Metso has broken ground at its new service centre in Prince George, British Columbia, bolstering the company’s ability to best serve the emerging Canadian mining region.
Originally announced in September 2024, the centre will service mining equipment used from pit to port, including filters, flotation cells, grinding mills, crushers, screens, pumps, apron feeders, slurry handling, thickeners, loading and hauling solutions, and chute lining solutions.
It will also possess warehousing capabilities for spare and wear parts while offering on-site inspections that are OEM (original equipment manufacturer) certified, turnkey service solutions, and off-site repairs.
“The investment decision, announced in September 2024, was very well received by our customers,” Metso vice president Canada sales and service Justin Ayotte said.
“Metso’s strengthened local presencewill enable faster repairs, shorter turnaround times, and increased sustainability by reducing transportation distances. We’re grateful for our customers’ trust, and we remain committed to becoming the preferred service provider in the industry.”
The service centre is expected to be fully operational by early 2026, creating jobs for skilled personnel such as service engineers and technical experts.
The service facility in British Columbia follows Metso celebrating the one-year anniversary of its service centre in Karratha, Western Australia, opening. The Karratha centre is the largest Metso service centre globally.
Metso is further increasing its global footprint by establishing a Metso training centre in Arizona, US, a repair centre expansion in Chile, and the construction of a new service centre in Peru.
The company is also increasing the repair shop area at its Arizonian service centre by nearly 60 per cent, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
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The Northern Territory Government is supporting resource development at one of Australia’s most remote gold mines, delivering jobs, investment and royalties for the community.
The Tanami gold mine, owned by Newmont, is expected to produce approximately 380,000 ounces (oz) of gold in 2025. With gold prices soaring, this level of production is set to deliver millions in royalty revenue to the Northern Territory economy.
Tanami has been producing gold since the early 1980s and has held the title of the world’s largest gold producer since 2002.
“The Tanami mine is a powerhouse of gold production and a major economic driver for the Territory,” NT Mining and Energy Minister Gerard Maley said.
“With expansion works well underway and record commodity prices, this project represents long-term jobs, royalties and investment for the Territory, exactly what our government is focused on delivering in our year of action, certainty and security.
“Our mining sector continues to lead the way in rebuilding the Territory economy, and the Tanami operation stands as proof of the opportunities that exist when government and industry work together.”
Maley visited the Tanami development in June, which is located approximately 550km northwest of Alice Springs.
Maley travelled 1.3km underground to inspect the mine’s operations, including a new ore crusher and the key Tanami expansion 2 project.
The Tanami expansion 2 project is expected to increase the operation’s average annual gold production by approximately 150,000–200,000oz per year to 600,000oz per year for the first five years.
It is also expected to reduce operating costs by approximately 10 per cent, significantly enhance the mine’s production capabilities and extend its operational life well beyond 2040, supporting around 1800 jobs.
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Copper concentrator at the Oyu Tolgoi mine (Image: Rio Tinto)/
Rio Tinto will commence work under a revised mine plan at the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold operation in Mongolia, with the mine’s board approving a new approach.
Oyu Tolgoi is a 66:34 joint venture (JV) between Rio Tinto and the Mongolian Government, with works having progressed in the Entrée Resources JV area while licence transfer discussions between Entrée Resources and the Mongolian Government continue.
Oyu Tolgoi, a world-class copper-gold deposit, remains on track for its long-term ramp-up. Rio Tinto has reaffirmed its 2025 copper production guidance of 780,000 to 850,000 tonnes (t), planning to ramp up production from panel 0 and expects to add panel 2 in 2026.
Under the original mine plan, panel 1 – which includes the Entrée JV area – was scheduled to contribute to production from 2027. However, that timeline is now subject to the resolution of the licensing matters.
“Transferring the licences for the Entrée joint venture area will maximise the value Oyu Tolgoi delivers for all parties, and we are continuing to work with the Government of Mongolia and Entrée Resources towards this outcome,” Rio Tinto copper chief executive Katie Jackson said.
“Our understanding of the ore body is growing as production and development progresses, further increasing our confidence and flexibility.
“With lateral development work only just beginning in panel 1, this is the right time to pivot and bring forward development in panel 2 south to maintain our options.”
While development in the Entrée area is paused, limited activity will continue in other parts of panel 1. Resources are being redeployed to bring forward work in panel 2 south, which lies outside the JV area.
From 2028 to 2036, Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce an average of around 500,000t of copper per year, with flexibility to initiate production from either panel 1 or panel 2 south depending on the timing of licence transfers.
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The Western Range operation in WA. Image: Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto has officially opened its Western Range operation in Western Australia, joining the major miner’s integrated network of 17 iron ore mines, four independent port terminals, a rail network spanning nearly 2000km and related infrastructure.
A 54:46 joint venture between Rio Tinto and Baowu, Western Range has the capacity to produce up to 25 million tonnes of iron ore per annum and can sustain the existing Paraburdoo mining hub for up to 20 years.
Western Range saw the construction of a primary crusher and 18km conveyor system connecting to the existing Paraburdoo processing plant, which currently has more than 880 residential and FIFO (fly in, fly out) employees.
The project cost $US2 billion and was completed on time and on budget, following first ore being processed in late March.
“Opening Western Range is an important step in Rio Tinto’s extension plans in the Pilbara and ensures the longevity of one of our oldest mining hubs, Paraburdoo, which began operating in 1972,” Rio Tinto chief executive officer (CEO) Jakob Stausholm said.
“I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done with the Yinhawangka People to develop Western Range and we’ll continue to work closely together.
“Partnering with Baowu ensures our biggest customer directly benefits with a consistent, dedicated supply of Rio Tinto’s world leading Pilbara Blend iron ore.”
To celebrate the milestone, several representatives attended the Western Range mine site for its official opening.
“The opening of Western Range is a significant achievement, and its importance to Western Australia’s economy cannot be overstated,” Cook said.
“My government will continue to back in our resources industry, which is creating quality jobs for Western Australians while helping us maintain the standard of life we all enjoy.”
King echoed similar sentiments.
“The opening of Western Range is fantastic news for the Pilbara, for Western Australians, for Traditional Owners and for the nation,” King said.
“The Pilbara is the engine room of the nation’s economy. Projects like Western Range will keep that engine running for future generations of Australians.”
Western Range is Rio Tinto’s first project to feature a co-designed social, cultural and heritage management plan (SCHMP) with the Yinhawangka Traditional Owners, which was originally announced in 2022.
“For Yinhawangka People, Country is everything – it holds our spirit, our law, and our deep responsibility to protect what was passed down to us,” Hayden said.
“The opening of the Western Range mine represents a shift in how our heritage is being recognised and respected. We acknowledge the work Rio Tinto has done to change how they engage with us, and the steps they’ve taken to build a stronger, more honest partnership.
“This is a meaningful beginning – and we stand ready to walk forward together.”
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Group 6’s Dolphin tungsten mine in King Island, Tasmania. Image: Group 6 Metals
The Tasmanian Government has issued a new $7.5 million loan to Group 6 Metals (G6M) to help stabilise operations at its Dolphin tungsten mine on King Island.
The financial support follows the Tasmanian Government’s recent conversion of a $10 million loan into equity, giving it a 12 per cent stake in G6M.
A Tasmanian Government spokesperson told the ABC the funding was approved because the mine is “critical” to the region’s economy and employment.
“The $7.5 million loan was an important element of the business transformation plan that aims to deliver operational improvements to mining and processing activities to achieve profitability and growth, as the demand for tungsten continues to grow,” the spokesperson said.
“The loan was independently assessed and recommended by the Tasmanian Development Board as being in the best interests of the mine, the Tasmanian mining sector and the King Island community.”
The Tasmanian Government approved the load at 12 per cent interest over a two-year period. It does not require additional budget funding, with the money coming from Tasmanian Development and Resources’ borrowing facility.
Tasmanian Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz reaffirmed the State Government’s support of the mine in February following the initial $10 million loan.
“The Dolphin tungsten mine is a major employer on King Island and a key contributor to the local economy,” he said.
“This is intended to be a short to medium-term investment to help stabilise the mine through challenging global conditions.”
According to G6M, Dolphin hosts the highest-grade tungsten deposit of significant size in the Western world. It first operated from 1917 to 1992 before G6M recommenced operations in 2023. The mine currently employs about 95 people.
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A national partnership between Astec and Mineral Processing Solutions is the latest step in an ongoing collaboration that is based on a commitment to quality equipment.
Astec Australia has strengthened its partnership with Mineral Processing Solutions(MPS), a subsidiary of OPS Group, in a strategic move that extends the distribution of its fixed and modular plant equipment across all states and territories. This expansion follows a mid-2024 agreement that saw MPS take on distribution rights for Astec’s aggregate and mining sector equipment in New South Wales.
MPS now holds the rights to supply and support all Astec fixed and modular crushing, screening and washing equipment, as well as material handling and breaker technology products, right across Australia.
“Over the years, Astec and MPS customers have seen the benefits forged from our strong partnership,” Astec material solutions business line manager Adam Gordon told Mining.
The Astec BTI Rockbreaker being loaded out of the OPS group Bibra Lake facility. Image: Astec Australia
“The MPS team’s extensive local market knowledge and experience in mineral processing, supported by Astec’s innovative technologies and manufacturing capability, has made MPS the perfect partner to deliver outstanding products and service.”
The original plan to extend MPS’s distribution footprint was scheduled for a later date, but the success of the initial expansion into NSW prompted an accelerated timeline.
“Those plans have been brought forward as a testament to the success of the relationship between Astec and MPS,” Gordon said. “This new network will enable us to deliver parts more efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing the operational efficiency of Australian businesses.”
MPS’s well-established and expanding infrastructure in eastern Australia played a key role in facilitating the expansion. With depots in Goodna, Queensland, Rutherford, NSW, and Laverton, Victoria, MPS has a strong presence in major mining and construction hubs.
These facilities, alongside additional branches in Darwin, Perth and Adelaide, help to ensure customers receive timely access to equipment, spare parts and technical support.
“The ability to reduce downtime through fast and efficient parts delivery is a critical advantage for businesses operating in these industries,” Gordon said.
The move is also expected to drive operational efficiencies by consolidating supply lines and reducing lead times for customers.
Astec’s extensive range of products, combined with MPS’s experienced sales and service teams, provides a competitive advantage in the Australian market.
“MPS’s reputation for exceptional after-sales support and technical expertise further strengthens the value proposition for businesses relying on high-performance fixed plant solutions,” Gordon said.
“For customers, the expansion means not only greater convenience and accessibility to Astec’s globally recognised equipment; it will also provide access to knowledgeable team members who can assist with installation, maintenance and ongoing operational support.
“Whether in the construction materials sector or large-scale mining operations, operators will benefit from a seamless procurement process and enhanced support services.”
Astec and MPS customers have seen the benefits forged from a strong partnership. Image: Astec Australia
By deepening their collaboration, Astec and MPS are positioning themselves to play a pivotal role in the development of Australia’s infrastructure.
The increased availability of robust crushing, screening, and material handling solutions supports the efficiency and productivity of businesses that form the backbone of the country’s resources and construction industries.
This strategic expansion highlights both companies’ strong commitment to innovation and customer service, ensuring that Australian businesses continue to benefit from world-class equipment and expert support.
“As demand for high-quality processing solutions continues to grow, the strengthened partnership between Astec and MPS represents a proactive approach to meeting industry needs,” Gordon said.
“By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, both companies are well-positioned to support Australia’s mining and construction sectors into the future.
“This agreement not only enhances service delivery but also reinforces the long-term stability and reliability of supply chains for critical equipment in the industry.”
Leading mining technology and service supplier FLS will open or expand seven service centres in strategic locations across the globe in 2025.
These facilities are in direct support of FLS’ CORE’26 mining strategy that includes targeting service growth, and adds to the company’s already comprehensive global network of service centres that can enhance mining customers’ productivity.
New facilities will open in Accra, Ghana; Surabaja, Indonesia; and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, while FLS’ operations in Mackay, Australia will relocate to a larger facility.
Expansions are planned in Parauapebas, Brazil; Karaganda, Kazakhstan; and Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Operations in each of these new locations will begin within the coming months with official opening details to be announced at a later date.
In addition, an expansion of the service centre in Chloorkop, South Africa is ongoing and will be completed in 2026.
Image: FLSmidth
“Our service centres serve primarily as workshops for improving or repairing customer equipment and can also have warehousing capabilities for distribution,” FLS head of professional services Christian Fabry said.
“With these new openings and expansions, we further strengthen our service capabilities and best-in-class service offerings to customers.”
“We can do that by shortening the operational down time for customers thanks to the service centres’ strategic proximity to mine sites and greater availability of spare and wear parts to local customers.”
FLS offers a comprehensive range of service offerings that allow mining companies to maximise productivity.
The company has developed the strategic global presence and advanced service-based solutions required to provide responsive support wherever customers are located.
This includes:
Strong inventory of OEM spare parts and consumables in service centres around the world
Regional and global field engineers, plus remote asset health and performance optimisation services
Mineral laboratory services for fast, accurate mineralogical and metallurgical testing
Upgrades, rebuilds and exchange services to help you get more from your equipment.
FLSmidth work on the ground, and know that in a 24/7 process every hour of downtime adds up to very high costs in lost productivity.
That’s why its mining service centres are strategically located to offer local support to its customers operations – wherever they are in the world.
The company has service centres in East (Pinkenba, Beresfield, Mackay, Rockhampton) and the West (Henderson & Welshpool).
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Minprovise, a leading supplier in the mining and quarrying industries, has recently expanded its product range to include a variety of wear parts and liners.
This new offering includes high-quality manganese crusher liners, apron feeder pans and jaw crusher wear parts. The new range of high-performance crusher liners can also be supplied with tungsten inserts (TIC) offering unmatched toughness and extended service life, increasing plant availability and reducing costly downtime.
By offering a comprehensive range of wear parts and liners, Minprovise aims to provide reliable and high-quality alternatives to expensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, helping clients reduce costs and improve operational performance.
Further to that, Minprovise has recently introduced bi-metal wear plates and composite white iron wear bars (chocky blocks) into their suite of wear products.
Image: Minprovise
To assist clients with reliable supply and the shortest possible lead time, Minprovise hold considerable stock of various sized chocky blocks to suit the majority of more common wear applications.
From a quality standpoint, Minprovise’s commitment is evident in its rigorous selection, auditing and qualification process for all suppliers. Independent metallurgical test reports from both Australian and international laboratories are available on request for the Minprovise range of wear products.
This dedication to excellence has made Minprovise a forward thinking and trusted partner for many mining and quarrying operations, with well established relationships with organisations such as Rio Tinto, BHP, FMG, AngloGold and Roy Hill to mention just a few.
Product range support
Minprovise boasts a dedicated technical team with decades of experience in both Australian and international mining and quarrying industries.
Where required, Minprovise technical experts work alongside client teams to analyse areas of high wear with the goal of developing and implementing custom wear solutions. These can generally be implemented quickly, drawing from the extensive stock on hand and utilising rapid turnaround fabrication via the Welshpool-based workshop facility.
With this expansion, the company’s focus on innovation and safety first ensures that clients receive the best possible solutions for their needs. For more information about Minprovise’s new product range, including wear parts, liners, and chocky blocks, visit the Minprovise website.
While the likes of Kazakhstan, Canada and Namibia are known for being dominant uranium producers, Australia lays claim to the world’s largest uranium deposit.
Olympic Dam, which is seemingly one of the most geologically and mineralogically diverse mines globally, holds more than two million tonnes of uranium oxide.
The mine also produces copper, gold and nickel from its polymetallic treasure chest, demonstrating the range of revenue pathways on offer for its owner BHP.
Olympic Dam produced 3189 tonnes of uranium in 2024. By comparison, the nameplate capacity of Boss Energy’s recently reopened Honeymoon operation is 2.4 million pounds (1088 tonnes) per year.
Boss is targeting 850,000 pounds (386 tonnes) of uranium production in the 2024–25 financial year.
BHP is looking to more than double the copper production capacity of Olympic Dam by the middle of next decade. Uranium production isn’t expected to increase at the same scale, however, which has been news to the ears of many investors.
The Australian Financial Review reported that BHP disclosed such plans in paperwork concerning its Olympic Dam expansion, with only a one per cent uplift in uranium production expected.
A boost in Olympic Dam uranium supply would flood the market and potentially suppress prices and uranium stocks.
This comes despite expectations that global uranium demand is expected to increase by 28 per cent between 2023–30, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).
The WNA also predicts that between 2031–40, demand would double by 51 per cent.
Honeymoon is not the only uranium upstart of recent times, with Lotus Resources looking to bring its Kayelekera project in Namibia online in the near future. Deep Yellow is also looking to commence production at its Tumas uranium project in Namibia.
Uranium prices have dropped below $US70 per pound to begin 2025, having traded above this mark since October 2023. This is still much higher than historical levels, with uranium not reaching $US40 per pound for the better part of six years between 2015 and 2021.
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Utilising its fleet of mobile and fixed plants, Rapid has tailored its services to align with different kinds of mine outputs. Image: Rapid Crushing & Screening Contractors
Rapid Crushing & Screening Contractors has a strong track record of providing tailored solutions that boost productivity.
Rapid Crushing & Screening Contractors, one of Australia’s premier mining services companies, has inspired innovation in the crushing and screening sector for the better part of 50 years.
Rapid’s modular and mobile plants have proven themselves in refining a wide array of commodities, from iron ore and gold to lithium and other critical minerals, with the company’s client base boasting several Tier 1 miners.
This includes the Greenbushes lithium mine in southern Western Australia, the world’s largest hard-rock lithium mine.
The company’s extensive expertise and adaptable crushing and screening solutions have been instrumental in meeting Greenbushes’ demanding production requirements.
Utilising its fleet of mobile and fixed plants, Rapid has tailored its services to align with Greenbushes’ high output. This includes handling the crushing of spodumene ore to precise specifications, ensuring a seamless feed into downstream processing circuits.
Rapid’s advanced crushing and screening technologies have enabled the company to effectively address fluctuations in production needs.
Additionally, Rapid’s focus on reliability and its ability to provide on-site support have been critical in maintaining Greenbushes’ productivity.
This partnership underscores Rapid’s ability to support large-scale mining projects through specialised, scalable solutions, whether a client requires one part of a circuit or an end-to-end crushing and screening solution.
Rapid also has a strong track record in the Pilbara, recently working with Pilbara Minerals at its flagship Pilgangoora lithium mine.
Rapid is one of Australia’s premier mining services companies. Image: Rapid Crushing & Screening Contractors
In May 2024, Rapid delivered a crushing and screening infrastructure package to Pilgangoora, which will support Pilbara Minerals with a large pipeline of expansion projects.
Rapid’s competitive edge lies in its ability to design and implement solutions tailored to individual project needs, with the company constantly evolving its crushing and screening capabilities, delivering fast, mobile setups that can be easily relocated, reducing project lead times.
Rapid predominantly runs Metso-based crushers across its operations, including the Jonnson L160, one of the world’s largest mobile jaw crushers.
Weighing over 190 tonnes, the Jonnson L160 is used as the primary jaw crusher at many mine sites across Australia.
Rapid also has an extensive fleet of cone crushers with most tracked units based on Metso’s HP300 or HP400 machines.
Machinery is at times designed, manufactured and maintained by Rapid’s in-house manufacturing company, Irvine Engineering. This enables Rapid to safeguard the quality of its materials and workmanship, as well as the reliability of supply.
This strategic partnership not only ensures the highest standards of performance and durability but also reinforces Rapid’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and customer satisfaction.
Rapid’s solutions have proven especially critical in remote mining regions where key infrastructure is limited and operational challenges abound.
Safety and environmental responsibility are cornerstones of Rapid’s operations, with crushing and screening processes often posing mechanical hazards, dust issues and environmental risks.
Rapid addresses these challenges with some of the best practices and technologies in the business.
Additionally, Rapid has an unyielding focus on safety, regularly auditing its systems and providing comprehensive training to its team.
Rapid’s approach aligns with the broader goals of the Australian mining sector, which increasingly prioritises sustainability and environmental stewardship. The company’s emphasis on compliance and innovation reinforces its standing as a responsible contractor.
As the mining industry continues to evolve amid the clean-energy transition, the demand for premium crushing and screening solutions is expected to grow.
Rapid is well-positioned to meet these needs, leveraging its decades of experience to deliver tailored, innovative, and sustainable crushing and screening solutions for years to come.
