Tag Archives: gold

SGS to start offering PhotonAssay analysis in Orange, New South Wales

Mineral exploration, Mining services, Precious metals, Sustainable mining, , , , , , ,

SGS is expanding its Chrysos PhotonAssay™ offering, confirming that it will be able to offer analysis using this technology at its Orange laboratory in New South Wales, Australia, from December.

The Orange laboratory was opened in July 2022 with an aim of delivering first class geochemistry testing services to clients across Australia.

Back in 2021, SGS said it was expanding its service delivery in obtaining Chrysos PhotonAssay technology as an alternative to traditional fire assay procedures. The two companies – SGS and Chrysos – reached an agreement to install a PhotonAssay unit at SGS’s Australian Minerals Regional Hub in Perth, Western Australia.

Hitting samples with high-energy X-rays, Chrysos PhotonAssay causes excitation of atomic nuclei allowing rapid and enhanced analysis of gold, silver and complementary elements. Importantly, the non-destructive process allows large samples of up to 500 g to be measured and provides a “true” bulk reading independent of the chemical or physical form of the sample, the companies say. The technology is also measurably safer and more environmentally friendly than previous assay processes, aligning with SGS’s core principle of achieving a better, safer, and more interconnected world, SGS added.

PhotonAssay provides enhanced analysis of gold, silver and complementary elements in as little as two minutes, improving turnaround time, SGS says.

Chrysos said it processed 1.3 million samples in the three-month period to September 30, with 54 currently deployed or contractually-committed PhotonAssay units in total.

Mota-Engil to mine Allied Gold’s Kurmuk project in Ethiopia

Mineral project development, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , ,

Allied Gold Corp is enlisting the help of Mota-Engil to advance its Kurmuk project, in Ethiopia, with the Portugal-based engineering and construction company set to carry out the mining contract.

The award will advance earthworks at an early stage, allow sufficient time for the importation and mobilisation of equipment well ahead of the timeframe when mining will begin, and also allow for the early establishment of infrastructure, support and training of personnel, the company says.

Year-to-September 30, Allied Gold $53.9 million has been invested in the project, with Allied Gold saying it expects first production in mid-2026.

The Kurmuk project’s development plan involves a total capital investment of approximately $500 million. Anticipated production is expected to average 290,000 oz/y over the first five years, sustaining over 240,000 oz/y over a 10-year mine life at an all-in sustaining cost of $950/oz.

The awarded mining contract to Mota-Engil, which provided competitive rates consistent with the feasibility study, along with the previously announced Power Purchase Agreement with Ethiopian Electric Power, further supports the project’s economics by securing an experienced and reputable mining contractor and reliable, affordable hydroelectric power, Allied Gold says.

Grid connection is expected ahead of the first production in mid-2026.

“With Kurmuk fully permitted, licenced and progressing on plan and on budget, the company remains well-positioned to achieve first production in mid-2026, delivering long-term value to stakeholders,” it said.

CR Powered by Epiroc plants roots in Saudi Arabia with Rasi Investment Co partnership

Equipment maintenance, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

CR Powered by Epiroc says it has solidified its presence in the rapidly growing mining sector of the Middle East by signing a dealership agreement with Rasi Investment Co., a prominent investment firm in Saudi Arabia involved in mining, contracting, real estate, IT and trading.

This strategic partnership, facilitated by Austrade, represents a significant advancement for CR Powered by Epiroc in meeting the increasing demands of Saudi Arabia’s dynamic mining industry, it says.

Eng Meshary Al-Ali, Chairman of Rasi Investment Co, stated: “Partnering with CR Powered by Epiroc, the leading supplier of ground engagement tools (GET) and digital solutions, enables our mining operators in the Kingdom to source application-appropriate tools while considering engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain variables. This collaboration will help reduce downtime and increase productivity by at least 5%.”

As Saudi Arabia ramps up its adoption of advanced mining technologies, the heavy equipment market is projected to exceed $4 billion. The Kingdom is actively seeking to tap into its untapped mineral reserves, which have surged from a 2016 estimate of $1.3 trillion to $2.5 trillion, according to Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Al Khorayef. These reserves include essential resources such as copper, gold, phosphates, zinc, and uranium, underscoring the need for cutting-edge mining equipment and digital solutions.

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s comprehensive roadmap for economic development and diversification, the mining sector has been identified as the third pillar of the Kingdom’s economy, alongside petroleum and petrochemicals. By 2030, the sector is expected to contribute 240 billion Saudi riyals ($64 billion) to the GDP, marking a fourfold increase from 2015 levels.

Chairman Eng. Meshary, also the CEO of Golden Compass, one of the leading mining service companies in Saudi Arabia, emphasised the importance of this alliance: “By choosing a trusted partner like CR Powered by Epiroc, we are establishing a robust alliance that will ensure our products perform at their peak in the Kingdom, leveraging GET and digital solutions to generate valuable data that underpins new insights and enhances mining operations.”

Paul Scutt, CEO of CR Powered by Epiroc, added: “We are excited to announce this partnership with Rasi Investment Co as our authorised dealer in Saudi Arabia. This agreement is a critical milestone for CR Power by Epiroc as we expand into key regions vital to the future of mining in the Middle East and globally. Rasi Investment Co’s extensive local market knowledge, combined with our cutting-edge technology, will allow us to deliver exceptional value to our customers. We look forward to a successful collaboration that drives innovation and efficiency in the global mining industry.”

Miguel Guimaraes, Head of East Australasia and India of CR Powered by Epiroc, added, “This alliance with Rasi Investment Co establishes a strong footprint in the Kingdom with a trusted local partner well-established in the mining sector. Our proactive collaboration is a step forward toward realising Saudi Vision 2030, supporting local industrial development, creating jobs, boosting productivity in mining projects and reinforcing the mining sector’s role as the economy’s third pillar.”

David Shao, Global Engagement Manager at Austrade, highlighted the international reputation of Australia’s METS sector, saying: “Saudi Arabia is an important trading partner for Australia. Two-way goods and services trade totaled $2.7 billion in 2023. As the mining sector in Saudi Arabia evolves, there are opportunities for enhanced safety and productivity through closer economic ties with Australia, a recognised leader in the METS sector.”

Epiroc Pit Vipers, SmartROC D65s on their way to Newmont Boddington

Automation, Explosives and blasting, Mining equipment, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , ,

Epiroc says it has won a large order for surface mining equipment from Newmont in Australia, with a fleet of Epiroc Pit Viper 231 and SmartROC D65 drill rigs set to be used at the Boddington gold and copper mine in Western Australia.

The rigs, which will be operated tele-remotely, will replace an older fleet of Epiroc equipment.

The equipment order is valued at about SEK335 million ($32 million) and was booked in the September quarter of 2024. Epiroc will also provide service on the machines.

“We have a long-standing partnership with Newmont, which is on the forefront of advanced mining operations,” Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said. “We are happy to support them as they continue to make their operations as safe and productive as possible.”

Chris Dark, Newmont’s General Manager for the Boddington mine site, says: “Newmont and Epiroc have had a long-term relationship on the Boddington site. This order recognises and continues this successful relationship that has enabled the success of the Boddington drilling operations over the life of the mine. Together we look forward to unlocking the long-term future of the Boddington site, which is recognised globally as a Tier 1 gold asset.”

The Pit Viper 231 rotary blasthole drill rig is a flexible workhorse that can be configured in many different ways for a wide range of rotary and down-the-hole drilling operations, Epiroc says. The SmartROC D65 rig consistently delivers high-quality blastholes with accuracy and precision. Both machines are built tough, loaded with intelligent features and very fuel efficient, the OEM claims.

Delivery of the fleet will commence immediately and will continue into the first half of 2025.

Wärtsilä to supply engines, auxiliary equipment for Boto gold mine power plant

Mine operation news, Power supply for mines, Precious metals, , ,

Wärtsilä will supply the engines and auxiliary equipment for a power plant being installed at the Boto gold mine in Senegal.

The order, which was booked by Wärtsilä in the March quarter of 2024, has been placed by Africa Power Services (APS), the France-based main contractor for the engineering, procurement and construction of the power plant. The mine has been recently acquired by Managem, an international mining group with operations in eight countries across Africa.

Romain Darracq, Head of Sales Support at APS, said: “The mine is remotely located and has no connection to the grid. This power plant is therefore crucial for its operations, and we needed to find a partner capable of providing reliable supply of electricity. Wärtsilä’s track record is outstanding and they were offering the best equipment and best delivery times for this fast-track project.”

The 17 MW power plant will operate with six Wärtsilä 32 engines to be delivered on an engineered equipment (EEQ) basis.

Sameer Poredi, Business Development Manager, Lifecycle at Wärtsilä Energy, said: “The configuration provides good flexibility and optimal performance of the power plant under varied load demands. Wärtsilä has a strong presence in Africa with its regional setup in Dakar effectively supporting the customers’ operations throughout the lifecycle of their power plants.”

The Wärtsilä 32 engine generating set has established a reputation for reliability during 30 years of successful operations, delivering more than 8,000 MW of energy to customers around the world. Its fast-starting flexibility supports the integration of intermittent supplies of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, into power systems by enabling efficient grid balancing.

The equipment deliveries are targeted to be completed by December 2024, and the plant is expected to be commissioned during the March quarter of 2025.

Railveyor stakes its energy-efficiency, opex cost claims in latest Agnico Eagle whitepaper

Automation, Environmental, Mining equipment, Mining industry recognition, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, , , , , , , ,

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited has revealed its findings on the efficiency and environmental impact of the Railveyor system implemented at its Goldex mining complex in Quebec, Canada, with the whitepaper, published by Railveyor and Agnico Eagle, detailing reduced operational costs, enhanced safety and greenhouse gas emissions reductions as some of the major outcomes of the installation.

Goldex mine, an underground gold operation in Val d’Or, faced logistical challenges due to its deeper zones and low-grade ore. To address these, Agnico Eagle integrated the Railveyor system into its operations in 2017, replacing traditional diesel truck haulage with this advanced all-electric solution. The results have been transformative, according to the whitepaper.

According to the miner’s internal studies, the Railveyor system has achieved up to a 39% reduction in mine-wide emissions compared with diesel trucks, a significant step towards the company’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. The system’s energy efficiency was also validated by a study from NRCan-CanmetMINING, confirming that the Railveyor operates within 6% of its expected energy usage. With its low operational costs – reducing operating expenditure by as much as 75% compared with truck haulage – Railveyor has proven itself as a cost-effective, sustainable alternative for material transport in mining, Railveyor says.

Based on CanmetMINING’s calculations, the Goldex Railveyor system requires 0.989 kilowatt-hours to move one tonne of ore one kilometer. Factoring in Quebec’s average electricity price at the time of this publication, the estimated cost is less than $0.07/tonne-km.

Christian Lessard, Maintenance Superintendent at Goldex, said: “Goldex Railveyor has been optimised since 2017, resulting in strong production in recent years. The system integrates the latest technologies like LTE networks and AI, operating in line with theoretical energy consumption models. The stability and predictability of electrical energy costs, as opposed to fossil fuels, further contribute to the overall benefits.”

Tas Mohamed, interim CEO of Railveyor, said: “The success of the Railveyor at Goldex highlights the importance of collaboration between our team and Agnico Eagle Mines. This partnership has demonstrated that Railveyor is not just a viable alternative to traditional methods but a superior one in terms of safety, cost, and environmental impact.”

Charles Gillies, Chairman of Railveyor and Managing Director at Resource Capital Funds (RCF), a global critical minerals and mining alternatives investment firm, added: “We are proud to have supported Railveyor within RCF Innovation II in bringing this innovative technology to market. The positive impact at Goldex underscores the value of investing in sustainable and transformative mining solutions that can help enable the energy transition and meet the mining industry’s challenges today and in the future.”

As the mining industry continues to push towards sustainability, the success of the Railveyor system at Goldex serves as a benchmark for other operations, Railveyor says. “With its ability to reduce emissions, increase safety and lower costs, Railveyor is setting new standards in mining.”

Weir to supply Enduron HPGR for De Grey Mining’s Hemi gold project

Comminution of minerals, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Precious metals, , , , , , , ,

Weir has been awarded the contract to supply a large ø2.4m x 2.25 m Enduron® HPGR (high-pressure grinding rolls) for De Grey Mining’s flagship Hemi gold project in the Pilbara of Western Australia.

Hemi has a mineral estimate of 10.5 Moz and at full capacity, the processing plant will have a nameplate throughput of 10 Mt/y.

Peter Holmes, Project Director of De Grey Mining, said: “De Grey Mining is pleased to partner with Weir on one of its key long lead items for its Hemi Gold Project and appreciates Weir having a local service facility to provide the required support to our site and the region.”

Bjorn Dierx, Global Product Manager for Enduron HPGRs, said: “Our partnership with De Grey Mining further expands our footprint in sustainable comminution. Our proven track record of developing highly engineered solutions for the industry, together with our capability to partner with our customers to bring projects to life, ensures that De Grey Mining will be in good hands to achieve its productivity, sustainability and project execution targets.

“The Hemi gold project will benefit from Weir’s state-of-the-art Enduron HPGR technology, which delivers operational flexibility, grinding efficiency and equipment availability. Importantly, Enduron HPGRs also provide significant improvements versus traditional tumbling mill technology with energy savings of up to 40% and in turn, a lower carbon footprint. This will be the fifth, similar-sized Enduron HPGR in the Pilbara region alone, which is a testament to its credibility in high capacity, hard-rock grinding.”

Weir recently opened its Port Hedland Service Centre, strategically located to support its customers in the Pilbara region in Western Australia. The centre features facilities for Enduron® HPGR servicing, including tyre roller assembly, and will allow De Grey Mining to benefit from product training in close proximity to the mine site.

Kristen Walsh, Regional Managing Director of Weir’s Minerals Division, said: “This win further underscores Weir’s commitment to making mining more sustainable and demonstrates the substantial opportunity that can be made to CO2 emissions reduction when choosing an energy-efficient technology in a large greenfield project.”

MACA secures five-year ‘first right of refusal’ agreement with Emerald Resources

Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , ,

MACA has announced a five-year agreement with Emerald Resources NL to continue partnering on current and all future mine developments.

Under this agreement, MACA has earned the first right of refusal to deliver a full range of mining services, construction and establishment works for future Emerald Resources operations.

This follows a 2020 agreement between the two companies that has seen MACA supply earthmoving equipment and conduct contract mining services at Emerald’s Okvau gold project in Cambodia.

Emerald said the scope of this pact covers a full range of mining services including load & haul, drill & blast, underground mining (development & production), crusher feed, tailings dam construction and establishment works.

Australia West Group Executive, David Greig, said: “Founded upon MACA’s safe delivery of strong operational results for Emerald Resources at the Okvau gold project in Cambodia, this agreement is a testament to our long-standing reputation in the market as a trusted partner. With a substantial pipeline of developments ahead, it signals an exciting period of growth for both businesses across Australia and Cambodia, and a significant next step in our partnership.”

Emerald has a number of projects in both Cambodia and Australia.

MACA’s combined breadth of scope and international experience as part of the Thiess Group, including PYBAR, recently acquired for its underground capabilities, strongly positions the company in the global market, it says.

5G underground networks receive Newmont’s seal of approval following Cadia trial

Automation, Base metals, Communications in mining, IoT, Mine operation news, Mining services, Precious metals, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Newmont Corporation is expanding its use of next generation 5G wireless networks to improve safety in underground mining following trial results from its Cadia mine in New South Wales, Australia.

In February last year, Newmont (Newcrest as it was then) announced a trial of 5G in partnership with Ericsson and Telstra Purple at its Cadia mine – one of the largest underground gold-copper mines in the world.

Before the trial, Cadia was limited to upload speeds of 20-30 megabits per second (Mbps) using Wi-Fi to operate autonomous equipment such as ore loaders and remote-controlled mining machines.

These Wi-Fi connections were unreliable and unpredictable when under load, according to Newmont. There was insufficient capacity to operate the required number of machines in the one area at the same time, particularly with the amount of video upload involved, and automation safety stops were regularly falsely triggered due to network packet loss.

Using Ericsson Private 5G, Newmont was able to demonstrate the ability to achieve upload speeds of around 90 Mbps along access drives and declines throughout the underground complex, and 150 Mbps upload and 500 Mbps download on all-important extraction drives, it says.

The connections underground were found to be persistent and highly dependable, resolving historic limitations experienced with Wi-Fi and providing the consistent performance essential for remote control and autonomous mining systems.

Newmont Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Suzy Retallack, said: “The trial results show the extraordinary potential of 5G to improve safety, increase the number of machines that can be operated on a single network and boost production efficiencies in underground mining.

“These trials are part of the new frontier of technology in mining – using innovation to make our people safer and our mines more productive.”

Newmont will now use 5G to roll out more autonomous fleet like drill rigs, graders and auto haul trucks as part of future mining operations, relying on 5G’s unique capacity and capability to facilitate and streamline operational capabilities while deploying additional safety systems like radars and collision avoidance to improve overall mine safety systems, it says.

Head of Private Cellular Networks from Ericsson, Manish Tiwari, said: “5G is enabling rapid global transformation of industry, supporting digitalisation and movement towards automated, more efficient, and safer operations across a number of sectors.

“Ericsson is proud to be partnering with Newmont on demonstrating the potential of 5G to the global mining sector.”

Trialling 5G New Radio (NR) technologies on the surface at Cadia as part of the same initiative also demonstrated that new 5G innovations, such as 64T64R Massive MIMO, beamforming and beam-steering provided a leap forward in available throughputs at the extended distances found in surface operations.

Newmont says it uses technology to make workers safer while improving efficiency. On the basis of the trial, 5G now has a firm place in Newmont’s communications strategies for Cadia and its other Tier One underground and surface mines across the world.

Following support for the Cadia 5G trial from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), Newmont has now applied to ACMA for Area Wide Licenses to extend and embed Newmont’s use of 5G technology across its Australian operations.

Newmont is now planning to expand the use of 5G networks across its global network of Tier One underground gold-copper mines.

Luca Mining looks to contractor Comvini for Campo Morado production boost

Base metals, Mine operation news, Mining services, , , , , ,

Luca Mining Corp has engaged Cominvi, S.A. de C.V. to carry out core mining operations at the company’s 100% owned Campo Morado copper-zinc-gold mine in Guerrero state, Mexico.

Cominvi is, Luca Mining says, one of the largest and most respected mining contractors in Latin America with a particular expertise in underground mining. It has a well-earned reputation for delivering excellent results with the highest degree of safety and responsibility.

Working with Cominvi will allow Luca to quickly increase production at Campo Morado and will provide cost-effective access to newer mining equipment for the company’s ongoing operations. Luca Mining added: “The addition of Cominvi to our operations team will help ensure that Campo Morado can meet and exceed its daily production targets and will provide a rapid path to further increases in production and revenues without incurring significant capital expenditures. ”

Dan Barnholden, CEO of Luca Mining, said Comvini bring incredible expertise and experience to Campo Morado and will greatly enhance the company’s operational flexibility.

“The timing of this decision is fortuitous as Cominvi has just completed a major mining project nearby and, therefore, mobilisation will occur very quick,” he said. “We intend to increase our mill throughput from the current 1,400-1,600 t/d to 2,000 t/d by year end and continue to push forward to 2,400 t/d mill rate during 2025. These achievements, along with the company’s previously announced Campo Morado Improvement Project to increase metallurgical recoveries and produce higher value concentrates, will have a material positive impact on the company’s production, costs and cash flow.

“Cominvi’s seasoned team will be an important factor in the execution of these plans.”

Luca Mining is a diversified Canadian mining company with two 100%-owned producing mines in Mexico within the prolific Sierra Madre Mineral Belt. The company produces gold, copper, zinc, silver and lead from these mines that each have considerable development and resource upside.