A Stellar investment: Tasmania tin project gets ‘strong support’

by Staff Writer

Image: RHJPhtotos/shutterstock.com  

Image: RHJPhtotos/shutterstock.com  

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Stellar Resources has successfully raised millions to advance its flagship Heemskirk Tin Project in Tasmania.

The company received commitments for approximately 409 million shares at an issue price of $0.022 per share, for a total of $9 million, per a company report.

Proceeds will be targeted towards development study costs for Heemskirk, which Stellar said is the highest-grade undeveloped tin resource in Australia and the third-highest globally.

Funds will also support due diligence on surrounding infrastructure options and exploration at the highly prospective East Renison Project. This new funding, combined with a recent $2.9 million from option exercises, brings Stellar’s total capital raised in recent months to $11.9 million.

“We are very pleased with the strong support received for this placement from both existing shareholders and new investors, enabling the board to increase the amount raised from what was originally sought,” Stellar managing director Simon Taylor said.

“The funds raised, together with recent option conversions, significantly strengthen our balance sheet and position Stellar to advance the Heemskirk Tin Project towards development, as we aim to become a global top-10 tin producer.”

According to Stellar, the strong investor interest stems from tin prices trading around $US36,000 per tonne, driven by demand from the electronics and renewable energy sectors.

Subscribe to the Mining newsletter to get the latest news that matters to Australia’s premier industry.

AIMEX 2025 Showguide: Exhibitor highlights

Staff writer

AIMEX’s Transformative Technology Showcase will display trailblazing technology and digital solutions. Image: Prime Creative Media

From 23–25 September, AIMEX will bring together over 5000 decision-makers, more than 230 exhibitors, and attendees from 30+ countries for three days of connection, innovation and insight.

There will be plenty to see and do at AIMEX 2025. Here is a selection of exhibitor highlights to put on your list to visit.

NMS 

Stall: K25

Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. Ltd. (abbreviated as NMS in English, and commonly known as Nankuang Group, Nanchang Mineral Systems or Nankuang in Chinese) was founded in 1970. 

Headquartered in the Meiling Scenic Area of Nanchang, Jiangxi, China, NMS is a technology-driven company engaged in mineral and aggregate processing technology research, design, product development, equipment manufacturing, production operations, and intelligent operation and maintenance. 

Over the years, NMS has grown into a well-known company in the crushing and screening industry, becoming one of the leading providers of high-end mining equipment and intelligent production operation services in China.

Image: Nanchang Mineral Systems (NMS)

NMS products and technical services are widely used in industries such as iron ore, bauxite, gold, phosphate and coal, as well as municipal engineering, bridges and railways. The company collaborates extensively with well-known domestic and international enterprises, including Chalco, China Gold, China National Nuclear Corporation, Power China, CNBM, MINMETALS, Zijin Mining, China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd., WISCO and TISCO. 

Other partners include Pangang, Shougang, Benxi Steel, Ansteel, Baotou Steel, China Shenhua Energy, Wengfu Phosphate, BHP, CRH, Holcim, and Vale, among others. 

Amidst increasingly intense global economic competition, NMS is actively expanding its overseas market and has established subsidiaries in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Sweden, and the United States. Its end users span across various industries including mining, hydropower, nuclear power, aggregates, building materials, and chemicals, both domestically and internationally. 

NMS’s equipment is exported to over 60 countries and regions, serving numerous Fortune 500 companies worldwide. 

For more information, visit nmsindustries.com.

Metso expands grip on Asian market

Staff Writer

Metso Corporation is continuing to expand its footprint across Southeast Asia thanks to two strategic bookings in Malaysia.

The order, from Fortress Minerals Inc, is for a comprehensive suite of mineral processing equipment to be sent to the Bukit Besi iron ore project and the Mengapur copper project.

The core of the two orders, Metso said, are two high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) which are key in energy-efficient comminution and a main contributor to the company’s rapid expansion.

“This order is a great example of how our customers are embracing more energy-efficient and sustainable flowsheets,” Metso vice president of mineral sales – Asia Pacific Kai Rönnberg said.

“We are proud to support Fortress Minerals with advanced technologies that not only improve performance but also align with their long-term environmental goals.”

Other equipment on order includes flotation cells, vibrating screens, slurry pumps and hydrocyclones.

Metso has already begun its expansion across the Asia-Pacific region with distribution agreements in place across Pakistan as well as already-established trade deals in Australia for its HPGR technology.

The circuit comprises a portable NW800HRC HPGR with flanged and studded rolls, a portable Nordwheeler NW200HPS cone crusher paired with a skid-mounted screen for efficient classification, and interlinked portable conveyors to maintain a smooth material flow.

The entire setup is designed to plug directly into the existing operation with minimal disruption.

NMS delivers turnkey crushing and screening

by William Arnott

NMS

Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. (NMS) specialises in the crushing and screening sectors. Image: NMS

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. (NMS) is offering its long-standing expertise to the crushing and screening sector.

Established in 1970, Nanchang Mineral Systems Co. (NMS) has been focusing on crushing and screening sectors for more than 50 years. Integrating research and development, manufacturing, production and operation, NMS can provide turnkey project services in mining, quarrying and recycling industries.

The company recently delivered a complete set of flip-flow screeners:

• Extremely high vibration intensity, effective and efficient for screening sticky and wet materials

• Polyurethane screen media being used, with high opening rate and long service life

• When tensioned and loosened on the screen, the materials bonded on the screen is easy to go through

• Frequency adjustable to suit various working conditions

• High reliability of machines

• Low energy consumption and impact on the environment

NMS will attend AIMEX in this September in Adelaide. To book a meeting with its engineers, call 0401 459 289.

For more information, email victor.zhao@nmsindustries.com

BHP and XCMG ink equipment supply deal

Olivia Thomson

BHP

Image: JHVEPhoto/shutterstock.com

BHP has partnered with Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer XCMG for the delivery of mining fleet solutions across its global operations.

Under the global framework agreement, BHP and XCMG will co-develop solutions that will set new global standards for safety, efficiency, and sustainability for the mining industry.

This includes pathways for joint research and development of mining equipment, life cycle management strategies, alignment on emerging technology readiness, and the location of support service networks.

The agreement will combine XCMG’s large-scale mining machinery capabilities with BHP’s vast operational expertise. Both companies have committed to:

  • advancing joint research and development programs for next-generation mining equipment
  • establishing robust frameworks for life cycle asset management
  • building adaptable, localised support systems to ensure reliable equipment uptime
  • collaborating on the creation of new industry standards and best practices
  • accelerating global initiatives to decarbonise mining operations.

“This partnership with XCMG reflects BHP’s approach to working closely with strategic suppliers to shape the future of mining technology,” BHP Group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti said.

“By combining our operational insight with XCMG’s innovation capability, we’re supporting the development of safer, more sustainable fleet solutions. It’s a strong step towards reducing emissions across our operations.”

The agreement was signed on June 10 at XCMG’s global headquarters in Xuzhou, China. XCMG said the partnership with BHP will allow both companies to swiftly adapt to evolving global expectations around environmental impact and digital transformation.

“As a global supplier of intelligent and green mine construction solutions, XCMG is proud to be empowering global mine operators,” XCMG chairman Yang Dongsheng said.

“Our engineering technology leadership will support the sustainable development of green mines alongside BHP. Together, we will set a new example of global mining cooperation.” 

Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.

FLSmidth signs agreement to sell its Cement business

by Guy Woodford

FLSmidth has agreed to sell its Cement business to an affiliate of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners. Image/FLSmidth

FLSmidth has agreed to sell its Cement business to an affiliate of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners. Image/FLSmidth

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

FLSmidth has agreed to sell its Cement business to an affiliate of Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, a global private equity firm specialising in carve-outs and other complex transactions, for an initial total sum of €75 million (DKK 550 million).

In early 2023, Copenhagen, Denmark-headquartered  FLSmidth embarked on a strategic journey with the announcement of new pure-play strategies for its Mining and Cement businesses (ref. Company Announcement no. 2-2023). Since then, FLSmidth has simplified and rightsized both businesses to further strengthen their respective market positions, with a strategic focus on the core technologies and services required in the mining and cement industries. This has resulted in a significantly improved and more stable commercial and financial performance for both businesses.

On 29 January 2024 (ref. Company Announcement no. 1-2024), FLSmidth announced its intention to explore the available divestment options for its Cement business, with the objectives of enabling the Cement business to maximise its full potential as well as to further strengthen our Mining business’ market-leading position as a full flowsheet technology and service provider to the global mining industry.

Chair of the Board of Directors of FLSmidth, Mads Nipper, said: “I am incredibly proud of what our Cement business has achieved in its more than 140-year-long history with FLSmidth. We firmly believe that
this divestment represents a pivotal step in unlocking the full potential for both our Mining and Cement businesses. Our Cement business is now well-positioned for future success, with the flexibility to pursue its
strategic ambitions and create exciting new opportunities for its employees to innovate and grow.”

CEO of FLSmidth, Mikko Keto, comments: “The divestment allows us to sharpen our focus on our core Mining business, positioning FLSmidth as a pure-play leader in the mining industry. With a clear and focused Mining strategy, we are confident that we are well-positioned to drive long-term value for our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders and enhance our competitive position.”

Jason Leach, Partner and Investment Committee Member at Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, said: “We are excited to acquire FLSmidth Cement, a global leader providing mission-critical equipment and
aftermarket solutions in the cement sector. The business has a rich history and strong brands, including Fuller, Pfister, and Ventomatic. We believe that cement will continue to play a crucial role in global economic development and that FLSmidth Cement’s product innovation will play an important role in the decarbonisation of the industry”.

Chris Sznewajs, Founder and Managing Partner at Pacific Avenue Capital Partners, said: “We are honoured to be the trusted partner for FLSmidth on this highly complex transaction. We strive to be the buyer of choice for corporate sellers, with the ability to seamlessly complete cross-border transactions.

“The Cement division is an excellent fit within our portfolio, given our focus on acquiring market-leading companies. We are impressed with the Company’s ability to deliver innovative, mission-critical solutions
to its longstanding customers, and look forward to providing the necessary resources to support continued growth and value creation in partnership with management.”

Until the transaction is closed, FLSmidth Cement will continue to execute its GREEN 26 strategy and provide support and services to FLSmidth Cement.

Rio Tinto pivots Oyu Tolgoi plans

Dylan Brown

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.

Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.

Tasmanian Government backs tungsten mine

Dylan Brown

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.

Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.

Sandvik Mobile Crushing and Screening unveils the QH443E

Sandvik Mobile Crushing

Sandvik Mobile Crushing and Screening is proud to announce the launch of the QH443E. Image: Sandvik

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Sandvik Mobile Crushing and Screening is proud to announce the launch of the QH443E, the latest innovation in tracked cone crushers.

This new electric unit has been designed with a focus on sustainability and productivity and is set to revolutionise operations in heavy-duty applications.

The new QH443E is Sandvik’s flagship Q-Range electric-driven cone plant. It takes a significant step towards bridging the gap between tracked mobile, wheeled portable, and stationary plants by combining electric drives and track mobility on a single platform.

The QH443E electric cone crusher completes Sandvik’s revolutionary electric train, which includes the UJ443E fully electric jaw crusher, the QE342e hybrid scalper and the QA452e hybrid triple-deck Doublescreen.

Sustainability at its core

The QH443E features a new and improved heavy duty feeder design and is equipped with electrically driven components. Its advanced design allows for operation through a connection to an external electrical grid supply or on-board generator, providing flexibility and reducing operational costs.

The integration of the latest generation of fuel-efficient engines further enhances flexibility, allowing the unit to be operated via HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) or diesel when required, maximizing uptime whilst lowering emissions and operating noise.

Due to the electrification of the onboard components, running the QH443E via the genset can result in up to 25 per cent* fuel savings and a 78 per cent* reduction in hydraulic oil usage compared to previous generations.

Unmatched productivity

The QH443E is designed to maximize uptime and boost output. With the renowned versatility and reliability of the Sandvik CH440 Hydrocone, Constant Liner Performance (CLP), and Hydroset CSS adjustment, this crusher delivers superior power transfer and precision crushing. The new Optik intuitive automation system and My Fleet remote monitoring provide 24/7 fleet management, geo-fencing, and remote operator support, ensure continuous crushing and optimal performance.

One platform, endless possibilities

Engineered to operate in the most hostile environments, the QH443E is ideal for large quarries and mines. Its robust design, featuring a unibody mainframe and premium components, ensures durability and strength. The load-sensing system for the feeder drive, camera, and level sensor guarantees continuous crushing, while the choice of chambers, throws, and settings allows for customization to suit a wide range of applications.

Safety and Support

Safety is paramount in the design of the QH443E. The unit includes remote camera viewing of the crushing chamber, 270° access around the crusher for easy maintenance, and mandatory audible and visual warnings for safe operation. Our extensive global distributor and sales support network ensures that you receive the best support for your operations.

The Sandvik QH443E represents a significant step forward in the evolution of tracked cone crushers. With its focus on electrification, sustainability, and productivity, it is the perfect solution for large quarries and mines looking to enhance their operations. Experience the future of crushing with the Sandvik QH443E.

Tags: Crushing Static & Mobile

First Aus low emissions steel mill one step closer

Jack Lloyd

Image: davit85/stock.adobe.com

Australia’s first low emissions steel mill and Western Australia’s first steel recycling mill are one step closer with Green Steel of WA securing all regulatory and statutory approvals required for feasibility. 

Supported by $2.7 million in funding from the Cook Government, the project is closing in on its final investment decision with front-end engineering design now complete.

In a first for WA, Magnium’s state-of the art pilot plant is now operational in Collie’s Light Industrial Area, marking a major milestone in the development of sustainable magnesium production in Australia.

“Establishing a green iron and steel industry in WA is a key focus of our Made in WA plan, and Collie’s Green Steel Mill will kick start this new industry,” said premier and State Development minister, Roger Cook.

“Hitting these key milestones is another step forward to securing Collie’s future as a major new industrial hub.”

Magnium’s facility represents a significant step forward in establishing a domestic supply of this critical defence and automotive metal and was supported by $7.5 million through the Collie Industrial Transition Fund.

International Graphite has commenced its Battery Anode Material Facility Feasibility Study, demonstrating industry interest in developing projects at Coolangatta Industrial Estate.

The facility will produce graphite products for battery materials and a variety of industrial uses. The State Government has provided $12.5 million in support to International Graphite.

Tesla’s battery re-manufacturing facility is also powering ahead with construction underway, and due for completion in October 2025. The facility will service, repair, and renew Tesla’s battery products, including Megapacks.

The projects reflect the WA Government’s commitment to the transition of Collie’s economy and workforce as it moves towards a renewable future. 

The WA Government has invested more than $662 million to deliver a Just Transition for Collie, attracting new industries and putting training opportunities in place as the economy transitions away from coal.