Tag Archives: Newmont

Newmont showcases sensing tech developments at Mill Operators’ Conference

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The recent 16th AusIMM Mill Operators’ Conference, in Perth, Western Australia, saw Newmont share details of some of the sensing technologies it is deploying at its operations to improve sustainability and processing plant outcomes.

In a presentation titled, ‘Redefining the Battery Limits of Processing Plants – Improving Sustainability through the Deployment of Sensing Technologies,’ the paper authors (Futcher, W, Seaman, D, and Kelin, B) showcased the implementation of MineSense’s ShovelSense XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) technology at its Red Chris mine in British Columbia, Canada.

The technology, which is mounted on shovels operating in the open pit, allows for real-time grade estimation of every scoop of material, enabling immediate separation of ore and waste, Newmont says. It provides a much higher resolution of measurement (approximately 16-25 times) than conventional grade control systems, the miner added.

“The system accumulates the grade loaded into each truck,” Newmont said. “If the resulting material classification is different to that expected from grade control, the truck is diverted to a new destination.”

Some of the key statistics for a 12-month period the authors shared from the Red Chris implementation were 1.6 Mt of ore recovered from material classified as waste in traditional grade control; 825,000 t of waste removed from the ore stream; a 0.40 reduction in tonnes of waste per tonne of ore recovered; and an 800 hour XRF head service life, with most heads reaching the expected service life before failure.

In addition to mentions of ShovelSense, the authors also shared details on how Newmont is leveraging belt scanning technology equipped with Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis on the conveyor system after crushing at three operations. To illustrate this, the company shared an image of a Scantech International GEOSCAN unit.

Newmont said: “This technology measures key ore properties before ore reaches the mill, providing vital data such as estimated ore hardness and tailings neutralisation potential. Integration with the process plant control system allows for feed-forward control and optimisation.”

In block caving, the scanners can be used to track drawpoint grades and enable bulk ore sorting methods, Newmont added.

Multivariable modelling study wins Maptek Geology Challenge 2024

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First prize in this year’s Maptek Geology Challenge has been awarded to Miguel Aliaga Oblitas, who showed how Maptek DomainMCF improved model consistency and reduced processing time in advanced multivariable geological modelling.

Senior Geomodeller with Newmont Mining Corporation, Oblitas receives a personal prize of $500 and a six-month DomainMCF subscription for his company.

Entries displayed a range of modelling techniques and applications, and judging was tight, resulting in a tie for second place awarded to Ed Lynch, Superintendent Exploration Geology, SIMEC, and Danielle Karbishev, Senior Resource Estimation Geologist, Fortescue.

Oblitas highlighted the chance to work with real data from an active mine and apply innovative methodologies to enhance geological modelling. His report defined the challenges of accurately predicting vein behaviour at depth, especially with limited data, and noted significant improvements in model accuracy and efficiency.

“The ability to integrate various geological inputs – such as lithology, structural data, mineralogical information and vein intensity – was invaluable,” Oblitas said. “The reduction in processing time from weeks to just a few hours greatly facilitated model updates and more timely decision making in exploration and resource estimation.”

Oblitas noted that the flexibility of the Domain Manager in GeologyCore, which enabled the creation of custom rules and rapid testing of different structural scenarios, was key to overcoming the deposit complexity.

“The integration of multivariable inputs, including lithological, vein intensity and mineralogical data, allowed for a more accurate and detailed representation of the deposit’s structural framework – something that was challenging to achieve with traditional methods,” Oblitas commented.

Danielle Karbichev jumped at the opportunity to trial GeologyCore and DomainMCF to increase efficiency for the Fortescue Resource Modelling and Estimation team and assess the potential applications of machine learning.

The biggest surprise for Karbishev was the ability of DomainMCF to rapidly generate grade estimations comparable to those produced via established estimation methods such as kriging, Maptek says.

“Geological volume model outputs and grade predictions drastically improved with more detailed geological input data, however purely data-driven models can also be used to identify trends and structures prior to interpretation and domaining,” Karbishev said. “More testing is required but it is clear that machine learning could revolutionise resource modelling and estimation as technology advances!”

In terms of GeologyCore, Karbishev found that the 3D drill hole visualisation options were particularly useful for validation of drill hole coding against modelled surfaces, as well as for stratigraphic domain interpretation using multi-element geochemistry and downhole geophysical data, Maptek says.

“Domain Manager allowed rapid flagging, processing and compositing of the drillhole database while Sample Manager enabled direct transfer of validated data points to DomainMCF for modelling,” Karbishev said. “DomainMCF provided almost instantaneous 3D block models, granting the ability to rapidly analyse vast databases and test alternate scenarios.”

Superintendent Exploration Geologist for SIMEC, Ed Lynch, was keen to apply DomainMCF to specific situations in the company’s hematite and magnetite operation, to test whether it could make things easier for geologists on site and unlock more time to go out and ‘kick the rocks’.

“The complexity of the geological setting we work in presents significant challenges to our geologists when it comes to 3D modelling and grade control,” Lynch explained. “DomainMCF was simple to use and incredibly fast. When given enough data it was able to produce similar results to more traditional human-driven modelling processes. I think it is particularly suited to grade control type modelling scenarios.”

Now in its fourth year, the Maptek Geology Challenge provides an opportunity to experiment with cutting-edge technology to create models directly from raw data, that are accurate and transformative for resource modelling and production applications.

The theme for 2024 – geological control for geological models – encouraged participants to combine their expertise with the power of machine learning to create models that accurately reflect geology.

Maptek provided geological modelling tools including GeologyCore and AI-assisted DomainMCF for up to four weeks, supported with documentation and technical assistance from our global team.

Steve Sullivan, Senior Geology Specialist and Technical Lead for DomainMCF, said that the Geology Challenge was founded to inspire geologists to engage with new approaches. The challenge provides a low-risk environment to test real data with the latest technology and explore avenues for improving existing practices.

“The winning entries were strong examples of tackling problems that are difficult to solve with traditional methods, and demonstrated the use of novel techniques to control their geology,” Sullivan said. “Recommendations for software improvements have already been passed on to our development teams.”

First Early Learner Cat 793 XE battery-electric truck arrives at Newmont Cripple Creek and Victor

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Newmont Corporation has announced the commissioning of its first battery-electric large mining truck at the Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Teller County, Colorado, USA.

The vehicle, dubbed the Early Learner Cat® 793 XE, is an important milestone for Newmont, made possible through its strategic alliance with Caterpillar Inc.

“The arrival of the Early Learner Cat 793 XE underscores our ongoing commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our business,” Natascha Viljoen, Chief Operating Officer at Newmont, said. “As we look toward the future, our focus remains on creating a safer and more productive mining environment and this battery-electric large mining truck is one more step we are taking to further advance our safety and sustainability commitments.”

Currently, surface and underground mining diesel combustion machines are responsible for a significant portion of Newmont’s carbon emissions. Introducing innovative solutions like the Early Learner 793 XE at the mine-site level demonstrates Newmont’s ongoing commitment towards reducing emissions, it said.

Denise Johnson, Group President of Resource Industries, Caterpillar, said: “As the mining industry navigates the energy transition, we know a diverse set of solutions will be required for our customers to achieve their operational and sustainability objectives. We are excited about our collaboration with Newmont and working with them to truly understand the implementation and impact of the Early Learner 793 XE at CC&V.”

Newmont and Caterpillar will focus on validating and testing the Early Learner 793 XE. These efforts will provide insights into how mining operations can incorporate battery-electric large mining trucks, setting a new standard for the industry.

Newmont and Caterpillar’s strategic alliance, signed in 2021, covers the delivery of a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining system. Together, the companies have been collaborating to create a safer, more productive mine, and substantially support Newmont in reaching its 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets of more than 30%, with an ultimate goal of being net zero carbon by 2050.

Responsible mining practices recognised at Newmont’s Cadia mine

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Newmont Corporation has announced that its Cadia operation in New South Wales, Australia, has achieved The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark following an independent assessment, recognising responsible production practices at Australia’s largest underground mine.

Cadia is Newmont’s first site globally to receive the award after successfully meeting more than 30 criteria needed in critical areas including environment, community, human rights and governance, among others, it says.

Newmont’s Cadia mine is the nation’s second largest copper producer and the third site in Australia to receive The Copper Mark. Cadia is the only operating mine producing molybdenum in Australia and, thus, the only mine to receive The Molybdenum Mark.

Newmont Chief Safety and Sustainability Officer, Suzy Retallack, said: “Meeting growing global demand for copper brings an obligation to sustainability and responsible mining which prioritises environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic development for the communities in which we operate.

“We take great pride in being at the forefront of the copper industry with The Copper Mark, which highlights our dedication to responsible production and transparency.

“This means our global customers can now choose to source copper concentrate from an independently evaluated mine that meets the highest standards in environmental, social and governance practices, responding to the increasing demand for sustainable supply chains.”

In 2020, Cadia entered into a 15-year renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Tilt Renewables Limited to buy 55% of the wind farm’s output. Now fully operational, Rye Park is supplying approximately half of Cadia’s power needs.

“Cadia’s commitment to the community supported an investment of almost A$6 million ($3.96 million) in the 18 months to December 2023 to support community projects, education and infrastructure,” Retallack said.

The Copper Mark’s Executive Director, Michèle Brülhart, said, “Congratulations to the team of Cadia for being the third site in Australia to achieve The Copper Mark and the first site to get The Molybdenum Mark. With this, about 35% of Australia’s copper is produced at sites that have obtained The Copper Mark.”

The Copper Mark says it is the leading assurance framework to promote responsible, sustainable and ethical practices across the copper, molybdenum, nickel and zinc value chains.

Cadia comprises the Cadia East underground mine, which is one of the largest gold and copper deposits in the world, and Ridgeway underground mine, currently in care and maintenance.

More XE underground loaders on the way, Caterpillar says

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Having additional success selling underground loaders to mining customers, Caterpillar is gearing up to release more machines that leverage that same “architecture” technology as the Cat® R2900 XE diesel-electric LHD, Mike Berry, Vice President and General Manager of Load and Haul for Caterpillar, says.

The diesel-electric R2900 XE is built on the R2900G’s platform, Caterpillar’s most popular underground loader. It features optimised lift arm and component geometry plus load-sensing hydraulics to improve breakout force by 35% over the R2900G, Caterpillar states.

The 18.5-t payload R2900 XE features a switch reluctance electric drive system alongside a Cat C15 diesel engine, which offers up to 335 kW of power. Caterpillar says the machine comes with about 30% increased fuel efficiency compared with the R2900G, with its lower engine revolutions per minute resulting in reduced fuel burn, heat, noise, vibration and exhaust emissions.

These traits have, so far, gone down well. In Australia, there are units at mines owned by Gold Fields, Westgold Resources and MMG. Newmont recently confirmed an order for nine R2900 XEs to the Subika gold mine, in Ghana, while Centamin also added at least one of these LHDs to its underground fleet at Sukari, in Egypt. In Canada, Alamos Gold recently purchased two of these machines for its Young-Davidson mine, while Cementation Americas added the diesel-electric machine to its roster, deploying it at New Gold’s Rainy River project in Ontario, Canada.

Speaking to IM at MINExpo 2024, in Las Vegas, in September, Berry said that the company planned to build on this momentum with more models set to join the platform.

“Similar to rolling out this technology from the surface with the 988 XE wheel loader to this machine [the R2900 XE], yes, we plan to take that technology up and down the underground loader product line,” he said.

Berry’s colleague, Paul Bitter, Product Value Stream Manager at Caterpillar, said the architecture of the XE platform – which also includes a battery-electric loader in the form of the R1700 XE – leaves a “great degree of freedom from a design perspective both for hauling and loading”.

He added: “We see it as platform for loaders and trucks, where, because of the electric drive, you can change power source. This means you can have a diesel machine, a hybrid machine or a fully electric machine.”

The most likely haulage and loading candidates for the ‘XE treatment’ are machines that currently only come in diesel form, have not recently been updated and have large populations out in the field.

On the theme of hybridisation, Berry said the company had no plans to combine the electric drivetrain with a small diesel energy and an on-board energy storage element for load and haul equipment. He and colleague Thad Litkenhus, Director of Product Management at Caterpillar, did raise the prospect of a form of the Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) solution currently equipped for surface haul trucks being converted for underground use, however.

Designed to both transfer energy to large mining trucks, as well as charge a machine’s batteries while operating with increased speed on grade, the system “provides the industry with options to support both near-term and long-term sustainability strategies”, Caterpillar says.

Litkenhus added: “We define hybrid as having multiple energy sources and, if you think about the fundamental notion of a DET system, that is effectively a hybridisation of your machine to bring more energy to the machine. It just happens to be an off-board one.

“We actually think such a combination could provide the hybrid element that diversifies the power source without any drawbacks that come with having it all happen on board the machine.”

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

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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.

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

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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.

Wood to support Newmont with enhancing Lihir gold mine performance

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Wood has been awarded a contract by Newmont to enhance the Lihir gold mine in Papua New Guinea, with the contractor set to support the gold miner’s capital works program, including projects to maintain and improve the condition and performance of the Lihir operation.

The new $18 million contract will see Wood provide consulting and engineering services to support and enhance the safe and efficient processing of gold across various stages of the project lifecycle at Lihir. The scope includes the delivery of concept and feasibility studies, detailed design and construction management services.

Wood says it will apply its leading expertise in gold pressure oxidation and remote capital project delivery in the Indo-Pacific region to deliver the contract, which will run for an initial three-year term.

The Lihir mine on Niolam Island in New Ireland Province, 900 km from Port Moresby, is one of the largest gold mines in Papua New Guinea and the world. It produced 670,000 oz of gold in the 2023 financial year and employs about 5,100 people.

Jim Shaughnessy, President of Minerals, Metals and Life Sciences at Wood, said: “We have been working with Newmont for over 20 years and are proud to be selected to deliver the Lihir capital works programme.

“Minerals and metals continues to be a key market for Wood – this project lends itself well to our strong expertise in mineral processing and our steadfast commitment to sustainable mining. We’re looking forward to building on our strong relationship with Newmont as we continue to deliver world-class mineral processing projects.”

The contract is effective immediately, with the work being led by Wood’s Brisbane office in Queensland.

Olitek ships first Remote Charge-up Unit to Newmont’s Cadia operation

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Olitek Mining Robotics says it has reached an important milestone in its Remote Charge-up Unit (RCU) project with the dispatch of a RCU to Newmont’s Cadia operation in New South Wales, Australia.

The RCU uses robust mining robotics and a modified Volvo Construction Equipment wheeled excavator platform to enable full face charge-up from the safety of the cabin, Olitek explains.

Mechanised charge-up of tunnel development faces significantly reduces exposure of charge-up crews to tunnel face hazards such as seismicity, rockfalls, thermal stress and repetitive strain injuries. The development face explosives loading and priming crews are most ‘at risk’ to these geotechnical hazards due to the lengthy exposure duration at the tunnel face to perform their tasks.

The RCU project was part of a Canada Mining Innovation Council (CMIC)-backed consortium involving Vale, Newcrest (now Newmont), Agnico Eagle and Glencore, which sought to deliver a TRL7 (Technology Readiness Level) fully functioning prototype unit that will move personnel at least 4-5 m away from the underground development face and provide faster manual charge-up options to reduce exposure time for existing operations.

The system leverages Olitek’s patented HELX initiation system, allowing full charge-up and tie in to be completed using low-cost conventional detonators, the company says.

Olitek said the dispatch represents a major commercialisation milestone.

Newmont completes acquisition of Newcrest in major gold consolidation move

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Newmont Corporation has announced the completion of the acquisition of Newcrest Mining Limited to create what it says is the world’s leading gold company with robust copper production.

Featuring more than half of the world’s Tier 1 assets, according to the company, Newmont’s unmatched portfolio of long-life operations, value-accretive projects, abundant exploration opportunities, and world-class talent will underpin years of profitable production in the world’s most favorable jurisdictions, it says. This expanded portfolio will include operations with scale, margin and mine life to generate robust and lasting returns for decades, while supporting best-in-class sustainability performance.

“Today marks a historic milestone in our company and the industry with the successful completion of this transformational acquisition of Newcrest by Newmont,” Tom Palmer, Newmont’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our attention now turns to safely, efficiently, and responsibly integrating Newcrest’s assets and people into Newmont’s proven operating model, so we can accelerate the delivery of our value-focused strategy for all our stakeholders.”

With the transaction now complete, Newmont’s acquisition of Newcrest is expected to:

  • Strengthen Newmont’s position as the responsible gold mining leader through the combination of high-quality operations, projects and reserves concentrated in low-risk jurisdictions, including 10 Tier 1 operations to support decades of safe, profitable and responsible gold and copper production;
  • Generate annual pre-tax synergies of $500 million, expected to be achieved within the first 24 months, together with at least $2 billion in cash improvements through portfolio optimisation in the first two years after closing;
  • Maintain Newmont’s capital allocation priorities and non-binding dividend payout (since closing the Goldcorp transaction in 2019, Newmont has paid more than $5 billion in dividends, further demonstrating its commitment to our shareholders, it says);
  • Feature a deep bench of experienced leaders, subject matter experts and existing regional teams in Australia and Canada with extensive mining industry experience; and
  • Maintain industry leadership in environmental, social and governance performance.