Mining sector spells out the good and bad of the Budget
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Mining sector spells out the good and bad of the Budget
Peak bodies have been quick to praise the Federal Budget, for its support for training initiatives and the introduction of skilled migration agreements for major projects over $2 billion. Not so popular is the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) and the Minerals Resources Rent Tax (MRRT).
ABB to acquire software provider Mincom
Power and automation specialist ABB is acquiring the Brisbane based company Mincom from its current owners, private equity group Francisco Partners, for an undisclosed sum.
Pump it up: sub-sea slurry at Solwara
Under sea miner Nautilus Minerals has reinstated its 2008 contract with GE Oil & Gas for a sub-sea slurry lift pump (SSLP). The contract was reinstated following a recovery of economic conditions and major advances at the Solwara 1 project.
Coalition to lobby for eco-friendly comminution
The Coalition for Eco-Efficient Comminution (CEEC) was recently established by industry players to raise awareness of strategies to lower energy consumption and processing costs.
Siemens AC drives over DC in Indonesia
Siemens has secured its largest single order for drives for mobile mining equipment. It will provide AC-drives for 50 new Hitachi EH4500 trucks to operate at Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) in Indonesia. 79 of the trucks already operate at the mine.
Junior floats its boat in Lucky Bay
Iron ore junior IronClad Mining has signed an option agreement with Sea Transport Corporation for a multi user bulk shipping port. An innovative floating harbour sitting 5-10 kilometres off the coast is to be the centrepiece of what would be a South Australian first.
$3.2bn SA coal to liquids project
Altona Energy’s $3 billion proposed Arckaringa Basin coal to liquids project could insulate South Australia’s transport industry against fluctuating fuel costs, the company’s executive director Peter Fagiano said at a recent Paydirt conference.
BPL drill results enhance development prospects
Broken Hill Prospecting Limited (BPL) has encountered Broken Hill-type mineralisation at its Himalaya North base metals prospect, 25 kilometres from Broken Hill.
New date for sold out transfer chute design course
Steve Davis’ transfer chute design short course scheduled in Perth for May 12th has sold out. Davis is chief engineer at Bechtel, with a wealth of experience in materials handling projects.
Safety audit and maintenance program for hydraulics
Enerpac, a specialist in high pressure hydraulic tools, has launched a series of safety audits, correct maintenance and staff training programmes.
Komatsu’s new hybrid excavator
Komatsu claims it has developed a 104 kw hybrid excavator engine that can reduce fuel consumption by 40%. If it proves to be true, that would mean a 10kg per hour reduction in CO² emissions when compared with an equivalent diesel engine.
PWCS increases Kooragang capacity
PWCS has approved the final stage of its $227m expansion to its existing coal loading facilities at the Kooragang Island terminal, raising capacity to 145mt by the end of 2012. This ultimate stage of expansion is known as Project 145.
Short course for transfer chute design
Transfer chutes are ubiquitous at mines and processing plants, and yet some engineers struggle to produce good and easily maintained designs. In response, chief engineer at Bechtel Steve Davis is running a one day course on the technical methodologies behind transfer chute design.
Drug testing pros and cons
Drug testing is mandatory on Australian mine sites, but according to a leading service provider, choosing the correct program can be confusing for employers.
BP’s $20 million expansion at Largs North fuel terminal
BP said expansion of its Adelaide fuel storage facility will allow the company to grow its South Australian business and ensure security of supply.
Pregnancy style test identifies contaminated diesel
Keith Guyett of Fuel Test Australia said the performance and quality of fuel in tanks and bulk storage can be compromised with contamination caused by water and microbes that degrade fuels.
Water, energy and labour key issues for WA resources projects
The availability of labour, energy and water will have a major impact on the ability of companies to deliver the next wave of resource projects on time and on budget, according to a report launched by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).
Port Hedland outer harbour a beanfeast for suppliers
BHP Billiton’s $10bn to $12bn expansion of Port Hedland’s outer harbor will offer a smorgasbord of opportunities to bulk handling suppliers, with, for example, 5 conveyors up to 8kms in length to be built.
