Category: News

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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Newmont to divest Akyem for up to $1.5 billion

Dylan Brown

Newmont

Image: Timon/stock.adobe.com

Newmont has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Akyem gold mine in Ghana to Zijin Mining Group for up to $US1 billion ($1.5 billion).

This deal marks a significant step in Newmont’s strategy to focus on its Tier 1 assets, which are expected to drive long-term growth and shareholder value.

The transaction includes a cash consideration of $US900 million upon closing, with an additional $US100 million contingent on certain conditions being met.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to bolster Newmont’s balance sheet and return capital to shareholders.

“The sale of Akyem represents continued progress on the non-core asset divestiture program announced in February, supporting our focus on the Tier 1 assets in Newmont’s portfolio that will drive sustainable growth and the return of capital to shareholders,” Newmont’s president and chief executive officer Tom Palmer said.

“We believe the proposed transaction results in the greatest overall value for Newmont shareholders and is the best strategic fit for Akyem.

“We are confident that Akyem will continue to thrive under new ownership with long-term benefits for local stakeholders and surrounding communities.”

Palmer said the successful completion of this transaction will strengthen Ghana as a favourable mining jurisdiction, with Newmont committed to supporting the growth and development of the region which includes the development of Ahafo North.

“In line with President Afuko-Addo’s address in February, we ensured that our robust divestment process provided equal opportunity for all potential buyers, Ghanaian and international, to participate,” Newmont managing director for Africa Rahman Amoadu said.

“Additionally, we have included the minerals income investment fund (MIIF) in the process in preparation of their potential investment in Akyem to further Ghanaian interest in the mine.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

With the Akyem divestment, Newmont does not anticipate a material impact on its 2024 outlook and remains committed to its investments in Ghana, including between $950 million–1.05 billion in development capital for Ahafo North.

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BHP locks in green steel deal

Kelsie Tibben

BHP

Image: JHVEPhoto/shutterstock.com

BHP has locked in a deal to support India’s steelmaking decarbonisation journey.

India’s largest government-owned steel producer, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), will work with BHP to lower carbon steelmaking technology pathways for the country’s blast furnace route.

Under a memorandum of understanding, the parties are already exploring a number of workstreams supporting the potential decarbonisation of SAIL’s blast furnace steel plants, commencing with an initial study to assess various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

These workstreams will consider the role of alternate reductants for the blast furnace such as hydrogen and biochar use, with a view to also building local research and development capability to support the decarbonisation transition.

BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd said the deployment of technology and abatements on the blast furnace is critical to progressing India’s decarbonised steel industry.

“We recognise that decarbonising this industry is a challenge that we cannot meet alone, and we must come together to leverage shared expertise and resources, to support the development of technologies and capability that could have the potential to create a real change in carbon emissions both now and in the longer term,” Udd said.

SAIL chair Shri Amarendu Prakash said mid- to long-term partnerships like SAIL’s collaboration with BHP are vital to decarbonising not only India’s steel industry, but will have implications on a global scale.

“SAIL is looking forward to this collaboration with BHP in taking a step forward towards engaging in developing sustainable ways to produce steel,” Prakash said.

“SAIL is committed to contributing towards tackling the issue of climate change through fostering an innovative future for the steel industry in India.”

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Revolutionising screen deck maintenance

Alexandra Eastwood

Image: Sandvik

Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions launched DeckMapp, a groundbreaking new digital platform for screen deck maintenance, at MINExpo 2024.

This highly innovative, cloud-based software solution is set to transform screen deck maintenance and drive substantial improvements in the efficiency and operational performance of mineral processing plants.

Accessible via laptop, tablet or mobile phone, DeckMapp captures, stores and shares real-time data to present a reliable, single source of truth for all activities within the screen media lifecycle.

According to Matt Cutbush, Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions digital solutions product manager, DeckMapp empowers teams engaged in screening operations with comprehensive tools to view deck history, share deck plans, visualise panel wear patterns and capture feedback, as well as access maintenance plans and activity reports.

Image: Sandvik

“By guiding operators through maintenance updates and wear assessments, DeckMapp ensures consistent data entry across the board, resulting in robust, reliable historical wear data for every screen in your operation,” Cutbush said.

“DeckMapp enhances data quality and formalises maintenance processes, thereby eliminating information inconsistencies that can adversely affect production and profitability due to rework and extended task durations. DeckMapp delivers real-time updates to ensure all team members are aligned, further reducing the risk of miscommunication and operational inefficiencies.”

A key feature of DeckMapp is the optional add-on WearApp, an innovative wear assessment system powered by artificial intelligence.

With WearApp, users simply capture images of worn screening media panels with a smartphone or a tablet. WearApp then applies artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically assess each aperture calculating amount of wear, panel efficiency and remaining wear life. This revolutionary application not only saves substantial time, but also delivers far greater accuracy over traditional manual wear assessment methods.

With DeckMapp and WearApp, plant operators can leverage data-driven insights to make smarter, more efficient maintenance decisions, and significantly reduce cost overruns associated with screen deck maintenance.

These enhanced capabilities will allow processing plant operators to make more informed decisions regarding their screening media maintenance strategies, such as determining optimal replacement times based on actual open area rather than individual aperture wear.

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Astec expands Mineral Processing Solutions’ fixed plant and equipment distribution rights to all states and territories

Olivia Thomson

Image: Astec

Astec Australia has announced an expansion of its dealer agreement with Mineral Processing Solutions (MPS) to include construction materials product lines in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania.

MPS will supply Astec material solutions, fixed and modular plant, equipment, parts and service throughout Australia.

Under the terms of the new agreement, MPS will distribute all Astec fixed and modular crushing, fixed screening and washing equipment and systems, as well as material handling (Telestack) and breaker technology (BTI) products to all states and territories.

The move represents a significant development in the relationship between the two companies.

According to Astec regional managing director David Smale, Astec and OPS Group (MPS’ parent company) have forged a strong partnership over the years.

“In June, we announced that MPS would take over distribution of Astec fixed and modular equipment in NSW, with other eastern states to follow later,” Smale said.

“It is testament to the strength and success of the relationship between Astec and MPS that those plans have now been brought forward.”

Image: Astec

Smale said the partnership has also delivered significant benefits to customers.

“This new network will enable us to deliver parts more efficiently, reducing downtime and enhancing the operational efficiency of businesses,” he said.

“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.”

MPS already has a strong presence on the east coast with well-stocked depots in Goodna (QLD), Rutherford (NSW) and Laverton (VIC), and experienced local sales and service teams able to provide a quick response to customers. Without forgetting Darwin, Perth and Adelaide branches bringing multiple options to the mix.

Smale said by combining Astec’s expertise in supplying high-quality equipment with MPS’ extensive distribution network, it is creating a robust channel that guarantees better service or exceeding relationships and expectations across the nation.

“I’m delighted to be making this announcement today and look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will have on our customers working alongside MPS,” he said.

“Such synergy will continue to strengthen our market presence but also set highest standard for service in building the infrastructure of Australia.”

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Weir locks in deal with 100-year mine

Kelsie Tibben

The Weir WARMAN slurry pump. Image: Weir

The Weir Group, a global mining technology leader, has been awarded a £25m ($48.2 million) contract to provide sustainable solutions to the next phase of OCP Group’s Benguerir and Louta greenfield phosphate projects in Morocco.

The order, which includes the company’s WARMAN slurry pump and CAVEX hydrocyclone technology, will support the continued construction of the Louta project and the trebling of production from the Benguerir project.

Weir has previously provided similar separation and de-sliming solutions also based on its WARMAN and CAVEX technology.

The Benguerir expansion will start up following the initial phase of the project which has scheduled first production in 2024, with an estimated total mine life of more than 100 years.

“We are pleased to have secured this major contract. It represents a strong endorsement of our WARMAN and CAVEX ranges that provide energy efficient separation at scale to support our customer’s productivity and sustainability goals,” Weir chief executive officer Jon Stanton said.

“Along with our industry-leading solutions, we promise our customers world class service; our local team are delighted to continue to deliver for OCP as they commission the initial phase at Benguerir and look to expand these exciting projects.”

After commissioning of the equipment, aftermarket support will be provided via Weir technical experts from the company’s Moroccan service centre, which is located close to the projects.

Founded in 1871, The Weir Group is one of the world’s leading engineering businesses with a purpose to make its mining and infrastructure customers’ operations more sustainable and efficient.

Weir’s highly engineered technology aims to enable critical resources to be produced using less energy, water and waste while reducing customers’ total cost of ownership.

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Bradken reaches ground engaging zenith

Kelsie Tibben

Zenith plate lips currently come in standard, long and heavy-duty options to suit all application requirements. Image: Bradken

Last week Bradken was on the floor at MINExpo INTERNATIONAL to showcase its latest innovation in ground engaging tools, the Zenith Plate Lip System.

The Zenith Plate Lip System has been engineered to minimise dig energy required for penetration and extend wear life.

With styles available across multiple machine classes over 300 tonnes, and engineered to suit various digging conditions, the Zenith System can deliver a reduction in total cost of ownership, safer removal processes, and reduced downtime and maintenance.

Bradken Zenith points and adapters are available in three options to support the system across multiple applications.

That means an easy conversion to the Zenith Plate Lip system from existing lip kit or new complete lip fitments.

Bradken’s design reduces change-out time with a hammer-free pin, allows point rotation for maximum wear, and is engineered to perform in all climate conditions.

To find out more, visit bradken.com

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