Sep-Oct Print Edition

Report: post-election economic clouds looming — by wallacep — 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.

CSA Global continues steady growth — by wallacep — 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.

Community engagement through better fishing — by wallacep — 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.

International alliance conquers the land of Genghis Khan — by wallacep — 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.

Road to recovery for Australia’s resources sector — by wallacep — 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.

Clean coal technology: a holistic approach — by wallacep — 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. We also know that it creates wastes that are often stored in unsightly and potentially dangerous slag heaps and lagoons.

Aluminium could hold key to Ranger water purification — by wallacep — 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.

Consultant's Comment: Water, our most precious mineral — by wallacep — 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.

Efficiency gains for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara rail operations — by wallacep — 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.

Having the right eye on your roads could save millions — by wallacep — 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.

America’s first modern automated longwall plow system — by wallacep — 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.

The future of mining technology — by wallacep — 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.

Miners set to benefit from next-gen satellite communications — by wallacep — 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.