Tag Archives: Downer

Fortescue Zero and Downer to develop ‘the world’s most energy-efficient’ battery-electric loco

Environmental, Mining equipment, Sustainable mining, ,

Fortescue Zero and Downer have today announced a collaboration to jointly design and develop a battery-electric locomotive (BEL), marking an important step forward to the commercialisation of zero emissions power system technologies in heavy industry applications, it says.

The agreement sets forward a path to deliver an innovative zero emissions solution for heavy haul rail that draws on Downer’s rolling stock and engineering experience, combined with Fortescue Zero’s decades long experience as a heavy haul rail operator and expertise in green technologies and zero emissions power systems.

Fortescue Zero and Downer have agreed to jointly design and develop the world’s most energy efficient BEL, which has the potential to help Fortescue achieve its 2030 decarbonisation goals as well as those of other heavy emitters globally.

The proposed heavy haul rail solution could also be a platform that enables similar solutions to be developed for passenger and other freight applications, marking the beginning of a potential long-term relationship between the two organisations.

Announcing the collaboration at InnoTrans in Berlin, the world’s largest rail transport exhibition attended by over 140,000 people from the global rail industry, Fortescue Zero and Downer are showing Australia’s commitment and capability to contribute to decarbonisation globally.

Fortescue Energy CEO, Mark Hutchinson, said: “The signing of this agreement with Downer marks a significant step in the decarbonisation of heavy industry. We strongly believe that developing and enhancing green technology is key to addressing climate change.

“We look forward to working with Downer to develop and deploy some the world’s most energy efficient BELs.

“This collaboration not only creates the opportunity to help Fortescue reach its own decarbonisation targets, it also establishes an important new business growth opportunity.”

Downer CEO, Peter Tompkins, said: “As Australia’s leading provider of rail and transit systems, I couldn’t be prouder that Downer will now be a world leader in helping rail eliminate emissions.

“With 150 years of rail experience including the ability to design, manufacture and maintain rolling stock, as well as through-life-support, Downer is excited about our role in a zero emissions future.

“This collaboration highlights the strengths and capabilities we have in Australia with two leading Australian companies coming together to tackle a global issue.”

The design and development of zero-emissions battery-electric train solutions has the potential to reduce emissions significantly. A typical heavy haul diesel-electric locomotive can consume 1 million litres of fuel per year, which equates to 2,680 tonnes of CO2.

Chemours cuts ribbon on Trail Ridge South mineral sands mine

Energy minerals, Environmental, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

The Chemours Company has held a ribbon cutting event for key community stakeholders and legislators to officially recognise the startup of its newest mineral sand mine, Trail Ridge South, in Florida, USA.

The new mining operation, which kicked off commissioning in August, represents a $93 million investment that will create approximately 50 new jobs in the three-county area.

The project to expand its mining operations will allow Chemours – the only domestic producer of titanium and zirconium minerals and one of only two domestic producers of rare earth minerals – to have additional access to these high-quality concentrated deposits used to produce Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ brand of titanium dioxide (TiO₂).

“A reliable supply of quality ilmenite and other minerals is critical to our ability to serve customers,” Mark Smith, Vice President of Operations for Chemours Titanium Technologies, said. “Sourcing those resources from a community we’re already so deeply connected to makes it even better – it’s a win-win. We’re incredibly proud to call Clay County home and look forward to many years of safe operations and partnership.”

Chemours’ sand mining approach uses environmentally responsible processes that have minimal impact on the environment and provides for full land reclamation when mining is complete, the company says. Constructed in approximately 13 months, the Trail Ridge South facility was designed using a modularisation concept, where modules were built off-site and then shipped to the site for assembly. Modularisation allows the facility to be more easily moved in a shorter timeframe at the end of the mining life of the site, which is anticipated to be approximately eight years.

The new mining facility took 150,000 man-hours to construct with zero recordable injuries. In addition, the site’s leaders worked closely with regulatory agencies to obtain required permits and ensure there was no adverse impact to the environment.

In addition, Trail Ridge South will incorporate Mobile Mining Units (MMUs) designed by Carrara, Queensland, Australia-headquartered Downer company Mineral Technologies that address environmental concerns with traditional dredge mining. The MMUs allow the site to have much lower emissions, reduced dust levels, and improved safety by removing conventional hauling trucks. In addition, the facility will recycle 98% of the water used in the manufacturing process – providing sustainable solutions while still meeting the Chemours’ commitment to process minerals. Trail Ridge South process water and water treatment ponds are all constructed above ground, with approximately 39 million gallons (177.3 million litres) of storage capacity.

Chemours kicks off commissioning at Trail Ridge South mineral sands mine

Energy minerals, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Water management, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Chemours Company has begun commissioning its newest mineral sand mine, Trail Ridge South, in Florida, USA.

The new mining operation represents a $93 million investment that will create approximately 50 new jobs in the three-county area, and will incorporate Mobile Mining Units (MMUs) that were previously tested out at the company’s Jesup, Georgia mining site, allowing for reduced dependency on traditional dredge or truck and shovel mining processes.

Commissioning work to test operational aspects of the new mine has begun, with startup anticipated later this year. Expansion of its mining operations will allow Chemours – the only domestic producer of titanium and zirconium minerals and one of only two domestic producers of rare earth minerals – to have additional access to these high-quality concentrated deposits used to produce Chemours’ Ti-Pure™ brand of titanium dioxide (TiO₂).

“The commissioning of our new Trail Ridge South mine is much more than an operational milestone – it represents a huge win for our customers, community, and our country,” Jody Sciance, co-Director of Minerals Operations for Chemours, said. “This secure, domestic mineral supply means more tonnes of TiO₂ for our pigment customers, more jobs for Clay County residents, and access to critical materials identified by the U.S. Department of the Interior as vital to our nation’s security and economic prosperity – all with minimal impact on our local environment. We are extremely proud to expand our footprint in Florida and look forward to partnering with this community for years to come.”

The MMUs to be used at Trail Ridge South, an expansion of its existing Trail Ridge operation, allow the site to have much lower emissions, reduced dust levels and improved safety by removing conventional hauling trucks, Chemours says. In addition, the Trail Ridge South facility will recycle 98% of its water used in the manufacturing process – providing sustainable solutions while still meeting the company’s commitment to process minerals. Trail Ridge South process water and water treatment ponds are all constructed above ground, with approximately 39 million gallons (177 million litres) of storage capacity.

A high-performance solution, the MMUs for both Jesup and Trail Ridge South have been designed by Carrara, Queensland, Australia-headquartered Downer company Mineral Technologies (MT). MT told IM in 2021 that these units are aimed at mining sites where traditional dredging is not an option, or not cost effective. The technology delivers improvements in availability, orebody yields, throughput and overall mineral recovery. Suited to sand environments that include organics such as tree roots, light clay and soft or friable rock, MMUs can reduce operating costs by also eliminating the need for conventional truck and shovel mining. MT said the Chemours MMUs are extracting difficult-to-reach mineral sand deposits where traditional mining methods don’t stack up as the best business case. The MMUs provide a far safer and substantially reduced cost per tonne solution compared with other options.

MT says the MMU has a 750 t/h nominal operation with peak at 900 t/h. It offers complete remote control via a tablet device eliminating the need for on-board personnel. Dozers push run of mine ore to the unit where a hopper is loaded via hydraulic excavator, with the material then crushed to a suitable size for pumping of slurried ore to downstream processes.

Mineral Technologies adds to MD spirals range with WW7

Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Steel and iron ore, , , , , ,

Mineral Technologies, a Downer company, has added a new spiral separator to its MD range with the Australia-made WW7.

The WW7 are manufactured in the company’s ISO9001:2015-accredited Australian manufacturing facility and shipped to customers worldwide.

Designed with improved wash-water diverters, the new WW7 is great for operations requiring a simpler method of wash-water addition and control, according to the company. It does this with the introduction of a new diverter and secondary wash-water distributor.

Mineral Technologies says customers across North America and Europe are installing banks of WW7s for fine iron ore beneficiation, with the image above showing one of the latest shipments ready to leave the company’s facility.

Downer completes mining portfolio divestments with latest sale to BUMA Australia

Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , ,

Downer EDI Limited has completed the final transaction as part of its Mining portfolio divestment plan with the sale of its Open Cut Mining East business to BUMA Australia Pty Ltd.

As announced in October, Downer will receive approximately A$150 million ($108 million) in cash proceeds from the transaction, subject to completion adjustments.

Together with the previously announced Mining and Laundries transactions, total proceeds from Downer’s divestment program amount to A$778 million, the company said. Included within this amount is the $79 million transaction with Bridgestone Mining Solutions Australia Pty Ltd for Otraco International Pty Ltd, the A$175 million sale of the Mining West business to MACA and the divestment of Downer Blasting Services to Enaex SA.

MACA signs three-year extension with CITIC Pacific at Cape Preston

Mine operation news, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , ,

MACA Ltd says it has finalised the hire and maintenance contract for CITIC Pacific Mining Management at the Cape Preston Sino Iron magnetite project, 100 km southwest of Karratha in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The contract is expected to generate A$200 million ($152 million) in revenue for MACA over a 36-month term commencing in April. MACA’s work-in-hand position as of February 2021 is A$3.4 billion, the company said.

MACA CEO, Mike Sutton, said: “MACA is very pleased to continue working with CITIC Pacific Mining at the Sino Iron magnetite project, and we value the long-standing relationships we have with our clients at this pioneering mega project.

The current CPM contract was novated from Downer to MACA, following the acquisition of the Mining West business, and it’s pleasing to have now secured this three-year extension.”

In February, MACA completed the acquisition of Downer’s Mining West business, bringing with it four contracts at long-life mining assets in Western Australia, including the Cape Preston agreement.

MACA expands WA presence with Mining West acquisition

Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Precious metals, Steel and iron ore, , , , , , , , ,

MACA Ltd has completed the acquisition of the Mining West business from Downer EDI Ltd, bringing with it four contracts at long-life mining assets in Western Australia.

The Mining West business currently comprises four contracts at Karara (Ansteel), Eliwana (Fortescue Metals Group), Cape Preston (Citic Pacific) and Gruyere (Gold Fields, Gold Road Resources), with each of the four novating successfully to MACA, taking effect from completion, MACA said.

Additionally, in excess of 96% of the Mining West workforce has accepted employment with MACA, the ASX-listed contractor said.

MACA’s CEO and Managing Director, Mike Sutton, said: “Acquisition of the Mining West business will provide MACA with a very meaningful addition of a large-scale mining fleet that is currently engaged across four long-life projects, all with quality customers that are well known to me and other key members of MACA’s management team.”

This fleet comprises 14 excavators and shovels, 65 dump trucks, 11 surface drills and 36 other ancillary machines.

“With the inclusion of Mining West, MACA now has total contracted work in hand of A$3.3 billion ($2.5 billion) at December 31, 2020, that provides a robust revenue base well past financial year 2025. MACA remains very active with its tendering activities and is well placed to pursue a significant number of opportunities across both current and new projects.”

Downer says it will receive over A$200 million in cash proceeds as a result of the sale.

Polymathian finds funding for automation work at OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena

Automation, Base metals, Communications in mining, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mine operation news, Mining equipment, Mining finance, Mining services, Mining software, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , ,

Polymathian will be spearheading a A$2 million ($1.5 million) industrial mathematics project funded by industry partners and METS Ignited, and focused on OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena mine in South Australia.

This project will form part of the Industry Growth Centre’s latest Tranche 4 Collaborative Project funds totalling a combined investment of A$6 million, METS Ignited said.

The grant was awarded to Polymathian’s project at OZ Minerals’ Carrapateena copper-gold mine where, in collaboration with OZ Minerals, Downer, Deswik and others, the company is applying industrial mathematics to deploy the world’s first highly automated short interval control (SIC) system for the near real-time optimisation of sub-level cave development and production mining.

Project Lead and Partner at Polymathian, Steven Donaldson, said: “This funding allows us to marry industrial mathematics, automation and mine planning to optimise asset value at Carrapateena and explore how SIC can be done going forward.”

By applying industrial mathematics to the SIC process, the project collaboration automates the optimisation of the mine plan and autonomously dispatches tasks to the underground fleet by responding to live data.

Plans can be updated to respond to dynamic changes in the mine, as live data is received and assumptions change, according to the company. For example, at a weekly level, plans are updated as required for a rolling seven-day window, rather than on a set schedule for a fixed seven-day period. This avoids having fixed weekly plans that are at risk of becoming out-dated.

Matthew Fargher, OZ Minerals’ Senior Engineer for Long Term Planning at Carrapateena, said: “This project pursues a world first in mine planning where the mine plan is autonomously optimised and tasks dispatched in semi real-time to the underground fleet. By doing so, we can potentially remove value destroying constraints such as self-imposed time horizons and subjectivity in decision making to deliver the next best decision.

“We are excited to be a part of the team that’s delivering the blueprint for mine planning and executional change globally.”

Donaldson added: “The potential market for this tool is really quite large as the way we are solving the problem is very generic. We see this solution having potential to optimise operations across all hard-rock underground mines in Australia and globally.”

The project also has the potential to create new jobs at Polymathian including accelerating the growth of its newly opened Perth office.

METS Ignited Chief Executive, Adrian Beer, says the quality and capability of the funding applicants is becoming increasingly more sophisticated, with a number of the solutions having broader applicability across a number of sectors.

“This round of project fund recipients demonstrates just how capable our leading global METS sector is, and what is possible within our local technology sector,” Beer said.

“We are extremely proud of what has been achieved by the project fund recipients to date, and this new addition to the project funding shows that we have a huge potential to build upon.”

Primero, Mineral Technologies enlisted for Strandline’s Coburn mineral sands project

Comminution of minerals, Energy minerals, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Primero Group has been awarded preferred EPC status on a substantial contract with Strandline Resources on the Coburn mineral sands project in Western Australia.

The total volume of awarded engineering procurement and construction (EPC) works totals around A$150 million ($107 million), according to Primero, and follows an initial eight-week Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process that provided further definition of the delivery strategy and project deliverables between the groups. It also coincided with the appointment of Mineral Technologies (MT), a global services provider and leader in the design and supply of mineral sands processing facilities (and a subsidiary of Downer Group), as the strategic technology partner alongside Primero for the project delivery.

Strandline said the contract involved the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and performance testing of the Wet Concentration Plant (WCP), Mineral Separation Plant (MSP) and associated processing circuits at the operation.

The Coburn WCP is designed to beneficiate the heavy minerals (ilmenite, leucoxene, rutile, zircon and monazite) and reject the non-valuable, lighter minerals through multiple stages of high capacity gravity separation and classification, according to Strandline. The rich heavy mineral concentrate produced from the WCP will be transported to the MSP and stockpiled ready for processing.

“The WCP infrastructure is relocatable and is planned to be moved several times during the mine life as the mine advances along the orebody,” Strandline said. “The MSP design comprises conventional electrostatic separation, gravity and magnetic fractionation to recover a range of premium-quality final products, including chloride ilmenite, rutile, premium zircon and zircon concentrate.”

The full project award is subject to Strandline Resources approving a Final Investment Decision in the coming months, Primero said. The ECI process came after Strandline’s recent A$18.5 million equity raising.

Primero Managing Director and CEO, Cameron Henry, said: “This award is an excellent example of Primero’s ECI phase in action and adds to our growing book of projects in preferred contractor status. We have worked intensively with Strandline over the past two months in designing a delivery solution that best meets the key project objectives and value drivers, while also minimising execution risks.”

Strandline has also already appointed Piacentini & Son to design and construct three mobile dozer mining units for the project, while Macmahon has been named as the principal contractor to provide site-wide civil and bulk earthworks construction services for the project.

New Downer contract at Eliwana will phase into autonomous truck fleet maintenance

Automation, Bulk handling, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Steel and iron ore, ,

Downer EDI Ltd has announced that it is expanding its relationship with Fortescue Metals Group through the provision of a Early Mining and Maintenance Services contract at the Eliwana iron ore mine, in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

This is the second Eliwana project package to be executed by Downer, the first being the Bulk Earthworks contract which commenced in late 2019. The new agreement is valued at approximately A$450 million ($299 million) over five years. Under the agreement, Downer will complete early works operations over two years as the mine site is established.

After this initial two-year term, the operations will transition to Fortescue’s autonomous mining fleets, according to Downer, who will remain at the mine site and provide maintenance services for a further three years.

Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said Downer was a leading provider of mining services in Australia.

“Downer has a long-standing relationship with Fortescue and we are very pleased to be expanding our services,” Fenn said. “We are proud to be supporting the development of the Western Hub and the communities that will benefit from the mine.”

In addition to the incorporation of automation, Eliwana is due to include a 30 Mt/y dry ore processing facility and infrastructure. Production is expected to commence in December 2020 with a life of mine strip ratio of 1.1.