin said the company priorities being close to its customers, wherever they are in the world.

“We have a service centre in Kamloops – a close drive to HVC – and a local team that can provide service and maintenance support, as well as an inventory program that encompasses the lifecycle of the products we supply,” Blondin said.

“This is the first mill pump this large in North America and, while Weir has manufactured and installed pumps this size in other parts of the world, we recognise that having a service network to support customers at every stage of the project is an essential part of what we’re offering.”

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AIMEX to move to Adelaide in 2025

Image: Prime Creative Media

Following a strong bid from the South Australian Government and key mining stakeholders, the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) will be moving to Adelaide in 2025.

The agreement will see AIMEX call Adelaide home for the next 10 years, strengthening South Australia as Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing modern mining market.

AIMEX was acquired by Prime Creative Media in May 2024. As Australia’s longest running mining show, AIMEX has a history of supporting the latest trends and developments in the industry.

This move to South Australia represents the next phase in the regional resources sector, with the state leading the charge in responsible exploration to unlock minerals. It has also been driving the investigation of solutions for decarbonised steelmaking, efforts that are critical to the future of infrastructure development.

“We’re working to keep AIMEX’s reputation as a key event for the Asia-Pacific region,” Prime Creative Media general manager of events Siobhan Rocks said.

“We knew we needed to do something big to attract key players in the industry. When the mining industry asked us to come to Adelaide, we thought this change of location was the best way to serve this important sector.”

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said with South Australia’s natural advantages and ingenuity, the state has the potential to lead the world in decarbonisation of critical minerals, including green steel and copper.

“We have a compelling story to tell, and AIMEX being hosted in Adelaide for the next decade provides a strong platform to do just that,” Malinauskas said.

“This exhibition will attract thousands of mining delegates from around Australia and the world to Adelaide every two years, delivering a significant boost to South Australia’s visitor economy.”

Business Events Adelaide chief executive officer (CEO) Damien Kitto said AIMEX is a significant win for Adelaide, one which will generate more than $250 million for the South Australian economy over the next 10 years.

“We are proud to be entrusted with this long running business event, and it demonstrates that Adelaide is increasingly being viewed as a modern powerhouse in sustainable energy generation,” Kitto said.

“Business Events Adelaide shares Prime Creative Media’s ambition of making AIMEX the world’s largest mining event.”

The South Australian mining industry is rapidly making a name for itself as a top-tier jurisdiction for the critical minerals essential to the world’s energy transition, including copper, uranium, zircon and zinc.

With its extensive renewable energy network and significant investment in hydrogen projects to power green steel and future energy solutions, South Australia’s pioneering objectives distinguishes itself from other markets.

Prime Creative Media CEO John Murphy said that with these significant developments and growth of the South Australia resources industry, and the ramp-up in decarbonisation and sustainable supply chains, relocating the event to South Australia was an obvious strategic choice.

“This is a critical time for the industry and South Australia is emerging as a frontrunner in responsible mining and production of the minerals, metals and fuels of the future,” Murphy said. “It aligns with our purpose to deliver a forward-focused mining event for the next generation of Australian mining.

“There’s no denying that there’s a link between the mining industry and renewable energy. South Australia is a world leader in renewables and the global transformation economy and we’re proud to partner with the state to showcase the world-class change the resources sector is driving.”

AIMEX offers delegates an opportunity to gain forward insights from internationally-renowned industry experts. The show offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with Australia’s largest community of mining suppliers and professionals in an environment that stimulates innovation and collaboration.

To get involved in the 2025 Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition, visit the AIMEX website or submit your enquiry below.

MinRes temporarily suspends Bald Hill

Olivia Thomson

The Bald Hill lithium mine in WA. Image: Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources (MinRes) will transition its Bald Hill lithium mine in Western Australia into care and maintenance amid cyclically low lithium prices.

The major miner acquired Bald Hill for $260 million in late 2023 to ensure the operation’s profits stay in Australia.

MinRes will now transition the operation into care and maintenance to preserve the mine’s cash and the spodumene orebody’s value for when global lithium market conditions improve.

During care and maintenance, MinRes will continue to optimise mine plans, scale and operating structure ahead of any future restart.

The company will cease Bald Hill’s mining and mobile maintenance operations on November 13 and will temporarily cease operations at the spodumene concentrate plant and accommodation village by early December.

The final spodumene concentrate shipment from the mine is also expected to be sold in December.

Approximately 300 employees will be impacted by the transition, with all Bald Hill employees to be prioritised for redeployment across MinRes’ other WA operations. Where redeployment opportunities cannot be found, a redundancy process will be followed.

A team of about 10 MinRes employees will remain on site at Bald Hill to manage the scaling down of lithium production, as well as care and maintenance activities.

“Bald Hill is a significant value opportunity for MinRes once conditions in the lithium market improve,” MinRes managing director Chris Ellison said.

“Placing Bald Hill on care and maintenance is a prudent decision but one not made lightly. The decision aligns with the work we have done across the company in recent months to reduce costs.”

Despite the temporary shutdown, MinRes has increased Bald Hill’s mineral resource by 168 per cent. The mineral resource now stands at 58.1 million tonnes at 0.94 per cent lithium oxide.

“The significant upgrade to the mineral resources statement is evidence that Bald Hill is a high-quality asset with a long-term future,” Ellison said.

“We will continue to monitor lithium prices and site operating costs with a view to recommencing operations once conditions improve.”

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Sandvik welcomes New Zealand distributor

Alexandra Eastwood

Image: Sandvik

Porter Group has been appointed as the official distributor for Sandvik crushing equipment in New Zealand.

As a new distributor, Porter Group will lead the sales and service of Sandvik’s range of crushers and provide aftermarket care to customers consisting of spare parts and local service support.

Porter Group chief operating officer Darren Ralph said the company is thrilled to be working with Sandvik.

“Two iconic brands in New Zealand, the Porter Group and Sandvik form a formidable partnership to further enhance the product offering and service provided to New Zealand’s extraction and recycling industries,” he said.

“We look forward to making significant progress with the product range and assisting our valued customer base with their requirements in this area.”

Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions vice president original equipment for Oceania Amit Parimoo said the partnership with Porter Group aligns with Sandvik’s strategy to enhance customer focus.

“Together with Porter Group, we will drive greater efficiencies for New Zealand’s mining and aggregates sectors by combining world-class technology with trusted, local service,” Parimoo said.

“Our shared goal is to help customers achieve maximum productivity while lowering their environmental impact.”

Both Sandvik and Porter Group are excited to provide strong products and support, from initial sales to ongoing maintenance and technical assistance.

The partnership highlights Sandvik’s commitment to delivering premium solutions with local support, giving customers the best of both worlds – global innovation and local expertise.

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