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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Epiroc opens National Competency Center for underground mining in Nevada

Epiroc announced the formal opening and commencement of operations at its National Competency Center in Elko, Nev. This state-of-the-art facility, located at 403 West Idaho Street, marks a significant strategic achievement for Epiroc USA, enhancing support for mining and exploration customers and providing a solid platform for business growth. Full story.

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The Copper Mark hits major milestone

The Copper Mark, the leading assurance framework for responsible value chains of copper, said more than 30% of all globally mined copper now comes from sites meeting its standards. The milestone has been reached after all of Codelco’s mines and smelters were granted the Copper Mark, bringing the number of Copper Mark recipients to 54. Furthermore, the Copper Mark now…

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Barrick restarts production at Porgera

Following an agreement on new ownership structure, Barrick Gold announced that its Porgera mine in Papua New Guinea will resume operations this month with first gold to be poured in Q1 2024. “It’s been a long journey but in the process we have secured the buy-in of all the stakeholders and we look forward to steering the mine back to…

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GM, Komatsu collaborate on hydrogen fuel-cell-powered mining truck

General Motors and Komatsu will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck, the world’s best-selling ultra-class haul truck. GM and Komatsu will jointly design and validate the technology. Lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package…

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