At the forthcoming Expomin 2012 show from April 9-13 in Santiago, Chile, Putzmeister’s Underground Division is set to present its latest series of SPM 4210 WETKRET shotcrete equipment along with a new low-profile concrete mixer as a “complete system” for shotcreting in mining.

Philippi-Hagenbuch has designed what it describes as “the first off-highway truck body specifically for hauling oil sands.” Its design minimises material “loafing” and carryback while providing a safer environment for truck drivers, longer truck chassis and body life while decreasing box maintenance, it reports.

Astra Resources has reconfirmed its commitment to pursuing industry innovations to spearhead its global expansion plans.

XEMC, which through subsidiary Xiangdian Heavy Equipment is the first dump truck manufacturer in China to sell independently designed and manufactured large mine haul trucks, is utilising advanced seals from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions.

SRK Consulting has repositioned itself to grow with Peru's expanding mining industry through a merger with Lima-based firm, SVS Ingenieros. SRK, one of the world's largest diversified resources consulting groups, previously had an office in Peru but closed it in 2002 during the mining downturn.

Ausdrill has announced the award of mining contract extensions in both Australia and Africa. Ausdrill's Australian drill and blast division has successfully negotiated a contract extension with thermal coal producer Ensham Resources for a further term of three years, worth approximately A$36 million.

A new "ultra-efficient" security and floodlight for mining and quarrying applications uses up to 70% less energy than the halogen equivalent and lasts 30 times longer, say makers UK-based Marl. The new light from Marl uses LED technology, and is described as an ideal solution for illuminating surface and underground mining operations.

Mining software major Runge has released XPAC 7.12, the latest update to its flagship scheduling software, which it says "continues a thirty-year record of expertise, leadership and trust."

An Australian explorer said today that one of Africa’s most prolific uranium plays is shaking off the tag that it was the uranium province that was missed and is starting to emerge as a potentially significant greenfields province.

SGS has announced that its Laboratory Quality Services International (LQSi) group has successfully conformed to the ISO/IEC 17043:2010 quality standard which overviews the requirements for laboratory proficiency testing programs.

Just how Australia’s uranium exploration and uranium mining sectors are to emerge from the current political, economic, energy feedstock and emissions reduction debate surrounding the domestic use of nuclear energy for baseload power, will be the key focus of a two day national industry forum, being held in Adelaide.

Despite some price retracing in 2011, the copper physical market fundamentals remain strong, with liquid stocks near an all-time low.