News – Page 3 – Ying Hui International

Weir locks in deal with 100-year mine

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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Showcasing Weir’s all-of-mine capabilities at MINExpo

Olivia Thomson

Weir at MINExpo 2024. Image: Weir

Weir is an innovative, end-to-end solutions provider focused on accelerating sustainable mining.

Exhibiting at this year’s MINExpo, in the Central Hall Booth #8833, Weir has showcased its marketing-leading brands and unveiled a range of new innovative technologies and solutions.

Weir has launched its ESCO NEXSYS GET Lip System for rope shovel dippers, which lowers lip maintenance requirements, extends tooth and adapter life and, ultimately, provides miners with longer uninterrupted shovel operation.

Weir has also unveiled its new high-capacity ENDURON ELITE screen. It’s a double-deck banana screen, available in a range of sizes, the largest of which has a deck measuring 4.3m x 8.5m and weighs nearly 50 tonnes. It’s driven by two exciters, whereas competitor machines of comparable size require three.

It will form an integral part of Weir’s commitment to deliver transformational flowsheet solutions in which traditional tumbling mills are replaced by high pressure grinding rolls (HPGRs) and vertical stirred mills, potentially reducing energy consumption by up to 40 per cent.

Weir’s booth features the digital hub, which will highlight Weir’s digital offering, MOTION METRICS, and Weir’s new digital brand, NEXT Intelligent Solutions.

The new MOTION METRICS ShovelMetrics Gen 3 Payload monitoring solution is designed to optimise truck loading and improve haulage efficiency by reducing both underloading and overloading. And as part of Weir’s commitment to service its customers even in the most remote locations, MOTION METRICS systems now support connectivity via Starlink, enabling reliable data transmission anywhere in the world.

Weir’s NEXT Intelligent Solutions. Image: Weir

NEXT Intelligent Solutions extend and expand Weir’s current capabilities and transforms its process optimisation services into real-time digital solutions. Weir has developed digital packages for all of its market-leading solutions – pumps, cyclones, HPGRs, screens and hoses and spools – based around key customer needs: insight, uptime and production.

The digital hub will use monitors to create a remote operation centre, allowing attendees to experience the same digital platforms and interfaces that Weir utilises to support its customers.

Attendees have also had an opportunity to experience an interactive scale P&H 41000XPC shovel model demonstration of MOTION METRICS ShovelMetrics Gen 3, as well as a ShovelMetrics model control station, featuring the same touch screen monitor and controller used by operators.

Weir experts from its digital, extraction, processing, comminution, tailings, and flowsheet solutions teams will be available at the booth to continue the conversation about how Weir is partnering with customers to accelerate sustainable mining.

“MINExpo is a wonderful event and a great opportunity to catch up with our customers and colleagues,” Weir chief executive officer Jon Stanton said.

“We’ve been doing a lot of work to expand our portfolio of innovative, end-to-end solutions to help our customers produce the metals and minerals required to transition to a low carbon economy and it’s exciting to be able to show that off at the world’s largest mining show.

“It is clear the world needs more metals and minerals but there is a recognition in the industry that we need to mine them more sustainably than we have in the past. That means using less energy, using water wisely and generating less waste. And Weir – with our world-class engineering, advanced materials science and intelligent automation – is at the forefront of helping miners do that.”

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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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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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Alcoa officially acquires Alumina

Kelsie Tibben

Alcoa aluminium smelter. Image: Alcoa

Just five months after announcing its intention to acquire Alumina Limited, Alcoa has now officially taken the reins.

Alcoa president and chief executive officer William F. Oplinger welcomed the closure of the $2.8 billion deal, which will increase Alcoa’s ownership of core, Tier 1 assets.

“Alcoa is proud to announce the completion of our first major acquisition,” Oplinger said.

“The acquisition of Alumina Limited strengthens Alcoa’s position as one of the world’s largest bauxite and alumina producers and is expected to result in long-term value creation from greater financial and operational flexibility.

“I want to thank both the Alcoa and Alumina Limited teams, and our advisors, for full cooperation and diligence in closing this transformational transaction on a very tight schedule.”

With Alcoa’s acquisition of Alumina, the Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) joint venture is now fully owned and controlled by Alcoa.

Alcoa previously held a 60 percent ownership interest in AWAC, which consists of a number of affiliated entities that own, operate or have an interest in bauxite mines and alumina refineries in Australia, Brazil, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Guinea.

AWAC also has a 55 per cent interest in the Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria, Australia.

Looking to the Alcoa’s Western Australian assets, the company reaffirmed its commitment to growing the sector.

“Alcoa operations in Western Australia are a key component of the company’s portfolio, and this acquisition deepens that commitment,” the company said.

Terex confirm ‘incredibly exciting’ ESG acquisition

Adam Daunt

Terex has announced a new acquisition. Image: Alexey Rezvykh/stock.adobe.com

Terex has confirmed the latest details around its acquisition of Environmental Solutions Group (ESG) from Dover Corporation in a $2-billion-dollar deal.

The agreement establishes Terex within the waste/recycling market in North America. ESG made its name refuse collection vehicles, waste compaction machinery, balers and aftermarket equipment and digital solutions.

“This acquisition announcement of ESG marks an incredibly exciting milestone in our multi-year transformation and aligns with our goal of strengthening our portfolio and leveraging our operating system to drive sustainable, accelerated long-term growth,” Terex president and chief executive officer Simon Meester said.

“ESG will add a non-cyclical, financially accretive, and market-leading business to Terex’s portfolio with tangible synergies in the fast-growing waste and recycling end market.

“In addition, ESG is led by a world-class management team and has a strong track record of operational excellence.”

The deal is subject to close in the second half of 2024 subject to approvals and closing conditions. After the deal closes, Terex will create the new Environmental Solutions segment that includes ESG as well as Terex’s existing utilities business.

It marks a new chapter for Terex which also recently launched a new brand, MAGNA, for the quarrying and aggregates sector earlier this year.

Metso strengthens slurry solutions

ALEXANDRA EASTWOOD

Image: Metso

Metso has acquired Jindex, an Australian company that specialises in valves and process flow control, as part of its efforts to boost its slurry-handling abilities.

The agreement is designed to enhance Metso’s offerings by integrating its existing slurry-handling, hydrocyclones and mineral processing equipment with Jindex’s specialised valve solutions.

Metso believes the integration will strengthen its ability to provide comprehensive slurry solutions to the mining industry, enhancing productivity and efficiency in mineral processing plants.

Head of Metso’s pumps business line Tiago Oliveira outlined the significance of the acquisition.

“This acquisition is yet another important step in the development of Metso’s pumps business line offering to bring us closer to being our customers’ lifecycle partner of choice,” he said.

“Flow and isolation control play a vital role in ensuring smooth slurry handling to maximise the productivity and efficiency of minerals processing plants.

“In the past, we have collaborated with Jindex on many customer projects and are now glad to welcome the Jindex experts to the Metso team.”

Jindex managing director Stephen Fowler is excited about the acquisition

“This is a great development and an exciting next step,” he said.

“The Jindex product offering and our technical expertise in valves are an excellent addition to Metso’s pumps business and will enable Metso to provide more extensive flow control solutions to the mining industry.

“We look forward to contributing our unique knowledge and experience as part of the Metso team and providing enhanced outcomes to all our collective customers.”

Slurry handling equipment is referred to in the industry as the “heart of a plant”, as it ensures smooth flow of the process. It is vital in maximising the minerals processing plant’s efficiency and productivity.

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New Victorian sand quarry approval keeps sector ‘booming’

ADAM DAUNT

A new sand quarry has been approved in Melbourne. Image: Anoo/stock.adobe.com

The approval for a new sand quarry in Lang Lang has been hailed as a significant step for the Victorian quarrying sector.

Lang Lang Sands, part of the Aurora Construction Materials Group which produces higher quality concrete.

The site is estimated to have reserves of more than 13 million tonnes of sand and will directly create 30 jobs.

“Bringing high quality sand to market will deliver important benefits to our infrastructure builds and is crucial to keep prices for construction materials down,” Resources and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.

The materials from the Lang Lang quarry are expected to help projects in Victoria’s Big Build and residential construction projects. Quarry materials are crucial to new housing, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.

It follows several quarry approvals within Victoria, which began in 2023, as a result of the Resources Victoria Approvals Coordination (RVAC). The RVAC helped the Lang Lang site gain planning permission through the Victorian Government’s Development Facilitation Program.

“We’re making sure Victoria’s booming quarry sector can keep delivering the raw materials needed to build the projects we need – from affordable housing to new hospitals and renewable energy projects,” D’Ambrosio said.