In a significant development for South Australia’s copper industry, the South Australian Government has initiated the application and assessment process for BHP’s proposed smelter and refinery expansion at Olympic Dam. 

The expansion aligns with BHP’s recently outlined phased approach to increase copper production in South Australia, BHP said in a news release. 

According to the company’s FY24 full-year results released earlier this week, BHP aims to ramp up its copper output to 500,000 tonnes of refined copper cathode by the early 2030s, with the potential to further expand to 650,000 tonnes by the mid-2030s. 

This would represent an increase from the approximately 322,000 tonnes produced in the last financial year.

Anna Wiley, BHP Asset President Copper South Australia, highlighted the importance of this development.

She stated, “Today’s announcement is an important step for BHP and the South Australian Government as we work together towards our shared ambition to significantly increase copper production in this state.”

Wiley further emphasised BHP’s ongoing efforts, noting, “We are already growing BHP’s copper production in South Australia with projects and studies underway at all of our operating sites, and we’re moving at pace to potentially double our current production by the middle of the next decade.”

BHP’s copper operations in South Australia are centred around the Olympic Dam, Prominent Hill, and Carrapateena underground mines, which supply copper concentrate to the Olympic Dam smelter and refinery complex. 

This facility is key to producing refined copper cathodes. Additionally, BHP is advancing its Oak Dam exploration prospect, which recently reported an Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.34 billion tonnes at 0.66 per cent copper grade and 0.33 grams per tonne gold grade. 

Within this, a higher-grade mineralisation area contains 220 million tonnes at 1.96 per cent copper grade and 0.68 grams per tonne gold grade, based on a 1 per cent copper cut-off.

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Article by Gareth Foster, Head of Industrial, Logistics & Consumer, Endava

Mining is often seen as a traditional, slow-moving sector, but right now it is undergoing a high-tech revolution. Innovation is not just a matter of staying technologically ahead; it is crucial for ensuring the safety of workers and enhancing operational efficiency.

As the mining industry advances, key innovations such as autonomous hardware, AI-enhanced data platforms, and advanced tracking systems are set to revolutionise operations, making them safer, more efficient and more cost-effective.

Leveraging autonomous hardware for optimal efficiency

Although the initial investment and maintenance costs can be high, the benefits of autonomous systems in mining are significant. Autonomous tools, vehicles and drones are transforming mining operations, making them safer and more efficient.

For instance, companies like Rio Tinto are leading the charge by using autonomous trucks, drills and trains in Australia’s Pilbara region. These systems reduce the need for humans to work in dangerous environments whilst also improving efficiency and lowering costs. As well as cutting down the risk of accidents, these technologies also operate with a precision and consistency that human labour cannot match, leading to increased productivity and reduced operational errors.

The integration of AI in these autonomous systems promises even greater efficiencies. AI can optimise routes, predict maintenance needs and adapt to changing conditions in real time, which not only boosts efficiency but also prolongs the lifespan of equipment. These advancements are not just beneficial but essential for the future of mining, as they ensure operations become more streamlined, cost-effective and safe over time.

Safety with real-time tracking systems

Safety remains the top priority in mining. In addition to the increased use of autonomy mentioned above, modern mines now use advanced real-time tracking systems that provide detailed information about the location of people and equipment. Deployed extensively across Australian mines, these systems enhance operational safety and efficiency and are invaluable in emergencies, enabling accurate coordination of rescue efforts and rapid response to assist trapped or injured workers and potentially saving lives.

In daily operations, these systems optimise equipment use, reduce idle times, and prevent bottlenecks. This boosts productivity, minimises wear and tear and lowers maintenance costs. The data collected from these systems can be analysed to identify patterns and potential safety hazards, allowing mining companies to address risks proactively and foster a safer working environment.

Enhancing decision-making with advanced data platforms

Effective data management, enhanced by artificial intelligence, is vital for making informed decisions, optimising mining processes and ensuring regulatory compliance. Several Australian companies are making significant strides in developing and using technologies that manage and analyse large amounts of data. By investing in advanced solutions, they are improving operational efficiency, enhancing environmental monitoring and enabling predictive analytics. These technologies streamline mining processes, reduce costs and better track environmental impacts to ensure compliance with regulations. 

Additionally, predictive analytics allows companies to foresee and address potential issues before they arise, which is crucial for effective maintenance planning and overall operational stability.

Considering ESG for the future of mining operations

Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies such as conservation, social responsibility, and strong governance principles into mining operations is essential for sustainability and responsible business practices. A strong focus on ESG can help organisations reduce their environmental impact, engage with local communities, support indigenous rights and ensure ethical and transparent corporate governance. 

Enhancing data security and management systems is crucial for protecting sensitive ESG data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and building trust. Meanwhile, utilising cloud infrastructure can streamline data storage and accessibility while reducing the environmental impact of on-premise data centres, and developing agile enterprise architecture can adapt to evolving ESG requirements and seamlessly integrate sustainable practices into mining operations.

Technology is shaping the future of the mining industry by making operations more efficient and safer. As mining companies explore and implement new technologies, they are setting the stage for significant growth and sustainability in the sector.

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The Australian Government is set to finalise new offshore exploration permits for gas supply, aimed at firming renewables and supporting the economy during Australia’s transition to net zero emissions.

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King announced that permits for Esso and Beach Energy in the Otway and Sorrell Basins will be finalised, with any discovered gas earmarked for the domestic east coast market.

Additional permits will be granted to Chevron, INPEX, Melbana, and Woodside Energy for exploration on Australia’s west coast, enhancing energy security in Western Australia.

Furthermore, ten permits will be issued for carbon capture and storage (CCS) exploration, aligning with recommendations from the International Energy Agency, CSIRO, UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and Australia’s Climate Change Authority, all of which highlight the importance of CCS in achieving net zero.

Since the current government took office, renewable energy generation in the National Electricity Market has increased by 25 per cent, driving total emissions and emissions intensity to record lows.

However, the latest ACCC Gas Inquiry Interim Report warns of potential gas supply shortfalls on the east coast as early as 2027, with challenges persisting into the mid-2030s unless new sources are developed.

Minister King emphasised the critical role of gas in the transition, noting that as coal generation retires, gas will continue to firm renewable energy and provide backup during peak periods.

“Gas is critical for the transition but will be a diminishing proportion of our energy mix by 2050 as other storage technologies come online,” she said.

The government’s Future Gas Strategy underscores the need for net zero emissions by 2050, predicting a sharp decline in gas demand during the clean energy transition.

Nonetheless, securing gas supply remains necessary to meet domestic demand.

The strategy prioritises optimising existing discoveries and infrastructure while aligning with net zero targets.

It’s important to note that finalising offshore exploration permits does not automatically greenlight new gas production.

Separate, extensive safety and environmental approvals are required through Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority.

Additionally, further community consultation is needed before any offshore exploration can begin. No new seismic surveying will be allowed; companies must licence or reprocess existing seismic data.

This comprehensive approach aims to balance the immediate need for gas supply with long-term environmental and economic goals as Australia navigates its path to a sustainable, net-zero future.

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Queensland’s burgeoning critical minerals industry is on display to the world with the launch of two new initiatives.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases projects ready for investment at different mining stages.

This information is complemented by details of Queensland’s critical mineral sector, including known endowments, and the actions the Miles Government is taking to accelerate the development of this sector.

The prospectus is backed by the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a new online tool connecting potential investors with government agencies as well as proponents of projects already in development.

Profiling and promoting Queensland is a key action from the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.

Queensland is rich in the critical mineral resources needed to make the technologies required to make the shift towards a greener low-emission economy.

“Queensland is in the box seat to capitalise on the global push to decarbonise because quite simply, we’ve won the geological lottery,” said Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart.

He continued, “Our message is simple: there’s no better place to invest in critical minerals than in Queensland. We have the critical minerals below the ground and our ambition is to go beyond just mining these resources but to also process them and manufacture the renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and storage batteries right here in Queensland.”

“We are already working with proponents to make this industry a reality but the prospectus we’ve launched is about building on that momentum,” Stewart added.

“That’s why we’ve also launched the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a one-stop portal for those wanting to make Queensland a part of their investment portfolio. Through the portal, investors can get in touch with key stakeholders across the government and proponents with critical minerals projects in different stages of development. There’s never been a better time to be a part of the next chapter in Queensland’s resources chapter,” he stated.

Richmond Vanadium Technology Managing Director Jon Price echoed Stewart’s enthusiasm: “With the vast resources across Queensland and the opportunity for the Australian resource sector to be at the forefront of the global energy transition, the Queensland Government should be commended for developing the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and providing key infrastructure to progress the critical minerals industry.”

Price further emphasised, “The launch of the Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus will increase global exposure and interest in Queensland projects and lead to important introductions to key investment stakeholders.”

“Richmond Vanadium Technology looks forward to showcasing our Richmond Julia Creek Project in North Queensland, one of the world’s largest vanadium oxide deposits, via the Critical Minerals Investor Hub, a great initiative in supporting the development of the Queensland critical minerals industry,” added Price.

The Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus and the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy are now accessible online, along with the new Critical Minerals Investor Hub.

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The Australian Government will provide $13 million in grants to critical minerals projects in Queensland and South Australia to boost downstream processing and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

Queensland Pacific Metals will receive $8 million to bolster domestic nickel and cobalt production, while South Australian-based Renascor Resources will receive $5 million for its pilot purified spherical graphite project, the government said in a media statement.

“These grants will help to create high-paying jobs for Australian workers and mean more value is added to our critical minerals industry,” said Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King.

“We have a rich endowment of the critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies, and our Strategy will ensure Australia is well positioned to provide these resources as the world transitions to net zero. The road to net zero runs through Australia’s resources sector,” she added.

The grants, provided through the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals program, will cover up to 50 per cent of project costs and help build diversified supply chains with the support of partners in the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

In particular, the Queensland Pacific Metals project will produce battery-grade nickel and cobalt sulphate suitable for use in electric vehicles for sale to customers including General Motors in the US and LG Energy Solution and POSCO in South Korea.

The Renascor Resources Purified Spherical Graphite Pilot Processing Plant will produce purified spherical graphite for use in lithium-ion batteries. It will become Australia’s first vertically integrated graphite manufacturer.

Renascor Resources has also been supported through financing from the Critical Minerals Facility, administered by Export Finance Australia.

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Sovereign Metals announced that Rio Tint has exercised all its share options, increasing its shareholding in Sovereign to 19.76 per cent.

In particular, Rio Tinto exercised 34,549,598 share options, acquiring the same number of new fully paid ordinary shares in Sovereign at A$0.535 per share, resulting in proceeds of A$18,484,035.

Sovereign said it plans to use the proceeds from Rio Tinto’s additional strategic investment to further advance Sovereign’s Tier 1 Kasiya Rutile-Graphite Project (Kasiya) in Malawi.

This includes progressing the current optimization study for Kasiya, which focuses on developing a mine capable of supplying critical minerals to the titanium pigment, titanium metal, and lithium-ion battery industries.

“Rio Tinto’s further investment in Sovereign reaffirms Kasiya’s position as one of the most significant critical minerals projects globally,” commented Sovereign’s Chairman, Ben Stoikovich.

“With Rio Tinto’s wealth of experience as one of the world’s largest and most accomplished global mining companies, Kasiya is well-positioned to potentially become a market leader in low-CO2-footprint natural rutile and graphite.”

Under the Investment Agreement between Sovereign and Rio Tinto, Rio Tinto will continue to provide assistance and advice on technical and marketing aspects of Kasiya.

Funds from the option exercise are expected to be received by Friday, 5 July 2024.

Sovereign’s Managing Director Frank Eagar stated, “In collaboration with Rio Tinto, we have made significant progress in advancing Kasiya over the course of this year, including the successful launch of the pilot phase mining in May.”

Eagar remarked, “We are excited about Rio Tinto’s further investment in Sovereign, which represents another significant step towards unlocking a major new supply of low-CO2-footprint natural rutile and flake graphite.”

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Orica, a global leader in mining and infrastructure solutions, marked a historic milestone in June 2024 as it celebrated 150 years since its founding.

The company hosted a grand 150th Anniversary Gala in Melbourne, Victoria, bringing together officials, customers, partners, retirees, and employees to commemorate this significant achievement.

Founded in June 1874 as Jones, Scott and Company to supply explosives during Australia’s Victorian gold rush, Orica has evolved through mergers and expansions to become a cornerstone of the global manufacturing industry.

Reflecting on the journey, Orica Chairman Malcolm Broomhead remarked, “From our explosive beginnings to our global presence in more than 100 countries today, Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life.”

He continued, “Orica’s 150th milestone is a testament to the company’s strength, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a constantly evolving business landscape.”

Throughout its history, innovation has been central to Orica’s operations, driving advancements that have shaped industries worldwide.

According to the ASX-listed company, innovations like Perspex, Australia’s first skyscraper, and the WebGen wireless blasting technology underscore Orica’s commitment to pioneering solutions.

Recently, the company achieved another milestone with the first blast using low-carbon ammonium nitrate, a step towards sustainable mining practices.

Orica’s Managing Director and CEO Sanjeev Gandhi expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Orica’s legacy is built on the trust our customers and partners place in us, and the talent and innovation of our people.”

He added, “As we step into the future, we will continue to lead the industry with safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions.”

Today, Orica employs over 12,500 professionals globally, supporting a diverse range of industries including mining, quarrying, construction, and oil and gas.

The company remains dedicated to safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement while driving toward ambitious goals such as achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Gandhi concluded, “We invite all our stakeholders to join in celebrating this significant occasion, thank them for their ongoing support, and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead in our exciting future, together.”

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A joint initiative between Monash University and IIT Hyderabad is set to revolutionize the global supply chain of critical minerals through cutting-edge research and sustainable practices.

The newly established Australia-India Critical Minerals Research Hub (AICMRH) will bring together leading researchers to develop a sustainable approach to critical minerals extraction and processing, the university said in a news release.

Approved by India’s Ministry of Education (MoE), the AICMRH will offer expertise in critical minerals extraction, economic geology, sustainable mining practices, and supply chain analysis.

The initiative is part of the MoE and Government of India’s broader efforts, guided by the Empowered Committee for Industry and International Collaborations (ECIIC), to focus on critical minerals as one of its 12 strategic themes.

A Society for the Promotion of Area Resource Centers (SPARC) proposal, spearheaded by IIT Hyderabad and Monash University, has united various Indian and Australian universities, R&D labs, and industries in the critical minerals sector.

Recently sanctioned by the MoE with $1.15 million in funding, this collaboration is poised to strengthen India-Australia partnerships in this crucial field.

“This is a fantastic achievement that will greatly enhance collaborative research across India and Australia in a number of critically important areas,” said Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University.

“The AICMRH will serve as a pivotal platform for advancing collaborative research activities,” he added.

The collaboration seeks to build skills and talent to drive sustainable resource management, aligning with the G20’s commitment to diversifying supply chains for energy transitions.

Areas of focus include carbon capture storage and utilization, coal preparation upgrading, and reducing fugitive emissions from coal mining.

Professor BS Murty from IIT Hyderabad underscored the strategic significance of the partnership saying, “The AICMRH provides an exciting opportunity for India and Australia to work together to expand its increasingly important mineral resources partnership.”

He continued, “This strategic partnership embodies a concerted effort to drive impactful advancements in the critical minerals’ domain, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange on an international scale.”

The AICMRH aligns with India’s National Education Policy and the Australian Researcher Cooperation Hub (ARCH-India) of the Australian Government Department of Education.

It also supports the goals outlined in the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, aiming to develop pioneering technologies for a competitive and environmentally sustainable future.

Future plans include expanding the hub’s reach into the Indo-Pacific region by involving researchers from other countries.

To learn more about the AICMRH, please visit: AICMRH Information.

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Ampcontrol has unveiled its new Ampcontrol MegaWatt Charger, a cutting-edge solution aimed at supporting the electrification of the mining industry.

The launch took place at The Electric Mine event in Perth, Western Australia, the company said in a news release.

In particular, the MegaWatt Charger leverages high-capacity charging technology to minimise charging time and operational impact, making it a significant development for the industry.

The MegaWatt Charger features dual-mode charging, allowing it to charge multiple vehicle types with a single unit.

It can power a range of vehicles, from light passenger vehicles, like the Ampcontrol Battery Electric Vehicle DRIFTEX, to large machines, including electric haul dump trucks, trains, and buses.

“With the mining industry pushing towards decarbonisation and net zero targets, we have developed cutting-edge charging technology that balances charge time and energy management,” said Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol managing director & CEO.

Ampcontrol provides power infrastructure, renewable solutions, electric vehicles, fleet charging solutions, and cabling, all backed by extensive electrical engineering expertise.

“We listen to the needs of industry and develop products using our advanced technology and innovative solutions to support our customers. We are excited by the opportunity to showcase how Ampcontrol is challenging the future at The Electric Mine 2024 by launching the Ampcontrol MegaWatt Charger,” said Henderson.

The Electric Mine 2024 event was held from Tuesday, 21 May 2024, to Thursday, 23 May 2024, at Crown Perth, Great Eastern Highway Burswood, Perth, WA.

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Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) held a kick-off meeting at ECU’s Joondalup campus to discuss a $450,000 investment from the state government toward a new lithium extraction pilot project.

“This is just the first step in an incredibly important venture between ECU and MRIWA,” said ECU Associate Professor Amir Razmjou, the project lead.

He continued, “It is set to change the future of direct lithium extraction (DLE). We anticipate the future value for this pilot to expand over time from $4 million in the first five years, and up to $20 million at the commercialisation stages.”

According to the university, the growing dependence on lithium for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage has created an urgent need for alternative extraction methods.

Currently, global demand for lithium is around 700,000 tonnes per annum and is expected to rise to 4,000,000 tonnes by 2035.

Despite its abundance, lithium extraction poses significant environmental challenges.

“The problem is for every one tonne of lithium chemical we produce, it directly results in 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide,” explained Associate Professor Razmjou.

“Furthermore, lithium extraction requires large amounts of water, about 60,000 to 80,000 litres per tonne, which can also poison reservoirs and other water sources.”

The new pilot project aims to improve the productivity of lithium extraction while reducing its environmental impact. The technology also allows by-products to be recirculated, lowering overall costs.

“MRIWA is pleased to be able to support this innovative technology for a critical battery mineral that will reduce the carbon footprint of the value chain,” said MRIWA Research Portfolio Manager David Trotter.

“The ECU team is well placed to make the connection with future Lithium producers who want to produce the best products for its customers.”

Associate Professor Razmjou and his team of chemical engineers at ECU are using membrane technology to extract lithium.

These membranes act as filters, allowing the transportation of lithium at low energy.

“The nanochannels within the membranes are designed to selectively transport lithium from one side to the other, leaving impurities behind,” he said.

“This technology enables the selective filtration of lithium ions under an electric field, similar to how lithium-ion batteries work, shuttling lithium ions between two electrodes.”

The kick-off meeting was attended by 25 engineering, sustainability, and industry leaders, including Associate Professor Amir Razmjou, ECU’s School of Engineering Executive Dean Professor Paulo De Souza, and MRIWA Research Portfolio Managers Tim Walton and David Trotter.

“We are undertaking research that meets the needs of the industry,” said Professor Paulo de Souza. “This is all about making a difference for a global, more sustainable future.”

Associate Professor Razmjou highlighted the broader potential of the project.

“This integration with renewable energy can result in zero-lithium mining. The potential that comes with a project like this is endless, with a new DLE manufacturing line comes a new supply chain, and with it, job opportunities,” concluded Razmjou.

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