Tag Archives: International Copper Association Australia

AIMEX 2023 conference to highlight tech innovation and decarbonisation importance

26th July 2023Mining equipment, Mining events, Mining servicesAccenture, AIMEX, Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition, Australian Hydrogen Council, CR Powered by Epiroc, Decarbonisation Zone, Fleet Space Technologies, International Copper Association Australia, ISN, METS Ignited, Nathan Kirchner, Robotics Australia Group, Samantha Martin, Sustainable Minerals Institute, Transformative Technology Pavilion, University of NewcastleDaniel Gleeson

The conference program for Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), taking place at the Sydney Showgrounds from September 5-7, has just been released, with over 25 leaders from resources, minerals processing, METS and policy sectors set to feature at Australia’s longest-running mining event.

Each day of the three-day conference will address a specific theme. Day one covers decarbonisation in mining, one of the biggest topics for the industry currently. The opening day will have panel discussions featuring leaders from METS Ignited, Australian Hydrogen Council, ISN and the International Copper Association Australia.

John Fennell, CEO of the International Copper Association Australia, says the conference comes at a critical time for the resources sector.

He said: “The world’s move to electrification has compounded supply and demand issues across industry. There are key technologies that will help us to move forward with higher operational efficiency and lower emissions, but in order to implement these technologies industry-wide we need to talk about them as an industry first.”

Day two will cover technical innovation, with a keynote from Nathan Kirchner of Robotics Australia Group, plus panel discussions with academic experts from the University of Newcastle and UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, and contributions from Accenture, CR Powered by Epiroc and Fleet Space Technologies.

The final day of the conference will focus on the hot-button topic of ESG, with speakers discussing renewable integration, the circular economy and leveraging technology.

Associate Professor, Liza Forbes, from UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute is speaking as part of two panels at the conference, and notes the importance of industry collaboration and conversation.

Dr Forbes said: “One of the biggest barriers to industry collaboration is that systemic incentives for academic work are often not in step with industry needs, resulting in siloed operations. It is vital for academic research to build and maintain industry relevance by staying abreast of the common problems that industry encounters and the solutions that are sought for such problems.

“By coming together at events like AIMEX, we open important channels for discussion and collaboration that work towards removing those knowledge silos.”

The conference runs alongside the AIMEX exhibition, where over 250 national and international exhibitors will be present. New features of the exhibition this year include the Transformative Technology Pavilion and the Decarbonisation Zone, further emphasising the importance of technology innovation and decarbonisation to the industry’s future.

AIMEX Exhibition Director, Samantha Martin, says this is no coincidence, and the focus reflects industry trends and attendee feedback across multiple events.

She said: “We aim to make our events both a gathering place for the industry at all points of the supply and value chain, and a launching pad to move industry discussions forward into a sustainable future. I’m excited about the conference program at this year’s AIMEX, with plenty of content for attendees from engineers to management, consultants, decision makers and suppliers.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of AIMEX. More information here.

Global mining tech and equipment suppliers gearing up for AIMEX 2023

22nd June 2023Mining equipment, Mining eventsBosch Rexroth, Chris Page, CR, CR Powered by Epiroc, Danfoss, Decarbonisation Zone, dragline buckets, eLion, GET loss detection system, GET Trakka, Hannah Sabih, Hurricane, International Copper Association Australia, payload management, Peter Hopewell, Roy Rossini, Titan 3330, XCMG Mining EquipmentDaniel Gleeson

The organisers of Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) are expecting thousands of attendees to gather at Sydney Showground in Australia in just 75 days’ time, where over 250 local and international companies will put their best foot forward as part of the free-to-attend trade exhibition.

From September 5-7, leading companies supplying the mining sector with technology and equipment that improves efficiency, productivity and sustainability will showcase their best at AIMEX, Australia’s longest-running mining event.

With exhibitors including Bosch Rexroth, Danfoss, CR Powered by Epiroc and XCMG Mining Equipment, the trade expo promises a one-stop destination to meet local and international suppliers and investigate new technologies, the organisers say.

Industrial hydraulics powerhouse Bosch Rexroth and ground engaging tools (GET) specialists CR Powered by Epiroc will be exhibiting in the Transformative Technology Pavilion, a new addition to this year’s event showcasing exponential technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics and data utilisation. The space will gather exhibitors who are solving specific industry issues with technology, like Bosch Rexroth’s eLION electrification solutions for mobile machinery or CR’s GET Trakka, a GET loss detection system that uses embedded IoT connected sensors.

Peter Hopewell, NSW State Manager from Bosch Rexroth, says AIMEX 2023 represents an exciting opportunity to meet face-to-face with suppliers and showcase new product lines from their Hydraulics and Industrial Automation solutions.

He said: “This year at AIMEX we will be unveiling exciting new products and technologies that will shape the future of the mining industry. This exhibition will be the first time we are showcasing our eLION solutions in Australia. eLION is Bosch Rexroth’s electrification solution specifically designed for the electrification of off highway machinery.”

While the Transformative Technology Pavilion would be dwarfed by one of CR’s Hurricane dragline buckets, CR Powered by Epiroc says it is looking forward to engaging with customers around their digital solutions for maintenance and productivity.

Hannah Sabih, Global Marketing Manager for CR Powered by Epiroc, said: “We’re delighted to be exhibiting at AIMEX this year and sharing both our hardware and complementary technology with visitors. We’ll be showcasing Titan 3330, our digger-based payload management system which visitors will be able to experience for themselves at the show. Titan has been proven across commodities to increase operational productivity by up to 22%, tighten payload spread by up to 25% and reduce associated emissions by making load haul circuits more efficient.

“Of course, we’ll also have interactive models of our lips and GET for both surface and underground machines, designed to increase payload and decrease maintenance-related downtime.”

The second new addition to the trade exhibition this year is the Decarbonisation Zone, supported by International Copper Association Australia and populated by companies like Danfoss and XCMG Mining Equipment, aiming to offer real solutions to industry’s decarbonisation challenges and ESG obligations.

Chris Page, General Manager, Danfoss Pacific Region, says the mining industry has plenty of opportunity to support decarbonisation goals through smart solutions like enhanced energy efficiency and integrated energy systems.

He added: “At Danfoss we integrate our ESG ambitions into everything we do. Our unique products and solutions provide real value to our customers through sustainable innovation and leading application know-how, supporting them in their journey toward decarbonisation in an intelligent and cost-efficient way. We are particularly proud to be supporting the mining industry as it takes a leading role in the transition to net zero and beyond. This year’s AIMEX conference and exhibition in Sydney provides a fantastic opportunity to hear more about the current challenges facing the industry and for partners to find out more about Danfoss’ energy efficient solutions.”

XCMG Mining Equipment may be a relatively new face within the mining industry, but as the world’s third-largest construction machinery manufacturer, they have plenty to offer, particularly in the decarbonisation space.

Roy Rossini of XCMG says the company has been working on electrified and natural-gas powered products for almost a decade.

Rossini said: “As the world looks for a greener, cleaner construction industry, XCMG is delivering solutions that reduce carbon emissions across the whole industry chain and total life cycle. As early as 2013, XCMG were researching and developing new energy projects. They were the first in China to launch a natural gas-powered truck crane, motor grader, loader and hybrid excavators. The energy savings equate to over 25%, when compared to diesel powered products.”

International Mining is a media sponsor of AIMEX, taking place from September 5-7 in Sydney.

Australia’s zero-emissions copper mines requires ‘moonshot’ type thinking: report

24th June 2020Automation, Base metals, Comminution of minerals, Environmental, IoT, Mineral exploration, Mineral processing, Mining equipment, Mining safety, Mining services, Mining software, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining, Water managementAshley Brinson, Australia copper, ICAA, International Copper Association Australia, John Fennell, University of Sydney, Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, Zero Emission Copper Mine of the FutureDaniel Gleeson

The University of Sydney’s Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering has set out how Australia’s copper mining sector can become emission free over the next 30 years through the use of emerging technologies in a new report.

The Zero Emission Copper Mine of the Future report is a ‘world first’ roadmap, commissioned by the International Copper Association Australia (ICAA), the university says.

Within the report, five key target areas are identified for technological innovation to reduce and ultimately eliminate mining emissions: exploration, movement of materials, ventilation, processing, and water use.

In the “material movement” section, specifically, autonomous equipment, battery-electric vehicles, hybrid diesel electric trucks and trolley systems, “hydro-hoisting”, hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid hydrogen electric vehicles are included.

The university explained: “The range of technologies copper supports is vast: autonomous drones and robot machinery, next-generation sensors, mixed reality (immersive technology), wearable tech, in-situ ore recovery, novel leaching processes and on-demand ventilation are just some examples.”

Achieving cutting-edge innovation will also depend on collaboration across five strategic levers: policy and programs, industry networks, capital enablers, future knowledge and an open mindset, according to the university.

Director of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, Ashley Brinson, said: “A zero-emission copper mine of the future will be significantly different from the current copper mining system, and will require fundamental changes in how the mine sources, consumes and abates energy.

“To achieve a zero-emissions future, ‘moonshot’ type thinking is needed and will require a joint commitment from research bodies, the public and private sectors.”

John Fennell, ICAA CEO, said the resources sector, and copper mining in particular, faces big challenges – falling ore quality, fewer new deposits and much tougher licence to operate rules.

“But we need to do things differently going forward,” he said.

Fennell said this report is the first of three blueprints or horizon reports over three years, designed to clarify the vision, establish viable technologies, create an innovation culture, and bring the industry together.