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A mini solution for a major industry

June 17, 2024

Movex’s MINIDOZER may have big implications for the Australian mining sector.


When thinking about a mine site, one could be forgiven for simply picturing giant haul trucks and massive crushers.


But the dynamic world of Australian mining often requires smaller solutions for bigger challenges as operations move towards a greener future.


Hasemer Material Handling has been a trusted supplier of quality lifting and material handling equipment for the Australian mining industry since 1965.


With decades of experience under its belt and customers across Australia and New Zealand, Hasemer is well versed on the challenges facing the sector as net-zero targets approach.


The company is now bringing a different kind of solution to Australian shores with the help of its Canadian-based partner, Movex Innovation.


As an established industry innovator, Movex boasts a network of mining equipment across a range of operations in more than 30 countries.


Hasemer managing director Stephen Batten has seen first-hand the benefits Movex equipment can have in Australian operations.


“Movex’s innovation is driven by a commitment to listening to its customers, with the company always coming out with new products to suit their unique needs,” he said.


The latest Movex MINIDOZER is no exception to this principle.


With a low-profile design for confined areas, the MINIDOZER is purpose-built for tough applications like cleaning potlines in aluminium smelters or underneath conveyor belts in ore-processing plants.


These environments are traditionally extremely dangerous areas for workers, with operations needing to be shut down while workers perform cleaning and recovery.


But the MINIDOZER takes the human element out of the process, boosting site safety and slashing downtime by allowing operations to keep running while it works. Batten said Hasemer has already implemented Movex’s machines at Australian operations with resounding success.


“At one aluminium smelter specifically, we have been able to work with Movex and our customer to customise the MINIDOZER to their unique specifications,” he said. “One mining contractor told us the MINIDOZER actually saved them a person on the job.”


But the ultra-compact loader doesn’t just have the potential to keep operations running; it can also keep workers out of harm’s way.


Movex business development director William Lavoie said the MINIDOZER can also help operators reach their sustainability goals.


“The confines of certain operations demand ultra-compact material-handling equipment, and not just any equipment will do,” Lavoie told Australian Mining.


“In aluminium smelters, especially, equipment must be robust against magnetic fields, but we must accommodate a client’s needs and consider all operating environments.


“Being electric-powered while having diesel power strength, the MINIDOZER also eliminates emissions and cuts fuel costs.”


With nearly 100m of remote control range, the MINIDOZER is designed to work in harsh environments and go where others can’t.


Lavoie emphasised that not only can the MINIDOZER save operators on downtime, maintenance and overall costs by only requiring simple battery changes, but it’s also an easy-to-use solution anyone can operate.


“While the MINIDOZER uses smart and advanced technology, we engineered it so it can be used by anyone,” he said. “It doesn’t require any licencing either; it really is a simple solution.”


It’s a simple solution Batten is confident will have a major impact in the Australian mining sector.


“Hasemer and Movex alike prioritise quality products and services for our customers,” he said.


“The MINIDOZER is the latest realisation of our shared commitment to solving the challenges our customers face.”





Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/a-mini-solution-for-a-major-industry/

July 9, 2024
The Queensland Government has broken ground on the first construction works of the $5 billion CopperString project. Work commenced yesterday on the CopperString projects’ first and largest workforce accommodation site. The site will house those charged with building the project’s 840km high-voltage transmission line that will connect Mount Isa to the ‘SuperGrid’ for the first time. The workforce accommodation will house up to 550 construction workers at its peak. These workers will construct a nearby substation and progress early stages of the transmission line development heading west from Hughenden out to Mount Isa. Supercharging the state’s north-west aims to unlock Queensland’s $500 billion north-west minerals province. It’s expected CopperString will be complete in 2029, weather and construction conditions permitting. Queensland Premier Stephen Miles said CopperString is the biggest ever expansion to the state’s publicly owned energy system. “Queenslanders deserve cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy – to power their homes, our schools, hospitals, shopping centres and more,” Miles said . “CopperString will be the catalyst for transforming Queensland’s north and north-west – opening up mining opportunities, creating more jobs and unlocking critical minerals which will be essential in developing renewable technologies. “This is the start of a long and exciting future for the region and our state.” Commencing later this month, project owner, Queensland Powerlink, will be offering free sessions for businesses along the CopperString corridor to build their capabilities. The program includes five workshops and one-on-one assistance to help businesses build confidence to bid on major projects and supply chain work in the region. “All of North Queensland understands the immense opportunities that CopperString presents for local jobs both directly and indirectly which is why this is such a momentous day,” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said.  “Critical minerals are the next big boom for the resources industry and the feedback I’ve had from companies is that this project is key to unlocking those opportunities.” Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/queensland-breaks-ground-on-copperstring/
July 8, 2024
Underground mines are busy places, and it’s vital companies are on top of their processes to enable an efficient and safe underground operation. Whether it’s having the best equipment to drive higher production, maximise return on investment, minimise waste or keep workers out of harm’s way, mining companies benefit from understanding and investing in the right underground technologies. Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/showcasing-the-best-in-underground-mining/
July 8, 2024
BHP has started environmental processing to have the transport at its Escondida copper mine in Chile transitioned to an electric trolley system. The Big Australian will invest around $US250 million ($371.6 million) in the project at Escondida, which it owns in a joint venture with Rio Tinto. The funds will go towards installing key infrastructure to electrically assist the movement of extraction trucks in areas where the highest fuel consumption currently takes place. BHP has submitted an environmental impact statement to the Environmental Impact Assessment System in Chile. “The electric trolley system is one of the initiatives with which we seek to move towards a safer and more sustainable way of operating hand in hand with technology,” BHP Escondida president Alejandro Tapia said . “This project will allow us to reduce the fuel consumption of our extraction trucks and thus advance our goal of net-zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.” The project includes the construction of a new electrical substation and transmission lines both inside and around the Escondida Norte pit. These facilities will electrically assist the movement of trucks inside the mine in the areas where they go up loaded with ore and, consequently, consume more fuel. With this new technology, instead of using diesel, they will be propelled by electrical power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving productivity associated with truck performance given the higher travel speed. Once construction kicks off up to 160 jobs are expected to be created. The trolley project is in addition to other technological transformation initiatives that the company maintains in different stages of study and execution, including the progressive incorporation of autonomy in its mining equipment.  To date, Escondida has six autonomous trucks in full operation and by 2025 it expects to have the largest fleet of autonomous equipment in South America. Source: https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-goes-green-at-worlds-largest-copper-mine/
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