Mining Magazine Summer 2024

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Directors Andrew Cockbain and Abby Crawford

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Editor

Rebecca Todesco

Journalists Kody Cook

Sarah MacNamara

Tess Macallan

Art Director

Alejandro Molano

Designer

Jacqueline Buckmaster

Business Development Manager

Terry Braithwaite

Marketing Manager

Radhika Sud

Marketing Associate

Bella Predika

Digital Marketing Assistants

Emily Gray Amy Boreham

Publisher

Sarah Baker

Managing Editor

Laura Pearsall

I SSN: 2653-634X Published by

Editor’s welcome

As the dust starts to settle following the last few eventpacked months, the end of the year is finally in sight. But you’d be mistaken for thinking that this means the mining industry is slowing down in any way.

Exploration continues to charge ahead, with funding and government support backing the projects and companies that are driving the growth of Australia’s critical minerals sector. The industry is also seeing an uptick in the adoption of renewables and electrification across operations, demonstrating the sector’s commitment to doing business better.

Once again, Mining is stacked with expert insight into the biggest trends affecting the sector, including the thousands of new workers Western Australia’s resources and energy sector will need before 2029; and a new, innovative way that mine waste can be repurposed ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.

In this issue, EY explores the top ten business risks and opportunities for mining and metals in 2025, delving into the results from its latest report and the potential impacts on the sector.

conferences, and share details on the major mining event that will call South Australia home from 2025.

With additional features on sustainability, asset management and mine rehabilitation, Mining keeps its finger on the pulse of the industry to bring you the biggest topics that are impacting the sector.

This issue also takes a deep dive into the container deposit scheme that is spreading across Western Australian mine sites in a bid to tackle the 50 million ten-cent containers lost to landfill on mine sites annually.

As always, if there’s a topic, project, technology or challenge you’d like to read about in future editions, please feel free to flick me an email – I’d love to hear from you.

Rebecca Todesco Editor

Drop Rebecca a line at rebecca.todesco@primecreative.com.au or feel free to call her on 03 9690 8766 to let her know what you think. Don't forget to follow Mining on social media – find us on LinkedIn, X and YouTube.

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Pilbara Minerals looks to its future

Pilbara Minerals has locked in a new $1 billion debt facility as a revolving credit facility (RCF) to help increase the company’s financial flexibility, with competitive pricing and an enhanced covenant framework and terms.

The RCF can be utilised for refinancing and general corporate and working capital purposes, subject to drawdown conditions.

Pilbara Minerals intends to repay all outstanding amounts under its existing ten-year $250 million debt facility with Export Finance Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility

and its five-year US$113 million syndicated debt facility.

Pilbara Minerals’ Chief Financial Officer, Luke Bortoli, said establishing the RCF is an important step in maturing the company’s capital structure.

“The new corporate facility replaces Pilbara Minerals’ existing loan facilities,

Mr Bortoli said the company is pleased by the strong appetite from existing and new lenders to participate in this facility, which has strengthened the company’s institutional banking relationships as it continues to play a leading role in the global lithium value chain.

“Export Finance Australia and the

Anglo American advances sale strategy

Anglo American’s divestiture of its 33.3 per cent minority interest in Jellinbah Group, a JV that owns a 70 per cent interest in the Jellinbah East and Lake Vermont steelmaking coal mines in Australia, will result in $1.6 billion in cash proceeds.

The buyer, Zashvin, already owns 33.3 per cent of the shares in Jellinbah, along with Anglo American and Marubeni.

Anglo American does not operate the Jellinbah mines or market any of their production volumes. The sale is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

Duncan Wanblad, Chief Executive of Anglo American, said the company is delighted to have agreed terms with its JV partner, Zashvin, to sell its minority interest in Jellinbah.

“The cash proceeds of $1.6 billion reflect the exceptional quality of the Jellinbah business. Our process to sell the rest of our steelmaking coal business – being the portfolio of steelmaking coal mines that we operate in Australia – is now at an advanced stage, and we are on track to agree terms in the coming months.”

Zashvin’s James Xu said, “Jellinbah’s success has been driven by robust partnerships.

“We appreciate Anglo American’s significant role in this journey and value its dedication to making this transaction smooth and efficient.

“As a family that’s been with Jellinbah since its inception, our increased investment not only reflects our confidence in Queensland’s coal industry but also our commitment to supporting the central Queensland community.”

Bringing the world to Sydney

The International Mining and Resources Conference and Expo (IMARC) once again descended on the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 29–31 October, with a record 9,000 delegates from 115 countries crossing the threshold.

When not exploring the over 20,000m2 of exhibition floor, attendees were able to attend the more than 370 technical talks, panel discussions and keynotes taking place across the nine concurrent conferences.

Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Territory, Madeleine King, spoke at the conference for her third consecutive year as Australia’s resources minister.

During her address, Ms King highlighted the importance of the resources sector in delivering growth opportunities and benefits to the nation.

“Royalties from mining projects across our country help to build roads and hospitals, just as Australian iron ore and metallurgical coal have produced the steel that built the great cities of Asia.

“Growing our resources sector is key to achieving the net zero transition and securing a Future Made in Australia,” Ms King said.

International representation “IMARC brings together an enormous number of companies, exhibitors and

senior representatives of countries from around the world here to beautiful Sydney to discuss mining and resources,” Ms King said.

Canada, Chile, Peru, Germany, TimorLeste and France were just some of the companies with representation on the exhibition floor.

General Manager at Terrain Tamer, Brent Hutchinson, commended the event on its international presence and said Australia exports its mining expertise and knowledge well.

“[IMARC works for us because we’re growing globally and this is an international show,” he said.

“It’s Australia’s true international mining show.”

Forging connections

Over the three-day event, hundreds of meetings between miners and investors also took place at IMARC Connect. The networking opportunities on offer at IMARC 2024 was a key standout for MASPRO Regional Business Development Manager, Roxanne Bekker.

“The networking is very valuable. I always tend to catch up with the same clients coming to IMARC, touching base and really finding out what the new problems in the industry are.”

Ms Bekker stressed the importance of learning from these conversations and

workshopping with the team about what could be done to solve these issues.

“Every year, as things change, as we solve certain problems, new ones arise. You have to keep moving forward,” she said.

MASPRO National Sales Manager, Peter Lowenhoff, echoed Ms Bekker’s enthusiasm.

“I’ve had some good conversations with a couple of different companies, getting a great understanding of their whole fleet in areas and the even different mines that they actually operate on.

“I got a greater understanding of what’s happening in South America and had some good conversations with people from Peru,” he said. “I’m very interested in working with companies that we can help in those areas.”

Looking ahead

Sydney is already locked in as the host of the 2025 event, with around 70 per cent of exhibition space already sold.

IMARC COO, Anita Richards, thanked the efforts of IMARC’s Founding Partners, Austmine, AusIMM and Mines and Money, and the support of the New South Wales Government as Host Partner.

“A special thank you must also go to our sponsors and exhibitors, whose invaluable contributions are propelling us into the future,” Ms Richards said.

More than 9,000 delegates from 115 countries attended IMARC 2024.

Image:

Record job growth in resources

Western Australia’s resources sector continues to deliver record levels of employment with 134,871 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions in the 2023-24 financial year.

This marks the seventh consecutive calendar year of jobs growth, with the past five years setting record highs.

FTE positions in mining operations were up year-on-year for most minerals with the major movers being lithium, gold and iron ore.

Western Australia remained the leading destination for exploration investment in Australia with the $2.58 billion spent in 2023-24 accounting for 62 per cent of the national spend. Key exploration targets included critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths (which achieved record spending levels), nickel/cobalt and copper.

Iron ore continues to be the bedrock of Western Australia’s resource output, with sales of $142 billion supported by higher prices and record production of 866 million tonnes.

Gold continued to shine with all-time high sales of $21 billion driven by the highest prices ever recorded.

Despite the market headwinds for battery minerals, lithium ($8.4 billion), nickel ($3.8 billion) and copper ($1.1 billion) achieved strong sales, as did alumina ($6.6 billion), mineral sands ($1.2 billion) and salt ($814 million – the highest on record).

The petroleum sector continued to be an important contributor to the state economy with sales of $51 billion. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) was the main driver with sales of $36 billion, followed by condensate at $8.4 billion, domestic gas at $2.9 billion and crude oil at $2.5 billion.

Western Australia’s reputation as a well-regulated and reliable business partner saw more than $32 billion invested in the resources sector in 202324. This result continues the upwards trend in investment since mid-2019.

The investment pipeline also had projects valued at about $50 billion committed or under construction.

Western Australian Premier, Roger Cook, said that these remarkable results support jobs across the state and deliver tremendous economic benefits to Western Australia and its regional communities.

“Our economic management of the resources sector is second to none, and that is why Western Australia will drive the national economy for decades to come,” Mr Cook said.

“We are a global investment destination of choice as we remain a reliable business partner, we maintain a robust regulatory framework and we have a long history of major mining and mineral processing successes.

“I am very pleased to see the interest in critical minerals extend from exploration to production as we are working hard to ensure Western Australia plays a key role in decarbonising the global economy.”

Western Australian Minister for Mines and Petroleum, David Michael, said that Western Australia’s resources sector has delivered yet another exceptional performance and it’s great to see there are more employment opportunities than ever before.

“It’s especially pleasing to see exploration spending continue its impressive run with the global demand for commodities –especially critical minerals – showing no signs of slowing down,” Mr Michael said.

“The future looks particularly positive with billions of dollars’ worth of projects under construction or committed as we seek more downstream and midstream production activity.”

Customisation is key

Just as there is no one-size-fits-all project, equipment that can be tailored to meet specific needs is a must-have for successful projects.

With a legacy of over 45 years servicing Australian heavy industries, Toshiba’s low voltage electric motors are known for their reliability and robust nature. However, it’s the customisation capabilities of its products that the team can hang its hat on.

As Australia’s mining and resources industries continue to grow, the need for reliable motors and machinery is critical on busy project sites. Complex needs, coupled with strict regulations and rigorous safety requirements, drive industry demand for product customisation.

High-standard service

Toshiba’s low-voltage electric motors are renowned for their quality – delivering reliable power and performance to busy sites. With two large motor modification workshops strategically located in Sydney and Perth, Toshiba is perfectly placed to support the success of its clients’ projects. However, in customisation capabilities is where Toshiba’s name stands tall.

Toshiba Product Manager – Low Voltage Motors, Mark Grabe, said, “Having an experienced team in both our Sydney and Perth workshops means that Toshiba low voltage motors can be customised to the highest degree.

“It’s a service we’re really proud of, and one that we offer as a standard.”

Workshops in these vital locations means that Toshiba low voltage motors can be customised and delivered to site within days, already tailored to meet project needs.

When it comes to customising, it’s not just the odd motor here or there; 80 per cent of Toshiba motors supplied in Australia are customised to client specifications.

Comprehensive customisation

From a change in the paint colour used to enlarging the size of terminal boxes on motors; or from fitting additional thermistors/RTDs to installing special flanges or rain hats, this level of customisation means getting under the hood and delivering a completely unique product, designed for sitespecific requirements.

However, customisation never means compromise.

Toshiba motors are equipped to meet stringent safety and compliance standards for use in hazardous areas, complete with certifications and audits from international safety bodies, such as non-sparking (Ex nA), increased safety (Ex e), explosion-proof (Ex d), dust-ignition proof (Dip), and more.

Each customised Toshiba motor undergoes rigorous strength and efficiency verification testing at Toshiba’s Sydney performance testing centre.

The motors are tested on load under different parameters, based on customer needs. These tests are designed to mimic on-site conditions, demonstrating true performance to ensure the assets are ready for real-world operation.

“Our testing facility means that our customers know their motors will arrive ready to work and can face up to the pressures of site. It’s peace of

mind that you don’t get anywhere else,” Mr Grabe said.

The quality of operation is backed up by a hands-on support team. After all, motors don’t only work during business hours – they’re operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This means that Toshiba’s engineering service team is too, providing a critical emergency breakdown service. With an extensive local inventory, a new asset can be customised and supplied to site as quickly as possible, limiting costly downtime.

Australia’s heavy industries rely on assets meeting the complex requirements of unique projects as they evolve, and depth of customisation is critical.

Toshiba provides unmatched customisation capabilities for its low voltage motors, providing assurance to customers that its assets will power their projects – now and into the future.

Toshiba Winston Hills Workshop.

Images: Toshiba International Corporation

A brake motor.

Staying ahead in supply chain management

Keeping up with the latest insights and best practices for effective supply chain, logistics and procurement management is vital for maintaining a competitive edge in the modern resources sector.

As logistics networks and supply chains grow increasingly complex and vulnerable, inefficient management can, for example, lead to greater operating costs, delays in meeting deadlines and deliveries and decreased productivity. CQUniversity recognises the skills shortage and growing demand for industry professionals with supply chain, logistics and procurement expertise needed to respond to today’s fast-paced, competitive business environment.

In response, CQU has developed the Graduate Certificate in Strategic Supply Chain Operations. This specialised postgraduate course provides industry professionals and managers with contemporary knowledge and competencies to address the skills shortage in Australia’s diverse industries.

A pathway to expertise

With a choice of full-time (six months) or part-time (12 months) study, this course will provide industry professionals and managers with the latest expertise in supply chain, logistics and procurement management to help them stay ahead of the curve.

The course delves into emerging business trends, new innovative technologies, contemporary industryspecific supply chain and procurement challenges and emerging solutions. It is crafted to ensure that students are equipped with cutting-edge knowledge and competencies relevant to current industry trends and technologies. For example, it includes modules that keep students up to date on the latest emerging technologies, such as blockchain. This comprehensive approach will empower graduates to make informed decisions and drive tangible results within their organisations.

Graduates of this course can expect to have an enhanced ability to:

♦ Analyse the value chain within a supply chain by integrating advanced frameworks, finding inefficiencies and opportunities for process improvement

♦ Devise strategies for re-engineering supply chain processes to boost performance

♦ Analyse the importance of probity and integrity in procurement processes and decision-making

♦ Use insights from industry challenges and leading research to design optimised supply chain networks

♦ Employ leading procurement strategies in sourcing, tendering, and contract management

♦ A ssess the accountability and transparency of procurement practices in both public and private sectors

♦ E xplore strategies and innovative technologies to foster beneficial buyer-supplier relationships

♦ Design a procurement excellence framework incorporating ethical governance, innovation, technology and sustainability

Industry professionals and managers eager to take advantage of the valuable learnings offered in this postgraduate course must have completed an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)-equivalent Bachelor’s degree or higher equivalent qualification; or completed an AQF-equivalent Diploma qualification with a minimum of two years relevant business experience; or have a minimum of five years relevant professional business experience.

The course will launch online in March 2025. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au and search ‘strategic supply chain operations’.

WA’s battery and critical minerals exploration boost

Round 30 of the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) Co-funded Drilling Program will award 50 applicants, including six prospectors, grants worth $7.28 million for projects to be drilled between December 2024 and November 2025.

Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, David Michael, announced the successful applicants, with 17 of the successful companies targeting battery minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements (REE).

confirming a belt-scale mineral system at its nickel sulphide Mulga Tank project.

WA1 Resources is achieving promising results having drilled a discovery hole into its P2 Target in 2022 with the assistance of an EIS co-funding grant.

The company believes the site may host a large, mineralised carbonatite system located approximately 35km from the Luni discovery in the West Arunta, south of Halls Creek.

Australia as a dynamic global supplier of future battery minerals and materials.

“It is pleasing to see exploration expenditure continue to rise in Western Australia, hitting a record $2.6 billion in 2023, with demand for critical minerals soaring on the back of global decarbonisation initiatives.

Recent success stories from co-funded drilling projects include Kingfisher Mining, which reported a new lode of REE mineralisation at its Mick Well project.

Western Mines Group also reported success this month with the company’s EIS co-funded drilling in early 2024,

Applications for Round 31 of the Co-funded Drilling Program, Series 8 of the Energy Analysis Program (EAP) and Venture 2 of the Co-funded Geophysics Program (CGP) will open in February 2025.

Mr Michael said, “The race to find critical minerals underlines the State Government’s aim to position Western

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“The EIS continues to support major mineral discoveries, with each project increasing the odds of opening new mines and creating jobs in regional communities.

“Our mining sector has once again demonstrated the significance of mineral exploration to Western Australia’s prosperity, with mineral sales reaching $192 billion in 2023.”

Images: Debbie Morrow.

Debbie at West Musgrave in August 2024 visiting as a member of the GR Engineering Services Board.

A promise for safer mining

Mining spoke to Agrimin CEO and MD, Debbie Morrow, about her switch from project to corporate positions, keeping miners safe and potash contributing to global food security.

In September 2023, Debbie Morrow joined Agrimin as CEO and Managing Director. Ms Morrow’s journey to Agrimin involved 24 years at Woodside, with 16 years spent on projects before moving to corporate roles, followed by a stint with OZ Minerals as global Projects Executive. In April 2024, Debbie also joined the Board of GR Engineering Services as a NonExecutive Director.

Agrimin is a Western Australia-based minerals company and owns the Mackay Potash Project. The Mackay project is predicted to be the world’s lowest cost producer of sulphate of potash (SOP).

SOP is a speciality fertiliser, with demand forecast to grow in order to feed the growing global population against the challenge of shrinking arable land.

Lake Mackay is currently the largest undeveloped SOP brine deposit in the world, boasting a considerable drainable mineral resource of 123 million tonnes.

When the opportunity to work at Agrimin presented itself, Ms Morrow said the decision to move was daunting, not just because she was moving to her first CEO and MD role, but because the commodity in Western Australia had struggled in the past.

“There was a lot of negative sentiment about the commodity in Western Australia as the two early movers had not been commercially successful.

“Going from a big company where your financial sustainability or security is not something you ever really worry about as an employee, to the junior environment was also very different,” she said.

“But the more I learnt about potash, and the more I understood about global food security challenges, the more I wanted to be involved.”

Career pathway

Ms Morrow made the decision to join Agrimin after learning more about

the commodity and its role in global food security.

“I love the commodity, I love the project that we’re going to be developing and I love the land and communities we will be operating on and with for many years ahead. That's how I got here.”

The transition from project delivery to corporate roles did not come easily.

“When I transitioned from major projects in Woodside to the corporate roles in Woodside, I really struggled, to be honest.

“I had historically excelled at bringing teams together to deliver a highly visible goal with tangible interim milestones, and corporate roles are not the same as that. You don’t have the same fast-paced, ever-present goals that you must achieve. My leadership style has certainly had to change over time, and this role again has been another significant shift.”

Ms Morrow’s exposure to the resources industry started from a young age, with her father in the offshore drilling industry. Her own entry to the industry was something of an accident after accepting a summer vacation slot at Worley resulted in her falling in love with the resources industry.

Overcoming barriers

The mining and resources industry has experienced significant momentum

years, and Ms Morrow has seen the shift occurring firsthand.

“I look back to when I started over 25 years ago, when bullying and sexual harassment was rife and known about and tolerated. It was clear in those days that women didn’t progress as fast or as far, or even at all, in some cases.”

Ms Morrow has a key piece of advice for other women embarking on their own journeys in the industry, no matter their role or ambition.

“The thing that helped me the most was having true sponsors; not mentors, not ones that are assigned to you, but having sponsors that will speak for you in rooms when you're not there. They don't necessarily need to be significantly more senior. They just need to be in different and the right rooms.”

Another key lesson she learned early in her career was the importance of being true to herself.

“I think I tried to fit in a bit too much, to emulate my successful male colleagues in terms of style and approach rather than being more myself,” Ms Morrow said.

“A now laughable example is when I got a promotion and a female colleague sat me down and suggested that I should start dressing more like a man, because if I wanted to keep progressing, the more they thought I fitted in, the more chance I'd have of being promoted.

“It is easier to be what you can see. We all need to see female leaders being themselves.”

Ms Morrow strives to use her platform to speak at as many conferences and events as possible in an effort to help everyone that is following her through the ranks.

Although significant progress is being made industry-wide to change the nature of the workforce and ways of working, Ms Morrow said that women still have to make certain sacrifices if they want to follow in her footsteps.

Debbie and her son Charlie at the Kiwirrkurra School for 2024 NAIDOC Celebrations.

“If you want to choose an executive pathway, and if you want to aim for the C-suite and beyond, you need to make a conscious decision as a female that that’s what you’re going to do,” she said.

“I say that because particularly if you have a family, there are times in your career where getting the balance right for both work and at home can be very tough. I would describe it, no matter your circumstance, as a period of compromise, having a family and progressing your career.”

Compromise aside, Ms Morrow said that one of the best pieces of advice she can give to other women in the industry is to be themselves.

“Get your circle around you, to support you, take every opportunity offered, have fun and be yourself. Staying true to your own personal values can sometimes feel challenging in our industry, but it’s so

important that you don’t lose your own compass along the way.”

Shoring up food security

A keen interest of Ms Morrow is helping the industry understand the potential of SOP in contributing to global food security.

At present, the Mackay Potash Project is at the stage of finalising approvals and gathering investment. Ms Morrow said that although global investor interest is quite strong for SOP, the challenge from a domestic perspective is to prove that the company and project have a technical solution that will be commercially viable in Western Australia.

“The world needs our commodity, and currently Australia relies on importing this critical fertiliser. Our Lake Mackay Potash Project is going to be six per cent of global supply from just one asset in

Western Australia, and we have much more potash opportunity than that as a state, and as a country.

“On the global stage, the investment opportunities are much more significant because the demand for potash is outstripping supply.

“Globally, potash is emerging as a critical mineral and supply chains are realising that not only do we not have enough of this commodity, a significant amount of the global market relies on China and China also has high domestic use.”

Keeping workers safe

Alongside her passion for SOP and supporting other women in the industry, increasing worker safety is a topic she is vocal about. In the last 24 months, there have been 15 fatalities in mining and resources in Australia, a figure which Ms Morrow called “heartbreaking”.

When it comes to worker safety the best approach is to eliminate the risk altogether and technological innovations can go a long way in facilitating this. Although technology is certainly assisting in this endeavour, Ms Morrow said that there will always be workers in the industry and that keeping them safe should be the foremost priority.

“I still maintain a huge focus on people,” she said. “It’s people that get injured; it’s people that are on the front line – the ones making those final decisions when, unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong.

“The innovation that is happening is fantastic, and I think it is going to significantly reduce risk in the industry, but we still need to keep focusing on people.

“Even though some roles might be removed or become less risky it’s still all about people for me – making sure that people go home.”

Ms Morrow said one focus area is the concept that there should only ever be one workforce on a site: one cohesive health, safety and well-being culture.

“If you look at most of the fatalities, they’re contractors, not employees. There should only ever be one workforce on a construction and operational site: not an owner and contractor workforce.”

With a large portion of the sector’s workforce consisting of contractors, the cycling workforce can lead to challenges of competence, experience and capability.

“Sometimes with management systems you've got owners’ systems, then contractors, and even subcontractors with subcontractors. It starts becoming

Debbie and Charlie arriving in Kiwirrkurra to share in 2024 NAIDOC celebrations.

quite difficult to ascertain for your own governance and assurance that everything, all the checks and balances are not only there, but they’re being diligently applied.

“Anything that makes people’s roles on site more ambiguous or complex leaves room for error,” she said.

Ms Morrow said that having one genuine and cohesive culture of care for every person that comes on-site is the best way to set up for success.

“I know sometimes financially that’s difficult; I know sometimes the sites are so large it’s difficult; sometimes there’s so many contractors, it’s difficult; the workforce rotates, it’s difficult. But if we keep saying it’s all difficult, and we don’t try to simplify and form cohesion then I think we’re not using every single tool in our toolkit to make sure that health, safety and well-being is the core of everything we do.”

Miners Promise

Further underscoring her commitment to safety is Ms Morrow’s Non-Executive Board role with Miners Promise, a charity that “is doing a job that none of us want to have to do”.

Miners Promise steps in and supports the families of individuals who have died on-site, filling the gap in what the employer and EAP can do. Miners Promise helps with practicalities like paying for funeral costs, liaising with police and coroners, offering mortgage or rental support, providing food, managing donations for the families

and establishing trusts for the affected children’s education. Most importantly of all, Miners Promise provides a dedicated Family Support Adviser who offers traumainformed grief support and counselling, a trusted companion on a journey of tragedy that no one should have to experience –losing a loved one at work.

Ms Morrow said that one key difference in what Miners Promise does compared to the EAP or other mental health plans is that it doesn’t stop.

“We are there for as long as the families need us, and sometimes that can go on for years post-event and we're still there supporting them with counselling, our family support groups and any other needs they have.”

Ms Morrow said the organisation has sadly been very busy in the last two years, with most of the 15 families affected by workplace tragedies under the care of Miners Promise. To further support the families under its care, Miners Promise is working on a strategy to be more accessible to industry and establish a sustainable financial structure.

“We need a sustainable funding model, because we need to be here when the industry and families need us.”

Ms Morrow said that with many company vision statements and health and safety policies saying that all injuries and incidents are preventable, it can be hard to get mining companies onboard.

"Trying to get companies to invest in Miners Promise in advance of a tragic event is quite tricky, because no one wants to plan for, or have, a fatality.

“It’s an amazing organisation but it's one that all of us would love not to need to exist.”

The feedback coming from the industry uncovered a reluctance from some mining companies to have their logos on the Miners Promise website, as it could be seen as the company accepting the likelihood of fatalities occurring.

To combat this, Miners Promise has come up with a new strategy where companies can sign up through a ‘Partnership of Care’.

“This means we’re there if you need us and your sign-up contribution and modest annual retainer makes sure we’re there for other families that need us across the whole Australian industry.

“The game-changer with the new ‘Partnership of Care’ model is that with sign-up we would integrate with emergency response plans, or whatever the different companies call them so that in the event of a tragic fatality, Miners Promise will be an integral and immediate part of the response activation.

“At the moment, when tragedy strikes we are often searching through our networks to find a contact into the mine site, which means that the families miss out because they’re not getting the absolute best of care as quickly as possible.

“We’d love to not be needed, but conversely, we want to be there to care for families in the terrible event that they do need us.”

Revolutionising gold leach and CIL processes

In an industry where maximising ore recovery is critical, mining organisations turn to companies that differentiate themselves through the provision of top-tier solutions.

Hayward Gordon, a leading brand in industrial mixing technology, distinguishes itself by offering its 3AM45 impellers with a unique mid-solidity axial flow design. This design is unparalleled in the industry and provides exceptional benefits for carbonin-leach (CIL) and gold leach applications.

Enhanced gas handling and dispersion efficiency

The mid-solidity impellers are engineered to improve the efficiency of oxygen dispersion compared to the low-solidity hydrofoil. Their unique design ensures oxygen is effectively broken into smaller bubbles, enhancing mass transfer rates and ensuring uniform oxygen distribution throughout slurry. This is crucial for maximising gold recovery rates and improving overall process efficiency.

Superior slurry mixing performance

In gold leach and CIL applications, midsolidity impellers provide superior mixing performance by maintaining a balance between shear and flow. The impeller’s unique blade surface area allows it to handle apparent viscosities exhibited by the slurry that can occur when the solids concentrate reaches approximately 50 per cent by weight.

This flow and shear balance is essential for preventing sedimentation of the solids and ensuring a homogeneous mixture. The improved mixing performance leads

to better contact between the gold ore and the leaching agents, resulting in higher gold extraction rates.

Reduced carbon breakage

An advantage of mid-solidity impellers in CIL applications is reducing carbon breakage. With more mixing at a lower tip speed, the design minimises the mechanical stress on activated carbon particles, preserving integrity and enhancing absorption capacity. This boosts efficient gold recovery and reduces the need for frequent carbon replacement.

Energy efficiency and cost savings

Through impeller design optimisation, these mixers require less power to achieve desired mixing results, leading to significant energy consumption savings. When comparing the impeller power number (Np) to the impeller flow number (Nq) of other types of impellers, the AM mid-solidity hydrofoil provides maximum flow while reducing the mixers’ operating costs. This efficiency contributes to a lower cost of ownership and a more sustainable and environmentally friendly gold leaching process.

Versatility across applications

Mid-solidity impellers are versatile and can be effectively used in various stages of the gold leach and CIL processes. Their robust design ensures reliable performance and longevity, making them suitable for challenging environments. Whether in the initial leaching tanks or the final CIL stages, these impellers consistently deliver high-quality mixing results, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the gold extraction process.

Custom solutions

Maintaining the optimal performance of equipment is crucial. Agitators essential for mixing and maintaining homogeneity in gold leach or other applications can benefit from a review of the installed mixer.

HG’s approach to upgrading agitators involves thoroughly assessing the existing equipment and process requirements. EBARA HG can recommend and implement upgrades that enhance performance using the latest impeller technology and extensive process knowledge.

Industries evolve, and so do their processes. Changes in production methods, raw materials, or regulatory requirements can necessitate modifying existing agitators.

EBARA HG’s flexibility and adaptability makes it an ideal partner for retrofitting agitators to meet new process demands. EBARA HG provides customised solutions, ensuring upgraded equipment aligns perfectly with the updated process parameters.

EBARA HG’s portfolio includes a variety of Hayward Gordon mixers and agitators, each designed to handle specific applications and built to deliver reliable and efficient performance. This versatility allows the company to cater to various industries, from mining to chemical processing.

EBARA HG’s commitment to innovation and quality makes it a leader in agitator upgrades and retrofits. EBARA HG’s ability to diagnose performance issues and adapt to changing process requirements ensures its clients can maintain optimal operations. In choosing the Hayward Gordon brand, industries can benefit from enhanced efficiency, reduced operational costs and improved product quality.

For more information, visit ebarahg.com

EBARA

3AM45 impellers in gold leach tank.

3AM45 impellers and shaft on ground.

Imagess: EBARA HG

The WA Mining wrap-up

The dust has officially settled on the 2024 WA Mining Conference and Exhibition, and Mining is here with your comprehensive event wrap-up.

For the fifth year in a row, the WA Mining Conference and Exhibition took over the Perth Conference and Exhibition Centre. This year’s event experienced the highest attendance in its history, with more than 3,000 visitors attending the twoday event.

From 9–10 October, the PCEC was transformed into a hub of technological innovation, with state-of-the-art solutions on display for attendees, across the expansive exhibition floor.

The 2024 exhibition floor featured an expanded range of exhibitors, with big names including Epiroc, ifm, Motion, RaptorTech and Blackwoods all showcasing their latest innovations and cutting-edge technology.

The 2024 event was Viper Metric’s second time exhibiting at the show.

Local Perth business RaptorTech exhibited at the event for its second year in a row.

(L-R) Mining Editor,

Upton, Research Portfolio Manager at Minerals Research Institute Western Australia, Geoff Batt, and United Nations Association of Australia (WA

Environment Committee Convenor, Dr Silvia Lozeva, discuss developing a circular economy for critical minerals.

Thought-leading conference

The extensive speaker conference attracted a stream of delegates encompassing the breadth of the resources sector, examining areas such as decarbonisation, tech-driven mining operations and developing a circular economy for critical minerals, to name a few.

Experts from industry, academia and government shared their insight, case studies and thought leadership, including a panel discussion with Rio Tinto and asset- and material-tracking specialists Track’em on empowering operational excellence.

Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister, David Michael, kicked off the conference on day one,

telling attendees that the Western Australian mining sector has plenty to be excited about.

“It is clear from the breadth of topics on the conference agenda that the sector remains strong and there are opportunities on the horizon.

“Tech in the Western Australian mining sector has been applied to a range of industries and regions worldwide. The continued innovation we see is crucial as companies and governments seek solutions and adapt to climate change,” Minister Michael said.

“Western Australia is already well established as a global resources leader, and this will continue to grow into the future.”

Other presentations from key industry personnel included Minerals Council of Australia, Executive Director – Western Australia, David Parker, Alcoa Principal Research Scientist, Talitha Satini and Head of Economics at the Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia, Aaron Walker.

From the exhibition floor

Throughout the two-day event, Mining took to the floor to hear from some of the event’s exhibitors.

Rick Hurlbatt from Viper Metrics said that the 2024 event was the company’s second year at the show and it was much more successful than last year.

“We had a lot more people coming through and lots of good conversations

Rebecca Todesco, Partner at Deloitte, Mark

Division)

that are 100 per cent conversations that we probably wouldn’t get access to

Mr Hurlbatt said that crowd attending the 2024 event had a lot of diversity, which was “fantastic” for the company.

“We don’t do a lot of advertising outside of this event, and this really brings in some new leads who wouldn’t have heard about the products before,” he said.

It’s a sentiment that was echoed by National Account Manager for

“It’s been a good flow of people with lots of new networking opportunities and people to talk to – both suppliers that are exhibiting and just wandering through, and also end-users and customers as well, which is great.”

Mr Bodel said that Blackwoods has such a vast range industries and verticals it works in, so exhibiting at WA Mining gave it a chance to demonstrate its capability and understanding, build its network and find the right people to talk to.

“You very rarely get an opportunity to get everyone in the same room,” he said. “Mining in Western Australia and across Australia is very region-based. It’s very hard and costly to go see all of those and many of those.

“These events give you an opportunity to try and draw those people into one room and one space, to try and capture as much as you can, and is an easy and streamlined way to then follow up later.”

Local Perth business RaptorTech exhibited at the event for its second time in a row. Aaron Locke, one of the founders of RaptorTech, said that exhibiting at WA Mining was incredibly important for brand recognition.

“We kicked off about six years ago as a business, and when you come out, no one knows who you are.”

Mr Locke said that even if RaptorTech doesn’t directly sell anything at the show, it’s important that people know it’s there.

“We’ve got people who saw us last year and they’ve come back this year and seen how much our stuff’s evolved. They’re really interested in working with us,” he said.

“For us, its about getting that exposure that's in a crowded marketplace and is difficult to get.”

Celebrating innovation

For the first time in the event’s history, the Australian Mining Prospect Awards were held on the first night of the WA Mining event.

Adorned in their finest formal wear, attendees were treated to floor-toceiling views of Perth’s skyline as they celebrated those who are excelling and going above and beyond in the industry.

The esteemed awards have been celebrating and rewarding innovation across the country’s resources sector for more than a decade.

idoba CEO, Sarah Coleman, delivering her keynote at WA Mining.

This year’s Prospect Awards recognised industry excellence in eleven categories, with awards sponsored by some of the biggest names in the Australian sector.

A big congratulations again to the following winners:

♦ Indigenous and Community Engagement Award – Buru Rehab

♦ E xcellence in IIoT Application Award –Orica Digital Solutions

♦ E xcellence in Environmental Management & Sustainability Award –BHP’s West Musgrave project

♦ E xcellence in Mine Safety, OH&S Award

– Roy Hill’s ‘Safer Summer’ program

♦ Project Lead of the Year –Claude Mocellin

♦ Innovative Mining Solution –IPI Australia

♦ Outstanding Mine Performance –Mineral Resources

♦ Mine Project Success of the Year –Robson Civil Projects

♦ S afety Advocate of the Year –Lani Hilder

♦ Discovery of the Year – IGO

♦ Australian Mine of the Year – Roy Hill

What to expect for 2025

This year was Prime Creative Media’s first time holding the event and General Manager of Events, Siobhan Rocks, is eager to build on the event’s exceptional reputation.

“Western Australia is an important market for the mining industry, and we’re focused on connecting buyers in that market, so they don’t have to come all the way over to the eastern seaboard to talk to people within mining communities,” she said.

“At the end of the day, we’re here to connect mining businesses, and our packed exhibition floor showcased technical and digital innovations across the entire resources value chain.”

Ms Rocks said she is delighted that so many people from Western Australia’s mining industry turned up to celebrate the industry.

“It’s clear from discussions at the event that the industry is undergoing a tremendous amount of change and we’re excited to continue to champion the sector’s growth and success.”

The WA Mining Conference and Exhibition will return in October 2025, and Ms Rocks said the team is taking on the feedback they received from this year’s attendees to make next year’s event bigger and better.

“The team have hit the ground running and are already looking towards the next event,” Ms Rocks said. “We’re excited to be involved in championing Western Australia’s dynamic and world-leading resources sector.”

On-site maintenance boosting uptime

Off-site machine repairs delay projects and hurt profitability, which is why delivering on-site maintenance for heavy mining equipment is crucial to maximise uptime and minimise costs.

Field Machine Tools (FMT) – an Australian-owned company that has grown to become one of Australasia’s leading suppliers for specialist on-site maintenance machines – was recently announced as the Australian distributor for Specialised Fabrication Equipment (SFE) Group.

The partnership is set to drastically increase FMT’s product range with specialised tools and equipment that will help it better service the mining industry.

SFE Group was formed with the vision of merging various fabrication tool businesses and brands together to offer the world’s most comprehensive range of orbital welding, fabrication, precision engineered applications and cutting solutions for a wide variety of industries.

It was founded in 2019 after the merger of three world-leading original equipment manufacturers in the field of fabrication equipment, tooling and machinery: B&B Pipe and Industrial Tools LLC, Mathey Dearman Inc and TAG Pipe Equipment Specialists. SFE Group has also acquired the AXXAIR Group, Magnatech LLC and, most recently, Climax Portable Machining & Welding Systems LLC.

Designed for the sector

Climax offers on-site repair and maintenance machines, reducing downtime and keeping equipment like excavators, tractors, loaders and cranes operational. Thousands of companies worldwide rely on Climax to maintain their fleets and maximise machine uptime.

Mining operations are remote and challenging, with fierce competition and thin profit margins. Downtime is costly, making portable machine tools essential. Climax has long been trusted by the mining industry for its reliable and efficient tools.

Underground repairs require versatile, adjustable equipment to perform

efficiently in cramped conditions. The Climax BB5000 line boring machine meets these needs with its compact design and 30-minute installation. It integrates with automated welders, enabling simultaneous boring and welding to improve productivity.

A leading product range

By combining forces with Climax, SFE Group now offers the world’s most extensive range of highly engineered industrial tools for portable machining, cutting, orbital welding and specialised fabrication. Climax offers one of the most comprehensive product ranges on the market with over 53 years’ experience in the industry.

As the Australian distributor for SFE Group and an existing supplier of Climax tools and products, FMT has cemented itself as Australia’s leading supplier for specialist on-site machining equipment and portable maintenance machines.

FMT Group provides a very broad range of products and accessories for the industries it serves. By developing relationships with job shops and manufacturers in the US, Europe and other overseas sources, FMT delivers quality products to Australia. This strategy enables FMT to furnish customers with the best products available and the most affordable pricing in the industry.

For more information, visit fmt.com.au

Climax BB5000 Line Borer Valve Repair.

H&S Tool AFC Clamshell Lathe Pipe Cutter/Beveller.

Transforming the lifecycle of mining

By Guy Boggs, CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME)

Decades ago, the concept of mine closure – the process of planned decommissioning and rehabilitation of a disturbed site – expanded the mining life-cycle.

This expansion was in response to environmental legacies left by sites previously considered to be effectively remediated and others that had been abandoned by poor operators.

Much time, investment and expertise has deepened understanding of the environmental, technical and other challenges of mine closure since then.

Driving much of this work was the mindset that returning land to its prior state should be the goal. Yet, while there is a growing catalogue of instances of land restored to native vegetation or for pastoral or other agriculture use, there are still too few examples of sites being relinquished.

Recognition of the social, economic, environmental and cultural complexity of mine closure and post-mine transitions is increasing alongside costs associated with delivering commitments. Many companies have had to revise upwards publicly disclosed closure liabilities.

This is occurring at the same time as regions across Australia – and globally –are preparing for or undergoing structural transformations as mines end production. It’s also important to remember the fundamental truth that all mines will eventually close.

It’s time to shift focus

With almost 240 mines in Australia expected to close by 2040 – about ten per cent of all current mines – the time is now to change the industry’s approach.

Importantly, there is increasing recognition of the need to do so. And, at the core of this, is recognition to shift focus from what is being transitioned out of – mining – to what is being transitioned into.

Changing the frame can help put the collective focus on how value is optimised and can be delivered through closure phases of mining and positions all stakeholders for their post-mine future.

Capitalising on a growing opportunity

Changing the frame can also help see the opportunities within mine closure and transitions, despite the challenges.

In 2023, CRC TiME partnered with CSIRO on the Enabling mine closure and transitions: Opportunities for Australian industry report – the first exploration of the market in mine closure technology, services and equipment for local, Indigenous and Australian enterprises.

Landmark analysis found expenditure on mine rehabilitation and closure activities could exceed $4 billion each year to 2040.

This alone sets out a compelling case for coordinated action to turn the domestic challenge into local and global opportunities.

As the report notes, this $4 billion expenditure represents a demand for equipment, technology and service solutions that optimise mine closure and transitions to both reduce closure costs and create better environmental and social outcomes.

Waste reduction and resource recovery

Recovery of resources in mine and tailings is gaining increasing attention. CRC TiME’s mine closures industry report noted the business opportunity in solutions that enable efficient and precise mineral extraction and processing to reduce the volume of waste generated during mining

waste management liabilities at closure.

This is being seen in development and deployment of novel low-impact and precision mining technologies. For example, EnviroCopper is undertaking pilot-scale projects to extract copper from legacy copper mines in South Australia. Solutions are also needed to re-use mined waste rock piles for use on mine sites or in other industries, reducing waste volume managed during mine closure processes. For instance, waste rock and tailings are commonly co-disposed to backfill mining voids with physically stable mixtures, where economically feasible. Or construction materials for local infrastructure can be produced via circular economy principles.

Developing technologies to characterise and recover critical and strategic minerals resources from mining waste, potentially offsetting the costs of mine rehabilitation activities, is another growing field. Australia’s Mine Waste Atlas, hosted by Geoscience Australia, presents a world first pre-competitive data set to support project development.

Repurposing and transitioning for post-mine use

The mining estate covers disturbed and non-disturbed land and has direct and indirect relationships with many regional communities across Australia. The mined landscape is now being viewed through a lens of value and how the investment being made can position assets for future use.

CRC TiME’s foundational study on post-mining land uses across Australia and global case studies, featured in the recently released book 102 things to do

Images: CRC TiME

CEO of CRC TiME, Guy Boggs.

Lake Kepwari near Collie, WA, is an example of a transition from coal mine to recreational lake.

with a hole in the ground, highlighted the breadth of novel uses being found for mining features, ranging from tourism opportunities to hosting renewable energy projects or even internationally significant dark matter research facilities.

A values-based shift to nature, driven by nature positive and decarbonisation commitments being made by different sectors and investment community is also leading to a relook at land under mining stewardship. This raises questions on how and where investment is best directed to optimise natural capital value.

Partnerships and governance structures that bring post-mine stakeholders into decision-making processes as early as possible often lead to novel solutions being progressed and are critical to a valued and accepted post-mine transition. Developing new solutions can enable effective engagement, co-design, and mutually beneficial partnerships to improve social performance, reduce social and governance risks and optimise outcomes. These include tools for inclusive communication, facilitation of complex stakeholder engagements and data management solutions.

Fostering Traditional Owner opportunities

The creation and continuation of business and employment opportunities for First Nations and regional communities delivers long-term benefits. Traditional knowledge, stewardship practices and deep connection to Country are invaluable cultural assets to protect, nurture and actively support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and businesses can economically benefit in the emerging industry of sustainable seed collection services for revegetation and rehabilitation. Training a new workforce in seed supply

services is already on its way, with examples like the Gelganyem Seed Project, the collaboration within the Midwest Employment and Economic Development Aboriginal Corporation, Kakadu Native Plants rehabilitating the Ranger project, and Rio Tinto’s Weipa bauxite mine being supplied seeds by Aurukun, Paranum and Mapoon collection groups.

Traditional Owners are vital in improving closure and post-closure outcomes. Kia Dowell, Chair of Gelganyem, explains Traditional Owner Business involvement in the closure and rehabilitation of the Argyle diamond mine:

“Traditional Owner Businesses (TOBs) play a crucial role in the mine closure process by providing a broad range of services including earthworks and civil packages, plumbing, electrical, maintenance, environmental monitoring, land management, cultural awareness training and cultural heritage protection. There are 21 TOBs on site, seven off site (not working on ADM closure) and four new businesses (still getting established).”

Delivering value for regions

The consistent message heard at CRC TiME is the need for better and new resources to guide potential post-mining land use activities and recognise the transition capacity of regions. Put simply, it is a need for tools that support the transition to what’s next.

Together with partners across different regions, CRC TiME is developing tools to support:

♦ Regional cumulative effects assessment and management, including guidance, a roadmap, toolkit and principles for integrating Indigenous and Western knowledges

♦ Collaborative planning for people

navigating mine land transition through a deliberative, consensusbuilding process that provides lessons for other regions in transition Regional workforce planning, including a new regional employment forecasting tool to understand the effects of diversification currently being piloted in the Bowen Basin, Queensland and Bell Bay, Tasmania Legacy and post-mine atlas concepts, including developing atlases on water, sites to potentially host renewable energy resources and mineral byproducts that can support regional planning, including attraction of new post-mine investment

Together, these tools will better equip regional communities, miners, postmine investors, Traditional Owners and businesses and governments to create and deliver solutions that best align with regional economic futures.

Re-evaluating skills training

If the goal is to transform the mining lifecycle for the better, people involved in mine closure and transitions need the right skills at the right time to understand what is possible.

Given the current mine closure education and training options across the country were unclear and scattered, CRC TiME engaged the Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) and Business Skill Victoria (BSV) to undertake a strategic review of the available offerings.

Interestingly, in Australia, only 36 professional development courses cover mine closure in some form; of those, only two do so specifically. Fifteen higher education units exist with mine closure as a learning outcome, and there is no VET qualification in mine closure currently available.

CRC TiME is working to fill this gap, with cross-cutting education and training projects. CRC TiME is partnering with Curtin University (CU) on an Indigenousled project to develop VET products relating to mine closure and post-mine transitions. CU and the University of Queensland delivered the world-first Mass Open Online Course ‘Foundations of Mine Closure and Sustainable Transitions’ in 2023-24 as part of this program.

Re-framing the transition of mines post-closure as an opportunity raises questions, challenges and innovation. What is clear is there are significant benefits to all stakeholders that can be realised through this new approach.

The 2023 public panel and breakfast event in the Latrobe Valley, a collaboration between Federation University, the Latrobe Valley Authority, Regional Development Australia and CRC TiME.

The fluids in mining applications are among the most volatile that a pump can move.

Tough work, tough pumps

The mining industry puts pumps through more extreme conditions than any other sector, which is why choosing the right equipment is vital.

Pumps on mine sites face a variety of harsh conditions and operational challenges that can lead to equipment failure, and therefore costly downtime and repairs.

The most prevalent cause of mine dewatering pump failure is clogging from gritty, suspended solids and slurry. Water that makes direct contact with the operation is often dirty, containing foreign materials such as drill cuttings or solids generated by site traffic.

To overcome this issue, site managers can use a pump with solids handling features, such as abrasion-resistant coatings and lip seals to prevent solids from contacting the mechanical seal.

The fluids in mining applications are among the most volatile that a pump can move. From superheated water laden with pyrite, iron or sand, to emulsified brine phase drilling fluid, there is no shortage of liquids that will punish a pump over time.

Even the hardiest equipment can succumb to corrosion, so it is important to choose pumps that are designed to be resistant to harsh materials, and to perform regular inspections to catch corrosion issues before they turn into costly failures.

A supplier that knows the score

Established in 1968, ROTO Pumps is a pioneering manufacturer of progressive cavity pumps in India, with more than 50 years’ experience providing high-quality, efficient and reliable pumping solutions to a wide variety of industries.

ROTO Pumps has exported its pumping solutions to more than 50 countries around the world, demonstrating its dependability as a manufacturer and supplier of high-quality equipment.

It has been a supplier of pumps directly to Australia since 2001 – its first warehouse outside of India. With its head office in Dandenong and satellite sales managers in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth, ROTO Pumps’ reach is steadily growing as end-users recognise its high-quality products and expertise.

Purpose built and industry tested

The earliest of ROTO Pumps’ products were used in a variety of mining operations, thus ROTO Pumps’ niche in the sector is strongly rooted in its more than half a century of experience providing dependable pumping solutions for critical applications.

ROTO Pumps understands that pumping equipment must be especially robust to withstand the harsh conditions of the resources sector. Responding to the needs of the industry, ROTO Pumps offers a range of solutions proven to be effective in a variety of mining applications, including mineral processing, slurry transfer, dewatering, emulsion matrix, cement and slurry transfer, water spray for dust suppression and other general applications.

ROTO Pumps offers technical consultation services to assist customers in selecting the optimal pumping solution for their specific application. ROTO Pumps’ experts analyse site conditions and fluid properties and recommend the most efficient pumping solution.

ROTO Pumps also offers a preventive maintenance service to ensure troublefree operation of pumps in the long run, including services for equipment from other manufacturers.

For more information, visit rotopumps.com.au

E mpowering your mine operations with Roto’s high pressure flexible shaft series pumps. Unleash the solution that challenges excess wate r, ensuring safe and efficient operations ; the Underground Maintena n ce Engineers’ Choice for ground water control.

Features:

•Robust construction for prolonged life and reliable performance

• Adaptable for challenging underground environments, available in fixed station configurations for single lift or staging along with portable packaged solutions

• Forge a direct connection with the manufacturer, ensuring personalised support,

Mining for the energy transition

By Michael Rundus, EY Regional Mining and Metals Leader, Oceania

A new report from EY explores how the energy transition is disrupting the sector and permeating 2025’s risks and opportunities radar.

Michael Rundus Image: EY

1. Capital

2. Environmental stewardship

3. G eopolitics

4. Resource/reserve depletion

5. License to operate

6. Rising costs and productivity

7. Climate change

8. New projects

9. Changing business models

10. Innovation

Capital takes top spot

Mining companies are under increasing pressure to manage capital effectively while making strategic investments in future growth. The huge demand from the energy transition means miners must increase output and grow.

Environmental stewardship a standout

Environmental stewardship ranks second in the report this year, with miners elevating it above a broader focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG). This is largely driven by growing investor expectations and new environmental standards.

According to the survey, nearly half of the industry’s leaders (46 per cent) are confident in their ability to fulfil their nature-positive obligations – underscoring a broader commitment to address environmental concerns proactively.

Waste management is another area of scrutiny from investors. This year, the focus on waste extends beyond

biodiversity, water management and other critical ESG issues across the sector.

Concerns amid rising demand

Resource depletion, ranked fourth, and new projects, ranked eighth, are new risks identified in the study this year, driven by soaring demand for minerals and rising exploration and construction costs.

Achieving global decarbonisation targets by 2050 will require a significant increase in the number of mines and volumes produced. However, capital raised for exploration has declined by four per cent year-on-year, with budgets favouring gold over future-facing minerals like copper. Lack of new discoveries and long permitting times add further complexity to the situation and put the energy transition at real risk.

With few major copper discoveries in the last decade and a global average of 15.7 years to bring a new mine online, the industry is facing a critical supply gap.

Geopolitics ranked higher in the latest survey than it did previously, with more companies realising the necessity of building resilient supply chains and initiating alternative strategic options, including partnerships and joint ventures.

Four risks fell out of the top ten in EY’s latest report – governance, cyber, digital and workforce. The omission of cyber and digital could be due to an increase in awareness and the widespread use and integration of digital solutions into everyday business. Although there is still a focus on cybersecurity, exclusion from the list could mean that companies are at the post-implementation stage whereby they are managing and maintaining solutions.

Ongoing skills and labour shortages continue to plague the industry, making the omission of workforce from the list surprising. Workforce risks have a significant ripple-on effect on other risks, yet as many as 55 per cent of survey respondents did not include it in their top ten ranking.

Forging a sustainable path forward EY’s findings show a mining sector tasked with a monumental challenge: to significantly increase the production of minerals for the energy transition, while navigating capital discipline and strategic growth amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, resource depletion, heightened ESG expectations and the complexities of launching new projects.

It is no easy feat. Yet, the future of the energy transition – and indeed, the planet – depends on the sector’s ability to respond effectively to these pressing demands.

The role of VFDs in sustainable mining

Mining operations are now being asked to deliver more, while under pressure to use less (energy). To address this challenge, the industry is increasingly adopting variable frequency drive (VFD) technology to control the speed of energy-intensive rotating equipment.

This adoption is driven both by the need for flexible production rates and the significant energy savings achievable through effective VFD implementation. The energy-saving potential of VFDs varies depending on each application.

Efficiency challenges and innovations in VFDs

Although most VFDs can now achieve around 98 per cent efficiency levels, when looking at higher power applications, or multiple lower powers, the combined efficiency loss can result in significant heat generation which must be considered during design stage for sizing of external cooling systems.

For active front end/low harmonic technologies these losses can be more than doubled. To dissipate heat, traditionally external air-conditioning

systems are introduced to supply sufficient cooled air to the VFD systems, which is then recycled into the room to be cooled once again. These cooling systems also add substantially to the total energy consumed, and level of investment required.

Many years ago, to combat this, Danfoss developed an innovative ‘back channel cooling’ concept for its VLT Drive series which removes up to the 90 per cent of the generated heat without the need for large external air-conditioning systems.

Now, with the introduction of iC7-Automation, the next generation of intelligent VFDs, the good news for the mining industry is that Danfoss will continue with this cooling design as part of this new series, resulting in large savings on both CAPEX and OPEX of mining processes.

Enhancing reliability

Reliability of plant will be critical to meeting the production demands of the mining industry. A loss of production through a system breakdown can cost companies enormous losses both in revenue and reputation.

With the latest VFD innovation, Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) now offers the possibility to monitor and report on the performance of external critical mine processes. Although remote monitoring via cloud connectivity is now commonly available, not all customers wish to adopt this for reasons including expense to implement, and the increasing concern of cyber-attacks.

To offer customer confidence and flexibility, Danfoss has introduced the world’s first cyber-secure VFDs with crypto chip technology and drives with EDGE computing technology.

This now gives customers freedom of choice as to whether data is gathered securely from the cloud or on a local level (EDGE) within the mine. Through continuous monitoring of critical mining processes, the VFD can now detect performance deviations and predict potential failures, before they occur, enabling proactive maintenance, minimising disruptions to mine production.

For more information, visit danfoss.com

Danfoss has introduced the world’s first cyber-secure VFDs with crypto chip technology.

Image: Danfoss Australia

Let intelligence set you free

The iC7 series brings unique secure-by-design drives, increasing your security against cyber-attacks

Predicting the jobs of tomorrow

By Tara Diamond, Deputy Chief Executive, Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA)

Recent modelling reveals Western Australia’s resources and energy sector will need a minimum of 11,000 new workers by 2030.

Right now, it can sometimes feel like the industry is trying to catch a break.

Rapid technological shifts, global supply, demand and price volatility and broad and impactful IR changes are among the challenges. But the echo of the past is a reminder that the sector is never static.

There’s always been a barrier to face and overcome and there’s always been the promise of a reward for overcoming it.

AREEA’s Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast 2024-2029 report, released in September 2024, reflects both sides of this story.

In the 12 months to May 2024, the national resources and energy workforce shed some 35,000 jobs. More than 20,000 of these losses happened in Western Australia – the powerhouse state of mining and energy investment.

Notably, capricious international prices for critical minerals and rare earths suspended work at key Western Australian nickel and lithium operations –which only a year earlier were riding high.

On the east coast, regulatory red tape, activism and lawfare have blocked major ventures such as the Regis Resources McPhillamys gold mine.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the pipeline of major projects remains strong.

Report overview

The Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast 2024-2029 breaks down the estimated labour required to operate new, expansion and restarted mining, oil and gas projects.

The report shows there are 107 major resources and energy projects in Australia’s investment pipeline – either already committed or considered advanced – expected to enter production between the second half of 2024 and end of 2029.

These projects are worth about $131 billion and are forecast to drive demand for around 26,810 new production-related jobs.

While estimates are slightly down on last year’s report covering 2023-2028 (103

projects worth $142 billion and 28,000 jobs), the consistency reported across AREEA’s past five editions demonstrates the ongoing attractiveness of Australia as a place for major resources project investment.

Mining commodities retaining their traditional strengths include coal (13 projects for 4,836 workers), iron ore (eight projects for 4,495 workers), gold (13 projects for 2,830 workers) and critical minerals (14 projects for 3,078 workers).

Meanwhile, the energy industry continues its mini-investment boom, with 19 prospective projects that could drive demand for 3,410 new operating phase employees by the end of 2029.

The world’s energy security will depend on gas continuing to play a crucial role in the global energy mix. That’s even as resources and energy businesses adapt and innovate, using advanced technology and upgrading skills to ensure productivity and job security across the industry are enhanced and strengthened. This is on top of developing those low-cost, lower carbon strategies and technologies that will keep the sector robust and profitable.

Western Australian strength

Western Australia remains the epicentre of the resources and energy industry, with 48 projects in its investment pipeline forecast to create demand for 11,065 new workers.

That equates to 40 per cent of the national forecast workforce growth over the next five years.

Western Australia remains diverse and prosperous: of 37 mining projects, iron ore will spur demand for 2,095 workers, led by Southdown, Western Range and Lake Giles – all by the end of 2026. Seven gold projects, including Hemi gold and the KCGM mill expansion, should see nearly 1,700 new workers needed by the end of 2027.

While lithium potential (seven projects, 970 workers) has eased, it will, together with other critical minerals and rare earths (seven projects, 1,000 workers), continue to support a buoyant labour market.

Four copper projects – with West Musgrave the jewel in the crown – will require around 1,200 workers by the end of 2026.

A range of other minerals, including nickel, cobalt and alumina, make up eight projects requiring about 1,500 workers across the forecast period.

Skills shortages

While these projections are a wonderful sign for the industry after recent job losses it’s a matter of filling the positions – and the industry has struggled over the past few years with skills shortages in crucial occupations and roles.

Engineering and geology are two of the highest skills in demand, but geoscience graduates are in major decline and reports have projected an engineering skills crisis by 2040.

That said, the on-the-ground challenge of finding people seems to have tapered off slightly from two years ago.

A big part of the battle is the notion that mining is not going to be around forever. Nobody could dispute that the industry has changed from 20, or even five, years ago. However, strong growth clearly continues, with thousands of job opportunities. It’s just that many of the jobs are different and will be different –requiring high tech and other new skills.

A lot of effort needs to be dedicated towards attracting people into the sector, ensuring awareness of the great prospects of a long-term career. There's no magic solution. It’s about pulling all the levers in a multifaceted approach.

That means a well-funded, coordinated and navigable education system so the VET sector and universities produce courses and learning outcomes aligned to what the industry needs.

Industry must also appeal to the next generation’s curiosity and forwardthinking by accentuating rapidly increasing automation, robotics and high-tech skills and roles.

The industry is changing, and the workforce conundrum is an evolving challenge, but one the industry is certainly up for.

Policy settings

AREEA has vocally opposed the Federal Government’s sweeping IR ‘reform’ agenda.

New union workplace rights, the ‘right to disconnect’, multi-employer bargaining, regulated labour hire arrangement orders and revised

conditions around casual employment are already impacting the mining industry.

While AREEA shares the government’s vision for a “dynamic and inclusive labour market”, this can’t be delivered without a flexible workplace relations system that supports productivity growth and competitive businesses.

Budget windfalls in Western Australia, Queensland and the first two consecutive federal budget surpluses in 16 years were delivered on the back of record commodity export volumes and $74 billion in annual tax and royalties.

Excessive regulation, red tape and unnecessarily complex industrial relations transaction costs will only blunt this achievement and cost jobs.

A carefully balanced approach to regulation is imperative to fostering the investment and innovation the mining sector needs.

Bright Future STEM Program

Speaking of the future, AREEA’s Bright Future STEM Primary School Program keeps breaking records.

The overarching aim is to boost the pipeline of young Australians, particularly females, studying STEM ahead of launching those skills across myriad careers, including in the resources and energy industry.

All Bright Future STEM activities are hands-on, while industry role models inspire girls and boys with first-hand accounts of STEM-related opportunities.

Since 2019, the program has reached more than 31,000 Year 5 and 6 students –with 10,150 in 2024.

The 2024 program has:

♦ Visited 104 schools across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania

♦ Featured industry role models from 24 AREEA member companies, including Agnico Eagle, Aeris Resources, Aurelia Metals, Byrnecut, Eva Copper Mine, Evolution, ExxonMobil, Fortescue, Gold Fields, Henty Gold, Howden Australia, Incitec Pivot, INPEX, Monadelphous, New Hope Group, Newmont Australia, Northparkes, Pembroke Resources, Shell, Thiess, UGL, Ventia, VIVA Energy and WICET

♦ Designed and developed STEM activities featuring VR Headsets, Edison (Robots), Dr Eureka, Gravitrax, Snap Circuits and Turing Tumble

AREEA’s Workforce Forecast series has become an invaluable industry tool across labour market analysis, workforce planning and talent retention strategy.

The full 2024-2029 report is available at areea.com.au

Safeguarding

Regulations in the mining industry are subject to constant change, and companies that demonstrate a commitment to R&D to enhance their products are a clear standout.

Adapting products to suit the shifting requirements of an industry showcases a company’s in-depth understanding of its clients’ needs and a willingness to deliver the best, most up-to-date product. This can make all the difference when it comes time for organisations to select the suppliers they want to work with.

After 40 years of servicing the mining industry, Black Duck understands the importance of listening to the industry and adapting to its needs.

Expanding from a family business of two employees to more than 100 employees servicing the mining industry, Black Duck has been championing product development since day one, ensuring its seat covers offer mine site vehicles extensive protection from the reality of everyday operations.

Capital saving

Mining is one of the most capitalintensive industries in the country and realising savings – no matter how small – wherever possible is advantageous.

Vehicles across mine sites are often on the front line when it comes to the harsh conditions of mining operations, with

wear and tear on interiors often resulting in expensive repairs and significantly impacting a vehicle’s value at resale.

Whether its fabric tears, dust, stains or dirt, Black Duck’s seat covers bear the brunt of the industry, leaving seats as good as new and eliminating the need for costly repairs or replacements when it comes time to sell.

With seat covers in two different materials, Black Duck demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the unique characteristics of Australian mine sites and offers a tailor-made that allows full access to the buttons, levers, adjusters and cup holders necessary for the job.

Expanding on their original range, Black Duck now offers seat covers for a range of mining vehicles, including excavators, dump trucks and wheel loaders.

Commitment to R&D

Compliance and up-to-date product offerings are arguably at their most critical in safety, and Black Duck’s CEO, Phil Grace, said that keeping up with the latest innovations and ensuring compliance has been a priority over the company’s four decades.

“The biggest change in the industry was the introduction of seat mounted side

Black Duck provides a range of top-quality vehicle seat covers supported by excellent service.

Canary of the coal mines

A new study has investigated the role artificial intelligence can play in preventing coal mine disasters.

Alongside industry and stakeholder demand for less energy-intensive operations are calls for measures to protect workers and create safer worksites.

As such, understanding and working to mitigate industry-related risks, especially those relating to health and safety, continues to be a major focus among industry leaders.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been applied in many areas and across a range of industries, including to assist users and decision-makers to address changes and make smarter decisions.

In the mining industry, the technology’s uptake in various applications is progressing in leaps and bounds, including analysing geological data, boosting autonomous operations and predicting equipment maintenance needs.

Intelligent hazard identification

One of the key characteristics of AI algorithms is their ability to identify anomalies and predict unknown future parameters and potential outcomes. This capability has made AI an efficient tool that can be applied in the mining industry for hazard prediction.

A recent study investigating how AI can reduce the risk of disasters was conducted by the Australian Catholic University, University of Technology Sydney, Charles Darwin University and Central Queensland University.

The study was conducted in coal mines in China and compared ten machine learning algorithms to ascertain which AI method could not only make predictions about methane gas level changes 30 minutes in advance, but also notify users of anomalies.

The study found that AI can, in fact, forecast gas-related incidents in coal mines within half an hour.

Methane is created as a byproduct of coal development, with the methane that is absorbed in coal released during mining operations. Methane is more readily combustible than coal dust and when a buildup of methane gas encounters a heat source it can result in an explosion.

As such, the careful monitoring of methane levels is a priority in keeping workers safe, and predicting methane gas levels plays a significant role in preventing accidents in coal mines, with around 60 per cent of the mining accidents1 caused by methane gas.

Understanding this, the team of researchers, using AI algorithms, were able to predict the emission of methane gas levels with a high level of accuracy.

The process

The study was conducted in partnership with Shanxi Fenxi Mining ZhongXing Coal Industry Co (ZhongXing) which is owned by Shanxi Coking Coal Group and provided the critical data used for the study.

The lead researchers of the study, Associate Professor – Computational Intelligence, Peter Faber Business School, Australian Catholic University and Adjunct Associate Professor, Faculty of Science and Technology, Charles Darwin University, Niusha Shafiabady, who was the lead AI expert in the team, and business intelligence expert Dr Robert Wu, applied a series of machine learning algorithms, predicting the methane gas level in different scenarios.

The different scenarios incorporated data that was collected on different days to ensure the reliability of the study’s outcomes. ZhongXing provided readings that were collected every 20 seconds from temperature, methane gas and wind sensors at the coal mines.

Image:

Using the data, the AI algorithms were then asked to predict the methane gas level within the next 30 minutes. This is known as time-series prediction and is considered to be short-term forecasting. There are four types of forecasting:

♦ Very short-term forecasting – a few seconds to 30 minutes ahead

♦ Short-term forecasting – 30 minutes to six hours ahead

♦ Medium-term forecasting – six hours to one day ahead

♦ Long-term forecasting – one day to one week ahead

The team aimed to explore more efficient machine learning algorithms with better performance for short-term forecasting. For this study, the researchers applied ten different machine learning algorithms and then compared the models’ outcomes against each other.

The ten models were selected in accordance with their previously reported capabilities in similar studies that outlined short-term prediction of hazards.

Different types of accuracies were measured for the ten applied algorithms. Additionally, the researchers calculated the time that was required for training the models for each scenario.

Tuning the algorithms

One of the critical goals for the study was tuning the models in the shortest possible time while maintaining high accuracy for the models consistently. Tuning refers to taking a pre-trained machine learning model and adapting it to new data or tasks. The process of tuning the machine learning models is referred to as training the models.

AI systems need to be trained and tuned properly for optimal capabilities. The researchers in the study trained the machine learning algorithms using the data from different days to ensure the AI models learned the hidden patterns and instead of just memorising the data.

AI systems have the capability to imitate the behaviour of real systems. This study involved ten machine learning models applied to imitate the behavioural pattern of methane gas emission in the coal mines through reading the measurements from the temperature, gas and wind sensors.

In the tuning of the algorithms, the data ZhongXing sent through was divided into

two portions – the data that was provided to the models for training during the training process was called ‘train data’, the remainder of the data was not shown to the models and was referred to as ‘test data.’ Test data is kept from the models in order for researchers to see how they would perform in a real setting.

To ensure the predictive capability of the models in real settings, their performance to the unseen data had to be measured, which is why different test accuracies were recorded and compared with each other for the ten proposed models.

The accuracies reported in this study were the test accuracies of the models, with the performance of the models on the unseen data reported. The measures used for testing the accuracies of the models were commonly used errors such as mean squared error (MSE) which measures the average squared difference between actual and predicted values in a test dataset. This enabled the researchers to foresee the estimated performance of the tuned models in a real-life setting.

Results

When it came to assessing the performance of the ten applied machine learning algorithms, researchers compared their required training times and their accuracies against each other.

The steps in the process the researchers used to find the most efficient machine learning algorithm with better prediction assessments for short-term forecasting were:

♦ Data collection and preparation

♦ Prediction error assessment/ performance assessment

♦ Validation tests

♦ Comparative analysis

Random Forest (RF) demonstrated better performance overall compared to the other models. In all the scenarios related to the different days’ data, the average squared difference between actual and predicted values (MSE) for RF was between 0.000025 to 0.000376.

Optimal algorithm

In terms of tuning, the training time required for the different algorithms except for Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Networks and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) was less than

seven seconds. These two particular neural networks have a more complex structure so training takes longer.

RF, which was the algorithm with the overall better performance than the others considering the training time and accuracy, is an ensemble learning method, meaning that more than one decision-making unit searches for the solution to the problem the expert system is designed to solve.

RF is a combination of several decision trees – a tree-like model that explores the solutions by splitting and making branches from the top of a tree. Each branch would lead to an outcome and the cost and performance of that outcome would be calculated. After the training is completed, the best outcome would be selected as the solution to the problem. RF is a combination of decision trees which means that at the end of the training phase, the best decision tree’s outcome will be selected as the solution to the problem.

In predicting the coal mine’s methane gas level, RF had a better performance in comparison with the other nine machine learning models used in the study.

Even with the move towards a greener future, in 2021-22 Australia produced 422 million tonnes2 of coal. Considering the reports that 60 per cent of the mining accidents are caused by methane gas, and the critical importance of health and safety in the mining industry, leveraging AI and technology to provide different insights is of great importance.

Something that may seem minor –like adding even just one minute to the prediction time span of upcoming hazards – could save lives. Studies like this one, which predict upcoming risk factors, could play a significant role in mitigating risks.

The outcomes of this study can be used to inform research and provide similar solutions for the Australian coal industry to monitor the methane gas levels and leverage AI to predict gas levels to mitigate risks due to gas emission in advance.

A similar approach can be used to provide solutions to the mining industry for predicting different hazards, including rising methane gas levels, around the world.

1 Distributed gas concentration prediction with intelligent edge devices in coal mine: https://bigdata.ahu.edu.cn/upload/202004181232193xus82n5pcieufub3rnsu8r4p8v0lhxw.pdf

2 Coal Mine Tracker: https://australiainstitute.org.au/initiative/coal-mine-tracker/

Lighting the path to diversity

With the industry making efforts to improve the diversity and inclusivity of its workforce, a recent report has found that in Western Australia participation has improved dramatically.

The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) has released its latest diversity and inclusion report.

CME produces its Diversity and Inclusion in the Western Australian Resources Sector Report every two years. The 2024 report was created based on data collected in 2023 from 36 member companies, encompassing 86,551 employees.

CME CEO, Rebecca Tomkinson, said that she was pleased by the rapid growth the sector has achieved, with the number of women joining the sector in Western Australia doubling in the last two years.

“The most recent report compares 2021 to 2023 and found 5,437 women took up jobs in the industry in that two-year period – by far the best result we’ve ever recorded,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“For context, our diversity and inclusion report is based on member surveys carried out every two years and dates back to 2011.

“Those surveys have found around 10,000 women joined the resources sector over the past decade – but

more than half of that growth occurred between 2021 and 2023 alone.”

Ms Tomkinson said that women now account for just under a quarter of the sector’s workforce (24.8 per cent).

“That is a remarkable improvement of 3.3 percentage points in just two years, and up from 19 per cent recorded in our first survey in 2013.

“Drilling further into the data, it has been incredibly encouraging to see a trend away from women being confined to clerical or administrative roles and increasingly choosing roles in traditionally male-dominated areas.

“For example, 21.4 per cent of machinery operators or drivers were women in 2023 – practically double the eleven per cent recorded in 2013. In the same vein, the proportion of female technicians and trade workers was only 5.4 per cent in 2019 but has since surged to 12.9 per cent.”

Ms Tomkinson said that women are also increasingly represented in the more senior ranks of CME’s members’ operations.

“Nearly one quarter (23.5 per cent) of managers were women in 2023, up from 15 per cent a decade ago. Women also now account for 32.8 per cent of board roles, nearly double the 18.2 per cent from 2013.

“We’ve also seen some positive momentum in the resources sector’s employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. First Nations People were 5.6 per cent of the overall workforce in 2023, an improvement of 0.4 percentage points or nearly 1,000 additional jobs compared to 2021.

“Significantly the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in management roles grew from 0.9 per cent in 2021 to three per cent in 2023.”

Ms Tomkinson explained that CME’s efforts to improve diversity are not about symbolic participation. Research has repeatedly found that diverse and inclusive workplaces perform better on a wide range of metrics.

“They are more productive, more innovative, have reduced staff turnover and foster an environment of teamwork and cooperation. All successful teams – and

Image: Monadelphous

companies – require a broad mix of strengths and talents and one of the best ways to achieve that is to focus on diversity in your hiring,” Ms Tomkinson said.

“It is also important to note that diversity goes far beyond gender and race. It also means people of different physical ability, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religious belief.”

A journey of a thousand miles

Ms Tomkinson said that while the industry has made a positive start, it can’t shy away from the fact that there is still work to be done to take full advantage of the positive momentum and continue to improve the diversity and inclusivity of resources workplaces.

“Many of our members have longstanding and genuine commitments to boosting both female participation and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and it is really their work that is reflected in the results of the Diversity and Inclusion report.

“CME plays an important role in this too. We facilitate the sharing of information in many ways, including forums that allow our members to learn from each other – both the successes and the failures.”

Ms Tomkinson explained that it is important that the industry continues to innovate, try new things and share the lessons in order to maintain momentum towards an inclusive culture that can attract the best and brightest talent to the industry.

“Ultimately, we need the resources sector workforce to more accurately reflect the makeup of society – and that means boosting the proportion of women workers much closer to 50 per cent and ensuring other diversity metrics are reflective of the broader Australian population.”

Leading the way

The Western Australian resources sector currently leads the nation on diversity measures. Across Australia, women’s participation in the industry is approximately 22 per cent, but in Western Australia it is 24.8 per cent.

Additionally, at 5.6 per cent, the Western Australian resources sector has achieved nearly double the 3.7 per cent national average for workforce participation by Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Peoples.

Ms Tomkinson said that one of the most important lessons that other industries can take from Western Australia is that achieving diversity is change, and all change is a journey.

“It takes time and effort and a commitment to creating the kind of workplace that is attractive to a wide range of prospective employees.

“That means stamping out harassment, discrimination and bullying in all their forms, and placing inclusivity at the centre of decision-making.

“The resources sector has not shied away from the issues uncovered through the parliamentary inquiry into sexual harassment against women in the FIFO mining industry.

“We know that ongoing vigilance and sharing learnings within the sector has been key to demonstrating that our workplaces are safe, respectful and inclusive environments for all employees.”

Ms Tomkinson said that the results of that approach are borne out by the latest Diversity and Inclusion Report, with the sector’s strongest ever growth in women workers and female participation recorded in a two-year period that encompassed the parliamentary inquiry and the release of the Enough is Enough report.

“The easiest first step is to assess how your company currently performs on diversity metrics, because you can’t improve what you don’t measure.”

Driving change

CME’s member companies have focused their efforts over many years to implement policies and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ participation.

Ms Tomkinson said that there are many to choose from, but some that stood out to her as key drivers of change include:

♦ The Indigenous Pathways Program – a collaboration between Monadelphous and Rio Tinto – which offers upskilling, development and mentoring to increase the number of skilled and qualified Indigenous individuals in the workforce

♦ AngloGold Ashanti Australia committing to becoming a menopause-friendly employer as part of creating an inclusive workplace that is physically and psychologically safe and ensuring retention of women at all stages of life

♦ The Monadelphous Crane Operations Pathway Traineeship Program, a 36-month initiative aimed at equipping female and Indigenous trainees with the skills to qualify as crane operators with nationally recognised qualifications and permanent full-time positions

“This final initiative was also the winner of Outstanding Company Initiative in CME’s 2024 Women in Resources Awards.”

A more diverse future

Ms Tomkinson said that the Western Australian resources sector remains steadfastly committed to its focus on diversity and inclusion.

“While the most recent report shows significant progress, we know our work is far from complete. I would love a repeat of the kind of growth recorded in 2024 – but with a decade of Diversity and Inclusion reports under our belt now, we know that progress is not always linear.

“The aim is for women’s participation in the resources sector to continue tracking towards 50 per cent, while also maintaining a strong focus on growing the career pathways available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“Importantly, we also want to see women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Peoples increasingly employed across a wide variety of roles – not siloed in certain areas of a company’s operations. We also want to see both cohorts progressing through the ranks and becoming more embedded in the management and director levels of the sector.”

Ms Tomkinson said that CME and its member companies remain committed to the journey to grow and promote diversity and inclusion within their workforces, through continued investment in evidence-based approaches, sharing lessons learned and implementing new initiatives.

“The resources sector has done a lot of work to lead the way, but ultimately it’s the responsibility of every single business to provide a physically and psychosocially safe workplace.”

There is still work to be done to improve the diversity and inclusivity of resources workplaces.

Rock-solid iron ore

Speaking at a recent Melbourne Mining Club lunch, Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Iron Ore, Simon Trott, discussed his career in the industry, social license and the future of iron ore.

Having joined Rio Tinto in 1999, Mr Trott has more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. For the last three, he has been running the mining giant’s iron ore division, focusing on transforming the operating performance of the iron ore business, pioneering mine development and forging respectful, trusting relationships.

Learning from past mistakes

Mr Trott began leading Rio Tinto’s iron ore unit in 2021, following the blasting of Juukan Gorge in May 2020. Reflecting on the period since, Mr Trott said that an area Rio Tinto has focused on since that time is social license.

In all the jurisdictions around the world that Rio Tinto operates, the company is mining other people’s resources, Mr Trott explained. This same concept also goes for all other mining operations.

“For a mining company, you either have a strong social license, or you don’t exist.”

The rebuilding of this focus within the company happened faster than Mr Trott expected.

“I think part of it is that we aren’t creating something new. We are reconnecting with some of the heritage of Rio Tinto and CRA from days past.

“It’s easier to reconnect with something than to create something new.”

To reconnect with the company’s heritage, Mr Trott said Rio Tinto has implemented changes in three key areas.

Firstly, the company has changed how it mines.

“The way we’re operating on the ground today is very different than a few years ago – new blast management plans mean smaller benches, lower powder shot ratios and reduced drill diameters to effectively minimise vibration at the margins of our mines.”

Secondly, Rio Tinto is changing how it engages. Mr Trott used the example of the Western Range, which is an iron ore project that is currently under

construction in the Pilbara. He said the project was designed in collaboration with the area’s Traditional Owners.

Finally, Mr Trott said that the depth of engagement with threshold owners across the business has changed.

“Rio Tinto used to do that really well,” Mr Trott said, “and it’s great to reconnect with that history. However, the depth of the integration of that engagement at all levels of the organisation is different now than it used to be.”

Iron ore production strategy

When it comes to developing Rio Tinto’s production strategy going forward, Mr Trott said there are three main drivers behind the company revisiting its strategy.

First is the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea that the company is developing, and the ability to blend product from different countries with the company’s portside trading in China.

The second is the Rhodes Ridge project in Perth, which Mr Trott said gives the company some great options.

Thirdly, Mr Trott said that the nature of the Pilbara has changed in terms of costs and CAPEX.

“We need to ask the question: are we best utilising the ore bodies for those current settings?”

Additionally, he said there are two main considerations in the development of the strategy – which products the company mines and how they should be packaged for the market.

“We currently sell different products. The question is should some of them be joined together and sold as one product?”

Mr Trott emphasised that the Pilbara blend will remain a mainstay of Rio Tinto’s product offering. However, the way the company best packages the overall portfolio is yet to be determined.

Pilbara production

Regarding potential concern about international competition with Pilbara iron ore, Mr Trott said it’s important to

remember the context of the overall seaborne iron ore market, which requires 1.6 billion tonnes every year.

He then explained the sheer size of the daily iron ore operations in the Pilbara.

“Every day, we mine the equivalent amount of earth to that which would fill all of Marvel Stadium.

“It is an amazing business,” Mr Trott said. “And it’s also an industry of scale.”

Mr Trott explained that additional resources around the globe will not take away from the Pilbara mining operations.

“The world is going to need those Fe units. I think the thing that is often missed is the size of the 1.6 million tonne demand.

“We’re going to need Simandou and more resources like it.”

Mr Trott explained that demand for iron ore remains strong, even with the inevitable plateau that is sure to come with fluctuating demand for steel in countries like China.

“China is at a structural peak in terms of steel demand. All economies go through an initial phase where they consume significant steel for new bridges, new houses, new roads. China is at that level now, but the demand stays strong.

“Iron ore will remain a large and very profitable market for us, even though we’re not going to see the same growth rates out of China that we saw in the last decade.”

Final words

When asked what he would like to see in Pilbara operations in ten years’ time, Mr Trott reflected on his time in the industry, noting that one of the rewarding yet challenging aspects about working in mining is that the decisions and actions taken often don’t express themselves until many years later.

“To answer the question, I simply hope that the business is stronger than it is today, and that others have the opportunities to work in a business like I’ve had.”

Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive, Iron Ore, Simon Trott, being interviewed by the Australian Financial Review’s Jennifer Hewett.

Making the cut

The Australian Aluminium Council is advocating for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina and aluminium on the Critical Minerals List.

Aluminium is a vital component of green energy technologies, such as solar panels, electric vehicles and batteries, making it one of the most widely used commodities in the energy transition.

The metal’s significance has led to its inclusion on the Federal Government’s Strategic Materials List, which contains minerals that are important for the global transition to net zero, but are not currently vulnerable enough to meet the criteria for the Critical Minerals List.

While High Purity Alumina is included in Australia’s Critical Minerals List, bauxite, alumina and aluminium are not. The Australian Aluminium Council (AAC) believes they should be, and is urging the Federal Government to make these inclusions. AAC CEO, Marghanita Johnson, said that Australia’s aluminium industry needs better protection.

“We’ve seen the warning signs coming in the alumina industry today, and that’s the reason that our industry has been vocal in urging the government to recognise the threat to our bauxite and our alumina sectors,” Ms Johnson said.

“In the last 18 months, what we’ve seen is of the six alumina refineries we had, three have been impaired and one has curtailed. We think that’s a strong sign that things are vulnerable.”

Ms Johnson said the AAC is trying to raise the flag before there are further curtailments or other issues in the sector.

“We would rather work constructively with the government now than waiting until it’s too late.”

The AAC is also urging the government to recognise the interdependencies of bauxite and alumina with aluminium. Ms Johnson said classifying only aluminium as a strategic material has led to confusion.

“Bauxite is an internationally traded commodity, alumina is an internationally traded commodity and aluminium is internationally traded. They are not one commodity,” she said.

“We’ve already seen cases of other government policies being misapplied because they didn’t understand that aluminium, being a strategic material, also meant that technically, bauxite and alumina are included. It’s confusing. Let’s keep this as simple as possible: include all three in the Critical Minerals List.”

Meeting global demand

Ms Johnson said demand for aluminium is forecast to almost double by 2050 and therefore global demand for aluminium plus bauxite and alumina is forecast to remain very strong.

“Based on all the resources we have in the ground and the renewable and other energy resources, Australia should be really well-positioned to take advantage of those opportunities,” she said.

“However, what we’ve seen over the last decade is the closure of two aluminium smelters, the closure of one alumina refinery and the curtailment of another.”

Ms Johnson said while the bauxite sector hasn’t seen many closures or curtailments, it has seen growth opportunities taken up by Guinea, not by Australia.

“Our alumina refineries are moving up the global cost curve, and any refining capacity which is displaced from Australia is likely to migrate to countries like Indonesia, where the policies are really framed to attract, retain and grow mining and mineral processing.”

While aluminium is not deemed a critical mineral in Australia, it is listed on critical minerals lists in the US, Canada and Europe. Ms Johnson said this reflects the concern about limited global supply chain diversity.

“Adding aluminium to Australia’s Critical Minerals List will send a really strong signal to our trading partners, across all different parts of the value chain,” she said.

Sector vulnerabilities

The AAC recently released a report The vulnerabilities and opportunities

in Australia's upstream aluminium sectors, highlighting the growing risks to Australia’s domestic upstream supply chain due to increased geopolitical risk combined with rising costs and prolonged regulatory approvals.

Ms Johnson said the report was aimed at understanding Australia’s position compared to international peers regarding critical minerals.

“Historically, I think we thought about bauxite as being a single mineral in the ground,” she said.

“But in fact, bauxite is the name given to multiple different types of ores, and each alumina refinery is designed to take a really specific type of bauxite. It’s not a mix and match-type system.”

Ms Johnson said it has become harder to access Australia’s bauxite resources because of complications in the country’s regulatory processes and the time it’s taking, as well as high energy costs, high labour costs and high capital costs.

“We’re seeing Indonesian refineries, looking to expand alumina refining capacity by around six million tonnes over the next five years, and at the same time, we’re facing mounting costs.

“One of the greatest cost increases over the next five years will come from delays in environmental approval processes, which limit the access to bauxite and limit the quality of the bauxite that we’re able to put through our refineries, which is pushing them further up the cost curve.

“What we’ve seen is Indonesia can approve and build an integrated bauxite mine and alumina refinery faster than we can just approve a mine expansion in Australia. They’re building faster than we can complete regulatory processes.”

Preparing for future challenges

Ms Johnson said while there is no silver bullet to addressing the vulnerabilities in the aluminium supply chain, its inclusion on the Critical Minerals List would help mitigate future risks.

“It would mean we’re included in streamlined regulatory approvals, environmental approvals, enhanced funding for decarbonisation initiatives and support of the development of advanced manufacturing,” she said.

“Additionally, it will support our ability to attract investment in a competitive international market.”

Ms Johnson said Australia is one of the few countries in the world with a complete mine-to-market supply chain.

“Aluminium is also one of the few things you can buy in Australia, which has been mined, refined, smelted, extruded, distributed. You can buy something off the shelf which has come all the way through the value chain in Australia.

“That presents exciting opportunities for both Australia and our global trading

partners, to help them as we all navigate the next the energy transition.

“It’s really important that we can continue to have free and fair trade in Australia, so that our downstream markets, can compete within local and global markets.”

Ms Johnson said having that domestic value chain is incredibly important.

“It’s only when you think you might not have it that you realise you don’t know what you've got till it’s gone.”

In efforts to demonstrate the importance of Australia’s aluminium supply chain, the AAC has put significant effort into looking at the economic contribution of its vertically integrated supply chain.

“An example of what that study found was that under a hypothetical scenario,

the economic impact of the closure of a bauxite mine that employed, say, 600 people would lead to the loss of 10,000 indirect jobs and a $2.7 billion action to GDP. That’s because the bauxite flows into alumina.”

Looking ahead

The Federal Government has committed to supporting Australian green metals, including alumina and aluminium, as part of a priority under its Future Made in Australia framework.

“That’s part of a suite of measures which should help make Australia a clean energy superpower,” Ms Johnson said.

“It should capitalise on Australia’s comparative advantage, boost our investment, boost capability and create jobs.”

Ms Johnson said the AAC is hopeful the Federal Government will also award bauxite, alumina and aluminium critical mineral status.

“We've continued to evolve as an industry for more than 70 years, and with a supportive policy framework we can take that bauxite and energy and develop facilities in regional Australia so that can keep providing good jobs for Australians for another 70 years to come.”

INSTRUMENTATION & CALIBRATION PTY LTD SPECIALISTS

Demand for aluminium is forecast to almost double by 2050.

In with the new

Following a strong bid from the South Australian Government, the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition will now call South Australia home for the next ten years.

The change in location heralds an exciting new chapter for the event and the region’s resource sector, with the state leading the way in future-focused mining.

The new phase of the Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) brings an expanded floor plan with outdoor availability, and new verticals including Transformative Technology and the Research and Development Hub.

Why SA?

Recent months have seen South Australia leading the charge in responsible exploration to unlock minerals needed for the green transition. The state has also been driving the investigation of solutions for global decarbonised steelmaking, efforts that are critical to the future of infrastructure development. With its extensive renewable energy network and significant investment in hydrogen projects to power green steel and future energy solutions, South Australia’s pioneering objectives distinguishes itself from other markets and aligns with AIMEX’s goals.

AIMEX’s move to South Australia highlights the state as Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing modern mining market.

General Manager of Events for Prime Creative Media, Siobhan Rocks, said the team is working to keep AIMEX’s reputation as a premier event for the Asia-Pacific region.

“We knew we needed to do something big to attract key players in the industry,” she said. “When the mining industry asked us to come to Adelaide, we thought the change of location was the best way to serve this important sector.”

South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, said that the state has a compelling story to tell, and that Adelaide hosting AIMEX for the next decade provides a strong platform to do so.

“With our natural advantages and ingenuity, South Australia has the potential to lead the world in decarbonisation of critical minerals, including green steel and copper,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“This exhibition will attract thousands of mining delegates from around Australia and the world to Adelaide every two years, delivering a significant boost to South Australia’s visitor economy.”

The agenda for 2025

As well as a bigger exhibition floor plan, Ms Rocks said delegates will have the opportunity to connect with change makers and leaders across four core pavilions: Mining, Transformative Technology and the Research and Development Hub.

“To symbolise our move, we’re looking to revamp the event for next year.

“We are partnering with the South Australian Government to deliver a new era of AIMEX – one where key mining companies, contractors and OEMs will

descend on Adelaide to create a leading international event for future mining.”

Taking place across three conference stages, the thought-leading, comprehensive conference speaker program will showcase the very best of the South Australian resources sector to the Asia-Pacific and establish the state as a key mining hub.

On top of the exhibition and conference events, delegates can look forward to three days of curated networking events, including the 2025 Australian Mining Prospect Awards.

An integrated focus

For the first time ever, the event will include an integrated energy space, with Ms Rocks saying that this change symbolises how mining of the future will fuel the energy markets of tomorrow.

“The 2025 event will connect the mining industry directly with energy markets in a way that’s never been seen before.

“Australia is a pioneer for energy and mining joining and is a world-leader in technology. South Australia is the conduit for sharing this knowledge with the rest of the world and we expect visitors from all around the world, not just the APAC region,” Ms Rocks said.

“Adelaide will be the meeting place for mining in Australia – from daytime conferences to evening events – and we will be bringing the future of mining front of mind at the event.”

The event’s move to South Australia highlights the state as Asia-Pacific’s fastest growing modern mining market.

Establishing a green metal supply chain

By Dr Peter Ellersdorfer, Professor Ismet Canbulat, Professor Serkan Saydam, Professor Iain MacGill and Dr Rahman Daiyan, UNSW Sydney

A team of UNSW Sydney researchers has explored collaboration on hydrogen and green metals, part of the Federal Government’s Green Metals for Sustainable Steel from Australia and Germany initiative.

The global steel industry is among the most greenhouse gas-intensive sectors globally, accounting for approximately seven per cent of worldwide carbon emissions. However, it also plays a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts due to its importance in sustainable built environments, infrastructure and clean energy technologies.

Australia currently stands as the largest global exporter of iron ore and metallurgical coal for steelmaking, meeting 56 per cent of global demand for iron ore and exporting more than double the second largest supplier of iron ore – Brazil. Its iron ore industry generates an estimated $124 billion in annual revenue and directly employs almost 38,000 people.

Similarly, Australia supplies around 55 per cent of global seaborne demand for metallurgical coal generating approximately $40 billion annually in export revenue and supporting thousands of jobs, particularly in regional areas. Due to current iron and steel production methods, the downstream emissions from Australia’s iron ore exports are estimated to be approximately three times that of Australia’s national greenhouse gas emissions.

Steel plays a crucial role in global decarbonisation efforts due to its importance in sustainable built environments.

Australia’s steel production is modest by global standards, ranking 28th in 2023 with only 5.5Mt of crude steel production. However, with its abundant iron ore reserves and ambitions to become a leading exporter of renewable energy, Australia has a significant opportunity to make a global impact on emissions, particularly in the iron and steel sector.

By developing a green iron and steel export industry, the country can not only reduce emissions in one of the most carbon-intensive sectors, but also enhance the value of its exports, positioning itself as a key player in the sustainable industrial transition.

Currently, Europe ranks as the second-largest steel-producing region globally, producing 267Mt of steel in 2022, contributing an estimated four per cent of the region’s carbon dioxide emissions. Germany leads Europe as the region’s largest steel producer, with a production capacity of around 50.6Mt accounting for 27 per cent of European production and supporting a workforce of 80,200 employees. Given the carbon intensity and economic significance of the steel industry to the regional economy, Europe, and particularly Germany, are actively exploring decarbonisation options for this sector.

Synergies between Australia and Germany

Australia’s demonstrated capabilities in large-scale export-focused projects, combined with the nation’s extensive iron ore and renewable energy resources represents one of the most promising pathways for Australia to support global emission reductions. Additionally, Australia boasts one of the largest pipelines of renewable hydrogen projects in the world.

Australian iron ore and steel companies are also actively exploring the prospect of green iron and steel export. This integration represents significant opportunities for local economic value addition, new manufacturing ventures and export prospects for Australian industry.

This potential is emphasised by recent government funding announcements, including $4 billion allocated to the Hydrogen Headstart Program, $300 million for the Advancing Hydrogen Fund, and more than $500 million for the Australian Regional Hydrogen Hubs Program.

Additionally, up to $3 billion from the National Reconstruction Fund will support renewable energy and lowemission technologies, alongside the

$1.7 billion Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, which focuses on priority industries, including green metals. Furthermore, proposed tax incentives, such as the Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive, will provide $2 per kilogram of renewable hydrogen produced for up to ten years per project. The Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive will also offer a ten per cent tax offset for processing costs of critical minerals currently listed in Australia.

Although Australia currently only exports around 0.6Mt iron ore to Europe annually,1 the synergy of abundant renewable energy, iron ore resources and strong international relationships has the potential to establish a value-added supply chain between Australia and Germany, fostering the production and export of green iron, steel and related products.

Collaborative projects such as The Australia-Germany Hydrogen from Renewable Energy Supply Chain Feasibility Study (HySupply) and German-Australian Hydrogen Innovation and Technology Incubator (HyGate) have already set a foundation for research and industry collaborations between the two nations that could

Image: Vladimir Mulder/shutterstock.com

support the development of a green metals supply chain between Australia and Germany.

Moreover, initiatives such as Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will impose tariffs on imported goods with embedded emissions, ensuring that carbon pricing for imports is consistent with that of domestic production. Initially focusing on carbonintensive industries like iron and steel, these measures are set to take full effect in 2026. The measures highlight the critical importance of emissions reduction for globally traded commodities, and the need for commodity-oriented economies such as Australia to understand the potential consequences these measures could have on Australian export markets, particularly as other countries may adopt similar strategies to those of the EU.

Steel production and emissions overview

Steel production can be divided into primary and secondary production.

Primary production refers to steel that is produced from iron ore, while secondary production refers to steel

that is made from recycled steel scrap. Currently, 79 per cent of the world’s steel comes from primary production and, of this, 91 per cent is produced using the blast furnace – basic oxygen furnace (BFBOF) route, with the remainder coming from the direct reduced iron – electric arc furnace (DRI-EAF) route.

In both production routes, iron ore is first converted into iron through the BF or DRI process, then into steel via the BOF or EAF process. Most carbon emissions occur during the ironmaking stage: 70 per cent in the BF-BOF process and 40 per cent in the DRI-EAF process. The remaining emissions stem from raw material preparation (20 per cent for BF-BOF and 24 per cent for DRI-EAF) and the steelmaking process (ten per cent for BF-BOF and 36 per cent for DRI-EAF).2

Reducing carbon emissions in the ironmaking process offers the greatest potential for decarbonising the entire steel value chain. Currently, ironmaking and steelmaking are typically carried out as an integrated process, with both stages performed at the same site in closely linked operations.

Three potential opportunities exist for Australia to contribute to the advancement of green steel production in Germany.

Australia currently stands as the largest global exporter of iron ore and metallurgical coal for steelmaking.

However, as the industry looks to decarbonise these value chains, the future could see a more wide-spread decoupling of these processes. Regions rich in renewable energy and iron ore resources, such as Australia, could produce green iron as an intermediate product which could then be exported to areas with existing steelmaking industries, supporting the decarbonisation of their steel production.

Current investigation

Across the iron and steel value chain, three potential opportunities exist for Australia to contribute to the advancement of green steel production in Germany:

1. E xport iron ore and renewable energy in the form of renewable hydrogen (or its derivatives) to support the integrated production of green iron

to Germany, with the steel likely requiring further processing into the specialty grades used in German and European markets

At present, the first two options are considered to be more aligned with existing industrial arrangements in both Australia and Europe.

The next steps and reports

A feasibility and technical study aimed at exploring the potential of creating a sustainable green iron and steel value chain between Australia and Germany was launched between the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

The study involves the release of four reports:

Technological Pathways for a Green Iron and Green Steel Supply Chain

This report assesses the different technology pathways available for green iron and steel production which could be used in establishing a green metal supply chain between Australia and Germany.

Costing for an Australia-Germany Iron and Steel Value Chain

This report provides costing estimates for the establishment of a green metal supply chain between Australia and Germany.

Roadmapping State of Play Report

This report has been informed by stakeholder discussions and outlines the key barriers that must be addressed by both State and Federal Governments,

1 GMK Center. Global iron ore market trend: EU and Ukraine’s prospects 2023 [Available from: https://gmk.center/en/posts/global-iron-ore-market-trendiron-eu-and-ukraines-prospects/.

2 Fan Z, Friedmann SJ. Low-carbon production of iron and steel: Technology options, economic assessment, and policy. Joule. 2021;5(4):829-62.

From little things, big things grow

Western Australia’s container deposit scheme is making its way to mine sites across the state, showcasing the big impacts of small containers.

Although placing a recyclable container in a bin right after you have finished drinking from it seems like a small action, Western Australia’s container deposit scheme is demonstrating the significant impact this can have in reducing the estimated 50 million ten-cent containers lost to landfill on mine sites annually.

When the Western Australian Government set out to establish a container deposit scheme, a critical first step was creating a new statutory office to be the scheme coordinator.

Interested parties were given the opportunity to bid for the position, with WA Return Recycle Renew (WARRRL) officially named the scheme coordinator in 2019.

WARRRL is committed to collecting and recycling the ten-cent drink containers that would otherwise be lost to landfill across the state.

Upon appointment, WARRRL began working with industry partners to build a team and create a network of refund points in time for the then scheduled launch date in June 2020. By March 2020, the WARRRL team had significantly progressed plans to deliver a strong network of refund point operators, supported by logistics and processing providers. Although COVID-19 resulted in the delay of the scheme’s initial launch, Containers for Change was launched in October 2020.

WARRRL Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cusack, said, “We were responsible for ensuring the delivery of all infrastructure to run the scheme, and the process beginning in 2019 included us appointing about 75 refund point operators. Now, we have those operators running more than 270 refund points across the state, including areas that have high levels of mining concentration.”

Mr Cusack said it was natural for the operators in these areas to seek to engage with the sector because of the sheer volume of ten-cent containers being consumed on those sites.

“A number of our operators have established those initial relationships and have begun the process of recovering, whether it’s the Goldfields, the Pilbara or places even closer to Perth in the southwest.”

Rolling out to mine sites

The scheme has spread organically across the state in the four years since its

inception, with approximately two-thirds of ten-cent containers being returned, including as much as 80 per cent of ten-cent glass containers.

To further escalate the adoption of the scheme, Mr Cusack and the WARRRL team started investigating areas where container collection was underrepresented. This search yielded two locations: mine sites and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) camps.

“In these situations, you have a campsite 100km from Karratha, in a remote location in the Pilbara, but there are 3,000 people there every week,” Mr Cusack said.

The remote location of these sites usually means there is no potable water and that all water needs to be trucked in. On top of drinking water usage, these sites also involve the consumption of recreational beverages outside of work hours.

Mr Cusack said this unlocked a high volume of ten-cent containers all concentrated in one place.

“We thought that we really should be doing a better job of trying to capture those containers, because they’re in a specific, quarantined location,” he said. “If you can inspire the camp management, the facilities provider and the people on the sites to keep the containers separate, then you are going to recover them.”

Container collection in practice

In August 2024, WARRRL partnered with CITIC Pacific Mining and its food and facilities provider Sodexo Australia to bring Containers for Change to CITIC’s Eramurra village and mine site near Karratha.

The partnership involved WARRRL providing 360 Containers for Change collection points throughout Eramurra’s recreational areas, car parks, administration and the site’s wet mess. For every general waste bin on site, there is now a Containers for Change recycling bin placed alongside.

This partnership is expected to collect 2.7 million containers annually, diverting more than five per cent of unrecycled containers from landfill.

Mr Cusack said the results coming from this partnership are encouraging in the scheme’s mission to recover 85 per cent of containers state-wide.

“We’re hopeful this fantastic partnership we have with CITIC and Sodexo will provide this lens of what’s

possible when parties get together, and we can then connect all the supply chain dots to make it happen.

“All of a sudden we’re getting containers back from where we never had them before.”

What’s in it for miners?

Examples like the CITIC Pacific Mining partnership can go a long way in showcasing not only the implementation of the scheme, but also the benefits mining organisations can expect to receive.

More than just the feeling of doing good for the environment, adopters of Containers for Change can realise other benefits of the scheme.

The most direct benefit is the ten-cent refund per container. On a grand scale, like at Eramurra, for example, Mr Cusack said that refund could reach as much as $270,000, if the anticipated 2.7 million containers are recovered.

“There’s an opportunity for this funding stream to be applied to causes the companies are dedicated to.”

An example of this is Mineral Resources, with regular donations from the Containers for Change collections installed at its drill operations being given to Mingenew Primary School’s P&C Association. This funding is being used, among other things, to support a Year 6 school camp.

The funds collected at Eramurra village will go towards CITIC Pacific Mining’s Community Support Fund and will support community initiatives in Karratha and the wider Pilbara region.

“We appeal to the sector on the basis that this program is a relatively straightforward way to generate an income stream for them to support causes,” Mr Cusack said.

With the industry’s increased demands for mining organisations to make significant ESG commitments, Mr Cusack said that collecting ten-cent containers on site for recycling is an easy way to work towards ESG goals without impacting workers’ day-to-day activities.

“The actions are at the micro level but can have quite a significant impact in terms of driving outcomes that are important, both financially and environmentally, to the sector.”

Although the remoteness of many of Australia’s mine sites adds some additional challenges to container collection and recycling, Containers for

Change takes the headache out of getting the ten-cent containers off site to the location where they can be recycled.

WARRRL’s refund point network and logistics providers collects the materials, transporting them to a processing facility where they can be prepared for recycling.

“Of course, there are those natural barriers to participation,” Mr Cusack said. “But over time, the sector is becoming aware that it's not as hard as they think to participate if you set up properly in the first place.

“We’re showing the sector how it can be done, and by doing so, hoping to remove that barrier and inspire others to get involved.”

From idea to implementation

When exploring the feasibility of implementing the scheme at certain sites, Mr Cusack said it is never a one-sizefits-all scenario, especially in the mining industry where the container collection receptacles are often subjected to harsh conditions.

“We realise that, depending on the setting, the solution we offer needs to be tailored for the individual circumstance.”

Understanding the unique requirements of the challenging conditions on remote sites, WARRRL uses recycling bin infrastructure it thinks can withstand the elements. On top

of this, the Containers for Change bins have been configured in a particular way to ensure the delivery of the scheme’s goal: capturing the ten-cent containers without contamination.

“We haven’t just gone with one bin type – we’ve used multiple bin types depending on the setting,” Mr Cusack said.

To achieve efficient and effective collection across different areas of a mine site and camp, WARRRL provides various receptacles; from 10L bins that can be placed in dongas or personal quarters, to 240L bins that can be placed around the site.

“As long as it’s robust, fit for purpose and can stand the test of the climatic conditions, then we can capture those containers and get them back for recycling,” Mr Cusack said.

Peace of mind

In striving to meet ESG requirements and decrease the footprint of operations, mining organisations are making big changes to the way they run sites. Thinking on such a large scale might lead to smaller, everyday actions – like recycling ten-cent containers on site –being overlooked.

“In a world where we’re starting to think about sustainability a lot more, where we’re trying to get to net zero as quickly as we can, the more we can displace

inefficient consumption of raw material and replace that with recyclable material, then that’s going to support net zero.”

Mr Cusack said that the materials that the containers are made from – glass, plastic and liquid paperboard – are all recyclable, and therefore should not end up in landfill.

“The idea of just simply burying in landfill when there’s a very accessible alternative is just wrong,” he said.

“We shouldn’t be burying recoverable resources anywhere and this is a very clear and present opportunity to stop that behaviour and support something that’s a much better outcome.”

Wider impacts

For those on site, the impact of Containers for Change can be seen through community donations and the bright green bins filled with ten-cent containers for recycling, but the effects of the scheme extend off site.

Mr Cusack said the scheme has a range of refund point operators, half of which are not for-profits, including social enterprises and Aboriginal Corporations.

“With every container return comes a handling fee that we pay the operator to handle the container, to recover it, to separate it and get it ready for processing.

“A lot of these organisations are providing employment outcomes for

For

marginalised people who are otherwise going to struggle to get full time work, people who live with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, long term unemployed people.

“All of a sudden there’s a lot of operators who are providing employment pathways for people. There’s a very tangible benefit in terms of cascading impacts within the organisations who receive the material on the way to getting it to us,” Mr Cusack said.

Shifting mindsets

According to Mr Cusack, one of the biggest hurdles is not setting up Containers for Change at participating sites; rather, the biggest challenge comes with changing people’s mindsets and ultimately, their behaviour.

Mr Cusack said a key process for doing this is simply giving people the opportunity to place their ten-cent containers separately from landfill once they have consumed the contents.

“The main enabler across the management of waste generally, is to create the ability to separate, to keep the containers separate once the contents have been consumed,” Mr Cusack said. “Unless people have got that ability there and then, then it’s going to go to general waste and then to landfill.”

Mr Cusack said ensuring the separation opportunity is present in as many locations as possible is a key priority for Containers for Change.

“If you can keep it separate in that way, then the rest of it’s really like a supply chain challenge to consolidate it and get it back.”

This challenge of keeping ten-cent containers separate is not unique to mine sites.

“It’s a challenge on a mine site; it’s a challenge on the local street corner in Perth. It’s the same challenge.

“One of the things WARRRL is trying to achieve is behaviour change; whether it’s a work setting, a recreational setting, living my life, whatever I’m doing, I’ve got a water bottle or an energy drink in my hand, when I finish drinking the contents, what am I going to do with that container?”

Mr Cusack said that in encouraging the behaviour on site through Containers for Change, WARRRL hopes the behaviour will be echoed in workers’ home life as well.

“What we feel very strongly is that this behaviour is required in every setting,” he said. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re at work in the Pilbara in a remote location or whether you’re walking down St George’s Terrace, it doesn’t matter; it’s the same behaviour we’re looking for, which is keeping that ten-cent container separate.”

Change at every level

The launch of Containers for Change at Eramurra garnered a strong response from the industry, and through the partnership,

WARRRL provided 360 Containers for Change collection points throughout recreational areas and car parks at CITIC Pacific Mining’s Eramurra village.

WARRRL has become an associate member of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA.

Mr Cusack said the exposure is giving the team a lot of opportunities to educate the sector on how easy it can be to get involved.

“We now have a page dedicated to mining on our website. If there’s a sustainability leader sitting with that responsibility within a mining company and they want to know how to get involved, they just jump onto that page and everything they need is there.”

Mr Cusack said he is excited about the industry interest Containers for Change is receiving, giving Western Australia a boost towards its recycling goal.

“We want to be the first modern container deposit scheme in Australia to get to 85 per cent container recovery and we can definitely get there. But it requires all sectors of the community to be involved to get to 85; you’ve got to be everywhere, doing the right thing everywhere, irrespective of the location.

“Where people are concentrated and there’s ten-cent containers present, we want to be able to capture those containers and get them back,” Mr Cusack said.

“Whether you’re at one end of the state or the other, we’ve got a fantastic array of partners and resources, and it just requires connecting the right people at the right time, and we can make it happen.”

every general waste bin on site, there is now a Containers for Change recycling bin placed alongside.

Images: WARRRL

Building a circularity toolkit

A new report released by the International Council on Mining and Metals offers a toolkit to help mining companies navigate and implement circularity in their businesses.

The Tools for Circularity were designed and released with the goal of helping mining companies to continue to minimise waste and maximise value – from sourcing and production to use and recovery.

The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) Director of Innovation, Bryony Clear Hill, said that ICMM has been working on circularity for the last three years.

“We know we need more metal to reach net zero and development goals, and all the numbers show that if we recycled everything we have, it still wouldn’t be enough,” she said. “Primary mining is part of the solution, and it’s the building block for the circular economy, because these materials can be infinitely recyclable in the right circumstances.”

When it comes to circularity, however, it’s not as easy as one organisation doing all the work.

“We talk about circularity and the contribution of mining and metals to a circular economy, but individual companies can’t create a circular economy alone. The circular economy is the big macro concept. But we can work to increase circularity within our companies and our industry,” Ms Clear Hill said.

Interrelated processes

In the report, ICMM uses the term circular economy to refer to the wider economic

system that creates more circular and less wasteful outcomes, and circularity to refer to this within companies’ processes or products.

Ms Clear Hill said that circularity has to encompass both product and process circularity. Process circularity includes any sort of circular economy principles implemented across operations, such as resource efficiency practices, waste reduction initiatives and the valorisation of tailings. Product circularity focuses more on the lifecycle of products.

“If a company is working hard to produce copper using, for example, recycled water, renewable energy and aiming for zero waste, but then that copper is in use for a year and then ends up in landfill, that’s not circularity either. That’s why considering product circularity is also key.

“Circularity has to look at both of those things, because there’s limited value in producing responsible metal if it’s going to become waste and its value lost.”

Ms Clear Hill said that product and process circularity are interrelated, and this relationship is going to look slightly different in every company.

“Some companies are focusing very heavily on process and are aiming to be incredibly efficient and are really focusing on the circularity initiatives at the mining level. Then we see others that are moving into the secondary product space, and that’s fine. We need

both; that’s what circularity means for our industry.”

Circularity in mining and metals

ICMM’s Tools for Circularity explores certain principles that can be implemented to progress circular economy, including:

♦ Designing out waste

♦ E xtending lifecycles

♦ Turning waste into a resource

♦ Facilitating regeneration

♦ Operating in systems

♦ C apturing and sharing value

“Increasing circularity can have a significant impact on our climate and nature goals. These are key drivers in continuing to improve circularity – it can be a tool to help us contribute to wider sustainability goals,” Ms Clear Hill said.

The report provides details on several of the key drivers behind circularity implementation in the industry. These include economic value, regulatory and reporting requirements, stakeholder expectations, climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and resource scarcity, supply security and resilience.

“If we can use fewer resources and make better uses of the resources that we have, you can have a huge knock-on impact on these other key priorities for the industry, for instance climate change mitigation, or supply chain security.”

ICMM report

Ms Clear Hill said that in creating Tools for Circularity, ICMM wanted to produce a concrete and accessible set of tools for the industry to help provide a nuanced understanding of what circularity means for the mining and metals industry.

“It’s part of what ICMM does – we work on these topics, and then we produce guidance which is useful for our members, but also becomes an industry point of reference that other mining and metals companies can use.”

ICMM held a workshop in Chile in November 2023 with its members, where the team spent several days trying to ascertain what role ICMM could play in helping mining and metals companies continue to improve their circularity.

“We came up with this massive, long list of potential things, and we ended up landing on the three tools which are in the report.”

“The first one is level setting; what does circularity mean for the industry, and how does that link to the way that circular economy is framed on a global level?”

Ms Clear Hill said that ICMM has been working towards educating and informing organisations to help them fully understand what circularity entails, and the value it presents.

“We want people to be able to use and understand phrases such as process circularity and product circularity.”

The second tool is the business case tool, which Ms Clear Hill said was to help companies identify the potential value, economic, environmental, or social, of improved circularity. Building this business case for external or internal buy-in is particularly important given the relative infancy of circularity within the sector.

“Relatively few companies actually make this someone’s job, and in most cases, it’s more of an approach which sits across a number of different job roles,” Ms Clear Hill said.

The third tool in Tools for Circularity is the case studies, which demonstrates a wide range of approaches that are currently being taken across the industry to improve circularity; both process and product. This tool also indicates the breadth and flexibility of approaches to improving circularity that are present in the industry.

An ongoing tool

In creating the Tools for Circularity, the ICMM aimed to develop a tool that companies would continue to refer to and use.

“It’s not supposed to be a report on our website which you read once; it’s supposed to be something that you go back to you, download sections of it, print off the checklist and use it.”

The different sections in the report all have different uses, but Ms Clear Hill said

the most practical one people are likely to use again and again is the business case for circularity checklist.

The idea behind the checklist was to assist an individual in executing a circularity project within their company, with the checklist helping them to explain the value of the project within the organisation.

“If you’re trying to explain to the people who are less connected to the concepts of circularity, we heard from practitioners that it can be difficult to explain the value, because it can be perceived that these projects are a risk,” Ms Clear Hill said.

“The checklist prompts you to think through all the different potential forms of value that could be created by doing a circularity project so you’re not doing circularity for the sake of circularity but to deliver different forms of value.”

Following the release of Tools for Circularity, ICMM is now focused on assisting its members in implementation.

“The tools are out there. In terms of what’s next, it’s about supporting members in being able to use and operationalise these tools,” Ms Clear Hill said.

Reflecting on where the mining and metals industry sits on its circularity journey, Ms Clear Hill said that although there is a lot of good happening throughout the industry there’s more to be done.

“There is a need across the industry generally, for circularity to become more of a normalised concept, something that we’re comfortable talking about.”

“The first thing is understanding what circularity means for the industry and challenging this perception that circularity is only recycling. That’s where our report can really help to explain the actual breadth of circularity approaches that are needed and that could be taken.”

Ms Clear Hill said she hopes that the report can show people that circularity can be many different things and contribute massive value in different areas.

“I think what I’m really hoping that the report will do is help to spread the message that circularity for mining and metals means much more than just starting to recycle mobile phones,” she said.

“There is more to the role that mining and metals can play to improving global circularity, and all of it is crucial to meeting net zero and nature-positive goals, whilst aiding in the development of a global circular economy.”

Image: ArtbyPixel/shutterstock.com

The valorisation of tailings acts as an example of process circularity.

Figure 1: Haulage Creek, Western Tasmania, impacted by acid and metalliferous drainage (the pH is around three, with elevated heavy metal content).

Image: Anita Parbhakar-Fox

Metals to medals

By Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox, University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute

Not all that glitters is gold, but unclaimed metals in Australia’s mine waste could find itself adorning the necks of the world’s champions in 2032.

Exhausted, exhilarated and emotional.

The first bars of the national anthem start to play, and your name is called. As you step onto the podium, a great sense of pride washes over you. Not only because you won an Olympic gold medal, but because the beautiful medal placed around your neck was made using recycled metals coming from mine waste – a personal best for an industry that has battled with its environmental credibility.

With Brisbane 2032 fast approaching, the nation is busily preparing to follow the tough acts of Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. Although the former Queensland premier had plans for a ‘no frills’ event, there is one area that Australia must perform well in – the medals; not necessarily the final tally (though, as host nation it would be fitting to achieve the top spot) but the materials used to make these career-defining mementos.

Champions of the past

Cast your mind back to Tokyo 2020 – the medals were crafted using metals from e-waste materials which, for a country known for its electronics industry, was a testament to their commitment to circularity. Residents of Japan were said to have donated household items, including mobile phones, with the slogan for the games ‘be better, together – for the planet and people’. In total, eight tonnes of metal was required, and 5,000 medals were produced.

Fast forward to Paris 2024 where the world’s best athletes got to compete in the iconic city with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop. The lucky ones who placed top three in their event got to own a piece of it too. Every medal from this Olympics contained 18g of iron pieces, mainly cut from Eiffel Tower girders and embedded in the centre.

No major announcements have been made yet as to the medal composition for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

2: Mine waste sites sampled by the University of Queensland’s MIWATCH (Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation) Group, with State and Territory Governments and Geoscience Australia funding.

In the meantime, Australia’s attention must turn towards the 2032 Games and the opportunity they provide to showcase Australia’s mining sectors’ commitment to circularity by using metals recovered from mine waste in the manufacturing of medals.

Recovering metals

Australia reportedly hosts 50,000 sites containing mine waste features. If these contain sulphide minerals – pyrite (FeS2) in particular – they have the potential to generate acid and metalliferous drainage (Figure 1).

Reaching net zero by 2050 would require at least 194 mines or six new mines every year, a recent study by the International Energy Forum shows. Whilst there is pressure to deliver the metals to meet energy transition needs, there is an even bigger challenge to manage the associated mine waste.

For example, one gold medal contains approximately 6g of gold (roughly equivalent to an average wedding ring) and therefore could generate approximately 20t of associated mine waste, which then requires ongoing management to ensure it poses no environmental harm.

Considering the impending mining boom, it is crucial to challenge the current mine waste management status quo. Without innovation, the global community will see more examples of acid and metalliferous drainage and perhaps more devastatingly, tailings dam failures. While these failure events happen in a matter of minutes, the environmental impacts are long-lasting. These impacts do not bode well for obtaining social licences to operate, a matter that consistently features in EY’s annual Top 10 risks and opportunities in mining survey.

Figure

Image:

Rosie

Blannin

Figure 3: Distribution of copper in mine waste resources identified by the University of Queensland’s MIWATCH Group. Data from NSW is currently under embargo.

Community concerns around new mining projects and the environmental impacts have been topical within Australia in recent years. The mining sector is at a crossroads: continue to build tailings storage dams or find alternative uses for these materials.

The obvious solution is to break the linear chain instead of continuing to be an industry that focuses on takemake-dispose. Integrated and holistic characterisation of mine waste, both existing and future, offers a chance to embed circularity into the mining sector.

Further, in comparison to other industries, the quantity of waste produced in mining is significantly higher – it would take just 26 days to fill the entirety of Sydney Harbour with mine tailings in comparison to the plastics sector, which produces 52Mt of waste per year (equivalent to just three Sydney Harbours). Despite this, more national efforts are placed on embedding circularity (or reducing consumption) in those sectors. The mining sector could be missing an important opportunity.

The ICMM recently reviewed circular economy practices in the mining sector and showcased efforts being made by several of its member companies to reduce ‘value leakage’. Designing out waste was cited in the report as one opportunity to tackle this issue.

Companies like Vale are making headway, with its ‘waste to value’

program, which includes initiatives like the Gelado Project, where iron ore tailings are being reused to make high-grade iron pellets, and the Pico concrete block manufacturing facility where 30,000 metric tonnes of tailings have been turned into 3.8 million pre-mounded concrete products.

Another example is Rio Tinto, where critical metal scandium is being recovered from waste streams generated from its iron and titanium operations in Quebec, Canada.

Mapping mine waste

Closer to home, several State and Territory Governments, as well as Geoscience Australia, have sought to identify critical metals in Australia’s mine waste through a national mapping program, which was largely undertaken by the University of Queensland.

Through the program, 77 sites (Figure 2) containing mine waste features have been sampled using an integrated geochemistry-mineralogy program and the critical metal content was analysed. This data was reported via State Government portals and will also feature in the next iteration of the Atlas of Australian Mine Waste.

Delivery of this pre-competitive data to the industry has seen an upswing in start-up companies, such as Regeneration Enterprises, looking to develop recommercialisation opportunities.

Companies like Heritage Minerals and Sibanye Stillwater are already making progress in recovering value from Queensland’s tailings, with the imminent restart of Mt Morgan focused on gold extraction and the second life given to the Century Mine where zinc and silver are being recovered.

But surely, the industry can do more?

Focusing on results from the national mine waste mapping campaign, the location of metals required for all metals needed for Olympic medals (predominantly gold, silver, copper, tin and zinc) can be readily identified.

For example, the distribution of copper can be seen in Figure 3.

Building on this government effort, the opportunity to target Australia’s abandoned mine site waste fertile in these metals and use them as feedstock for the 2032 medals is presented to the industry. The socio-environmental optics on this would be international, indicating to the global community a commitment towards circular economy, and increasing awareness of the fact that mine waste is every consumer’s responsibility, not just the mining company itself.

Looking to the future

Identifying the location of these metals is only the first challenge; the next is to develop sustainable and innovative pathways for their recovery.

Image: Rosie Blannin

New research is underway at the University of Queensland to develop new, and refine existing, technologies, including high voltage pulse and X-ray transmission sorting to better identify and separate the new target ore minerals from waste (Figure 4).

Once separated, efforts are being spent on greener methods to extract the target metal(s) from the ore, with research focusing on exploring and scaling the use of innovative hydrometallurgy methods, biomining techniques and even phytoextraction (Figure 5), with plants such as repens. New research is also being established to create value from the new mining waste produced, in an effort to move towards net zero mine waste, a target the global community should edge towards by 2050.

The next step will be to scale these approaches to determine if some quota of recycled mine waste metals can be delivered in time to be incorporated into Brisbane’s 2032 medals. This is only going to be achieved through government-researchindustry collaboration.

A challenge must be set to the Olympic Committee to work towards this outcome, where there will be one very clear winner – the environment.

Figure 4: High density phase seen in waste rock particle (-19 to + 15 mm diameter, shown in purple) –interpreted as coarse-grained gold with a gold pin shown for reference.

Image: produced by TOMRA

Figure 5: University of Queensland researchers undertaking bioleaching trials to extract metals from gold and zinc-rich waste rock materials.

Image: Anita Parbhakar-Fox

Cyber process hazard analysis in mining

By Luke Forsyth, Partner at Deloitte

Innovations also increase the cyberattack surface of the mines of the future.

Innovations such as autonomous mining, remote operations and electronic vehicles have profound benefits for miners – but they also increase the cyber-attack surface of the mine of the future.

As mining operations increasingly adopt automation and advanced technology, cyber security has become a critical aspect of successful mining practices. With the industry transitioning from human operators to autonomous or remotely operated systems, this increases the vulnerability of mining operations to cyber-attack.

Consequently, it is increasingly essential to establish robust cyber security measures. The industry can, however, draw lessons from the safety revolution in mining and apply some of these lessons to the cyber-defence of the mine of the future.

The current revolution in mining stretches far beyond automation. Automation itself has proven to have profound benefits in cost reduction and in reducing the probability of safety incidents and other interruptions to operations. Remote operations and remote automation supervision also bring cost reduction benefits and substantial benefits in employee welfare by reducing the requirement for travel away from family and friends. Another benefit which the industry is becoming increasingly aware of is the carbon reducing benefit of decreased travel and the capacity for greater carbon efficiency in autonomous vehicles.

Electrifying change

The next wave of change is here, as industry is now witnessing the introduction of electronic vehicles (EV) for haul trucks. This is being followed by the introduction of EV for rail, drill and blast, watering and site maintenance. Site power generation is moving from fuel oil and diesel to solar and wind; battery storage is being introduced in support of the renewable power generation; and

site physical security and safety cost and effort is also being reduced through increased use of sophisticated CCTV and onboard vehicle cameras. All these innovations have substantial benefits for carbon reduction and employee welfare.

Unfortunately, all these innovations also increase the cyber-attack surface of the mine of the future. An autonomous or remotely operated vehicle or fixed plant is inherently more vulnerable to hacking than vehicles or plants under human operator control. It is hard to hack a person. This hacking can be directed at the in-situ controls of the vehicle and plant or can be directed at their communications channels.

The potential disruption to operations is by itself of sufficient concern. An 80,000t train, a 400t haul truck or a drill and blast truck carrying explosives each also present their own risks.

Solar and wind power generation must be geographically distributed and are more vulnerable than fuel-powered generation, which has substantially lower requirements for physical and electronic security. Current solar and wind farm technologies also have lower than desired communications protection. The nations of origin of many solar and wind generation technologies are another consideration. EV batteries, and in particular high-voltage fixed location storage batteries, have potential vulnerabilities to both standard logical hacking as well as electrical noise techniques.

Drones are another area of innovation that also introduces new risk. Drones can now be employed in exploration, site survey, maintenance, pest management and even physical security. The cost of drones is decreasing as rapidly as their range increases.

Commercially available drones that have extensive range and comparatively low

cost are now widely available. A cleaning drone with a 20L water storage tank is also a 20kg projectile. As evident from recent wars, drones that carry a relatively small amount of explosive or incendiary material can be turned into a potent weapon. Drones can also be used to carry electronic warfare tools such as signal jamming. This could have impacts for vehicular and remote operations communications.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is highly topical. Mining already makes substantial use of other types of AI, particularly predictive AI. GenAI has particular potential for mining because of the opportunity to base decision-making on accurate simulated data and it has less dependence on the availability of accurate and referenceable historic data. This, in turn, makes GenAI more vulnerable to attacks that inject disruptive data into the model, corrupt the operational integrity of trained models or create distorted conclusions.

The presence of potentially compromising input data or output conclusions also have commercial and compliance risks. AI is being employed to model both cyber-attack and cyber-defence and this modelling is a particularly attractive target for malicious distortion. Unfortunately, AI, and GenAI in particular, forms part of the increasing cyber-attack surface of mining.

Keeping cyber safe

All is not, however, doom and gloom for those striving for the mine of the future and this hope comes in significant part from one of the key recent successes of mining, the safety revolution that began in the 1980s.

This safety revolution has had a profound impact on mining and the welfare of the people working in mining. Some of the lessons learnt, such as

‘safety shares’ and ‘if you see something, say something’, have also proven to be effective in cyber-defence. For example, one of the earliest indicators of cyber compromise of a site can be a staff member reporting strange behaviours by their desktop computer.

The systematic analysis of hazards in the workplace is sometimes known as process hazard analysis (PHA). There are many useful guides and standards that apply to the systematic reduction of risk in the workplace. An example of which is IEC61511 Functional Safety. A similarly methodical approach is required for limiting cyber risk. Cyber can learn a lot from mining.

A key difference between cyber-risk and safety is that in cyber only the processes that may be targeted by a malicious external or internal actor are being looked at. This is a much smaller number of processes than may be considered for a safety analysis, when all processes should be considered. When considering these different actors, it’s also important to consider whether external and internal actors may be cooperating.

Malicious insiders are often motivated by their becoming disgruntled with their remuneration, coercion through blackmail, bribery, a change in political views such as environmental concerns, or sometimes simply boredom. External actors are increasingly organised crime groups and are acting with the support or tolerance of nation states and may be motivated by ransom, damage to a competing commercial interest, or national and industrial espionage. This analysis of potential cyber threats is unsurprisingly known as at cyber treat analysis (CTA).

Undertaking a process analysis

To choose the processes likely to be targeted by a cyber-attack organisations undertake a cyber critical process analysis (CCPA). ISO 22301 Security and Resilience – Business Continuity Management Systems or the more succinct Good Practice Guidelines (GPG) of the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) are commonly employed to facilitate the CCPA. Where organisations have already made substantial progress on their BCP, the cyber analysis begins with a review of the hopefully complete list of processes. The CCPA then focusses on the sub-set of processes that would be critical as being the subject of a cyber incident or which may become critical during the probable duration of a cyber incident. For example, core production processes with potential cyber vulnerabilities will obviously be part of the CCPA list. However, other processes which have a critical role during an incident, such

as government and media relations, customer relations or treasury will usually be part of the list.

The ability to maintain communications as well as to accept and make payments is often critical. Most organisations will have conducted a business impact analysis (BIA) for each of their processes as part of their BCP. These BIA will usually need to be reviewed as the standard BCP will need to be refocussed on potential cyber threats identified in the CTA.

The CCPA is then broken down so that for each process the company can identify:

♦ Each sub-process stages of each of the critical processes

♦ The list of assets that support each sub-process stage

♦ Confirm which of the supporting assets are critical to that process

♦ Confirm the key personnel who support each of these sub-process stages and assets

The results of this assessment can sometimes prove surprising:

♦ In operational technology (OT) centric environments like mining, the list of assets can be very incomplete

♦ Information technology (IT) environment can usually both be actively scanned and almost all IT equipment frequently self-identifies on the network

♦ OT equipment may not yet use Internet Protocol (IP) and may not identify on the network frequently

♦ Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) may not identify on the network at all or only identify through perimeter controls (firewalls and jump hosts)

To address these shortcomings in the asset list it may be necessary to undertake a period of observing the network in each network area, known as a segment. This study is known as a traffic flow analysis (TFA). This TFA may take anywhere from 14 days to six months, depending on the complexity of the network and the infrequency with which some critical equipment may communicate.

Each process and sub-process is then cross-referenced:

♦ Are there assets that are not considered critical for any single sub-process but whose frequency across all critical processes requires further consideration?

♦ Who are the key personnel and groups supporting each critical asset and sub-process?

♦ Is the geographic and network location of all critical assets accurate?

♦ Is there real-time continuous

information available on the operational status of each critical asset? If not, then plans need to be made for this to be available ♦ Does the current BCP need to be updated for the critical assets and their supporting personnel?

A key consideration must be establishing a priority and justification for any change that may be required. This is particularly the case where the change may need to be staged over a progressive number of shut-downs at respective sites.

Reducing risks

Risk mitigation plans should then be updated or developed with the knowledge gained during the PHA process. These risk mitigation plans should then be ranked to establish the priority of action during an incident.

The objective of the cyber process hazard analysis (CPHA) is not to create new parallel plans or introduce new unnecessary complexity. In safety centric industries like mining, CPHA will usually require the addition of new criterion to existing operational and safety processes.

Two key considerations are that the cyber then also needs to be included in the training and rehearsal of these plans and procedures, and the traditional PHA will be used with a focus on cyber-attack scenarios that would prevent safeguards from operating properly.

ISA/IEC 62443 is usually then employed to conduct this review. Unfortunately, the NIST cybersecurity framework (CSF) has insufficient detail on OT for most mining environments. ISO 27001 also lacks details on OT and is now most often found where its use is required by regulation in the finance, telecommunications and federal government mandated environments. ISA/IEC 62443 provides a workable and detailed guidance but can be used selectively rather than dogmatically, as is required by ISO 27001

CPHA is specifically designed for safety and operationally focused industries such as mining and energy. The intention is to utilise proven tools and techniques wherever possible.

It is important to note that none of the standards or guidelines are applied in their entirety and attempts to certify to these standards are rarely justified.

The CPHA's focus on protecting critical processes has demonstrated superior operational and cost-effectiveness. This approach not only enhances security but also optimises resource allocation, fostering a more resilient and efficient operational environment.

Movement in the industry

Your industry personnel round-up – we cover who’s moved where, which boardrooms have been shaken up and the new leaders making big decisions in organisations across the industry.

In September, Boss Energy welcomed Matt Dusci to its leadership team as the new COO. To the new role, Mr Dusci brought his 25 years of experience in the mining industry, including in technical studies, project development, operations, business development, strategy and executive leadership.

In the ten years prior to his move to Boss, Mr Dusci held several executive positions at IGO Limited, including Acting CEO, COO and Chief Growth Officer.

Also in September, Geoscience Australia’s CEO, Dr James Johnson, announced that it was time for him to transition into retirement. In spite of this, Dr Johnson intends to remain in the role until a successor is appointed.

Dr Johnson first joined Geoscience Australia in January 2006 as the Chief of the Minerals Division, after 20 years in the mining and mineral exploration industries. Throughout Dr Johnson’s tenure, Geoscience Australia marked key milestones including the creation of

the Digital Earth Australia platform for satellite Earth observations.

In October, True North Copper announced the resignation of its CFO, Craig Gouws. Mr Gouws agreed to assist the company as a consultant on an as-needed basis while True North Copper hunts for a replacement CFO.

President and CEO of Newmont, Tom Palmer, was named as the new Chair of the International Council on Mining and Metals. Mr Palmer succeeded Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta Minerals, in the role.

In early October, Evolution Energy Minerals and Sky Metals welcomed new leaders to their teams.

Evolution Energy Minerals appointed Brian Gordon as a non-executive director of its board. Mr Gordon brought with him more than a decade of experience advising global mining clients on every aspect of the sector.

Sky Metals promoted its CEO, Oliver Davies, to Managing Director. Mr Davies commenced his tenure at Sky Metals in

2019, when he joined the tin exploration company as a geologist.

Also in October, the newly named Patronus Resources promoted its experienced mining executive, John Ingram, who was serving as COO, to the position of CEO.

Chalice Mining announced the appointment of Richard Hacker to its board, with Mr Hacker seeking election as a non-executive director. This would bring an end his 17-year run as an executive team member, during which he took on the roles of CFO and General Manager –Commercial and Strategy.

Hastings Technology Metals appointed Peter Phan as the Project Director of its Yangibana project, with Mr Phan bringing more than 30 years’ mining industry experience to the role.

Albemarle made several structural changes to its executive team, taking effect as of 1 November. These updates included the promotion of Netha Johnson from Specialties Business President to COO; the transition of Energy Storage Business President, Eric Norris, to the role of CCO; and the appointment of Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Melissa Anderson, to the role of Chief Transformation Officer.

ASIA-PACIFIC’S INTERNATIONAL MINING EXHIBITION IS MOVING!

As Australia’s longest running mining show, Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) has a long, established history of showcasing and supporting the latest trends and developments in the industry.

AIMEX is relocating and will call South Australia home for the next 10 years, following market feedback and strong support from the local government and key mining players.

The move marks an exciting new chapter for the event and the region’s resource sector, with the state leading the way in future-focused mining.

AIMEX offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with Australia’s largest community of mining suppliers and professionals in an environment that stimulates innovation and collaboration.