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Investing Guides
Belara Metallurgical Test Work Produces High Grade Concentrates
October 16, 2022
Belararox Limited (ASX:BRX) (“Belararox” or “the Company”) an advanced mineral explorer focused on high value clean energy metals, is excited to announce the initial metallurgical testwork results from the Phase 1 resource drilling at the Belara Project. The testwork aims to build upon drilling results to determine the potential of the Belara Project to host significant zinc and copper mineralisation.
Highlights
- Sequential open circuit flotation tests on low-grade composite from early Belara drilling confirms the potential for producing saleable Copper, Lead, and Zinc concentrate grades.
- Recoveries and concentrate grade are comparable to similar mines in the region.
- Metal recoveries compare favourably to the significant Woodlawn Cu/Pb/Zn volcanogenic massive sulphide project located in the southern extensions of the Lachlan Fold Belt in NSW with very similar concentrate grades and saleable metal recoveries as highlighted in the below charts.
- Favourable silver recovery of 35% in the Belara lead concentrate, vs 24% in Woodlawn lead concentrate.
- Recoveries are expected to improve on higher grade composites, which are more reflective of the average metal grades obtained from the recently completed Phase 1 drilling.
Next Steps
- Initial Mineral Resource Estimate to be completed during October.
- Planning for Phase 2 exploration and drilling at Belara Project is underway and details will be announced in the coming month.
- Heritage agreement with the Warrabinga Wiradjuri Native Title Claim Group has been executed, with grant of the remaining two Exploration Licence Applications at Belara Project progressing (ELA6176 and ELA6287).
- Bullabulling Project (WA) drilling is to commence in early 2023 targeting the highest priority gold targets identified from recently completed 3D mineral potential mapping. The targeted Bullabulling tenements contain a large 3D model target of a scale similar to the 300,000 oz Geko gold deposit located nearby.
Managing Director, Arvind Misra, commented:
“First phase of metallurgy test work is very encouraging and confirms that saleable Copper, Lead, and Zinc concentrate grades can be produced at Belara. Metal recoveries compare favourably to the Woodlawn Cu/Pb/Zn volcanogenic massive sulphide project (owned by Develop Global Ltd) with very similar concentrate grades, and saleable metal recoveries. Recoveries are expected to improve on higher grade composites, which are more reflective of the average metal grades obtained from the recently completed Phase 1 drilling.
We remain on track to deliver our maiden Mineral Resource Estimate later this month.”
Summary of Metallurgical Test Work
Diamond drill core intervals representative of a lower grade mill feed, from early drill testing on the Belara project, were composited to form a single 23kg Master Composite, then were subjected to metallurgical characterisation and flotation testwork1.
This composite was obtained from early drill holes BLDD001 and BLDD002a drilled as part of the Phase 1 drilling program for Belara. These drill holes are considered to represent typical polymetallic stratiform sulphide mineralisation for Belara, albeit at lower grades compared to later drilling on the project. Subsequent drilling has identified higher grades e.g. BLDD028 - 3.0m at 11.17% Zn, 1.69% Cu, 2.25% Pb, 88.13g/t Ag, and 1.68 g/t Au (reference: ASX: BRX, 21st September 2022 Announcement).
Testwork was conducted at Auralia Metallurgical Laboratories under the management of JT Metallurgical Services with the key outcomes being the derivation of a flowsheet and reagent conditions capable of producing saleable copper (>20%), lead (>30%), and zinc (>50%) concentrates.
A total of eight Cu-Pb-Zn sequential flotation tests have been conducted to date with the flowsheet reflecting the historic Woodlawn polymetallic operation, noting geological and mineralogical similarities of the two projects. Flotation feed grind size and reagent regimes were assessed in open circuit tests in lieu of future locked cycle testwork. Test 7 (AM141-7) flowsheet is presented in Figure 1 with the Belara Low Grade Master Composite feed grade, concentrate grades and recoveries in Table 1 with comparison to Woodlawn historical performance (reference: ASX: DVP, 6th September 2022 Announcement). A flotation feed size of P80 53 micron was required followed by regrinding each of the rougher concentrates to sub P80 20 micron to achieve sufficient mineral liberation prior to two stage cleaning. Test 8 results are still outstanding.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Belararox Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
BRX:AU
21m
Step Out Drilling Confirms High-Grade Cobalt & Associated Copper at Bald Hill
Rimfire Pacific Mining (ASX: RIM, “Rimfire” or “the Company”) is pleased to advise that initial drill assay results have confirmed high-grade cobalt sulphide mineralisation (with strong associated copper anomalism) in the first diamond drill hole completed at the 100% - owned Bald Hill Cobalt Copper Prospect as part of a larger 5 hole (~1,000 metre) step out diamond drilling program.
Highlights
- Hole FI2612 - the first of 5 diamond holes testing cobalt - copper mineralisation at Bald Hill returns high grade cobalt;
- 29m @ 0.12% cobalt from 66 metres, and
- 18m @ 0.16% cobalt, 0.16% copper from 110 metres
including 5m @ 0.21% cobalt, 0.23% copper
- All 5 drill holes have intersected sulphide mineralisation 100- 300m away from the currently defined high-grade cobalt footprint - remaining assays due in 3-4 weeks.
- Rimfire’s drilling to date indicates that Bald Hill hosts some of the highest-grade cobalt mineralisation in the Broken Hill district
- Strong copper anomalism associated with the cobalt upgrades the substantial copper prospectivity at Bald Hill
- South 32 (S32.ASX) and Red Hill Minerals (RHI.ASX) have recently farmed into leases immediately adjoining Rimfire’s project tenements (see Figure 1)
Commenting on the announcement, Rimfire’s Managing Director Mr David Hutton said: “This step-out diamond drill program has substantially expanded the known sulphide hosted mineralised footprint at Rimfire’s 100%-owned Bald Hill cobalt-copper prospect which now extends over a 500m by 200m area.
Assays from hole FI2612 have confirmed that Bald Hill hosts some of the highest cobalt grades in the Broken Hill district. We are encouraged by the presence of copper in these results which highlights the strong potential to find significant copper mineralisation at Bald Hill.
The Rimfire team eagerly awaits assay results from the remaining 4 holes in the program which have all intersected sulphide mineralisation visually similar to that observed in hole FI2612 with results of a similar tenor widely anticipated.
With exciting scandium focused exploration potential also at Rimfire’s Lachlan Orogen assets, the company is eying outstanding upside across our portfolio of critical minerals projects.”
Latest Bald Hill drilling results
Rimfire’s 100% - owned Bald Hill Cobalt Copper Prospect is located approximately 30 kilometres west of Broken Hill, NSW – Figure 1).
Cobalt copper mineralisation at Bald Hill occurs within a folded and faulted sulphide-bearing quartz - albite psammopelitic composite gneiss unit which broadly dips to the east and is underlain by a barren quartz – potassium feldspar gneiss.
Cobalt and copper mineralisation is associated with disseminated to semi massive sulphides (pyrite – pyrrhotite +/- chalcopyrite) that are locally brecciated, and silica altered.
5 diamond holes (FI2612 – FI2616 / 974 metres) were drilled through August and September 2024 to test for extensions of previously drilled high-grade cobalt (Co) mineralisation at Bald Hill, e.g.; 33m @ 0.11% Co from 58 metres in FI2469 including 4m @ 0.23% Co and 2m @ 0.21% Co, and 125m @ 0.13% Co from 198 metres in FI2470 including 97m @ 0.15% Co (see Rimfire’s ASX Announcement dated 8 Augst 2024).
Each of the new drillholes intersected multiple broad zones (downhole widths) of sulphides 100 – 300 metres away from Rimfire’s previous high-grade drill intercepts (see Table 2 for sulphide descriptions) with assay results for the first hole, FI2612 returning (Figures 2 and 3);
- 2m @ 0.37% Cu from 63 metres,
- 29m @ 0.12% Co from 66 metres, and
- 18m @ 0.16% Co, 0.16% Cu from 110 metres including 5m @ 0.21% Co, 0.23% Cu.
The assay results confirm that the sulphides intersected in the drilling are both cobalt and copper- rich and given the similarities between the sulphides interested in FI2612 and the remaining drill holes completed in the program, further drill intercepts of similar tenor are expected.
Significance of the drilling results
The FDI2612 assay results are significant for several reasons as outlined below.
Rimfire’s Bald Hill Prospect represents one of, if not the highest-grade cobalt sulphide occurrence in the Olary and Broken Hill domain (as part of the mineralised Curnamona Province) with other examples typically showing equivalent and significantly lower grades, i.e.; Havilah Resources’ (HAV.ASX) Mutooroo Copper Cobalt Gold Deposit and Cobalt Blue’s (COB.ASX) Broken Hill Cobalt Project respectively (Figure 4).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Rimfire Pacific Mining Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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18h
High Grade Shallow Resource to Unlock Value at Burns Central
Lefroy Exploration Limited (“Lefroy” or “the Company”) (ASX:LEX) is pleased to provide an update to the Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Burns Central prospect located in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. The update is based on the original MRE statement (refer ASX release 4 May 2023) which was prepared by consultant, Mr Chris Grove, of Measured Group Pty Ltd in accordance with JORC 2012 guidelines.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A significant shallow high-grade Au zone has been delineated within the existing Burns Central Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
- The Burns high grade zone totals 4.22Mt @ 1.18 g/t Au for 15G,285 contained ounces (applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off grade) which includes:
- 46,538 oz of gold (Au) in oxide,
- 8,154 oz gold (Au) in transitional; and
- 104,5G3 oz gold (Au) in fresh rock
- Burns Central displays a consistent high-grade corridor extending over 650m strike length, and open to the northeast and southwest, with significant previously reported intersections including:
- 61m@ 2.G6 g/t Au (from 120m), including 37m @ 4.23 g/t Au (from 126m) in LEFR320
- 3Gm @ 3.87 g/t Au (from 26m) in LRR003; and
- 30m @ 2.43 g/t Au (from 27m), including 17m @ 3.G g/t (from 38m) in LRR004
- The MRE is drilled to G8% Indicated status and 2% Inferred for gold, with 34% of the gold resource contained within oxide and transitional material.
- The deposit is contained within a well-defined structural control with additional targets located along-strike.
- The Company is in the final stages of preparing an MRE update for the Mt Martin deposit located elsewhere on its tenure.
LEFROY CEO GRAEME GRIBBIN, COMMENTED:
“We are pleased to be revisiting the deposits across our tenure to update the diverse Lefroy Resource base and unlock the value of our landholding. “The reporting of the Company’s maiden MRE at Burns Central in May 2023 demonstrated the expansive size and potential of the Au and Cu system at Burns. Applying a higher grade (0.5g/t) Au cut-off to the existing resource, we have now been able to demonstrate the significance high-grade gold potential of the Burns Central resource, with this higher-grading zone containing 15S,000 near surface ounces grading 1.18g/t Au.
“The definition of this structurally controlled, shallow, high-grade core at Burns Central represents a remarkable opportunity for the Company to explore for and grow its existing portfolio of shallow mineral resources, currently totaling 1.1Million ounces.”
AN EVOLVING BURNS RESOURCE STORY
The Burns Central Deposit forms part of the Burns Gold-Copper Project (‘Burns’ or ‘Project’), 70km southeast of Kalgoorlie in the highly prospective Kalgoorlie Terrane of Western Australia. Burns is located within the broader Lefroy Gold Project, proximal to the St Ives gold camp (Gold Fields Ltd JSE: GFI) and the Daisy Milano and Mt Monger gold operations (Red 5 Limited ASX: RED).
The previously reported mineral resource estimate (MRE) at Burns Central (refer ASX release 4 May 2024) consisted of two volumes: "Min Enriched" for near-surface oxide and saprock enrichment, and "Min" for fresh rock sulphide mineralisation. Applying a nominal 0.1 cut-off value for each metal, this reported a total MRE of 42.95 million tonnes grading 0.36g/t Au and 0.14 % Cu.
REALISING VALUE WITH BURNS HIGH-GRADE CORRIDOR
In keeping with Lefroy’s focus to progress and commercialise the Company’s portfolio of shallow advanced gold deposits (refer ASX release 27 March 2024) an internal review of the high-grade potential of the Burns Central resource has now been completed.
The Company is pleased to report that a significant high-grade zone has been delineated within the existing Burns Central MRE. Reporting only blocks within 200m of surface and applying a cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au, this zone reports 4.22Mt @ 1.18 g/t Au for 15G,285 contained ounces (Table 1), reported across oxide, transitional and fresh mineralisation categories.
Significantly, this high-grade zone is reported at over 98% Indicated resource classification, with combined oxide and transitional material representing over 34% of the total resource.
Furthermore, the contained gold ounces (159,285 oz) within this recently calculated high grading central core represents 32% of the entire gold ounces (497,472 oz) reported in the May 2023 original MRE. Expressed differently, 32% of the contained gold ounces at Burns Central are contained within 10% of the defined tonnes (159,258 oz within 4.2Mt versus 497,472 oz within 42.95Mt).
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Lefroy Exploration Limited, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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02 October
Supply Chains Disrupted as US East and Gulf Coast Ports Face Worker Strike
A large-scale dockworkers' strike has commenced at major ports along the East and Gulf coasts in the US, halting container traffic and disrupting a significant portion of the nation’s trade.
The walkout, initiated by members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) early on Tuesday (October 1), is expected to impact US imports and exports, and could send ripple effects through global supply chains.
According to Bloomberg, ports from Maine to Texas have effectively ceased operations as a result of stalled negotiations between the ILA and the US Maritime Alliance (USMX) after months of discussions.
The ILA, which represents approximately 45,000 dockworkers, is demanding better wages and a rollback of provisions on port automation. Primary points of contention between the parties center around the automation of port terminals, which the union argues threatens job security for its members.
ILA President Harold Daggett has been vocal in opposing automation, stating that workers should not bear the burden of technological advancements that could lead to job losses.
“We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes,” he said.
The union is also seeking higher wages and better working conditions in the face of inflation and rising living costs.
The strike affects 14 major ports that handle roughly half of all US containerized trade, making it one of the largest recent disruptions to US port operations. Additionally, it's the first major strike of its kind in almost five decades.
While the USMX has proposed wage increases and enhancements to worker benefits, including contributions to pension plans and healthcare options, the union has rejected these offers, calling for more substantial increases in pay and greater protections against the introduction of automated technologies in port operations.
The strike follows months of warnings from the union, which had threatened to take action if no deal was reached by the Monday (September 30) deadline.
White House intervention potentially on the table
The Biden administration has been closely monitoring the situation, but has not yet intervened.
President Joe Biden, known for his pro-union stance, has refrained from invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, a federal law that would allow him to order the striking workers back to their jobs for an 80 day cooling-off period.
While the government has encouraged both sides to return to the negotiating table, there has been no direct involvement in the labor dispute so far. Some business groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, have called on the president to take action, citing the potential damage to the economy.
Suzanne Clark, CEO of the chamber, expressed concerns about the economic fallout, stating that "it would be unconscionable to allow a contract dispute to inflict such a shock to our economy."
The immediate impact will be felt in industries that rely heavily on imported goods, such as retail, manufacturing and automotive. The pharmaceutical and electronics sectors are also likely to feel the effects of the action.
Retailers in particular are bracing for potential shortages of goods, especially as the holiday shopping season approaches. Aside from that, it's possible that the strike could have a knock-on effect on international trade as goods destined for US markets are delayed or rerouted through other ports.
The economic cost of the strike could reach as much as US$4.5 billion per week, depending on the duration. A week-long strike could take up to a month to recover from, with cascading delays in the shipping industry. Some experts predict that the strike could last for several weeks if negotiations remain stalled.
As the strike enters its second day, attention is focused on whether the White House will step in to prevent further disruptions. For now, both the union and port operators appear entrenched in their positions.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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01 October
Jeffreys Find Gold Mine. Second Toll Milling Campaign Completed. 6,295 Ounces Produced; Gold Sales Total $23.5M.
Auric Mining Limited (ASX: AWJ) (Auric or the Company) is pleased to announce reconciliation of the second gold milling campaign for 2024 from the Jeffreys Find Gold Mine (the Project), near Norseman, WA. This campaign ran for 42 days, beginning on 24 July 2024 and finishing on 4 September 2024.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The second toll milling campaign for 2024 has been completed.
- 6,295 ounces of gold produced from 128,000 tonnes milled.
- Gold sales for this campaign total $23.5 Million.
- Highest sale price at AUD$3,859 per ounce.
- Average sale price at AUD$3,731 per ounce.
- Auric has received initial surplus cash distribution of $2.0 Million.
MANAGEMENT COMMENT
Managing Director, Mark English, said: “We are in the sweetest possible place with the mining of Jeffreys Find.
“Total production for the year has passed 7,500 ounces. Another toll milling campaign is scheduled for the end of November. It will be a mighty run home for Auric as the project draws to conclusion.
“Whilst the campaign processed lower tonnes than expected, the gross revenue was higher due to the extraordinary gold price.
“The reconciled yield of 1.65 g/t was marginally below expectation but the recovery of 93.2% was excellent.
“BML has a contract with Greenfields for 300,000 tonnes to be processed so it won’t be long before milling starts again. We are anticipating a further 142,000 tonnes to be processed in 2024 and early into 2025 at Greenfields.
“Jeffreys Find will produce substantial cash for Auric. It has been an outstanding investment,” said Mr English.
Photo: The Jeffreys Find Pit; 30 September 2024.
Through Auric’s joint venture partner BML Ventures Pty Ltd of Kalgoorlie (BML) a total of 127,610 dry metric tonnes was processed by The Greenfields Mill at Coolgardie (Greenfields or Mill) with a reconciled recovery of 93.2%.
A total of 6,295 ounces of gold was recovered at a reconciled head grade of 1.65 g/t.
Gold sales amounted to $23.48 Million for the campaign with an average gold price of AUD$3,731 per ounce. The highest gold price achieved during the campaign was AUD$3,859 per ounce.
Stage Two of mining in 2024 has now produced 7,551 ounces of gold with total gold sales to date of $27.95 Million.
Click here for the full ASX Release
This article includes content from Auric Mining, licensed for the purpose of publishing on Investing News Australia. This article does not constitute financial product advice. It is your responsibility to perform proper due diligence before acting upon any information provided here. Please refer to our full disclaimer here.
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01 October
Digging for Votes: BC NDP and Conservatives Tout Mining Platforms
BC's mineral exploration and mining sector contributes C$7.3 billion to the province's GDP, and according to the Mining Association of BC (MABC) critical minerals extraction could grow that amount significantly.
To unlock this value, the NDP and Conservative parties agree that mine permitting and development need to be streamlined and fast tracked to benefit BC, as well as national energy transition ambitions.
“Northwest BC has the critical minerals that are in high demand worldwide, giving us a huge advantage in the global movement to a clean economy,” said NDP Premier David Eby. “Our plan will get mining projects moving that grow BC’s economy, create good jobs across the Northwest, and benefit communities directly.”
To achieve this, the NDP wants to boost the province's critical minerals sector while maintaining high environmental, safety and Indigenous partnership standards, Eby said during a September 24 campaign stop.
His party's plan includes setting clear timelines for permit reviews on priority projects with support from the newly established Critical Minerals Office, which will also coordinate with the federal government to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance First Nations engagement. The NDP also proposes to introduce union-led training programs, expand the clean energy electricity grid and fund infrastructure upgrades in the northwest.
Additionally, Eby has promised that resource development will bring lasting benefits to local communities through the Resource Benefits Alliance and expanded revenue-sharing and equity opportunities for First Nations.
“For too long, communities across BC’s Northwest saw the impacts of resource projects — like more wear and tear on roads and highways, increased demand on local services — but they weren’t seeing enough of the benefits,” Eby noted.
“We took action to change that. We’re investing money directly back into infrastructure communities like Terrace and Vanderhoof while building up the economy.”
BC's current critical minerals strategy
Most of the themes outlined in the NDP's non-costed platform are in line with the first phase of the province’s Critical Mineral Strategy, which was released by Eby’s government in January.
Independent of the national initiative, which as of 2024 identifies 34 critical minerals vital to the country’s energy transition ambitions and economic future, the provincial strategy aims to position BC to benefit from its geological makeup.
BC holds reserves of more than half of the minerals Canada has deemed critical, including copper, molybdenum, magnesium and zinc, all of which are currently mined in the province. Notably, the province produces 50 percent of the nation’s annual copper output and accounts for 100 percent of its molybdenum mining.
At the moment, exploration is ongoing in the province for other critical minerals, including nickel, cobalt, graphite and vanadium, which are essential for technology applications and the energy transition.
Phase 1 of the BC strategy includes creating a Critical Minerals Project Advancement Office, developing a minerals atlas for exploration, and collaborating with First Nations on infrastructure projects like the North Coast Transmission Line.
The strategy also focuses on maintaining high environmental standards through initiatives such as the Energy and Mines Digital Trust project, along with enhancing transparency.
Conservatives take issue with NDP's mining approach
BC Conservative Party leader John Rustad took aim at the NDP’s resource industry track record in a September 24 press release that also outlines his party's plans for the mining sector.
“The mining and mineral exploration industry, a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, has been stifled by increased regulatory burdens, inefficiencies in permitting, and a lack of rural infrastructure investment under the leadership of David Eby’s government,” the statement reads, highlighting what it refers to as the NDP's "excessive red tape."
It goes on to point to permitting delays, regulatory overreach, lack of infrastructure investment and uncertainty in Indigenous consultation as challenges hampering the sector under the current provincial government.
To address some of the outlined issues, the Conservatives are proposing to streamline the permitting process and reduce regulatory burdens. The party also wants to hold companies accountable for site cleaning and remediation, and make investments in critical infrastructure. Its other goals are to pursue economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, provide competitive tax incentives and position BC mining at a global level.
“British Columbia should be a global mining superpower,” Rustad said. “But under the NDP, we’ve missed critical opportunities. The Conservative Party will reinvigorate the industry, create jobs, and ensure that rural BC and its communities thrive once again.”
Mining industry reacts to NDP and Conservative platforms
Responding to the release of both platforms from BC's leading political parties, Michael Goehring, president and CEO of MABC, underscored the need for the government to support the mining sector.
“The provincial election presents a pivotal moment for British Columbia’s political parties to champion the essential role of BC’s mining sector in the future of our province,” he said. “Commitments to streamline the permitting process for critical minerals projects are not just welcome — they are crucial.”
Goehring went on to acknowledge that the overviews presented address issues his organization has championed over the years. “Both main parties clearly understand BC’s critical minerals potential. As representatives of the mining sector, MABC will be there to ensure they follow through on their commitments,” he said.
“Together, we can create a streamlined and efficient permitting process that fast-tracks project approval, advances economic reconciliation and partnerships with First Nations, while maintaining BC’s world-leading environmental protections. It’s a win for the entire province, and the time to act is now," Goehring added.
The Association for Mineral Exploration also issued a statement following the release of the NDP and Conservative platforms. In it, President and CEO Keerit Jutla emphasized the importance of greenfield mineral exploration.
He warned that without a focus on exploration, the foundation of BC's critical minerals future could be undermined. While encouraged by the NDP and Conservative parties' pledge to streamline permitting processes, Jutla took issue with a perceived lack of exploration support in the NDP's plan.
“The BC NDP’s mining platform, while commendable, falls short by not explicitly supporting the indispensable role of mineral exploration,” he said. “We urge all political parties to integrate a comprehensive approach to mining that includes robust exploration initiatives to support a thriving mining sector in BC.”
According to a 2024 MABC study on the economic impact of critical minerals in BC, more than 1,100 publicly listed exploration companies are based in Metro Vancouver. There are currently 17 proposed critical minerals mines in development stages, representing significant near-term investment, employment and tax revenue.
Voting in BC’s 2024 provincial election will conclude on October 19.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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01 October
AI: The New Safety Inspectors for Mining Equipment
The mining industry, known for its complexity and operational challenges, requires stringent safety measures to ensure both the safety of its workforce and the efficient operation of heavy machinery.
From trucks and drills to conveyors and crushers, mining equipment is subject to constant wear and tear. Traditionally, manual inspections have been the standard, but these are time-consuming, prone to human error, and offer limited real-time insight. Enter Artificial Intelligence (AI)—a game-changer for enhancing safety inspections across mining operations.
Enhancing Paperless Mining Equipment Inspections with AI
AI is transforming the way safety inspections are conducted in mining, allowing operators to not only streamline processes but also improve accuracy and safety.
Here’s how AI is reshaping mining safety:
1. Image Analysis and Defect Detection
AI-powered image recognition can analyse high-resolution images of mining equipment such as haul trucks, excavators, and drills to detect cracks, corrosion, leaks, and other mechanical defects that may be overlooked by human inspectors. This technology enhances the accuracy and consistency of inspections, particularly in rugged and hazardous environments where frequent manual checks are difficult.
2. Predictive Maintenance
By analysing historical data from previous equipment inspections, AI can predict when machinery components are likely to fail. This predictive maintenance model reduces unexpected downtime and ensures that critical mining equipment operates smoothly. It also allows companies to schedule repairs before a major failure occurs, thereby enhancing the overall safety and productivity of the mine.
3. Real-Time Monitoring
AI can integrate with IoT (Internet of Things) sensors on mining equipment to provide real-time data on various performance metrics, such as engine temperature, hydraulic pressure, and machine load. By analysing this data, AI can detect anomalies early, helping to prevent breakdowns and accidents that can jeopardize worker safety.
4. Automated Reporting
AI can generate detailed and automated inspection reports, complete with images of any detected issues, suggested corrective actions, and compliance notes. This not only saves time but also eliminates the risk of human error in documentation, ensuring that safety protocols are accurately followed and tracked.
5. Risk Assessment
AI evaluates multiple factors, such as equipment usage patterns, age, wear and tear, and operating conditions, to generate risk scores for individual pieces of machinery. This helps prioritize maintenance efforts on the most vulnerable equipment, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to maintain a safe working environment.
6. Compliance Management
Mining operations must adhere to strict safety regulations and industry standards (e.g., MSHA, ISO). AI helps automate compliance checks and generates comprehensive, audit-ready reports that ensure your mining equipment meets all safety standards without the need for manual verification.
Benefits of AI-Enhanced Mining Equipment Inspections
1. Improved Safety
By identifying potential equipment failures early, AI helps reduce the risk of accidents that could endanger miners and cause costly operational delays. This proactive approach to safety ensures that any machinery defects are addressed promptly, safeguarding the well-being of workers in hazardous environments.
2. Increased Efficiency
Automating data collection, analysis, and reporting streamlines the inspection process, freeing up operators and safety personnel to focus on other critical tasks. With AI, mining operations can maintain optimal safety levels while simultaneously improving operational efficiency.
3. Enhanced Decision-Making
AI provides real-time insights and predictive analytics, allowing for more informed decisions about equipment maintenance and safety protocols. Mining operators can rely on AI data to schedule repairs or replacements, reducing downtime and improving the longevity of equipment.
4. Better Compliance
Ensuring compliance with mining safety regulations is a time-consuming task, but AI makes it easier by automating checks and generating reports that can be readily shared with regulatory bodies. This reduces the administrative burden on safety managers while ensuring all machinery complies with necessary standards.
5. Cost Reduction
Mining operations can see significant cost savings by reducing downtime, minimizing the risk of accidents, and optimizing maintenance schedules. With AI-driven inspections, mines can avoid costly repairs, equipment replacements, and regulatory fines.
Challenges and Considerations
While AI offers numerous advantages for mining equipment inspections, it is not intended to fully replace human inspectors. Challenges such as data quality, algorithm bias, and cybersecurity concerns need to be addressed. Additionally, a skilled workforce is necessary to oversee the implementation and management of AI technologies within mining operations.
Conclusion
By adopting AI, the mining industry can elevate safety standards, protect workers, and ensure equipment reliability. The future of mining safety inspections lies in the intelligent collaboration between cutting-edge technology and human expertise. This partnership between AI and human oversight can lead to safer, more efficient, and cost-effective mining operations.
Hear more from
Naaman Shibi
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Pervidi Paperless Solutions
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