As we approach MINExpo, we cannot help remembering the last event in 2008 when we went in with a boom in the mining industry, came out thinking how great the mining industry was and within a few days were hit by the start of the Global Financial Crisis. That said, Cat remains confident.

In this month's Spotlight Feature Article, from the August 2012 issue of International Mining magazine, Editor Paul Moore looks in-depth at the Vermeer precision mining concept and new T1655 machine, both of which are a major part of current and future mining plans at the FMG Christmas Creek iron ore mine in Western Australia, visited by IM in June.

Canadian clean tech company Orbite Aluminae has developed a patented technology that can treat red mud, the most significant waste product of the traditional Bayer process for aluminium production. The company says it “offers the only ecologically sound and commercially viable alternative to manage and eliminate these toxic residues.”

Multotec recently commissioned its largest injection moulder, an 850 t machine with a 9 kg shot weight. “A primary benefit is the increased speed to market it affords our products, while other advantages include being able to produce thicker and longer polyurethane screening panels, or multiple panels in the same mould. In the case of the thicker panels, in addition to a faster speed to market we can now achieve an even better quality product.”

International Equipment Solutions (IES) has acquired, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, CWS Industries, a leading manufacturer of highly engineered attachment products, including tire manipulators, cable reelers, grapples, buckets and various large excavator attachment products.

Sandvik Mining in South Africa has donated R1 million to KwaZulu-Natal based Durnacol Skills Innovation Hub (DSIH), which focuses on training, development and skills improvement. Sandvik’s donation covers the training of five students from the surrounding communities, as well as the conversion of offices into comfortable and affordable student accommodation. DSIH operates from the site [...]

 Transfield Services has been awarded two engineering design and construction contracts in the Pilbara, Western Australia, worth a total of A$100 million. The contracts, with Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), integrate the expertise of Transfield Services’ specialist engineering design subsidiary, ICD, with the company’s construction capability. The contracts are:  A one‐year, $65 million contract [...]

Actuant has completed the acquisition of CrossControl. Actuant is a $1.6 billion diversified industrial company with operations in more than 30 countries, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, US.

With a solid reputation of providing the mining industry with manufactured and re-built rugged, dependable jaw crushers for almost 50 years, PR Engineering says it has taken its proven design technology to a new level, but this time by downsizing.

Tenova Mining & Minerals has announced that Tenova TAKRAF and Tenova Bateman Technologies will design and deliver a copper ore handling/processing system and a SX-EW plant, to produce 80,000 t/y of fine copper cathode for Minera Antucoya, part of Antofagasta.

The latest issue of International Mining Project News, out today, has reports from the past two weeks on 15 prefeasibility studies, 11 feasibility studies, 39 projects in development, two new mines that have gone into production, six existing mines that are expanding, three merger and acquisition announcements and many new appointments to new positions.

Downer EDI has signed a new five year agreement with Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD). Downer and EMD, which is owned by Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, have worked together for more than six decades supplying and maintaining locomotives in Australia.