Columbus Group takes mining gong at Zenith Awards (0) August 16, 2017 It was time for those in the process and control engineering sector to shine last night as the winners of the 14th annual Zenith Awards were announced.
Metals X halts underground mining at Nifty (0) August 16, 2017 Metals X has suspended underground operations at the Nifty copper mine in Western Australia to undertake remedial repairs.
Sandfire’s US copper project hits next milestone (0) August 16, 2017 Western Australian-based Sandfire Resources has secured a key permitting milestone for its 78 per cent owned Black Butte copper project in Montana USA, bringing the operation closer to construction.
Hundreds of jobs to support restart of Woodie Woodie mine (0) August 16, 2017 China’s Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry (TMI) plans to reopen the Woodie Woodie mine in Western Australia, more than 18 months after it was closed because of low prices.
Eastern Goldfields completes first CIP gold pour at Davyhurst (0) August 15, 2017 Eastern Goldfields has delivered its first carbon-in-pulp (CIP) gold pour at the recently commissioned Davyhurst processing plant in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.
Production returns to Blair Athol coal mine (0) August 15, 2017 TerraCom has launched production at the Blair Athol thermal coal mine in Queensland, just over a year since it acquired the site.
Gold merger to create diversified Australian company (0) August 14, 2017 Spitfire Materials and Aphrodite Gold have announced they will merge to create a diversified Australian gold company with a project portfolio in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.
BELAZ looks to return to the Australian market (0) August 14, 2017 BELAZ has chosen AIMEX as the platform to showcase its extensive product range and capabilities on stand 1030 as the company looks to re-establish a presence in the Australian market.
Newcrest relinquishes control at gold project (0) August 14, 2017 Australian-based junior Oro Verde has resumed control of exploration at the Topacio gold project in Nicaragua after project partner Newcrest Mining ended an agreement.
Edging closer to the 2017 Prospect Awards (0) August 14, 2017 The 2017 Australian Mining Prospect Awards are around the corner, a night to celebrate the best of the best in Australia’s mining industry.
Adani’s Abbot Point Coal gets $12k fine for stormwater release (0) August 11, 2017 Adani’s Abbot Point Bulk Coal has been issued a $12,190 fine for an unauthorised stormwater release from its coal handling facility during Tropical Cyclone Debbie which struck Queensland in March ...
Mt Mulgine tungsten project gets environmental nod (0) August 11, 2017 Tungsten Mining has received environmental approval from both state and federal governments for its Mt Mulgine tungsten project in Western Australia.
Diggers & Dealers: Gold companies dominate awards (0) August 11, 2017 Gold miner St Barbara scooped the Digger of the Year award at the 26th Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie this week.
New player sees growth in Queensland mining sector (0) August 10, 2017 Recent Queensland transport and logistics entrant Centurion said it expects activity in Queensland’s multibillion-dollar mining, resources and infrastructure sector to further pick up in the next 18 months.
JumboGuard makes underground mining a safer environment (0) August 10, 2017 YUMARR Automation has developed an automatic boom isolation system that is delivering significant safety benefits for mining companies around the country.
Origin Energy supports Indigenous STEM scholarships at UNSW (0) August 10, 2017 Origin Energy’s philanthropic arm, Origin Foundation, has given $5 million to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to assist Indigenous students pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or ...
Sharing stories to reinforce mining health and safety (0) August 10, 2017 Innovation and shared stories took centre stage at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference this week, with attendance the highest it has been in three years.
First Quantum to suspend Ravensthorpe operation (0) August 10, 2017 Canadian-based First Quantum Minerals plans to suspend its Ravensthorpe nickel operation in Western Australia following consistently low nickel prices.
Why Investing In Mobile MMD Equipment Makes Real Sense (0) August 10, 2017 Major capital expenditure is often investors’ main concern when deciding whether to start a mining operation. Many questions need to be taken into consideration – especially those that have financial ...
Diggers & Dealers: BHP jumps on the battery bandwagon (0) August 9, 2017 BHP is planning to enter the booming battery marketplace by building the world’s largest nickel sulphate plant at Kwinana Refinery in Western Australia.
Renewing energy generation to improve mine site efficiency (0) August 9, 2017 More mines in Australia are introducing renewable energy to their operations. Kate Dougherty explains the benefits and obstacles of renewables projects for the mining industry.
Iron ore imports rise at Port Hedland (0) August 9, 2017 Iron ore imports at the port of Port Hedland for July this year reached 135,000 tonnes, a 29 per cent increase from the same month in 2016.
BP executive heads to Incitec Pivot (0) August 9, 2017 BP executive Jeanne Johns has been selected as the new managing director and CEO of Australian industrial chemicals and explosives manufacturer Incitec Pivot (IPL).
Glencore secures leases for $7 billion Wandoan coal project (0) August 9, 2017 Glencore has secured the first mining leases for its $7 billion Wandoan coal project in Queensland’s Surat Basin, after applying for the leases 10 years ago.
Diggers & Dealers: Aussie gold miners happily hedge (0) August 8, 2017 Most of the locally-listed Australian gold producers are well placed to deal with the recent strength in the Australian dollar, thanks in part to their use of gold sales’ hedging ...
Thyssenkrupp completes Port Kembla Coal Terminal restoration project (0) August 8, 2017 Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions Australia has completed the Port Kembla Coal Terminal Restoration and Compliance project, one of the company’s biggest fabrication and construction projects in Western Australia.
Barminco CEO resigns (0) August 8, 2017 CEO of underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco, Peter Stokes, has resigned after more than four years in the role.
Micromine’s fleet management solution goes live at Dugald River mine (0) August 8, 2017 Innovative mining solutions provider Micromine has implemented its underground fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, at MMG’s Dugald River mine, in north-west Queensland.
Contractor dies at Goonyella Riverside mine (0) August 8, 2017 BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has confirmed the death of a contractor working at the Goonyella Riverside mine in Queensland following injuries sustained during maintenance activities.
Standard And Safety Controller In One Unit (0) August 7, 2017 Powerful standard and safety PLC in one unit
Modern vehicles and mobile machines need very powerful control electronics to process the high number of input and output signals. That is why ...
Global steel price boosts value of WA listed companies: Deloitte (0) August 7, 2017 The global steel price increase has boosted the value of Western Australian-based listed companies, with the 2017 financial year closing at $152.6 billion – a 13.5 per cent increase on ...
Indigenous owned mine and training centre opens in the NT (0) August 7, 2017 An Indigenous owned mine training centre and bauxite mining operation has opened in the Northern Territory, set to deliver economic benefits for the local Yolgnu people.
Olympic Dam to receive $600 million investment this financial year (0) August 7, 2017 BHP is investing more than $600 million into its Olympic Dam copper operations in South Australia, with a range of expansion and development works set for the 2018 financial year. ...
Nautitech Mining Systems to showcase new technology at AIMEX (0) August 7, 2017 Devoted to the design and manufacture of products that improve safety and productivity in hazardous areas, Nautitech Mining Systems will display four new and innovative products at AIMEX this year.
A Swift answer to a more comfortable FIFO lifestyle (0) August 4, 2017 Swift Networks is working with mining companies around Australia to improve the entertainment and communications facilities at FIFO villages.
Gold Fields, Saracen offload gold operations to Red 5 (0) August 4, 2017 Gold aspirant Red 5 has snapped up a pair of operations for $34.5 million to set up its growth strategy in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.
NSW coal dust emissions reduced dust by 22,000 tonnes: EPA (0) August 4, 2017 A coal dust reduction program launched by the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cut down dust emissions by 22,000 tonnes, or 19 per cent, a year.
New Mastermyne contract at Appin to boost employment (0) August 4, 2017 Mastermyne has been awarded a contract to supply development labour to South32’s Illawarra coal operations at the Appin Colliery in New South Wales.
Transforming the mining industry through digitalisation (0) August 3, 2017 The 2017 ABB Digital Transformation Summit took place this week in Brisbane, exploring the importance of implementing digitalisation across the mining, oil and gas, energy and utilities sectors.
PYBAR appoints new chief executive (0) August 3, 2017 PYBAR Mining Services has appointed Brendan Rouse, company co-founder and former chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer.
Iron ore guides Rio Tinto to major profit boost (0) August 3, 2017 Rio Tinto improved its financial performance almost across the board during the first half of 2017. However, Rio did not meet the forecasts of analysts.
New copper project on the cards for South Australia (0) August 3, 2017 Terramin subsidiary Terramin Exploration (TEL) has entered a joint venture agreement with Environmental Copper Recovery (ECR) for the potential development of a new copper project in Kapunda, South Australia.
Sedgman wins EPC contract at Stanwell coal operation (0) August 3, 2017 Stanwell Corp has awarded Sedgman a $6 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to provide a tailings dewatering facility at the Meandu mine coal handling and preparation plant in ...
Lycopodium enters engineering services deal with Lepidico (0) August 3, 2017 Australian-listed lithium explorer Lepidico has chosen Lycopodium Minerals to provide engineering services for its Phase 1 L-Max plant feasibility study.
AIMEX chairman sees renewed confidence in mining (0) August 2, 2017 Working with natural resources means never knowing what will be around the corner. So says David Moult, non-executive chairman of AIMEX.
Advancing fire suppression systems in mining (0) August 2, 2017 Before fire suppression systems were introduced to and implemented in the mining industry in the 1960s, there was a significant amount of crippling loss of equipment, production, and life due ...
Yancoal seeks to raise $US2.5bn to fund Coal & Allied acquisition (0) August 2, 2017 Yancoal Australia has unveiled plans for a $US2.5 billion ($3.14 billion) equity raising it will use to fund the acquisition of Rio Tinto’s Coal & Allied in the Hunter Valley.
NERA offers $15m for energy resources projects (0) August 2, 2017 More than $15 million has been made available by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) to assist the industry to become more innovative and globally competitive.
Millennium makes ‘breakthrough’ at Nullagine gold project (0) August 1, 2017 Millennium Minerals says it has achieved a key breakthrough in its strategy to grow the production profile and mine life of the Nullagine gold project in Western Australia.
Breathe Safely with a Respirable Particulate Mitigation Ecosystem (0) August 1, 2017 Breathe-safe is a proud Australian manufacturer of high-efficiency air filtration and air conditioning systems (HVAC) for mining and construction equipment. We supply intelligent, custom designed fresh air cabin pressurisation units ...
Chevron to launch production at Wheatstone LNG this month (0) August 1, 2017 Chevron is less than a month away from starting production at the $US34 billion ($42.4 billion) Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Western Australia.
What are mining’s standout innovations? (0) August 1, 2017 Australian and international mining identities explain what they regard as the most exciting innovations at their respective companies.
Iron ore price on fire (0) August 1, 2017 The doom-and-gloom surrounding the future of the price for iron ore remains on the back burner after its value spiked more than 7 per cent over night.
Vimy secures $6m to advance Mulga Rock DFS (0) August 1, 2017 Vimy Resources has raised $6 million to fund a definitive feasibility study (DFS) it is progressing at the Mulga Rock uranium project in Western Australia.
FMG to benefit from new WA power station (0) July 31, 2017 The South Hedland power station in Western Australia, which will provide energy to Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), has been commissioned.
Sandfire increases interest in Black Butte copper project (0) July 31, 2017 Sandfire Resources has acquired an additional 16.9 per cent stake in the Black Butte copper project in Montana, USA – increasing its shareholding to 78.1 per cent.
Manitou acquires stake in Aussie lifting company (0) July 31, 2017 French rough terrain materials handling equipment supplier Manitou has acquired a 55 per cent stake in Australian lifting company LiftRite.
Queensland’s “great regional job robbery” continues: council (0) July 31, 2017 A mining job advertisement only open to job seekers who live close to Brisbane’s Airport has been described as “a direct kick in the guts” for regional Queensland.
Fluidmesh’s automated technology on display at AIMEX (0) July 31, 2017 Driverless trucks have been in operation on mine sites for some time, however the ability to provide effective and reliable internet connectivity for moving vehicles at a mine site can ...
Saracen lines up Byrnecut for $440m contract at Carosue Dam (0) July 28, 2017 Saracen Minerals has selected Byrnecut Australia as the preferred bidder for the $440 million underground mining contract at its Carosue Dam operation in Western Australia.
Rare earth minerals project on track in WA (0) July 28, 2017 Northern Minerals’ new $56 million heavy rare earths pilot project in Western Australia’s Kimberly region is under way, set to create around 700 construction and operations jobs if it is ...
RCT unveils Communications Solutions to enhance digital mining (0) July 28, 2017 RCT’s latest Communications Solutions offering ensures it can help clients enter, expand or completely digitise its operations by integrating solutions to a new or existing network.
GE gas engines to be delivered to Gruyere gold project (0) July 28, 2017 GE distributor and service partner Clarke Energy has been selected to provide 11 of GE’s gas engines to power the Gruyere gold project in Western Australia.
Queensland and Western Australia fuel growth in job advertising (0) July 27, 2017 The mining, resource and energy industry enjoyed the fastest rate of advertising growth of all industries on jobs portal SEEK in June, according to Australian and New Zealand managing director ...
Clean energy transition will increase demand for minerals (0) July 26, 2017 A new World Bank report has highlighted the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals.
First gold for Eastern Goldfields at Davyhurst (0) July 26, 2017 Eastern Goldfields has poured first gold at the recently commissioned Davyhurst operation near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
Siemens invests $5m in Rockhampton Service Centre (0) July 26, 2017 Siemens has invested $5 million into the Rockhampton Service Centre, unveiling Australia’s largest and most advanced test rig for mining, wind power and other core industries.
Rio Tinto fires up STEM subjects at WA schools with Murdoch University (0) July 26, 2017 Rio Tinto has teamed up with Murdoch University to support a STEM Outreach Programme for regional Western Australian high schools, as part of a joint initiative to boost student engagement ...
Gold closes June quarter weaker after early promise (0) July 26, 2017 Nicholas Frappell reviews the market performance of gold in the June quarter in the first part of ABC Bullion’s precious metals review for the three-month period.
Resources regulator targets opal mines in latest audit (0) July 25, 2017 The New South Wales resources regulator audited more than 100 opal mines in the state this month targeting safety and environmental compliance.
Bald Hill joint venture on track for production (0) July 25, 2017 Tawana Resources and Alliance Mineral Assets Limited (AMAL) have received environmental approval to construct and operate a 1.2mtpa dense media separation plant at the Bald Hill lithium-tantalum joint venture in ...
Rio Tinto signs lithium agreement with Serbia (0) July 25, 2017 Rio Tinto has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Serbian Government for the development of the Jadar lithium-borate project, as the global demand for lithium continues to rise.
Newcrest hits gold guidance despite fall in Cadia output (0) July 24, 2017 Gold production at Newcrest Mining fell by 7.8 per cent in the June quarter against a year earlier after its Cadia mine in New South Wales was impacted by an ...
OZ Minerals CFO heads to Genesee & Wyoming Australia (0) July 24, 2017 OZ Minerals chief financial officer Luke Anderson has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of rail operator Genesee & Wyoming Australia (GWA).
BHP to increase apprentice and trainee intake (0) July 24, 2017 BHP has announced plans to double its number of apprenticeships and traineeships during 2018, with most of the positions to be offered to young people in the Pilbara.
Australian LNG exports forecast to soar (0) July 21, 2017 Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are forecast to grow 22.6 per cent in the 2018 financial year.
Newcrest signs project alliance deal with Encounter (0) July 21, 2017 Newcrest Mining has entered a project generation alliance with Encounter Resources to identify new mining opportunities in Western Australia.
Tungsten Mining acquires Pilbara Minerals processing plant (0) July 21, 2017 Tungsten Mining has signed an agreement with Pilbara Minerals to acquire the Tabba processing plant, which will fast-track development of the Mt Mulgine project in Western Australia.
Fortescue dismisses impact of native title court ruling (0) July 21, 2017 Fortescue Metals Group does not expect a court ruling that went against the company in favour of an Indigenous group will have any impact on its performance.
Oaktree Capital invests in WA drilling company (0) July 20, 2017 Western Australian drilling company DDH1 has received investment from Oaktree Capital Management, enabling the company to expand its capacity and capabilities.
Iron ore surges past $US70 a tonne (0) July 20, 2017 Iron ore has soared through $US70 a tonne for the first time since April. In overnight trading iron ore continued a recent rise in value, improving by 2 per cent ...
Unearthed Accelerator Program kicks off (0) July 20, 2017 The Unearthed Accelerator Program, designed to support startups creating products for the resources industry, began on Friday July 14 in Brisbane with a team announcement event at River City Labs.
Pilbara rock shines in London exhibition (0) July 20, 2017 A 2.6 billion-year-old rock has travelled almost 14,000km from Western Australia’s Pilbara region to London to feature in an exhibition at the Natural History Museum (NHM).
BHP flags iron ore production growth (0) July 19, 2017 BHP increased production at its Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) operations by 4 per cent in the 2017 financial year.
Metalicity strikes zinc deal with Chinese metals company (0) July 19, 2017 Perth-based exploration company Metalicity has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Minmetals Nonferrous Metals (CMN) for zinc and lead offtake at the Admiral Bay zinc project in Western ...
Monadelphous secures more resources contracts (0) July 19, 2017 Engineering company Monadelphous has been awarded several contracts in the mining and resources industries worth a combined value of around $55 million.
Why Investing in Mobile In-Pit Sizing and Conveying Equipment Makes Sense (0) July 18, 2017 Major capital expenditure is often investors’ main concern when deciding whether to start a mining operation. Many questions need to be taken into consideration – especially those that have financial ...
Orion Mining recommissions Blair Athol coal mine (0) July 18, 2017 The Blair Athol coal mine in Queensland is on track to be producing at full capacity before the end of this year, according to its owner.
GFG chairman backs Arrium workforce amid acquisition (0) July 18, 2017 The chairman of new Arrium owner, Britain’s GFG Alliance, has reinforced the company’s commitment to the South Australian steel-maker and iron ore miner’s management, staff and unions.
Aussie based ALS sells oil and and gas business (0) July 17, 2017 Australian testing and inspection services company ALS has entered an agreement to sell its multinational oil and gas business to Chicago-based Madison Industries for $109 million.
Baralaba Coal enters voluntary administration (0) July 14, 2017 Queensland based Baralaba Coal, formerly known as Cockatoo Coal, has entered into voluntary administration this week, the second time this has happened in as many years.
Sale of Arrium on track (0) July 14, 2017 Arrium’s committee of creditors has backed the sale of the steel and iron ore mining company to Britain’s GFG Alliance.
FLSmidth to acquire part of Sandvik Mining Systems (0) July 13, 2017 Sandvik plans to sell a part of its Mining Systems product area to FLSmidth. Mining Systems is a supplier of design and engineering of material handling systems.
Brierty to resume work at Rio iron ore operation (0) July 13, 2017 Civil construction and mining services company Brierty will resume work at Rio Tinto’s Western Turner Syncline Stage 2 (WTS2) iron ore project after the contract was suspended in June.
Shenhua Watermark coal mine will continue: Chinese (0) July 13, 2017 China’s Shenhua has vowed to continue with its plans for the Watermark coal mine in New South Wales despite the state government reducing the size of its exploration licence by ...
Rio Tinto’s Amrun project nears completion (0) July 13, 2017 Rio Tinto’s $2.6 billion Amrun bauxite project in Queensland is nearly one third complete, with bauxite shipments on track to begin during the first quarter of 2019.
Macmahon deal with Indonesian miner takes the next step (0) July 13, 2017 Macmahon Holdings will move ahead with an agreement with Indonesian miner PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) after its shareholders backed the proposal.
WA Government to update workplace health and safety bill (0) July 13, 2017 The Western Australian Government has approved the development of an updated Work Health and Safety Bill to improve worker safety, particularly in the state’s resources sector.
Roy Hill signs on to LiveHire recruitment platform (0) July 12, 2017 Roy Hill has signed with talent technology company LiveHire, launching a Live Talent Community that will become the single destination for all workforce hires.
NSW Government halves Shenhua coal licence in Liverpool Plains (0) July 12, 2017 The New South Wales Government will scale back the exploration licence previously granted to China’s Shenhua Watermark Coal to protect agriculture in the Liverpool Plains.
Poseidon Nickel signs gold processing deal with Aphrodite (0) July 12, 2017 Poseidon Nickel has entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aphrodite Gold to process Aphrodite’s gold ore at the Black Swan operation in Western Australia.
No experience, no worries – mining wants you (0) July 12, 2017 Having no experience in mining used to be a barrier for people trying to break into the industry. This is no longer the case, according to recruitment company Hays.
Kidman, SQM enter Mt Holland lithium project joint venture (0) July 12, 2017 Kidman Resources has entered a joint venture agreement with Chilean lithium producer Socieded Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) to develop and operate its Mt Holland lithium project in ...
Sandvik to launch automation-enhanced haulage trucks (0) July 12, 2017 Sandvik is introducing new intelligent mining trucks for automated haulage, targeting tangible benefits in safety, productivity and profitability.
GR Engineering takes Eastern Goldfields to court over Davyhurst dispute (0) July 12, 2017 Mining services company GR Engineering has launched proceedings against Eastern Goldfields (EGS) in the Supreme Court of Western Australia over a contractual dispute at the Davyhurst gold project.
WPG Resources advances development at Challenger (0) July 11, 2017 WPG Resources is progressing development at its Challenger gold mine in South Australia, selecting Byrnecut as the contractor for the operations.
Minerals Council slams Victorian Government’s brown coal policy (0) July 11, 2017 The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has slammed Victoria Government’s new Future Uses of Brown Coal policy designed to increase investment opportunities while balancing the state’s environmental needs.
Investigations into Yandicoogina mine worker death continue (0) July 11, 2017 Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is continuing investigations into the death of a worker at Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina mine last week.
MMG completes sale of Avebury mine (0) July 10, 2017 MMG has completed the sale of its Avebury nickel mine to Tasmanian based Dundas Mining for $25 million.
Wiluna uranium project gets federal government nod (0) July 10, 2017 Toro Energy has received federal government environmental approval for the Wiluna uranium project in Western Australia, clearing the way for mining to begin at the operations.
South32’s Appin colliery to remain suspended (0) July 10, 2017 South32 has confirmed underground operations at its Appin colliery will remain suspended after repeated concerns over gas levels.
MIT unearths a new way of extracting copper (0) July 7, 2017 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have identified the proper temperature and chemical mixture to selectively separate pure copper and other metallic trace elements from sulphur-based minerals using molten electrolysis. ...
Iron ore forecast to average below $US50 a tonne in 2018 (0) July 7, 2017 Iron ore will average below $US50 a tonne next year and remain under that mark through 2019, according to the latest forecasts from the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science.
New Tanzanian mining laws rock Aussie companies (0) July 6, 2017 Two laws have been passed by the Tanzanian Government this week allowing the government to renegotiate mining and energy company contracts, which could affect Australian investors.
Doray to suspend gold mining at Andy Well (0) July 6, 2017 Gold miner Doray Minerals plans to suspend mining at the Andy Well underground operation in Western Australia at the start of November.
Downer EDI fined $15k following diesel leak (0) July 6, 2017 The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Downer EDI Mining $15,000 after identifying poor maintenance that led to a diesel leak at the company’s Mount Thorley facility.
Sandfire secures major approval for Monty project (0) July 6, 2017 Sandfire Resources has secured the major environmental approval needed to allow development activities to begin at the Monty copper-gold project in Western Australia.
British company to buy Arrium as Korean bid sinks (0) July 5, 2017 Britain’s GFG Alliance has emerged as the buyer of troubled iron ore miner Arrium despite not being the preferred bidder for the company.
Worker dies at Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina mine (0) July 5, 2017 A worker has died at Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia following what the company called a serious incident at the site.
Westgold completes Australian Contract Mining acquisition (0) July 5, 2017 Westgold Resources has completed its acquisition of Australian Contract Mining (ACM), one of the largest privately owned underground mining contractors in Australia.
Improving safety at Savage River with RCT’s smart technology (0) July 5, 2017 Grange Resources’ Savage River iron ore mine in Tasmania saw the opportunity to further safeguard its operators on site by equipping its mobile equipment with remote controls.
Paladin Energy appoints administrators to settle EDF repayment (0) July 4, 2017 Western Australian based uranium company Paladin Energy has appointed administrators after French offtake partner Electricite de France (EDF) demanded a loan repayment of $US277 million by July 10.
Central Eyre iron project capital costs reduced by nearly $US300m (0) July 4, 2017 Iron Road’s estimated capital costs for the Central Eyre iron project (CEIP) in South Australia have been reduced by nearly $US300 million ($391 million) to $US3.7 billion ($4.8 billion) as ...
Safety in mining through measurement and training (0) July 4, 2017 Bestech managing director Sam Bhasin outlines the importance of measurement and training devices to enhance safety and productivity on site.
KCGM pours 20 millionth ounce (0) July 4, 2017 KCGM last week poured its 20 millionth ounce of gold from the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie. It was the second historical moment for KCGM in June. The company poured its ...
WA Garnet producer enters renewable energy deal (0) July 3, 2017 Advanced Energy Resources (AER) has signed a long term power purchase agreement with GMA Garnet, which will see the construction of a three megawatt wind and solar farm in Western ...
Rio approves Yancoal’s acquisition of Coal & Allied (0) July 3, 2017 Rio Tinto shareholders have approved Yancoal Australia’s acquisition of its subsidiary, Coal & Allied Industries, which owns majority shares in the Hunter Valley, Mount Thorley and Warkworth coal mines.
Roy Hill awards drill contract to AMS (0) July 3, 2017 Western Australian based Australasian Mining Services (AMS) has secured a three-year total drill consumable supply contract at the Roy Hill iron ore operation in the Pilbara.
Samarco restart ‘unlikely’ in 2017: BHP (0) July 3, 2017 BHP has conceded it is unlikely that the Samarco iron ore operations in Brazil will restart in 2017.
Queensland coal mines operated by Glencore and Anglo American will not be closed despite failing to comply with dust monitoring laws.
It was time for those in the process and control engineering sector to shine last night as the winners of the 14th annual Zenith Awards were announced.
Metals X has suspended underground operations at the Nifty copper mine in Western Australia to undertake remedial repairs.
Western Australian-based Sandfire Resources has secured a key permitting milestone for its 78 per cent owned Black Butte copper project in Montana USA, bringing the operation closer to construction.
Australian private equity firm EMR Capital plans to acquire Vale and African Rainbow Minerals’ (ARM) stake in the Lubambe copper mine in Zambia.
China’s Ningxia Tianyuan Manganese Industry (TMI) plans to reopen the Woodie Woodie mine in Western Australia, more than 18 months after it was closed because of low prices.
How did the first half of 2017 fare for services companies operating in the Australian mining industry? Australian Mining investigates.
Eastern Goldfields has delivered its first carbon-in-pulp (CIP) gold pour at the recently commissioned Davyhurst processing plant in the Goldfields region of Western Australia.
TerraCom has launched production at the Blair Athol thermal coal mine in Queensland, just over a year since it acquired the site.
NRW is extending its geographical reach with an $85 million acquisition of east coast mining services contractor Golding Group.
Heron Resources has ordered several items of equipment critical for the development of the Woodlawn zinc-copper project in New South Wales.
Spitfire Materials and Aphrodite Gold have announced they will merge to create a diversified Australian gold company with a project portfolio in Western Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory.
BELAZ has chosen AIMEX as the platform to showcase its extensive product range and capabilities on stand 1030 as the company looks to re-establish a presence in the Australian market.
Australian-based junior Oro Verde has resumed control of exploration at the Topacio gold project in Nicaragua after project partner Newcrest Mining ended an agreement.
The 2017 Australian Mining Prospect Awards are around the corner, a night to celebrate the best of the best in Australia’s mining industry.
Mining companies are realigning their human resources strategies to reflect improving market conditions that are potentially leading to skills shortages.
Adani’s Abbot Point Bulk Coal has been issued a $12,190 fine for an unauthorised stormwater release from its coal handling facility during Tropical Cyclone Debbie which struck Queensland in March ...
The Takeovers Panel has received applications requesting it intervene in Yancoal Australia’s funding proposal to acquire the Coal & Allied division from Rio Tinto.
Tungsten Mining has received environmental approval from both state and federal governments for its Mt Mulgine tungsten project in Western Australia.
Gold miner St Barbara scooped the Digger of the Year award at the 26th Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum in Kalgoorlie this week.
Recent Queensland transport and logistics entrant Centurion said it expects activity in Queensland’s multibillion-dollar mining, resources and infrastructure sector to further pick up in the next 18 months.
YUMARR Automation has developed an automatic boom isolation system that is delivering significant safety benefits for mining companies around the country.
Origin Energy’s philanthropic arm, Origin Foundation, has given $5 million to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to assist Indigenous students pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering or ...
Innovation and shared stories took centre stage at the Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference this week, with attendance the highest it has been in three years.
Canadian-based First Quantum Minerals plans to suspend its Ravensthorpe nickel operation in Western Australia following consistently low nickel prices.
Major capital expenditure is often investors’ main concern when deciding whether to start a mining operation. Many questions need to be taken into consideration – especially those that have financial ...
BHP is planning to enter the booming battery marketplace by building the world’s largest nickel sulphate plant at Kwinana Refinery in Western Australia.
BGC Contracting’s track record as a collaborative mining services partner is serving the company well as it pursues growth to its contract portfolio.
More mines in Australia are introducing renewable energy to their operations. Kate Dougherty explains the benefits and obstacles of renewables projects for the mining industry.
Iron ore imports at the port of Port Hedland for July this year reached 135,000 tonnes, a 29 per cent increase from the same month in 2016.
BP executive Jeanne Johns has been selected as the new managing director and CEO of Australian industrial chemicals and explosives manufacturer Incitec Pivot (IPL).
Glencore has secured the first mining leases for its $7 billion Wandoan coal project in Queensland’s Surat Basin, after applying for the leases 10 years ago.
Fortescue Metals Group chief executive Nev Power expects the volatility in the iron ore market to settle over the next six to 12 months.
Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions Australia has completed the Port Kembla Coal Terminal Restoration and Compliance project, one of the company’s biggest fabrication and construction projects in Western Australia.
CEO of underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco, Peter Stokes, has resigned after more than four years in the role.
Western Australian miner Northern Star Resources plans to invest $50 million to expand its skills and the innovation needed to enhance underground gold mining.
Innovative mining solutions provider Micromine has implemented its underground fleet management and mine control solution, Pitram, at MMG’s Dugald River mine, in north-west Queensland.
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has confirmed the death of a contractor working at the Goonyella Riverside mine in Queensland following injuries sustained during maintenance activities.
Pilbara Minerals chief executive Ken Brinsden is determined to convert sceptics that remain unconvinced of lithium’s bright future.
Anglo American is prepared to play a major part in redesigning the future of mining.
Powerful standard and safety PLC in one unit
Modern vehicles and mobile machines need very powerful control electronics to process the high number of input and output signals. That is why ...
The global steel price increase has boosted the value of Western Australian-based listed companies, with the 2017 financial year closing at $152.6 billion – a 13.5 per cent increase on ...
An Indigenous owned mine training centre and bauxite mining operation has opened in the Northern Territory, set to deliver economic benefits for the local Yolgnu people.
BHP is investing more than $600 million into its Olympic Dam copper operations in South Australia, with a range of expansion and development works set for the 2018 financial year. ...
Devoted to the design and manufacture of products that improve safety and productivity in hazardous areas, Nautitech Mining Systems will display four new and innovative products at AIMEX this year.
Swift Networks is working with mining companies around Australia to improve the entertainment and communications facilities at FIFO villages.
A coal dust reduction program launched by the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cut down dust emissions by 22,000 tonnes, or 19 per cent, a year.
The Diggers and Dealers Forum in Kalgoorlie is anticipating its largest turnout since 2013 when this year’s event is launched on Monday.
Rio Tinto has committed to employing local workers for the $70 million upgrade to its bulk handling facilities at East Intercourse Island in the Port of Dampier, Western Australia.
Mastermyne has been awarded a contract to supply development labour to South32’s Illawarra coal operations at the Appin Colliery in New South Wales.
The 2017 ABB Digital Transformation Summit took place this week in Brisbane, exploring the importance of implementing digitalisation across the mining, oil and gas, energy and utilities sectors.
PYBAR Mining Services has appointed Brendan Rouse, company co-founder and former chief operating officer, to the position of chief executive officer.
Rio Tinto improved its financial performance almost across the board during the first half of 2017. However, Rio did not meet the forecasts of analysts.
Stanwell Corp has awarded Sedgman a $6 million engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to provide a tailings dewatering facility at the Meandu mine coal handling and preparation plant in ...
Australian-listed lithium explorer Lepidico has chosen Lycopodium Minerals to provide engineering services for its Phase 1 L-Max plant feasibility study.
BHP has awarded Fluor a project and construction management services contract at the South Flank iron ore project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Komatsu has launched a project management technology it says will add significant benefits to the construction phase of mining.
Azumah Resources has secured an earn-in agreement worth around $17 million at the Wa gold project in Ghana.
Working with natural resources means never knowing what will be around the corner. So says David Moult, non-executive chairman of AIMEX.
Fortescue Metals Group has repurchased the Solomon Power Station in the Pilbara region of Western Australia from TransAlta Corp.
Before fire suppression systems were introduced to and implemented in the mining industry in the 1960s, there was a significant amount of crippling loss of equipment, production, and life due ...
Yancoal Australia has unveiled plans for a $US2.5 billion ($3.14 billion) equity raising it will use to fund the acquisition of Rio Tinto’s Coal & Allied in the Hunter Valley.
More than $15 million has been made available by National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) to assist the industry to become more innovative and globally competitive.
RPMGlobal (RPM) has launched Underground Metals Solution (UGMS), a scheduling tool tailored for underground mines.
Breathe-safe is a proud Australian manufacturer of high-efficiency air filtration and air conditioning systems (HVAC) for mining and construction equipment. We supply intelligent, custom designed fresh air cabin pressurisation units ...
Chevron is less than a month away from starting production at the $US34 billion ($42.4 billion) Wheatstone liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Western Australia.
Australian and international mining identities explain what they regard as the most exciting innovations at their respective companies.
Vimy Resources has raised $6 million to fund a definitive feasibility study (DFS) it is progressing at the Mulga Rock uranium project in Western Australia.
The South Hedland power station in Western Australia, which will provide energy to Horizon Power and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), has been commissioned.
Sandfire Resources has acquired an additional 16.9 per cent stake in the Black Butte copper project in Montana, USA – increasing its shareholding to 78.1 per cent.
Nicholas Frappell reviews the market performance of the precious metals sector in the June quarter in the second part of ABC Bullion’s review of the three-month period.
French rough terrain materials handling equipment supplier Manitou has acquired a 55 per cent stake in Australian lifting company LiftRite.
Rio Tinto plans to grow the number of contracts it awards to Western Australian suppliers through a fresh approach to procurement.
A mining job advertisement only open to job seekers who live close to Brisbane’s Airport has been described as “a direct kick in the guts” for regional Queensland.
Driverless trucks have been in operation on mine sites for some time, however the ability to provide effective and reliable internet connectivity for moving vehicles at a mine site can ...
Saracen Minerals has selected Byrnecut Australia as the preferred bidder for the $440 million underground mining contract at its Carosue Dam operation in Western Australia.
Northern Minerals’ new $56 million heavy rare earths pilot project in Western Australia’s Kimberly region is under way, set to create around 700 construction and operations jobs if it is ...
GE distributor and service partner Clarke Energy has been selected to provide 11 of GE’s gas engines to power the Gruyere gold project in Western Australia.
Lithium hopeful Altura Mining has locked in an agreement with United States and Swiss-based investment groups to raise $US110 million ($137.9 million) to fund development of the Pilgangoora project in ...
Yancoal Australia is already planning to sell a stake in the Hunter Valley coal operations it is set to acquire from Rio Tinto.
The Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) will once again see the industry gear up for one of the most significant mining events.
Metro Mining’s Bauxite Hills mine is on track for production after construction activities commenced at the site.
The Shell FLNG vessel arrived in WA waters this week on its way to the Prelude site around 475km offshore Broome.
The mining, resource and energy industry enjoyed the fastest rate of advertising growth of all industries on jobs portal SEEK in June, according to Australian and New Zealand managing director ...
Rio Tinto has exhibited the largest Fancy Red diamond in the history of its Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender at a world exclusive preview in New York.
Fortescue Metals Group has hit its iron ore shipments target for the 2017 financial year, while also reducing its cash costs to a record low.
A new World Bank report has highlighted the potential impacts that the expected continuing boom in low-carbon energy technologies will have on demand for many minerals and metals.
Eastern Goldfields has poured first gold at the recently commissioned Davyhurst operation near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
Siemens has invested $5 million into the Rockhampton Service Centre, unveiling Australia’s largest and most advanced test rig for mining, wind power and other core industries.
Rio Tinto has teamed up with Murdoch University to support a STEM Outreach Programme for regional Western Australian high schools, as part of a joint initiative to boost student engagement ...
Matthew Canavan has resigned as federal minister for resources and Northern Australia after being the latest victim of the dual citizenship drama that has engulfed Australian politics this month.
Nicholas Frappell reviews the market performance of gold in the June quarter in the first part of ABC Bullion’s precious metals review for the three-month period.
The United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office says it has opened an investigation into suspected corruption by Rio Tinto in Guinea.
The New South Wales resources regulator audited more than 100 opal mines in the state this month targeting safety and environmental compliance.
Tawana Resources and Alliance Mineral Assets Limited (AMAL) have received environmental approval to construct and operate a 1.2mtpa dense media separation plant at the Bald Hill lithium-tantalum joint venture in ...
Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has attacked mining companies operating in the country, saying he will “tax you to death” for not protecting the environment.
Matsa Resources has launched mining at the Fortitude gold operation in Western Australia as part of an ongoing trial.
Gold production at Newcrest Mining fell by 7.8 per cent in the June quarter against a year earlier after its Cadia mine in New South Wales was impacted by an ...
OZ Minerals chief financial officer Luke Anderson has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of rail operator Genesee & Wyoming Australia (GWA).
BHP has announced plans to double its number of apprenticeships and traineeships during 2018, with most of the positions to be offered to young people in the Pilbara.
Construction of the 2 million tonne per annum (Mtpa) processing plant at Pilbara Minerals’ Pilgangoora lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia has been cleared to begin.
Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are forecast to grow 22.6 per cent in the 2018 financial year.
Newcrest Mining has entered a project generation alliance with Encounter Resources to identify new mining opportunities in Western Australia.
Tungsten Mining has signed an agreement with Pilbara Minerals to acquire the Tabba processing plant, which will fast-track development of the Mt Mulgine project in Western Australia.
Fortescue Metals Group does not expect a court ruling that went against the company in favour of an Indigenous group will have any impact on its performance.
A new exploration blueprint has been launched to drive the next wave of resources sector investment in Queensland’s North West Minerals Province.
Anglo American has taken control of the Star Mountains copper-gold project in Papua New Guinea.
Western Australian drilling company DDH1 has received investment from Oaktree Capital Management, enabling the company to expand its capacity and capabilities.
Iron ore has soared through $US70 a tonne for the first time since April. In overnight trading iron ore continued a recent rise in value, improving by 2 per cent ...
The Unearthed Accelerator Program, designed to support startups creating products for the resources industry, began on Friday July 14 in Brisbane with a team announcement event at River City Labs.
BHP plans to spend $350 million revamping its Olympic Dam smelter operations in a move that will see the South Australian mine’s copper production fall.
A 2.6 billion-year-old rock has travelled almost 14,000km from Western Australia’s Pilbara region to London to feature in an exhibition at the Natural History Museum (NHM).
Metro Mining has completed raising all funding required to begin construction of the Bauxite Hills mine in North Queensland.
BHP increased production at its Western Australian Iron Ore (WAIO) operations by 4 per cent in the 2017 financial year.
Australia is positioned to become a global leader of undercover mineral exploration, as new mineral discoveries extend much deeper and become more challenging to find.
Perth-based exploration company Metalicity has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Minmetals Nonferrous Metals (CMN) for zinc and lead offtake at the Admiral Bay zinc project in Western ...
Engineering company Monadelphous has been awarded several contracts in the mining and resources industries worth a combined value of around $55 million.
Mining job vacancies stopped growing at recruitment agency DFP Recruitment Services in June, the company has revealed.
The automation industry today continues to face challenges such as increasing competition and rising costs. In addition to improving productivity and reducing labor, the driving force for automation is shifting ...
Major capital expenditure is often investors’ main concern when deciding whether to start a mining operation. Many questions need to be taken into consideration – especially those that have financial ...
Capricorn Copper has locked in a $45 million funding agreement to restart its mine in northwest Queensland.
Clarence Colliery has received a fine of more than $1 million for a coal slurry spillage that affected the Wollangambe river and the Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park.
The Blair Athol coal mine in Queensland is on track to be producing at full capacity before the end of this year, according to its owner.
Caterpillar has released the Cat MD6310 blasthole drill which offers increased efficiency and productivity.
Australian equipment manufacturer Nepean Conveyors has secured a deal to acquire two Sandvik conveyor businesses.
The chairman of new Arrium owner, Britain’s GFG Alliance, has reinforced the company’s commitment to the South Australian steel-maker and iron ore miner’s management, staff and unions.
Mining in Tasmania continues to bounce back from the global downturn in commodity prices.
A new scholarship program has been launched in Queensland to support students studying science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects at TAFE.
Australian testing and inspection services company ALS has entered an agreement to sell its multinational oil and gas business to Chicago-based Madison Industries for $109 million.
A resources company case study project to rehabilitate former mining land in Queensland has shown the potential for positive environmental outcomes.
Automation and digitalisation are the future of the mining industry. But automation is not just about remotely controlled machines.
Arrium’s committee of creditors has backed the sale of the steel and iron ore mining company to Britain’s GFG Alliance.
Sandvik plans to sell a part of its Mining Systems product area to FLSmidth. Mining Systems is a supplier of design and engineering of material handling systems.
China’s Shenhua has vowed to continue with its plans for the Watermark coal mine in New South Wales despite the state government reducing the size of its exploration licence by ...
Rio Tinto’s $2.6 billion Amrun bauxite project in Queensland is nearly one third complete, with bauxite shipments on track to begin during the first quarter of 2019.
Macmahon Holdings will move ahead with an agreement with Indonesian miner PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMNT) after its shareholders backed the proposal.
The Western Australian Government has approved the development of an updated Work Health and Safety Bill to improve worker safety, particularly in the state’s resources sector.
Construction of the $800 million Northern Gas Pipeline, which will run from Tennant Creek to Mount Isa, has been launched.
The New South Wales Government will scale back the exploration licence previously granted to China’s Shenhua Watermark Coal to protect agriculture in the Liverpool Plains.
Poseidon Nickel has entered a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aphrodite Gold to process Aphrodite’s gold ore at the Black Swan operation in Western Australia.
Kidman Resources has entered a joint venture agreement with Chilean lithium producer Socieded Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) to develop and operate its Mt Holland lithium project in ...
Sandvik is introducing new intelligent mining trucks for automated haulage, targeting tangible benefits in safety, productivity and profitability.
WPG Resources is progressing development at its Challenger gold mine in South Australia, selecting Byrnecut as the contractor for the operations.
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has slammed Victoria Government’s new Future Uses of Brown Coal policy designed to increase investment opportunities while balancing the state’s environmental needs.
Atlas Copco is launching the new generation Mobile Miner product line, the next step in the evolution of mechanical rock excavation.
MMG has completed the sale of its Avebury nickel mine to Tasmanian based Dundas Mining for $25 million.
South32 has confirmed underground operations at its Appin colliery will remain suspended after repeated concerns over gas levels.
Underground mining contractor Barminco has been awarded a three-year extension to its long running contract at Western Areas’ Forrestania nickel operations in Western Australia.
Mount Gibson Iron will receive a $64.3 million business interruption insurance settlement following the failure of the Koolan Island main pit seawall in October 2014.
Professor Rae Mackay has been selected as the first Latrobe Valley mine rehabilitation commissioner on the back of the reopened Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have identified the proper temperature and chemical mixture to selectively separate pure copper and other metallic trace elements from sulphur-based minerals using molten electrolysis. ...
The New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Downer EDI Mining $15,000 after identifying poor maintenance that led to a diesel leak at the company’s Mount Thorley facility.
Major contractor CIMIC Group has sold its stake in Macmahon Holdings, six months after it launched a takeover attempt for the smaller services company.
Sandfire Resources has secured the major environmental approval needed to allow development activities to begin at the Monty copper-gold project in Western Australia.
Iron ore miner Mount Gibson has terminated an off-take agreement with China’s Sinogiant Steel Holdings Group.
Britain’s GFG Alliance has emerged as the buyer of troubled iron ore miner Arrium despite not being the preferred bidder for the company.
The Queensland Land Court has recommended natural resources and mines minister Anthony Lynham grant Kevin’s Corner coal project in the Galilee Basin a mining lease and environmental authority.
Grange Resources’ Savage River iron ore mine in Tasmania saw the opportunity to further safeguard its operators on site by equipping its mobile equipment with remote controls.
Gascoyne Resources has officially awarded an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract to GR Engineering at the Dalgaranga gold project in Western Australia.
A skills shortage is emerging in the Australian mining industry, according to recruitment company, Hays.
Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group has extended its mining services contract with Thiess at the Solomon Hub in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Western Australian based uranium company Paladin Energy has appointed administrators after French offtake partner Electricite de France (EDF) demanded a loan repayment of $US277 million by July 10.
Iluka Resources has suspended shipping of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) from the Port of Thevenard in South Australia following safety concerns over part of the port’s jetty.
Iron Road’s estimated capital costs for the Central Eyre iron project (CEIP) in South Australia have been reduced by nearly $US300 million ($391 million) to $US3.7 billion ($4.8 billion) as ...
Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) has completed a $US634 million ($826.6 million) refinancing with a syndicate of eight banks.
Bestech managing director Sam Bhasin outlines the importance of measurement and training devices to enhance safety and productivity on site.
KCGM last week poured its 20 millionth ounce of gold from the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie. It was the second historical moment for KCGM in June. The company poured its ...
Engineering company EnerMech has been awarded a subcontract by JKC Australia LNG for specialist commissioning activities at INPEX’s Ichthys LNG project at Darwin.
Advanced Energy Resources (AER) has signed a long term power purchase agreement with GMA Garnet, which will see the construction of a three megawatt wind and solar farm in Western ...
Boart Longyear’s Zachary Strauss discusses how the company’s latest drill rig and loader solutions work together to reduce the risk of hand and back injuries.
Western Australian based Australasian Mining Services (AMS) has secured a three-year total drill consumable supply contract at the Roy Hill iron ore operation in the Pilbara.
BHP has conceded it is unlikely that the Samarco iron ore operations in Brazil will restart in 2017.
Fortescue Metals Group has awarded $100 million of new work to Aboriginal business and joint ventures at its iron ore operations in the Pilbara of Western Australia.