The table below shows the results of a survey of the leading refined tin producers carried out by ITRI. Of the companies covered, half reported a decline in production last year, including three of the big four. The two largest companies reporting increases were the ASEAN custom smelters and refiners, MSC and Thaisarco.

MineARC Systems has launched a new ultra-portable refuge chamber range designed for tight underground confines such as single entry-headings and development areas - the HRM-ELVP (Hard Rock Mine - Extra Low Voltage Portable). Available in both four and six person configurations, the HRM-ELVP range uses a revolutionary Extra-Low-Voltage control system to power the chamber’s internal life [...]

Superior Industries, an American manufacturer of conveying equipment and conveyor components, has completed development of its first iPhone app. Known as "ConveyCalc," the free app is available for download in the App Store.

Mine technology provider Maptek and distribution partner MinLog have consolidated their MineSuite businesses. MinLog assumed all responsibility for the distribution, delivery, development and support of the MineSuite product for Maptek customers effective from January 1, 2012. MinLog has a significant history of successful delivery and support of MineSuite systems in Africa. Maptek says "the cross-regional MinLog operations will provide a co-ordinated and strengthened service to customers."

Mining in Swedish Dannemora came to a halt in 1992. Due to a severe drop in the price of iron ore the operation was no longer sustainable. As the market is now booming, Dannemora Mineral is working to get the mine dry and back in operation. Xylem ...

Mining in Swedish Dannemora came to a halt in 1992. Due to a severe drop in the price of iron ore the operation was no longer sustainable. As the market is now booming, Dannemora Mineral is working to get the mine dry and back in operation. Xylem has been working with Dannemora Mineral since May 2009 to rid the mine of water and ensure it remains water-free throughout the operation.

The heat is on the mining sector for leadership in the quest for shared economic value in South Africa and globally, it emerged in the recent African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. "A key message coming from this highly successful conference was that mining's future success will be dependent on how well it contributes to sustainable prosperity for all stakeholders - investors, governments and communities," said SRK Consulting Chairman Roger Dixon.

Mintec's mission to boost mining productivity gets a boost with the release of an improved schedule optimiser. MineSight Schedule Optimizer Version 4.5 builds on a completely new user interface and increased processing power. The latest improvements solidify MSSO as ideal software for mine-planners.

Metso has signed a contract with Consorcio Construtor Belo Monte (CCBM) to supply equipment to the construction of the Belo Monte hydroelectric power plant (UHE Belo Monte) in Brazil. The project is located at the Xingu River, Para State, in the northern region of the country. In addition to the equipment, the contract also includes services and parts.

Rio Tinto will run the world's first automated long-distance heavy-haul rail network in the Pilbara, with a $518 million investment (Rio Tinto share $478 million) in driverless trains to be launched in 2014.

Mouvex®, a leading manufacturer of positive displacement pumps, says its Abaque Series peristaltic hose pumps have been designed to meet the challenging requirements of mining, thanks in part to a seal-free design that eliminates leaks and product contamination.

An important part of keeping equipment running smoothly involves regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the machinery is properly aligned. Misaligned shafts and belts on rotating equipment can increase the risk of costly, unplanned downtime. Misalignment can also damage seals and couplings and lead to subsequent lubrication problems.