The Tomingley gold operation in New South Wales continues to be a boon for Alkane Resources, meeting its updated production guidance of 55–58,000 ounces (oz).
Tomingley produced 57,217oz of gold for the 12 months to June 30, with production anticipated to be between 70–80,000oz for the 2024–25 financial year.
“Tomingley is steadily increasing production from the Roswell underground,” Alkane managing director Nic Earner said. “Tomingley is now performing well, and the paste plant and flotation circuit upgrades remain on schedule.
“Alkane’s board and management acknowledge and thank the employees and contractors of the company for their strong and continued commitment to safety, production and exploration performance.”
Alkane announced back in June that it was looking to expand key infrastructure at Tomingley, increasing its production to above 100,000oz of gold per year while also expanding the site’s plant to a nominal 1.5 million tonnes per annum.
“The underground at Roswell has begun production, and we expect to produce over 70,000 ounces of gold next year,” Earner said at the time.
“The paste plant and the flotation/regrind circuit are under construction with commissioning expected later this year.”
Tomingley’s five-year plan also involves the relocation of the Newell Highway, a project expected to cost Alkane $89 million in capital expenditure. A final investment decision is expected to be made in early 2025.
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Shine is located near Fenix’s Iron Ridge operation in Western Australia. Image: Fenix Resources
Fenix Resources is taking steps to recommence mining at the Shine iron ore mine in Western Australia.
The miner took the reins of Shine as part of its acquisition of Mount Gibson Iron’s Mid-West iron ore, port and rail assets last year.
The Fenix board announced today it has approved the restart and is aiming to commence site works in the current quarter with first iron ore production targeted for the end of the year.
Fenix executive chair John Welborn said Shine is an attractive ‘shovel ready’ growth project with similar mining scale and operational characteristics to the company’s nearby operations at Iron Ridge.
“The restart of mining operations at Shine is an obvious opportunity to expand Fenix’s production and leverage our excellent Mid-West mining and transport logistics capabilities,” Welborn said.
“Shine will be our second wholly owned producing asset in the Mid-West and is planned to nearly double our annual production levels in the near-term, which will result in increased revenues, stronger cashflows, and profitability growth.
“Fenix is committed to unlocking value from the abundant valuable resources of the Mid-West and the obvious place to start is with the resources that we own and control.”
Fenix said approval to proceed with the Stage 1 mine plan for Shine follows a comprehensive review of all aspects of the project.
This included the completion of an in-pit drilling program, product sampling, a tender process for mining and processing operations, and updated resource modelling.
Pre-production capital expenditure is expected to be minimal given the availability of all required critical infrastructure and that all required approvals and permits are in place.
The approved capital expenditure budget for Stage 1 is $7.4 million and includes the upgrade of existing camp infrastructure, contractor mobilisation, and the upgrade of the Shine access road.
TAKRAF Australia: growing from strength-to-strength
TAKRAF Group project highlights in Australia. Image: TAKRAF Group
TAKRAF Group is one of Australia’s leading OEM (original equipment manufacturer) suppliers of new machines and equipment to the mining and resources industry. The Group also boasts an in-house capability to provide comprehensive aftermarket and maintenance support for its own and other OEM equipment.
With Australia’s mining and resources industry seeking to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility, TAKRAF Group is ideally positioned to support the local industry in the next stage of development of this ever evolving and dynamic sector.
Through its long and distinguished history in Australia, TAKRAF Group has developed an innate understanding of local mining conditions, standards and requirements, enabling its Australian offices to provide its clients with the most suitable solutions to their unique project requirements.
As a result, the Group boasts an extensive and increasing reference list of projects in Australia, covering both TAKRAF and DELKOR technologies.
Its reputation as the world’s leading technology provider in run-of-mine and bulk material handling has meant that its TAKRAF brand portfolio is in considerable demand from Australian operations, from its technologies for overburden removal and raw material extraction through processing to ship loading.
Recent project examples include the supply of a rail-mounted, slewing and luffing stacker for an important bulk export terminal. This machine, with its 62-metre curved boom is one of the largest and technically advanced globally.
A TAKRAF double jib level luffing ship unloader replaced two existing machines at an important deep-water port on the Australian east coast, enhancing the capability of the port in handling a range of commodities.
Other TAKRAF equipment currently in operation at Australian mines and ports ranges from semi-mobile crushing plants to bridge-type bucket-wheel reclaimers, stackers and trippers, radial stackers and portal scraper reclaimers.
The DELKOR liquid/solid separation range of technologies is also seeing increasing application in Australia, and globally, for their ability to enable the optimum recovery and recycling of water, reducing freshwater intake into the plant and enhancing environmental sustainability.
DELKOR dewatering equipment, such as its high-rate and high-density thickeners, are specifically designed for the needs of the mining industry and the ongoing transition from wet to dry tailings deposits.
In a recent order, TAKRAF successfully commissioned a 30m diameter DELKOR tailings thickener for a plant in Australia.
DELKOR has also provided four of the largest DELKOR belt linear screens (40 square metres) available globally to a gold mine in Australia, while its new generation BQR flotation cells, equipped with the MAXGen mechanism, have found wide acceptance in the country, with orders coming from several gold mines to a nickel restart project.
TAKRAF Australia’s countrywide presence includes office representation in Brisbane, Sydney and Perth, close to its clients’ registered offices; as well as smaller satellite offices close to its clients’ operations to support them in their day-to-day operational requirements.
Such long experience, combined with the wide extent of its network, has enabled TAKRAF Australia to establish strong working relationships with some of the largest diversified mining companies, as well with the smaller mid-tier and junior players.
In addition, its services, both technology supply and aftermarket support, are enhanced by solid partnerships with local Australian suppliers.
TAKRAF is one of the largest and most experienced full-service suppliers of mining industry equipment, supporting not only its own machines over their full product lifecycle, but also that supplied by other OEMs.
Given the importance of quickly identifying and solving issues before problems occur, TAKRAF Australia’s satellite offices are conveniently located to timeously and efficiently provide customised maintenance solutions.
These solutions range from continuous condition monitoring through regular inspections, spare parts supply, on-site repair support and stock management, to site assistance for troubleshooting and major repairs including complete refurbishments as an alternative to purchasing new equipment, as well as equipment relocation.
“Worldwide, the resource industry is facing complicated challenges in transforming towards a sustainable future,” TAKRAF Australia managing director Ivan Agostini said.
“As a result, TAKRAF Group focuses on areas that are critical for reliable and sustainable operations, providing innovative solutions that save energy, lower environmental impact and meet or exceed operational requirements.
“This, together with our commitment to innovation and technology development, means that we are well placed to support our clients in Australia towards the next significant step in our industry’s move towards greater environmental sustainability – an area in which the combined strengths of our TAKRAF and DELKOR portfolio will provide for fully integrated solutions that make the difference.
“Furthermore, we believe that our commitment to fostering collaboration between owners, operators and original equipment providers is the best approach in building systems that exert real savings on energy and water consumption.”
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Australian Vanadium Limited (AVL) has locked in key mining areas and a location for its downstream processing plant as the company moves closer to production.
AVL has finished the first phase of an optimised feasibility study (OFS), which was launched following the completion of AVL’s merger with Technology Metals Australia (TMT).
The study aimed to consolidate the companies’ adjoining projects into one orebody.
The Australian Vanadium project includes a vanadium mine and a crushing, milling and beneficiation plant located at Gabanintha near Meekatharra in WA, where the mining and upstream processing of vanadium bearing magnetite ore is proposed to be undertaken.
The next phase of the study will focus on finalising a detailed mining plan and optimisation of the plant and infrastructure.
“By focusing on the most promising sections of the orebody and conducting a comprehensive analysis to select the optimal location for the downstream processing plant, we have now finalised the key foundations from which the remaining OFS activities can fully define a ‘stronger for longer’ version of the project which has been unlocked through the recent merger,” AVL chief executive officer Graham Arvidson said.
In parallel to ongoing OFS works, Arvidson said AVL continues to assess opportunities for grant funding provided by the Australian Government.
The funds provide AVL options for activities such as detailed engineering and the acceleration of project schedule by proceeding with long lead equipment orders.
“Timely delivery of the project is a key objective for the company in anticipation of growing demand for vanadium flow batteries, which will cornerstone the essential long duration energy requirements of the net-zero carbon energy transition,” Arvidson said.
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Australia’s longest-running mining exhibition returns to Sydney Showground from September 2–4 2025, bringing the country’s mining suppliers and professionals together under the one roof.
As the key event on the mining calendar, the Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) is an internationally renowned platform showcasing the latest technology, equipment and services, pushing the envelope for what’s possible in mining innovation.
As Prime Creative Media general manager – events Siobhan Rocks attests, AIMEX 2025 is all about defining the next generation of Australian mining.
“After a successful 2023 edition, AIMEX 2025 will be bigger than ever, with opportunities to connect with some of the most important decision-makers in the Asia-Pacific region,” Rocks said.
“This is a truly international event, with exhibitors from China, India, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy and Germany.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for Australian miners to connect with some of the most prominent industry minds from all over the world.”
AIMEX 2025 will offer a unique opportunity for leading suppliers and buyers to conduct face-to-face business, learn about the latest trends, and network in an interactive forum.
Attendees will come from all corners of the resources sector, from senior leaders to site management to engineers to maintenance personnel to digital innovators and everything in-between.
“There is something for everyone at AIMEX,” Rocks said.
“The 2025 event will feature more than 250 local and international suppliers, as well as a free-to-attend multi-stream conference with leading experts examining the most pressing issues in the mining industry.”
AIMEX 2025 will also feature an extensive Meet the Buyers platform, providing exhibitors with the opportunity to connect directly with the industry decision-makers most important to them.
“Our Meet the Buyers platform offers people the chance to schedule invaluable meetings to ensure they can get the most out of their time at AIMEX 2025,” Rocks said.
The AIMEX 2025 program will have a strong focus on women in mining, with keynote speakers and panel discussions challenging the status quo, generating new ideas and solutions for a more inclusive mining industry. The annual Women in Industry Awards will also be co-located at AIMEX 2025, celebrating the achievements of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
At the Mining House Pavilion, attendees will be able to rub shoulders with the sector’s leading miners and understand the operational landscape of Australia’s vast resources industry.
As always, there will be lots of networking opportunities, while a Decarbonisation Showcase will highlight the latest electrification concepts and technologies helping the industry drive down carbon emissions.
Now under new ownership, AIMEX 2025 will showcase the best of the Asia-Pacific mining sector and provide attendees with the ultimate destination to source the latest insights, products and innovations.
Sales are now open for returning exhibitors to secure early bird prices, with spots assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information on rebooking, or if you are a new exhibitor looking to secure your spot on the waiting list, visit aimex.com.au/exhibitors
Overlooking the Great Australia mine within the Cloncurry project. Image: True North Copper
True North Copper (TNC) has commenced clearing activities and blast hole drilling at the Wallace North deposit that sits within the Cloncurry copper project (CCP) in north-west Queensland.
TNC’s personnel is set operate the dry hire equipment at Wallace North, most of which is already on-site. The company is currently recruiting for the operations team, which is close to finalisation, with a supportive technical team already in place for when mining begins.
Dewatering of Wallace North’s pit area is already well advanced, with all blast hole drilling expected to be in dry holes.
Leading TNC during this next phase of operations is newly appointed managing director Bevan Jones, who commenced his role on June 10.
“We have commenced mining operations at Wallace North, which will allow our CCP to restart copper production,” Jones said.
“This has been our major goal since listing on the ASX (in June 2023). I thank our team for their efforts in moving towards this goal to allow TNC to become Australia’s next copper and critical metals producer.”
The mining ramp-up at Wallace North will initially build ore stockpiles, with road haulage expected to start within a few weeks of start-up.
Oxide ore will be transported by road train to True North’s Cloncurry heap leach. Sulphide ore will then be transferred to a nearby concentrator for toll treatment under True North’s toll-milling agreement with Glencore.
“CCP is estimated to deliver free cash flow of about $200 million at current prices over its 4.6-year initial mine life, based on existing JORC reserves,” Jones said.
“Cash flow from mining will be used to explore further opportunities to build this inventory.”
Wallace North is one of four open-pit deposits that makes up Cloncurry. The deposit currently holds an ore reserve totalling 0.7 million tonnes (probable) grading 1.01 per cent copper and 0.46 grams per tonne gold for 6800 tonnes of copper and 10,000 ounces of gold.
The miner described the MRE upgrade as “major” as it represents an 82 per cent increase in contained gold at the project.
“This is a wonderful result for Delta shareholders, reaffirming our long-held belief that the gold system at Mt Ida has significant scale and upside,” Delta Lithium managing director James Croser said.
“The Baldock is fast becoming one of the very few, large high-grade undeveloped gold deposits in WA in excess of 500,000 ounces.”
Mining approval has already been granted for Phase 1 open pit mining at Mt Ida, with significant potential for further resource growth now being tested as drilling gets underway.
“The commencement of open pit mining has been approved, and the underground approval with the department is submitted and pending,” Croser said.
“We are investigating the best options for Delta shareholders to crystallise value from our gold, which can then be applied to further developing our core lithium business.
“The efforts of Delta’s geology team have been tireless and driven toward this success. We have already started follow up gold drilling at Mt Ida to target resource growth beyond one million ounces.”
Holcim will expand its usage of AI technology. Image: Holcim
Holcim will use artificial intelligence to include more than 100 plants worldwide over the next four years under a new plan announced recently.
The announcement is an expansion of the company’s current use of artificial intelligence, which has already been deployed in 45 plants. The technology is used to predict and prevent failures as part of the company’s approach to preventive maintenance. The inclusion of AI technology is part of Holcim’s Plants of Tomorrow program, which involves over 140 integrated plants and grinding stations across more than 40 countries.
The new plan will see Holcim roll out its AI preventative maintenance solution and pilot a generative AI program. The solution was developed in collaboration with C3 AI, which is a well-known AI software provider.
“AI is a transformative technology that will revolutionise our industry,” Holcim chief executive officer Miljan Gutovic said.
The company will continue to upskill its maintenance teams to use the AI technology to carry out asset management and optimisation in real time.
Overall, Holcim has AI initiatives in several other areas including product quality and process optimisation to autonomous vehicles and computer vision. These initiatives also include the use of unmanned drones for enhanced inspection and safety practices, and smart control systems for efficient energy consumption.
“Already widely embedded across Holcim, AI catalyses operational efficiency and enhances customer service. We will ultimately scale up our use of AI to hundreds of sites worldwide,” Gutovic said.
The Mount Weld rare earths project. Image: Lynas Rare Earths.
Lynas Rare Earths has announced its Malaysian arm will become a producer of two new separated heavy rare earths (HRE) as soon as next year.
A new process will produce separated dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) at Lynas Malaysia for the first time and will complement Lynas’ existing light rare earths product range.
Dy and Tb are both essential to high performance rare earth permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and high-tech applications such as micro-capacitors which are essential to all electronic devices.
Currently, Dy, Tb and other HRE oxides from Lynas’ Mount Weld ore body are sold as a mixed HRE compound known as SEGH.
The reconfiguration of one of Lynas Malaysia’s solvent extraction circuits will facilitate the production of Dy and Tb.
The new circuit is designed with capacity to separate up to 1500 tonnes of SEGH per year.
“Lynas’ Mount Weld deposit is remarkable for its endowment of heavy rare earth minerals as well as light rare earth minerals,” Lynas managing director and chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze said.
“This circuit reconfiguration at Lynas Malaysia provides a pathway to accelerate our commitment to processing all of the elements in the Mount Weld ore body.
“Dy and Tb are important inputs to high performance magnets and electronic devices and we are pleased to enhance our product range to meet current and prospective customers’ needs.”
As a result of the separation of Dy and Tb from the SEGH compound, Lynas’ HRE product range will increase to include Dy, Tb, unseparated samarium, europium, and gadolinium, as well as holmium concentrate and unseparated SEGH.
Lynas is also progressing pre-construction activities for its planned US rare earths processing facility.
Both Lynas Malaysia and the planned US rare earths processing facility have been designed to accept third party feedstocks as they come online.
uranium mineral isolated on black background. Highly radioactive and dangerous ore.
Paladin Energy is looking to grow its global uranium footprint through the acquisition of Canadian-focused Fission Uranium. (PDN收购优质铀矿后复盘补跌5.1%，本次配股收购稀释股东权益，在股东将要看到拉格矿有收益的时候再添新吞金兽，2029年计划投产的帕特森湖项目未来5年间预计非常烧钱，这也是股东们没有因该溢价收购就立即炒高股价的原因。)
Fission shareholders would receive 0.1076 Paladin shares for each Fission share as part of the deal, which represents an implied value of $C1.30 per Fission share and an implied equity value of $C1.14 billion.
This is a 25.8 per cent premium to Fission’s closing share price of $C1.03 on June 21.
Fission shareholders would own 24 per cent of Paladin if the transaction closes, with the enlarged Paladin holding a market capitalisation of $US2.5 billion.
The two companies hope to create a “clean energy leader” and deliver several benefits to shareholders of both companies:
Enhanced project development pipeline
Multi-asset production expected by 2029
Diversified presence across leading uranium mining jurisdictions of Canada, Namibia and Australia
Increased exposure to highly attractive long term uranium fundamentals
Increased scale and global profile of Paladin with TSX listing
Fission owns the Patterson Lake South (PLS) project, which proposes a high-grade uranium mine and mill in Canada’s Athabasca Basin.
Paladin is a uranium producer once again through its Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia, with which it holds a 75 per cent stake. The company also holds exploration assets in Canada and Australia.
“The acquisition of Fission, along with the successful restart of our Langer Heinrich mine, is another step in our strategy to diversify and grow into a global uranium leader across the top uranium mining jurisdictions of Canada, Namibia and Australia,” Paladin chief executive officer (CEO) Ian Purdy said.
“Fission is a natural fit for our portfolio with the shallow high-grade PLS project located in Canada’s Athabasca Basin. The addition of PLS creates a leading Canadian development hub alongside Paladin’s Michelin project, with exploration upside across all Canadian properties.”
Fission president and CEO Ross McElroy echoed Purdy’s sentiment.
“The combination of Fission and Paladin will create a world class diverse uranium producer, adding a class leading development project in a Tier 1 jurisdiction with the ability to expand production and cash flow profiles in the near term,” he said.
“The culture and assets between Fission and Paladin are very complimentary. Shareholders will have exposure to a producing asset with a long life of mine, located in a politically stable and globally significant uranium jurisdiction with a long history of uranium production.”
The Fission board recommends its shareholders to vote in favour of the transaction.
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