Codelco makes deal with supervisors union

Chile’s state-owned Codelco has reached an agreement on a new contract with the union representing supervisors at its Chuquicamata copper mine, reported Reuters. “Codelco appreciates and values ​​the dialogue and shared vision of the reality experienced by the company and, in particular, Chuquicamata,” said the miner, who did not specify the financial details of the contract. The agreement, noted Codelco,…

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Gold Fields delays first gold at Salares Norte

While it first estimated the start of gold in early 2023, Gold Fields has again confirmed a delay in the first production at its Salares Norte project in Chile, citing delays in pre-commissioning and commissioning activities. The Johannesburg company said it is now eyeing April 2024 for first gold, and it has already adjusted its whole-year volumes down to between…

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‘Heat buckle’ derails Fortescue iron ore cars

On 30 December, Fortescue Metals Group had multiple rail cars derail about 150 kilometres south of Port Hedland in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The miner said a “heat buckle” in its railway line was behind the derailment, which cut the supply of iron ore to its Western Australia operations. “No one was injured in the incident and there is no…

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Barrick testing the waters for a First Quantum takeover

Barrick Gold CEO Mark Bristow has spoken with some of First Quantum Minerals’ major investors to gauge their support for a potential takeover as the gold giant seeks to become a major copper producer, reported Bloomberg. Canadian-based First Quantum has been left vulnerable after Panama ordered the closure of its new Cobre Panama mine last month, wiping out more than…

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Metso introduces Reactorwell for optimal performance

Metso is launching the Reactorwell upgrade – a new generation feedwell upgrade – for maximizing thickener and clarifier performance while minimizing flocculant consumption and bringing significant operational cost efficiencies. The first-class feed system upgrade features high solids retention and mixing efficiency. It eliminates feed short-circuiting and offers low shear for ideal floccule growth and even discharge symmetry. The upgrade provides…

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Matrix intros OmniPro Vision AI

Matrix Design Group has unveiled OmniPro Vision AI collision avoidance system, designed to provide alerts when pedestrians, vehicles and other potential hazards are detected in the path of mobile equipment.  OmniPro Vision AI allows for fully customizable zones and the ability to work in low-light and all-weather conditions, making it suitable for a wide range of equipment applications and operating…

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Ivanhoe Mines exports first copper along Lobito Corridor

Ivanhoe Mines said the first shipment of copper concentrate from the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo has arrived by rail at the Atlantic Ocean port of Lobito in Angola. “Our first trial shipment is an important milestone on the path to creating a new supply chain linking the Central African Copperbelt to world markets,” said Robert…

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Commissioning kicks off at Capstone’s Mantoverde

Canadian copper-focused developer Capstone Copper has confirmed the start of commissioning activities at its Mantoverde development project (MDP) in Chile. First ore was introduced to the primary crusher on 29 November. Mantoverde said it will continue to systematically commission the concentrator plant and is on track to reach nameplate production levels of 32,000 tonnes per day by mid-2024. “We just…

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China expands rare earth tech ban

China, the world’s top processor of rare earths, has added technology to make rare earth magnets to its “Catalogue of Technologies Prohibited and Restricted from Export,” which aims to protect national security and public interest, reported Reuters. “This should be a clarion call that dependence on China in any part of the value chain is not sustainable,” said Nathan Picarsic,…

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