AJM News Feed

Bucyrus plow longwall smashes European and world records — by Kalianna Dean — created Sep 09, 2010 12:36 PM

Polish mine operator LubelskiWęgielBogdanka SA is bucking the declining coal production trend and will likely be able to access the 30-35% of coal reserves trapped in thin seams previously abandoned by Poland in the 1990’s. It’s also breaking a few records in the process.

Mining groups voice concern over mining tax, Greens — by Kalianna Dean — created Sep 09, 2010 12:27 PM

The mining industry has called for a dialogue around tax reform as Julia Gillard returned to power with help from the Independents. One group has also raised concerns about the Greens' influence on the industry.

Picking winners tough at training and skills Awards — by Kalianna Dean — created Sep 09, 2010 12:19 PM

Judges found it hard to select clear winners at the 2010 Mining Industry Skills Centre Training Awards due to the high calibre of nominees.

Diversified Mining Services cracks the Queensland market — by Kalianna Dean — created Sep 09, 2010 12:07 PM

Diversified Mining Services (DMS) has launched its Atlas Copco Coaltram CT10 utility vehicles in Queensland, boosting its sales for the first 12 months to $17 million.

Bonfiglioli supplies alignment-free drives to Lihir Gold — by Kalianna Dean — created Sep 09, 2010 10:42 AM

The drives company supplied ThyssenKrupp Material Handling which was in charge of an expansion project at the island gold mine. Bonfiglioli says the drives will save time and money.

Linking Project Engineering to Operational Excellence in Mining Seminars — by The Australian Journal of Mining — created Sep 08, 2010 12:05 PM

 

Miners set to benefit from next-gen satellite communications — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:48 AM

With more than 60 per cent of Australia’s mines operating from remote platforms, reliable communications is one of the most important technical considerations for mines and miners. But with a plethora of communications technologies vying for increasingly limited budgets, only the most practical, robust and dependable solutions will ever see the light of day.

The future of mining technology — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:46 AM

Commodity prices and margins are likely to continue to be relatively higher than in the past decades due to the growth demand in developing countries. If the past repeats itself, production will have a higher focus than cost control as companies try to achieve the maximum output from their assets.

America’s first modern automated longwall plow system — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:44 AM

Cliffs Natural Resources and Bucyrus International recently co-hosted an event to celebrate the delivery of the United States’ first modern automated plow system with a ceremonial unveiling at the Bucyrus facility in Houston.

Having the right eye on your roads could save millions — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:40 AM

New Gold Coast engineering company, Proof, is putting its stamp of approval on mining road networks after helping to achieve fleet efficiency and environmental sustainability. With experts in haul road performance and optimisation, Proof Engineers specialises in road stabilisation and performance monitoring, ensuring reduced maintenance and increased longevity and safety of haul roads.

Efficiency gains for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara rail operations — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:38 AM

Over the last few years mining heavy weight Rio Tinto has worked hard, making significant efficiency improvements to its Pilbara rail network. A key contributor to this success was the optimisation of train loading operations at Yandicoogina.

Consultant's Comment: Water, our most precious mineral — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:36 AM

Water plays multiple roles at mine sites. Often water is a part of the mining process, as with hydromining; dredging and in situ leaching. Water is an integral part of mechanical mining being used for dust suppression.

Aluminium could hold key to Ranger water purification — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:33 AM

CSIRO staff have been working with mining company ERA in developing a process to purify water used in the processing of uranium so that it can be disposed of safely.

Clean coal technology: a holistic approach — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:31 AM

What exactly does clean coal mean? We know that mining coal creates dust and releases methane gas. We know that burning it liberates CO2 and emits particulates including SO2 and NOx. And we know that it creates wastes that are often stored in unsightly and potentially dangerous slag heaps and lagoons.

Road to recovery for Australia’s resources sector — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:28 AM

Australia’s international reputation as an attractive destination to invest in mineral exploration and development projects has been significantly tarnished since the Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT) was first announced on May 2nd.

International alliance conquers the land of Genghis Khan — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:27 AM

Mongolia’s Gobi Desert unleashes extreme challenges under adverse conditions, contests that are providing Australia’s GW Engineers with opportunities to exhibit their extensive bulk materials handing expertise under the most demanding circumstances.

Community engagement through better fishing — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:25 AM

In mining towns where recreational opportunities are limited fishing is almost a religion for many. Towns like Karratha have the highest per capita recreational boat ownership figures in Australia. People value their fishing, and while the quality of the experience in remote areas can be world class, managing and maintaining those assets can be challenging.

CSA Global continues steady growth — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:22 AM

Expansion plans for the UK office and a new office in Indonesia are contributing to CSA’s global strategy. The geological, mining and management consulting company has more than 25 years industry experience in mineral commodities.

Report: post-election economic clouds looming — by Paula Wallace — created Sep 08, 2010 10:20 AM

Industry analyst and economic forecaster BIS Shrapnel said the incoming government will continue to face a familiar set of policy issues over the medium-term. These issues will ultimately manifest into the re-emergence of serious inflationary pressures and high interest rates before the next election in late 2013.

Rio Tinto opens Brockman 4 iron ore mine in the Pilbara — by Charles Macdonald — created Sep 02, 2010 12:28 PM

The opening today of the US$1.5 billion Brockman 4 mine follows hot on the heels of the company’s decision to invest US$1.6bn in the Hope Downs 4 mine, and nearly US$1bn on expanding output from 225mtpa to 330mtpa by 2016.

Kestrel Mine develops conveyor roller replacement tool — by Charles Macdonald, editor, AJM and ABHR — created Sep 02, 2010 11:33 AM

Staff at Rio Tinto’s Kestrel mine have developed a tool that takes the slog and risk out of changing conveyor belt rollers. Developed over a period of 18 months, the lightweight tool was recognized at a recent mining industry safety conference.

Caltex targets resources sector with new storage in WA — by Charles Macdonald — created Sep 02, 2010 11:30 AM

Caltex Australia has announced plans to proceed with a major expansion of its fuel terminal at Port Hedland in Western Australia. The company says it’s a move set to add much-needed supply capability to the resource-intensive state’s diesel market.

Queensland quarry installs Terex Simplicity feeder — by Charles Macdonald — created Aug 30, 2010 01:06 PM

Terex says one of its Simplicity stepped deck grizzly feeders has simplified the crushing circuit and improved throughput at Nucrush’s Oxenford Quarry.

CNC plasma profile tables for heavy-duty plate cutting — by Charles Macdonald — created Aug 30, 2010 12:59 PM

An Australian manufacturer of computer numeric controlled (CNC) routers and plasma cutters, Advanced Robotic Technology, has developed a high definition CNC plasma cutter series.

Xstrata targets iron ore, bids for Sphere Minerals — by solerm — created Aug 26, 2010 11:30 AM

Xstrata has launched a friendly, all-cash takeover bid for Mauritanian iron ore hopeful, Sphere Minerals, with the bid priced at $2.50 per share or $428 in total.