Archives: Mining policy

A Minerals Council of Australia-backed report looking into the potential use of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Australia argues they might provide realistic options for decarbonising large regional settlements and off-grid mining operations. The report, titled ‘Small modular reactors in the Australian context’, is authored by Dr Ben Heard, a Senior Consultant in the Engineering[…]

Work has now started on the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) in Neerabup, Western Australia, which will form, the state government claims, one of the biggest test facilities of its kind in the world. The 51 ha precinct, around 40 km north of Perth, will be a major hub for testing and research into[…]

Parsons Corp has announced that a new International Standards Organization (ISO) Standard and Guidance Document for Mine Closure and Reclamation Management has been internationally approved. Parsons, a leader in the development of these first-of-their kind standards, says the standard will be published in October. “Mine closure is a critical component of mine planning, as it[…]

The US Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration have announced a proposed rule to require mine operators employing six or more miners to develop a written safety program for mobile and powered haulage equipment (excluding belt conveyors) at surface mines and surface areas of underground mines. This proposed rule is one of several[…]

An important project for the remote operation of drilling rigs that aims to improve the quality of life of workers in their workplace, their safety and at the same time, improve the productivity of the equipment fleet through more efficient use, is being implemented at Lundin Mining’s Minera Candelaria copper mine in Chile. The project[…]

Mining and construction equipment major Liebherr says it has joined the eFuel Alliance eV effective June 1, 2021. The initiative, founded in 2020, is committed to the development and promotion of the worldwide production of synthetic fuels from renewable energies and their application in many areas. As the first representative from the off-highway sector, Liebherr,[…]

The Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME), along with partners Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue), University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University (Curtin), have announced a new project focusing on increasing plant nutrients in iron ore waste, enabling improved mine site rehabilitation in the Pilbara of Western Australia. The 12-month project[…]

ioneer Ltd, a lithium-boron project developer, has confirmed the issuance of a Class II Air Quality Permit for its Rhyolite Ridge project in Nevada, USA. The issuance of the Air Quality Permit follows a detailed review of the project by the State of Nevada Division of Environmental Protection Bureau of Air Pollution Control and is[…]

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has released a report that benchmarks the 2020 safety performance of its members. “ICMM members have an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of their workers and are working to eliminate fatalities, towards a goal of zero harm. To support this commitment, ICMM compiles, analyses, and[…]

Oxbotica and TRL have piloted the use of what they say is the first Code of Practice for the safe and cost-effective deployment of autonomous vehicles in unstructured off-highway environments, such as mines, with a live trial conducted in a quarry using a number of off-road vehicles. The Innovate UK-funded consortium has developed and demonstrated[…]