Rio Tinto has completed its previously announced acquisition of Sumitomo Chemical Company’s (SCC) 20.64% ownership interest in New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS) as of 1 November 2024. This transaction makes NZAS, which operates the Tiwai Point aluminium smelter in New Zealand, fully owned by Rio Tinto. Armando Torres, Rio Tinto Aluminium Pacific Operations Managing Director, […]

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp said on Thursday it had resumed production at the Ambatovy nickel and cobalt project in Madagascar at end-October after a pipeline issue a month before, but is reviewing future output volumes. Sumitomo has been struggling to stabilise production and improve profitability at the Ambatovy project, which launched in […]

Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM, TSX: NGT, ASX: NEM, PNGX: NEM) (“Newmont”) announced the commissioning of its first battery-electric large mining truck at the Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Teller County, Colorado, U.S. The vehicle, dubbed the Early Learner Cat® 793 XE, is an important milestone for Newmont, made possible through its strategic alliance with […]

Introduction Mining has always been a labor-intensive and high-risk industry, where productivity and safety are key priorities. The introduction of autonomous haulage systems (AHS) represents a significant shift toward improving both operational efficiency and safety in mining transportation. AHS utilizes self-driving trucks equipped with advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and data processing technologies to transport […]

Image courtesy: Clint Fleury Musselwhite mine is an underground mine located at Opapamiskan Lake, Ontario, approximately 500 kilometers north of Thunder Bay, Canada. The mine is owned 100 % by Newmont Corporation. Musselwhite’s ore is mined from two main zones below Lake Opapimiskan. Ore is processed onsite using a circuit that includes crushing, grinding, leaching […]

The integration of drone technology in mining operations has significantly transformed the industry by enhancing safety, efficiency, and data accuracy. Drones, equipped with advanced sensors and imaging capabilities, are now pivotal in various mining applications, including surveying, mapping, and monitoring. What Is a mine drone? Designed especially for or adapted for mining uses, a mine […]

Rio Tinto’s Kennecott copper mine in Utah now has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any copper producer in the US after switching all of its heavy mining equipment from conventional to renewable fuel. Now, all 97 of Kennecott’s haul trucks and heavy gear at the mine, concentrator, smelter, refinery, and tailings are powered […]

Image credit: steambot pilot & today Introduction The term “rockslide” is one that attracts attention in the field of geology. It’s a natural occurrence that can have disastrous effects on human settlements along its path as well as the environment. We shall examine rockslides in great detail in this extensive book, including their causes, consequences, […]

Image credit: KAZ Minerals Introduction Presplitting is a widely used controlled blasting technique in open-pit mining, aimed at minimizing damage to the remaining rock formation and ensuring greater stability (Pomasoncco-Najarro et al., 2022). By creating a pre-defined fracture line before the main blast, presplitting helps to prevent overbreak and unnecessary rock damage, which is especially […]

Picture credit: Geophysique TMC Introduction The integration of cutting-edge technology has transformed geophysical exploration. Drone magnetic surveys have emerged as a game-changer, offering unparalleled precision, enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional methods (ground-based surveys and airborne techniques using helicopters/aircraft), drone technology overcomes limitations in accessibility, accuracy and even cost. This breakthrough technology reshapes the […]