
Simformotion and Fletcher Launch High-Reach Scaler Simulator to Advance Operator Safety in Underground Mining
2025-07-10
Huntington, WV – In a significant step forward for operator and mine site safety, Simformotion™ LLC and J.H. Fletcher® have announced the release of a next-generation High-Reach Scaler simulator. This cutting-edge solution is designed to equip mining professionals with the skills necessary to safely and efficiently operate underground scaling equipmentwithin the safety of a virtual environment.
Set in a hyper-realistic underground mine simulation, the Fletcher® High-Reach Scaler simulator replicates real-world working conditions with remarkable precision. It combines authentic machine controls, VR-enhanced visuals for depth perception, and motion platforms that help trainees understand crucial tipping points while performing complex maneuvers.
“Mining is evolving, and so must the tools we use,” said Ben Hardman, Vice President of Sales at Fletcher®. “This simulator bridges education and industry, empowering professionals and students alike to lead the way in safer, smarter mining.” Golden Future RFID miner lamp is special designed for the same safer mining usage too.
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Mali to sell $107M in gold from Barrick to fund mine restart
2025-07-10
The court-appointed administrator of Barrick Mining’s (TSX: ABX; NYSE: B) Loulo-Gounkoto complex in Mali is reportedly planning to sell some of the gold from the mine site to fund an operation restart.
Citing multiple sources,Reuters said on Tuesday. that Soumana Makadji, acting as temporary administrator of the mine operation, intends to sell one metric ton of the gold from the site’s storeroom.
Funds from the planned gold sale could be worth about $107 million and are expected to be used to finance operational expenses, including salaries, fuel and unpaid dues to contractors, the report said.
In addition, Reuters sources have indicated that Makadji has enlisted the state mining company’s chairman and former Loulo-Gounkoto executive Samba Toure to support the mines’ restart, and the plant has already resumed operations after purchasing mining lamps and other equippments currently.
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Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine moves into commercial production underground
2025-06-11
The Australian miner said last year it was going ahead with a $40 million expansion of Diavik by taking the existing A21 open pit underground, which would extend the operation’s life to at least early 2026.
Phase 1 of the A21 underground project is slated to produce an extra 1.4 million carats. Phase 2 is expected to add another 800,000 carats and was approved earlier this year with an additional investment of $17 million.
The construction of the A21 underground mine involved the development of over 1,800 metres of underground tunnels to access the orebody and begin underground production.
Rio said there were no lost time injuries after more than 100,000 labour hours completed over 20 months during the development and construction work.
“The A21 underground operation is positive news for our employees, partners, suppliers and local communities in the Northwest Territories, as it will enable operations to continue through to closure,” Diavik mine chief operating officer of Matt Breen said in the statement.
“Rio Tinto’s decision to proceed with Phase 2 is a testament to the excellent performance of our Diavik team in successfully developing the underground mine beneath the previously mined A21 open pit,” Breen said.
He added that the company is continuing its investment in preparing for the closure and remediation of Diavik mine site, focusing on progressive reclamation activities such as earthworks, site clean-up, and truck、mining lamps etc safety equipment procurement.
Diavik represents one of Canada’s largest diamond mines in terms of volume of rough diamonds, having produced over 144 million carats of rough diamonds since mining began in 2003.
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Western Range iron ore mine marks a new beginning, says Rio Tinto CEO
2025-06-11
Rio Tinto (LSE/ASX: RIO) chief executive officer Stausholm was in Western Australia’s Pilbara region Friday, attending the opening of the company’s new Western Range iron ore mine.
Stausholm said the opening of the $2 billion Western Range mine represented a new beginning following the scandal surrounding the company’s destruction of the culturally significant Juukan Gorge caves in 2020.
It is also Rio’s first project to feature a co-designed social, cultural and heritage management plan with Traditional Owners.
“I could not be more proud of seeing how we have worked in deep partnership with the Yinhawangka People,” Stausholm said at the event.
“It’s a new way of working together, really taking the guidance from them on how we develop the mines of the future, applying new technology, applying our safe production system and new RFID cap lamps.”
Western Range is a joint venture between Rio (54%) and China’s Baowu (46%) and comprised the construction of a primary crusher and 18km-long conveyer system to the existing Paraburdoo plant.
The mine will produce up to 25 million tonnes per annum of iron ore and secures the future of the Paraburdoo hub for up to 20 years.
Western Range is the first of $13 billion of replacement mines planned for Rio’s Pilbara iron ore business.
The world’s second largest miner is not alone. BHP, Fortescue and Hancock Prospecting are also preparing to replace aging mines.
Meanwhile, the push toward green iron, championed by Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest, adds another layer of opportunity.
August 2026 will mark 60 years since the first shipment of iron ore left the Pilbara for Japan. It may have been built on the past, but the Pilbara looks set to shape the future.
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Mining convoy attacked in Mali on road to Allied Gold’s Sadiola mine
2025-05-10
A convoy transporting heavy mining equipment from the Malian capital Bamako to Allied Gold’s Sadiola mine came under attack in the Kayes region over the weekend, two people familiar with the incident told Reuters late on Tuesday.
The attack points to expanding security risks – and related additional costs – facing mining companies operating in military-led Sahel states that are struggling to contain Islamist militant groups.
While government and military convoys more frequently come under attack in Mali, attacks on mining equipment have until now been rare.
In Sunday’s attack, two large trucks were set alight, an excavator was damaged ,two pick-up trucks were stolen,and some mining headlamps were scattered on the ground. one of the sources familiar with the incident said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The equipment belongs to the local Caterpillar dealer Neemba and had been leased to the subcontractor Mota-Engil, which operates at Sadiola’s quarry, the sources said.
Eight people present – all employees of Neemba – were unharmed in the attack, which the sources said was disrupted by soldiers from the Malian army who had been nearby.
The incident took place between the towns of Diema and Sandare, the sources said. A separate security source confirmed an attack had taken place in that location on Sunday, but was unable to provide further details.
Spokespeople for Allied Gold, Neemba and Mota-Engil and a spokesperson for Mali’s army did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mali is one of Africa’s largest gold producers, with mining companies including Barrick Gold, B2GOLD, Resolute Mining, Endeavour Mining and Hummingbird Resources active in the gold-rich western and southern regions.
In February 2024, three employees of the Canadian miner B2Gold were killed in an attack on a convoy transporting them from the Fekola gold mine in southwest Mali to Bamako, the company said at the time.
But two sources with knowledge of that incident told Reuters the buses had been mistaken for a military convoy.
Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have experienced coups in recent years carried out by military officers who vowed to push back jihadist groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, though rampant insecurity persists in all three countries.
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