All posts by Paul Moore

BHP Copper Advanced Services opens new modernised ops centre in Santiago

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Careers in mining, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining services, Mining software

With an investment of more than US$48 million, BHP has significantly modernised its operations centre in Santiago, originally inaugurated in 2018, it says putting the company at the forefront of integrated remote operations centres in the region.

Today, the operations of BHP Copper Advanced Services (CAS) began, a new company whose integrated operations centre will allow it to provide remote and fully autonomous operation services to BHP’s copper operations in Chile, namely Spence and Escondida.

The new remote operations centre will handle 5.4 terabytes of information daily, using a subsea data cable link from Antofagasta to Santiago, and consists of a new data centre with the capacity to back up and protect the latest technologies being used, plus ensuring greater security, while also permitting further technology growth. It also bolsters coordination and informed decision making and allows for greater remote and automated operation of machinery in complex environments.

The BHP Copper Advanced Services facilities occupies 3,400 m2 in the Titanium building, located in the financial centre of Santiago. It involved a total investment of US$48.3 million and includes more than 230 staff.

“This is the most modern remote operation centre in the copper industry. We have cutting-edge technology that allows us to deliver a remote operation service of the highest quality, thousands of kilometres away from the sites, in their different stages. and unit processes,” said Marcelo Castillo, Director of BHP Copper Advanced Services.

As part of the entry into operation completed today, the teams officially launched the integration of data from Minera Escondida and Minera Spence, giving way to a remote operations centre with a data centre that has a future growth capacity of up to ten times considering its current capacity.

Furthermore, in line with BHP’s gender balance policy, CAS will be made up of 51% women in its general operation with a 40% female presence in leadership roles.

EACON Mining secures first autonomous project in iron ore with Baowu-owned mine

Automation, Equipment maintenance, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Steel and iron ore, Sustainable mining

EACON Mining has recently secured its first iron ore project by partnering with Xichang Mining, a Baowu Group company, to automate operations at the Taihe iron mine, which marks a significant step for EACON as it expands its footprint from coal, aggregate, and gold mining into the iron ore sector.

The project will automate six SANY electric mining trucks, with a payload capacity of 70 tons, reinforcing EACON’s leadership in sustainable autonomous mining solutions. This is the first phase of the mine’s automation, with plans for a full site rollout following successful implementation.

In this project, EACON Mining will provide its OEM-agnostic autonomous haulage solution (AHS) ORCASTRA® for the fleet of SANY battery electric trucks, each equipped with drive-by-wire systems per EACON’s requirements and standards. Alongside the onboard AHS system ORCASTRA® Pilot, EACON will deploy its full suite of AHS capabilities, including the fleet management system, ORCASTRA® Conductor and the crewed equipment & vehicle system, ORCASTRA® Crew. ORCASTRA® Conductor will also schedule the charging cycles of electric trucks for optimal efficiency and ensure operational continuity.

The Taihe iron ore mine poses unique challenges, particularly in its crusher zones and loading area. The autonomous trucks have to share one crusher pocket and loading area with crewed trucks. And the limited space in these areas leads to overlapping paths and complex traffic flows.

By offering flexible and adaptable automation solutions with a low entry barrier, EACON says it provides a strong value proposition for miners seeking to enhance safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With the global shift towards automation, EACON adds it “is poised to lead the next wave of innovation in mining technology.”

Multotec’s firm Chilean foothold

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore

Multotec has established a strong global presence in major mining markets, in addition to its South African presence. The Kempton Park-headquartered company (near Johannesburg) entered the Chilean market in 1998 and began making screening media in the country the following year in 1999 – IM Editorial Director, Paul Moore caught up with Felipe Caroca, Screening Media Operations Manager of Multotec Chile, earlier this year at the Exponor 2024 mining show in Antofagasta.

IM Editorial Director Paul Moore with Felipe Caroca, Screening Media Operations Manager of Multotec Chile, at Exponor 2024

Caroca said that Multotec today is looking to further consolidate its position in Chile’s mining industry while looking at growth in other major mining markets in the region. For example, Multotec still services the Peru market from its Chilean base, but in 2023, the company established Multotec Peru with the ultimate aim of setting up a dedicated facility there. The company also has a key operation in Brazil, with a focus on iron ore, managed from its facility in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

The main Multotec location in Chile is just north of Santiago in Lampa, which includes both an office with a full commercial team as well as a highly capable factory. The sales team is primarily based in the central and northern part of Chile, with offices in the Copiapó, Antofagasta, and La Serena, allowing them to remain close to their mining customers.

As expected, the copper mining market dominates, with additional gold and iron ore business primarily with sales both direct to mine owners as well as through the major EPCM companies. But what are Multotec’s strongest technologies in Chile in terms of installed base and sales? Caroca explained: “In Chile today, our two main business lines are screening media and capital equipment, which includes mining samplers and hydrocyclones. For samplers, we are a global centre of excellence for the company and this equipment is vital for metallurgical accounting.”

Multotec mining samplers include cross belt, wet and dry cross-cut and combination sampling systems, guaranteeing extremely accurate ore samples. In Chile, wet samplers are predominantly used in the mill circuit or to sample flotation feed or tails as well as in fines circuits. Local manufacturing in Chile has been key to growing the market share of the organisation. . Their key advantage includes unbiased sampling due to the equipment taking a full stream cut, with many designs having a radially tapered cutter slot, with constant cutter speed.

Multotec’s experienced team in Multotec Chile prioritises site visits to understand customer challenges and provide solutions

A good dry sampler example is Multotec’s Rotating Cone Sampler which provides a dry, continuous discharge sample at division ratios up to 1000:1 (or tailored for applications), enabling online analysers or mineral processors to achieve accurate real time process monitoring. It features custom-designed radially tapered cutters travelling at speeds of down to 0.2 m/s on the critical diameter, across both stages of the sample extraction, enabling continuous representative sampling from vertical falling streams under gravity. Primary and secondary cutters are designed to rotate at unrelated ratios to each other to prevent cyclic and short-term periodic sampling errors. Perfect symmetry also sees adherence to correct sampling practices. The unit also allows for immediate rejects to return to the mainstream flow without additional rejects considerations.

Caroca said that the rubber and polyurethane screening media business in Chile includes both vibrating flat screening panels as well as trommel screens installed at the end of grinding mills. All the trommel frames, the trommel screening panels and the flat panels are manufactured locally in Chile. While the market in Chile is very competitive for cyclones, Multotec has also had success in Peru where the demand is high, including for customised solutions that Multotec can offer.

On the screening media side, Caroca said that consistency was a key factor in Multotec’s success –the raw materials used in Chile are the same as those used at Multotec facilities in South Africa and Australia– meaning that the same quality is maintained globally with the products.

And not to forget the people behind Multotec’s success in Chile. Caroca adds: “In addition to our strong sampler and screening media position in Chile today, we have a strong and knowledgeable team here. Most of the salespeople are engineers and understand the client needs well as many of them used to work for these mining operations themselves. A high priority is also conducting regular visits to customers to understand their challenges and pain points.”

Beyond copper, gold and iron ore, there are also major opportunities in the lithium sector for its solutions and technologies, and Multotec is actively participating in new tenders at several large new lithium mining operations are in development in Chile.

Lume Robotics – bringing customisable autonomy to Brazilian mining

Automation, Bulk handling, Industrial minerals, IoT, Mineral commodities, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Steel and iron ore

Autonomy in mining fleets is not restricted to the large truck OEM-led systems from Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi and others. ASI Mining, recently fully acquired by Epiroc, has been on its own OEM-agnostic AHS journey at Roy Hill for some years now, while a raft of other technology providers have also been very active, including Pronto, SafeAI, Steer and xtonomy. Chinese players TAGE Idriver and Waytous have an important position in the Chinese market, while China’s Eacon Mining is building on its strength in China and is building a position in Australia and further afield, having signed agreements both with MACA and its parent Thiess.

In Brazil, contractor U&M Mineração e Construção S/A rolled out its own AHS at a mine on Caterpillar 777 trucks last year. But a second company in Brazil is also making a name for itself in autonomous driving in mining is Lume Robotics, based in Vitoria. Lume Robotics is a startup founded in 2019 by researchers participating in the IARA Project (Intelligent Autonomous Robotic Automobile) at the High-Performance Computing Laboratory (LCAD) at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), started in 2009. With expertise in advanced technologies, such as deep neural networks (Deep Learning), Artificial Intelligence, computer vision and autonomous robotics, Lume Robotics says it directs its knowledge “to develop solutions that solve practical problems in industry and society, putting people first.”

Lume Robotics CEO, Ranik Guidolini

IM Editorial Director Paul Moore recently caught up with Lume Robotics CEO, Ranik Guidolini. He explained that the Lume system uses data collected by external (LiDAR, Radar, IMU, GPS) and internal (vehicle odometry) sensors to generate instant maps and locate the vehicle on maps. It is able to observes the 360° environment around the vehicle, detecting any type of obstacle such as pedestrians, vehicles, animals, holes, among others. And it observes all traffic elements including traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, speed bumps, gates, signs, etc. The system is Level 4 autonomy meaning that is does not require human interaction and the vehicle can make its own decisions based on AI.

He estimates that it is capable of reducing accidents by up to 94% and in cost terms can reduce operating expenses by up to 17% and labour costs up to 75%. Guidolini: “We have a great cost benefit – we have a lower price point than truck OEM and even non-OEM systems in the market but we offer the same functionalities. Our system is also highly reliable – we are also based in Brazil which is important for our clients here. And then our system is highly flexible and customisable – so we can tailor it to meet the individual client needs. In mining, the interest in autonomy in Brazil is increasing but also the belief in the capabilities of autonomy.”

As an example, Lume Robotics presented its solution to a multinational mining company headquartered in the United States back in 2021 and following a proof-of-concept truck trial in 2022, it has been working closely with them since at their phosphate mine in Brazil, which has led to a commercial rollout this year at the same operation. This is in the setup phase with one truck, but others will follow. The truck being used in the full rollout is a Mercedes Actros truck with autonomous technology fitted by Lume Robotics.

As stated, the Lume system has all the capabilities it needs to map the environment, with the primary sensor used being Ouster LiDARs. It can transport mined material without any supervision – with the autonomy controlling all the driving mechanisms including steering wheel, brakes, throttle and gears. “Our system currently uses three LiDARs on the vehicle as the primary sensor but in some cases we use radar, camera or IMU.”

Another POC in mining was conducted with Votorantim Cimentos at one of its limestone quarries – using another Mercedes truck version known as MARTA which stands for mining autonomous robotic truck Arocs. This truck was a partnership with VIX Logistica, one of the largest logistics companies in Brazil, which also has a major equity participation in Lume Robotics.

Lume has a formal partnership with Mercedes-Benz to automate Mercedes trucks in Brazil in the off-road sector – in mining but also for other sectors like ports, airports and other industries, including household goods, working with Ype to provide autonomous transport within its cleaning products production complex, taking products from the production line to its distribution centre. This again illustrates that the solution is very versatile and can be used therefore across a number of industry sectors.

Lume’s solutions in mining are also not limited to haulage – it has also developed a Locomotive Maintenance Facility Monitoring System for Vale which automatically and instantly makes locomotive identification information available, as well as their length of stay at each stage of the maintenance facility and the presence of workers in these locations. In this way, process management is provided with accurate and timely information, enabling measures to be taken to avoid delays. The solution involves a combination of artificial intelligence, computer vision and autonomous vehicle technologies. Also at the Tubarao iron ore port in Vitoria, Lume deployed an autonomous Mercedes-Benz water truck for dust suppression on roads, in partnership with Vale and UFES.

Autonomous Marcopolo minibus developed for ArcelorMittal

Elsewhere, bus maker Marcopolo, in partnership with Lume Robotics, in 2022 unveiled the first prototype of an autonomous minibus in South America. The project, developed over two years with the collaboration of several Brazilian companies, integrates autonomous technology into the Volare Attack 8 model, enabling it to operate fully autonomously without any remote intervention or monitoring. The testing phase commenced in December 2022. After a successful initial phase, the first evaluation was conducted in March 2023 at the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Tubarao.

Another major multinational mining client headquartered in Norway is also trialling a Lume POC MARTA model truck with the potential to rollout the technology across its operation in Brazil which has over 150 50 t class trucks.

Most recently, in the paper industry, Lume Robotics and Suzano, the world’s largest cellulose producer and a global reference in the manufacture of bioproducts from eucalyptus, formed a partnership with Lume to test the first autonomous electric truck without a cabin in Latin America. The initiative was made possible by a contract with Finep (Financier of Studies and Projects) worth R$3 million for the development and implementation of the vehicle, which will be tested in one of Suzano’s port terminals in Brazil.

The project, still under development, aims to apply Industry 4.0 concepts, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and electric mobility. The solution will be implemented and validated in a real operation at a Suzano port terminal. The expectation is that the vehicle will have the capacity to transport 64 t of cellulose from the warehouse to the ship’s side, covering a distance of approximately 4 km per cycle and making around 50 trips per day in a continuous and uninterrupted operation. The autonomous electric truck is expected to be ready in 2027 and begin test operations by 2028.

Nokia & Vale partner to implement a cognitive mine monitoring network service

Automation, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Mining software, Steel and iron ore

Nokia’s research arm, Nokia Bell Labs, and Vale, the Brazil-based global mining company, have announced that they are signing a research agreement to implement a cognitive monitoring network service, enabling performance, reliability and safety enhancement of mining operations.

The agreement builds on the already existing long-standing relationship at Vale’s autonomous iron-ore mine in Carajás, Brazil. Carajás is the largest iron ore open pit mine in the world. The technology tested there offers a solution for creating networks that can sense, think and act ahead of time to enable mission-critical communication in a risky environment.

Future mission-critical networks are expected to further enhance productivity and safety by including cognitive services in almost every layer. Nokia Bell Labs and Vale will collaborate to develop such systems within connectivity for enabling future mining operations and to automate planning intelligence.

The relationship aims to create a holistic digital twin for mission-critical connected operations in the mine. The cognitive monitoring network service enables performance, reliability and safety enhancement of mining operations by utilising data from mine production systems, including hauling trucks, and autonomous drillers, relating them with network KPIs.

The project leverages the Nokia Bell Labs NiX (Nokia Industrial eXperience) research platform which led to the creation of the Network Cognitive Digital Mine (CDM) venture in Nokia’s Strategy and Technology organisation. Nokia Bell Labs is a world leader in connectivity innovation while Vale is recognised as one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore and nickel.

Lelio Di Martino, General Manager, Cognitive Digital Mine Venture at Nokia, said: “This collaboration between Nokia Bell Labs and Vale is the next step in making the mining industry safer and more productive. Mines are complex, multi-domain and multi-stakeholder operations where low agility and high uncertainty can significantly impact profitability. The results of this collaboration will enable the creation of cognitive services that can optimise mining processes. Together, we will drive a revolution that will change the way we design and control networks – and mines.”

Mario Azevedo, Global Manager of Engineering and Technology Projects at Vale, said: “Connectivity is a key enabler for enhancing our operations at Vale, driving improvements in efficiency, safety, and performance. By integrating advanced connectivity technologies with Nokia Bell Labs, one of our partners, we ensure more robust and consistent processes across IT and Operational groups, implement real-time monitoring for a safer working environment, and optimize processes to reduce downtime and increase efficiency. This strategic approach empowers us to achieve operational excellence and maintain the focus on what matter most, safety and value generation.”

FLANDERS opens mining-focused Innovation, Technology, and Training Center

Automation, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

FLANDERS has hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its mining industry focused Innovation, Technology, and Training Center in Carmel, Indiana. The centre will serve as the hub for FLANDERS Advanced Development and Autonomous Solutions teams, providing a cutting-edge facility for customer solution collaboration and developing the workforce of the future.

The FLANDERS executive team was joined by Shankar Golpalan: Thiess Group Executive, Strategy, Sustainability and Safety and Shauna Murphy: Thiess – Business Development Manager North America, as well as key individuals from the City of Carmel, Indiana Department of Economic Development, EmployIndy, and Conexus.

Kim Weninger, FLANDERS CEO said: “Indianapolis & Carmel are at the heart of a fast-growing Midwest technology corridor, with a diverse source of global talent at academic institutions, research facilities, technology companies, and innovative enterprises. The FLANDERS Innovation, Technology, and Training Center will strengthen our ability to improve productivity and support decarbonisation initiatives for our customers, with higher efficiency electric machines, drives, controls, and autonomous systems.”

Shankar Golpalan said: “I am delighted to be present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the FLANDERS Innovation, Technical, and Training Center. This facility offers a technologically advanced environment for Thiess to collaborate with FLANDERS on decarbonisation solutions, which will play a crucial role in aiding our clients in reducing fuel consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing productivity. The forthcoming laboratory and training simulators will be pivotal in cultivating our teams to effectively handle the increasing electrification and technology solutions in the market.”

On September 24, 2024, FLANDERS and leading mining services provider Thiess signed an agreement to collaborate on bringing fleet decarbonisation options to mine owners in North America and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for Australia and Asia, reducing emissions and improving efficiencies of mining operations.

The new facility will give FLANDERS a centralised, yet globally accessible, location focused on the next generation of autonomous and decarbonisation solutions. These developments include the agnostic hybrid mining haul truck systems and the expansion of autonomous solutions from drills to other mining machines. The first phase of renovation will begin in Q4 2024 and be completed within 12-18 months.

ABB mine hoists to support safe and efficient copper extraction at Eti Bakır

Automation, Base metals, Bulk handling, Environmental, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services

ABB has signed a contract for a mine hoists delivery to Eti Bakır, Türkiye’s largest producer of copper, in a joint effort to contribute to the mining industry’s ongoing sustainable transformation. The two organisations have signed an agreement which will see ABB provide two hoists to the new underground copper mine.

Located in the Maden district of Elaziğ, the mine is currently under development and is expected to be fully operational within the next three years. With the opening of the new mine, integrating comprehensive and efficient solutions Eti Bakır A.Ş. anticipates an increase of almost 30% of its total cathode production, reaching a total of 90,000 t. ABB’s mine hoists, which are scheduled for commissioning at the site in Q4 2025, utilise the most efficient and reliable electrical drives and motors available to minimise energy consumption.

Copper’s critical role in clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery storage, underpins its importance in the global transition. According to the International Energy Agency, mineral demand from clean energy technologies is expected to double by 2040 in the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) and quadruple in the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS). This predicted surge in demand makes it all the more vital for the mining industry to adopt more sustainable operations for cleaner output.

As a complete supplier of mine hoist systems, ABB will deliver the full scope of hoisting services. This includes both a production and an auxiliary hoist, which comprise of mechanical and electrical equipment, for one double drum and one single drum hoist, as well as head sheaves and arrestors. The reliability of these hoists will increase the productivity of operations, ensuring heightened efficiency and enhancing the safety of operators. The agreement represents ABB’s first complete mine hoist installation in Türkiye.

“The installation of full mine hoist solutions will not only help to enhance copper production but also support in the extraction of other critical minerals,” said Yılmaz Şara, Investment Manager, Eti Bakır A.Ş. “Our collaboration with ABB underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of reliability and productivity in mining operations, contributing significantly to the extraction of necessary resources.”

“This project represents a key milestone for ABB mine hoist systems, as our first complete installation in Türkiye. As adoption of these crucial systems increases, the mining industry grows closer to realising more efficient and sustainable operations,” said Per Lärk, Local Business Line Manager, Hoisting, ABB. “With our expanding catalogue of mine hoist solutions, we look forward to working closely with Eti Bakır A.Ş. to develop tailored services to drive safety and efficiency, while simultaneously supporting sustainable energy goals.”

With more than 130 years’ experience in the mining industry, ABB says it is dedicated to developing solutions that drive the sustainable future of mining without compromising on productivity. “ABB’s mine hoists are renowned for their high equipment availability, all-electric operation, and exceptional reliability and efficiency. These attributes are pivotal in ensuring the continuous, uninterrupted operation of mining facilities, thereby maximising productivity and safety.”

The collaboration between ABB and Eti Bakır emphasises a shared commitment to furthering sustainability in mining in the global transition to more environmental practices. The integration of this mine hoist technology facilitates the productivity of copper production, ensuring higher safety and efficiency in operations.

Sandvik & customer achieve fully autonomous low profile truck loop in Zimbabwe

Automation, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining techniques, Precious metals

The modest size of Zimbabwe’s mining sector has not prevented Sandvik’s operation in the country from rolling out world class partnerships – including the pioneering deployment of autonomous trucks in a room-and-pillar mining environment.

“The automation project has been particularly exciting for us, as this has demonstrated how we can push boundaries with Sandvik’s leading edge digital technology,” says Brian Chitenderu, Sandvik Territory Manager for Zimbabwe. “At the heart of technological progress like this are the strong relationships of trust that we have built with customers over many years.”

This collaboration allowed an ambitious project to begin a few years ago, in which a progressive mining customer partnered with Sandvik to introduce automation using its AutoMine system into a low profile, room-and-pillar environment. The trials focused on testing the 45 t Toro TH545i underground dump trucks in certain main haulages of the mine. According to Chitenderu, an important milestone was achieved in early 2024 – with a fully automated loop that includes an underground crusher.

“The years leading up to this point saw a great deal of R&D work from our Finland factory, especially regarding the traffic management system,” he says. “This complex system manages five of our TH545i trucks, to which another five may still be added.”

Among the factors to consider is that the mine runs mainly manual trackless equipment, which must interact with the automated units. The process required constant collaboration between the customer and various expert teams from Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions.

“The success of these trials makes this intervention the first automated trucking loop in a low-profile, room-and-pillar environment,” he notes. “The next step in this phased automation approach will be to have a matching loader, and then go through the various stages of automation for the drills.”

The customer was not named but in its 2024 annual report, platinum miner Zimplats states: “Mine automation has been introduced at Mupani mine commencing with dump truck automation following a successful trial with full roll-out commencing in FY2024.” Mupani has an underground crusher with the platinum ore then conveyed to surface. In its 2023 annual report, Zimplats said that five autonomous dump trucks were used at Mupani mine in FY2023 adding that installation of an LTE network for both underground and surface was completed successfully.

Chitenderu highlights that the Sandvik operations in Zimbabwe have also evolved their support strategies to include a full remanufacturing service for its underground equipment. By upgrading its workshop infrastructure and expertise to go beyond repairs or refurbishment, customers can cost effectively have their truck, loader or drill remanufactured in-country.

“The advantage of this model is that we can make a complete OEM’s assessment of what work needs to be done, and then return the machine to our stringent specifications,” he explains. “This also means we can give that machine the same warranty as a new unit – as we know the standard to which it has been rebuilt.”

In the seven years that the remanufacturing programme has been active, there have been 136 items of equipment remanufactured and returned to customers – giving them valuable ‘second lives’. Among the infrastructure now supporting this effort is a state-of-the-art rock drill testing facility installed in November 2023.

“This automated testing unit allows us to assess each of the drills we work on, giving customers the confidence in the standards to which we operate,” he says. “We also offer our customers a range of support packages, from expertise-on-site to full maintenance contracts.”

In addition to supporting the offerings that fall under the Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions business area, the Zimbabwe operation also serves Sandvik Rock Processing’s range of crushers, screens and feeders. This priority is seeing resources being developed in-country, to work in close collaboration with the Sandvik Rock Processing team in South Africa. The outcome will be shorter lead times on technical assistance for customers, as local expertise grows.

“With our first dedicated employee already in place for Sandvik Rock Processing, we are developing the local capability for scheduled maintenance and breakdowns,” he says. “This is a key aspect of growing our crushing and screening business in Zimbabwe.”

Skills development is a cornerstone of the company’s growth strategy not just in terms of trainee numbers but in the fast-changing nature of the expertise required. Chitenderu says the company’s apprenticeship programme has been evolving to include more electronics in the traditionally mechanical content – leading to training that is more focused on mechatronics and data analysis.

“We have even developed a new qualification and curriculum – in collaboration with the national ministry of education – which will be available at technical colleges,” he says. He notes that Sandvik’s pipeline of skills includes its own apprentices as well as graduate engineers, and is working with the University of Zimbabwe’s Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy Faculty and the Zimbabwe School of Mines to sensitise students in how technology is changing the mining sector.

“We are making future engineers aware of the digitalisation and automation journey currently underway in mining,” he says. “It’s important that they are familiar with these trends when they enter the market after their studies.”

Underpinning its service levels to customers in Zimbabwe is the ready availability of spare parts, Chitenderu concludes. These are offered through over the counter sales and also through vendor managed inventory or consignment stock – depending on what suits each customer.

Newmont selling Akyem gold mine in Ghana to China’s Zijin Mining

Mineral project development, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Precious metals

Newmont says it will sell its Akyem operation in the Republic of Ghana to China’s Zijin Mining Group under a definitive agreement, for cash consideration of up to $1 billion. The sale is part of Newmont’s ongoing program to divest non-core assets as the company makes a strategic shift to focus on its Tier 1 assets.

Under the terms of the agreement, Newmont is expected to receive cash consideration of $900 million upon closing. A further $100 million is expected to be received upon the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Proceeds from the transaction will support the company’s capital allocation priorities, including strengthening the balance sheet and returning capital to shareholders.

“The sale of Akyem represents continued progress on the non-core asset divestiture program announced in February, supporting our focus on the Tier 1 assets in Newmont’s portfolio that will drive sustainable growth and the return of capital to shareholders,” said Tom Palmer, Newmont’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “We believe the proposed transaction results in the greatest overall value for Newmont shareholders and is the best strategic fit for Akyem. We are confident that Akyem will continue to thrive under new ownership with long-term benefits for local stakeholders and surrounding communities. The successful completion of this transaction will strengthen our confidence in Ghana as a favorable mining jurisdiction and Newmont will continue to support the growth and development of the region including our development of Ahafo North.”

“In line with President Afuko-Addo’s address in February we ensured that our robust divestment process provided equal opportunity for all potential buyers, Ghanaian and international, to participate,” said Rahman Amoadu, Newmont Managing Director, Africa. “Additionally, we have included the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) in the process in preparation of their potential investment in Akyem to further Ghanaian interest in the mine.”

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, contingent on satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including regulatory approvals. As a result, the transaction is not expected to have a material impact on Newmont’s 2024 outlook and the company has not adjusted its non-core guidance for the year.

Newmont says it remains committed to Ghana including the investment of $950 million to $1,050 million of development capital in the Ahafo North gold mining project in the Ahafo region of Ghana.

 

Rio Tinto to acquire Arcadium Lithium

Base metals, Industrial minerals, Mineral project development, Mining mergers and acquisitions

Rio Tinto and Arcadium Lithium PLC have announced a definitive agreement under which Rio Tinto will acquire Arcadium in an all-cash transaction for US$5.85 per share which values Arcadium’s diluted share capital at approximately $6.7 billion. The Transaction the statement said “will bring Arcadium’s world-class, complementary lithium business into Rio Tinto’s portfolio, establishing a global leader in energy transition commodities – from aluminium and copper to high-grade iron ore and lithium.”

Arcadium is described as a global, fast-growing, vertically integrated lithium chemicals producer with an asset base of long-life, low-cost operations and growth projects. It has leading capabilities in lithium chemicals manufacturing and extraction processes, including hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction and direct lithium extraction.

Arcadium’s current annual lithium production capacity across a range of products including lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate is 75,000 t lithium carbonate equivalent, with expansion plans in place to more than double capacity by the end of 2028. Arcadium’s global operations, comprising approximately 2,400 employees, include facilities and projects in Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Officer Jakob Stausholm said: “Acquiring Arcadium Lithium is a significant step forward in Rio Tinto’s long-term strategy, creating a world-class lithium business alongside our leading aluminium and copper operations to supply materials needed for the energy transition. Arcadium Lithium is an outstanding business today and we will bring our scale, development capabilities and financial strength to realise the full potential of its Tier 1 portfolio. This is a counter-cyclical expansion aligned with our disciplined capital allocation framework, increasing our exposure to a high-growth, attractive market at the right point in the cycle.”

He adds: “We look forward to building on Arcadium Lithium’s contributions to the countries and communities where it operates, drawing on the strong presence we already have in these regions. Our team has deep conviction in the long-term value that combining our offerings will deliver to all stakeholders.”

Arcadium Lithium CEO Paul Graves said: “We are confident that this is a compelling cash offer that reflects a full and fair long-term value for our business and de-risks our shareholders’ exposure to the execution of our development portfolio and market volatility. Arcadium Lithium is a leading global lithium producer with the widest offering of lithium chemical products and a world-class manufacturing network, backed by a broad technology portfolio and expertise in all aspects of the lithium value chain. This agreement with Rio Tinto demonstrates the value in what we have built over many years at Arcadium Lithium and its predecessor companies, and we are excited that this transaction will give us the opportunity to accelerate and expand our strategy, for the benefit of our customers, our employees, and the communities in which we operate.”

The transaction Rio Tinto said will bring its scale, development capabilities and financial strength to realise the full potential of the Arcadium portfolio.

Rio Tinto said Arcadium is one of the world’s leading global lithium platforms, with diversified production and processing capabilities, “a broad range of high-performance lithium products, a highly attractive suite of growth projects, and long-term blue-chip customer relationships.”

Its Tier 1 assets have maintained high margins through-the-cycle, and its resource base is expected to support ~130% capacity growth by 2028 within Rio Tinto’s existing geographies. Rio Tinto’s and Arcadium’s combined assets will represent the world’s largest lithium resource base and make Rio Tinto one of the leading lithium producers globally on a pro-forma basis.

Rio Tinto adds that it has the balance sheet strength and proven project delivery capability to execute and, over time, accelerate the full potential from Arcadium’s Tier 1 resource base. “Rio Tinto and Arcadium have complementary footprints and deep experience in Argentina and Quebec, where Rio Tinto expects to establish world-class lithium hubs with clear opportunities for sharing skillsets and reducing costs. Combining Rio Tinto and Arcadium’s technological leadership in lithium extraction, the transaction will position Rio Tinto to become a market leader in lithium processing. Rio Tinto looks forward to building on Arcadium’s history of commercial excellence that includes multi-year relationships with leading OEMs and battery companies, by ensuring reliable, low-cost and sustainable supply.”

Rio Tinto closed by saying it is confident in the long-term outlook for lithium, with more than 10% compound annual growth rate in lithium demand expected through to 2040 leading to a supply deficit. With spot lithium prices down more than 80% versus peak prices, this counter-cyclical acquisition comes at a time with substantial long-term market and portfolio upside, underpinned by an appealing market structure and established jurisdictions.