The AJM News

Xstrata targets iron ore, bids for Sphere Minerals

Xstrata has launched a friendly, all-cash takeover bid for Mauritanian iron ore hopeful, Sphere Minerals, with the bid priced at $2.50 per share or $428 in total.

CSA Global opens in Indonesia, will expand in UK

As part of a growth strategy to internationalise its operations, resources industry consultancy CSA Global has established a new office in Jakarta and has plans to grow its UK business.

Toyota improves Huski skid-steer loader steering feel

Toyota Material Handling Australia (TMHA) has conducted extensive field trials with local operators to refine the steering of its 5SDK Huski skid-steer loader range.

Gehl adds articulated loaders to range

Gehl Company, a leading manufacturer of compact equipment for resources, bulk handling, agriculture and construction markets, has introduced compact articulated loader models 140, 340 and 540.

NZ firm’s grabs go to Darwin, New Caledonia

New Zealand firm Page Macrae Engineering has recently supplied three diesel hydraulic grabs to Darwin, with four more destined for New Caledonia. The firm says its PM Grabs maximize discharge times while minimizing dust and noise.

BHP bid timed to capture potash upswing

While all commodities suffered during the global financial crisis, potash was hit particularly hard with nervous farmers going on a buying strike. In consequence, BHP Billiton target Potash Corp of Canada laid off 940 workers and cut potash production by 3.5 million tonnes in 2009.

RYCO 24•7 opens new premises in Ingleburn

Hydraulic hose specialist RYCO 24•7 recently opened its doors in Ingleburn, with AFL great Kevin Sheedy on hand to share in the excitement.

Australia slips on survey of investment attractiveness

In the game of snakes and ladders that is the Fraser Institute’s survey of mining executives’ attitudes to investment locations, new taxes assume boa or python status. Australia, Quebec and Nevada have all slithered down the rankings care of new imposts.

New book – Transfer Chute Design Manual

A handsome new 272-page volume entitled “The Transfer Chute Design Manual - For Conveyor Belt Systems” has just been published. Authors are Colin Benjamin, Peter Donecker, Shams Huque and John Rozentals.

Vietnam chooses Trakblaze train weighing technology

Australian company Trakblaze International has been chosen by Vietnam National Coal Mineral Industries Group as preferred supplier of in-motion train weighing systems.

First nickel from Goro, 12 years after WA pioneers

Brazilian mining giant Vale, which acquired the New Caledonia-based Goro project after its acquisition of Inco in 2006, has announced first metal product from the high pressure acid leach (HPAL) project. The milestone comes 12 years after one of Australia's trio of HPAL pioneers first began processing ore in its autoclave.

Miners up their bid for QR's coal rail track network

A consortium of coal miners has increased its offer for Queensland Rail's coal rail track network, which the Queensland government is intent on selling in an IPO.

Newcastle’s 3rd coal terminal to expand from 30 to 53mtpa

According to the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG), construction of the second stage of the third coal export terminal in the Port of Newcastle will begin immediately following completion of finance arrangements.

Sandvik installs primary gyratory crusher in record time

Sandvik has installed its first primary gyratory crusher - a model CG820 - in only 18 days at an iron ore mine in India belonging to Tata Steel.

Crosslands joint venture to expand Charley Creek

Uranium junior Crossland Uranium Mines has concluded a deal with Western Desert Resources (WDR) that will see an expansion of one of the former company’s key uranium exploration projects.

Rio spends US$790m on Pilbara port, prelude to push to 330mt

Mining giant Rio Tinto is to spend $790m on port infrastructure at Cape Lambert, the long lead time investment a prelude to spending of over $10bn which will boost its iron ore capacity from 225mtpa to 330mtpa.

Catalpa opens Edna May mine, ramp-up on track

Perth-based gold producer, Catalpa Resources, which commissioned its $92m Edna May gold mine in mid-May, celebrated the official opening of the 100, 000 ounce per annum project on Monday.

Western Areas sends first shipment of nickel to China

One of the darlings of the mid-tier nickel sector – Western Areas – has celebrated its 10th anniversary in style, with the pure play nickel producer sending its first shipment of ore to China.

Bucyrus wet and dry diesel particulate solutions

With the underground coal industry increasingly concerned about diesel particulate emissions, Bucyrus has re-affirmed its credentials in the area.

ASX members included on lithium EFT

An exchange traded fund (EFT) has just been launched in lithium – one of the metals’ world’s hottest investment prospects – with Galaxy Resources and Orocobre two Australian inclusions.