Mines and Quarry – Ying Hui International

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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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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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.

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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Newmont to roll out global autonomous fleet

Kelsie Tibben

Image: WesTrac/Newmont

Newmont will begin rolling out more autonomous haul trucks, drill rigs, and graders following a trial to boost the technology capabilities of its Cadia mine in New South Wales.

The gold miner will begin expanding next generation 5G wireless networks to improve safety in underground mining in partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple.

Before the trial, Cadia – one of the largest gold mines in the world – was limited to upload speeds of 20–30 megabits per second (Mbps) using Wi-Fi to operate autonomous equipment such as ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machines.

These wi-fi connections were unreliable and unpredictable when under load.

The new 5G network has allowed for speeds up to 90Mbps along access drives and declines throughout the underground complex, and 150Mbps upload and 500Mbps download on all-important extraction drives.

Newmont has since been able to deploy additional safety systems like radars and collision avoidance to improve overall mine safety systems.

“The trial results show the extraordinary potential of 5G to improve safety, increase the number of machines that can be operated on a single network and boost production efficiencies in underground mining,” Newmont chief safety and sustainability officer Suzy Retallack said.

“These trials are part of the new frontier of technology in mining – using innovation to make our people safer and our mines more productive.”

On the basis of the trial, 5G now has a firm place in Newmont’s communications strategies for Cadia and its other Tier 1 underground and surface mines across the world.

Newmont also garnered support from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the trial, and has now applied to the ACMA for licences to extend and embed Newmont’s use of 5G technology across its Australian operations.

Newmont plans to expand the use of 5G networks across its global network of Tier 1 underground gold-copper mines.

“5G is enabling rapid global transformation of industry, supporting digitalisation and movement towards automated, more efficient, and safer operations across a number of sectors,” Ericsson head of private cellular networks Manish Tiwari said.

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This emerging lithium project trumps Bald Hill for size

Staff Writer

Image: Henri Koskinen/adobe.stock.come

When Global Lithium Resources announced a a 43 per cent resource increase for its Manna lithium deposit in June, it solidified the project as a truly world-class asset.

This took Manna’s mineral resource estimate (MRE) to 51.6 million tonnes (Mt) at one per cent lithium oxide, within arm’s reach of Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) 60.5Mt Mt Marion lithium operation located just down the road.

Manna now well and truly trumps MinRes’ 26.5Mt Bald Hill mine for size, which is an operating lithium asset.

Global Lithium managing director Ron Mitchell used his presentation at Diggers and Dealers this week to speak about how the MRE increase makes Manna the second largest lithium resource in the Kalgoorlie lithium province.

“We did only list in May 2021, it’s been quite a ride,” Mitchell said of the company’s robust financial position with $27 million in the bank as of June’s end. This ensures the project is fully funded through the final investment decision and beyond.

“We are really prudent on our spend given the current market conditions,” he said.

The Manna project, located approximately 100km east of Kalgoorlie, has shown remarkable progress over two-and-a-half years of drilling, with significantly more geological confidence in the asset.

The metallurgical testwork predicts lithium recovery rates between 75 per cent and 78 per cent, confirming the project’s viability.

“In my 14 years in the lithium sector, I’ve come across a lot of lithium projects, and not a lot are spodumene-dominant,” Mitchell said.

“It (Manna) is infrastructure rich, (and) there’s an operating railway line about eight kilometres south of the project site.”

Global Lithium is working with authorities at the Port of Esperance to utilise the railway line, which offers the Manna project significant logistical advantages, reducing transportation costs and emissions.

The company is also focused on community and environmental initiatives, working closely with Traditional Owner group, the Kakarra people, to finalise a native title mining agreement.

The Manna definitive feasibility study (DFS) is nearing completion and expected by the end of the year.

“The next six months are going to be crucial for us,” Mitchell said, highlighting the ongoing metallurgical testwork and upcoming announcements regarding the DFS, mineral reserves and project approvals.

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