The AJM News

BHPB’s iron-clad strategy

In a clear sign of its strategic priorities, BHP Billiton has approved funding for it Port Hedland outer harbour development, while announcing its exit from the minerals sands business, selling its stake in Richards Bay Minerals to Rio Tinto.

Xstrata lodges EIS for McArthur River expansion

Xstrata Zinc submitted a draft environmental impact statement for its McArthur River Mine with the Northern Territory Government this week, proposing capacity expansions.

Peak3 advances diesel particulate reduction

Brisbane technology developer Peak3 has secured over $2.3m in public and private funding to commercialise its diesel particulate emissions management systems. These are based on acoustic filtration technology for reducing ultra-fine particles and include emissions monitoring systems.

New critical vessel monitoring system

According to Land Instruments International, its Critical Vessel Monitoring System, for detection of refractory wear or breakdown in critical vessels, offers a host of benefits compared to traditional systems.

Pressing problem now a burning issue

How can miners, especially those in remote locations, best manage sewage treatment? By electrifying their toilets and setting fire to the waste.

Rio Tinto takes majority stake in Ivanhoe Mines

Rio Tinto has become the majority shareholder in Ivanhoe Mines, developer of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, purchasing shares that take its stake to 51%.

High-vis padding for impact hazards

West Australian maker of impact-injury reduction products, Safepad, says its range will protect workers and save worksites time and money.

New barge to service resources sector in WA

Western Australian ship builder Strategic Marine has built a 27m work barge that will be delivered to the Port of Dampier, to service the burgeoning resources sector.

Froude Hofmann’s new drilling test rig

Froude Hofmann, manufacturer of engine testing systems, has developed a rig to test mobile drilling platforms for drilling specialist Boart Longyear.

Aurecon and JKTech form strategic alliance

Engineering group Aurecon and mining services company JKTech have entered into a strategic alliance, which will be known as JK Aurecon.

Sullair appoints managing director

Compressed-air specialist, Sullair Australia, has appointed Fred Funnell as its new managing director. He has experience in sales, operations and governance across a range of industries.

New stainless pressure cleaner

Australian Pump Industries has released a heavy duty, stainless steel steam pressure cleaner. The Aussie Super Indy Mk III is designed for applications where hot water is required to dissolve grease and oil.

Mining drives heavy equipment sales growth in 2011

Australia’s construction and mining equipment market continued its rise from the doldrums of the GFC, driven by mining sector demand for heavy equipment.

Soil stabiliser for haul roads

Eko Soil, maker of a soil stabilising enzyme, says its product has now been proven in civil applications and is ready to make its mark in the mining industry.

BHPB and Rio announce Pilbara expansion contracts

KBR will upgrade Rio Tinto’s fuel assets and storage in five locations across the Pilbara. RCR Tomlinson will build power generation works for BHP Billiton’s Yarnima combined cycle power station in Newman.

Tow hitch for underground mines

Engineering consultancy Soto Mining Technologies has launched its 40t capacity tow hitch for underground mining, the Safety Tow Hitch.

Keech mechanical bucket for underground

Keech’s latest mechanical bucket, set for a February release, is designed to minimise replacement time for edge wear systems on underground loaders.

Caterpillar continues longwall supply to China

Caterpillar has announced a deal to supply an automated longwall plough system to Gasification Company, part of the Lvliang Dongyi Group.

Karara’s tailings management system

Gindalbie has awarded a 15 year contract to logistics group Bis Industries for provision of a tailings management system at its Karara project. The deal is worth $23m per annum.

Cyclone Heidi shuts Port Hedland

Tropical cyclone Heidi has halted operations at Australia's busiest port. Pilbara iron ore giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto are amongst companies that stopped exports and battened down the hatches in anticipation of heavy rain and winds, which have been gusting over 100kph since Wednesday night.