Some Chinese smelters have agreed to process copper from Chilean miner Antofagasta  for no charge, a record low for the industry, but the outcome was better than expected for the smelters, already suffering losses. Antofagasta has agreed to set copper concentrate processing fees at $0 per metric ton and 0 cents per pound, four sources with […]

The Democratic Republic of Congo has extended its ban on exports of cobalt by three months as the world’s dominant producer of the battery metal tries to convert its supply power into pricing power. After rallying sharply in February, when the market was caught out by news of the original ban, the price reaction this […]

Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting will invest $1.6 billion (Rio Tinto share $0.8 billion) to develop the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The Hope Downs 2 project, to mine Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting’s Hope Downs 2 and Bedded Hilltop deposits, has now received all necessary State and Federal Government […]

Rock bolts find diverse applications across various industries, contributing to the stability and safety of underground structures. Common applications include: Mining operations Rock bolts are a fundamental component of ground support in underground mining, particularly in hard rock environments. Widely used in room-and-pillar and longwall mining methods, these anchors stabilize walls and roofs by securing […]

The three most popular methods for installing rock bolts are grout or resin anchoring, mechanical anchoring, and anchoring. Depending on the site’s geology and structural needs, each approach has unique benefits. Mechanical anchoring In applications involving rock reinforcement, mechanical anchoring, also referred to as point anchoring, is a popular installation technique that offers instant support. […]

Niger’s government announced plans to nationalise the Somair uranium joint venture operated by French nuclear fuels company Orano, according to a statement read out on national television in the West African nation on Thursday. The decision is an escalation of a dispute between the Niger government and the French company, following a deterioration of relations […]

Rio Tinto’s Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) is investing $800,000 over two years to support the expansion of the Lil Snowflakes daycare in Wabush. The expansion will increase the daycare’s capacity to an estimated 116 spaces, including 86 full-time spots, with 50 spaces designated for IOC employees. These designated spaces will help support local […]

Gold prices held steady as investors kept an eye on the conflict between Israel and Iran, while platinum scaled its highest level since September 2014 on speculative buying. Spot gold was steady at $3,369.79 an ounce at 0955 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 0.6% to $3,387.30. “We’re not expecting that gold prices will fall back […]

Belt conveyors are widely used in the mining industry, both in open-cast and underground mines. They offer advantages such as rapid transport of blasted heaps from the depths to the surface, and many others. However, their use in underground mines has a number of drawbacks. Let’s explore some of them. Fire hazards Underground conveyor belts, […]

According to Ammar Ali, Ex Engineer Intern at Freeport Indonesia with expertise in Mine Ventilation DMLZ-PB4, the VOD concept is one of the energy-saving principles in underground mine ventilation systems (can be applied to all commodities). VOD is the ability to provide air intake into underground mines to areas that need it, in other words […]