International Responsible Business Conduct (IRBC) has completed a project examining aluminium and bauxite supply chains to improve transparency and traceability in materials supporting the renewable energy transition. The project brought together wind energy company Siemens Gamesa, Dutch cable manufacturer TKF, Digital Product Passport (DPP) technology provider Minespider, and project partner Responsible Trade. The initiative mapped selected upstream aluminium and bauxite supply chains and tested secure DPPs to organise and present traceability and sustainability information across multiple supplier tiers. Explore the production, demand and consumption forecasts of bauxite and alumina in our report: " Global Bauxite & Alumina Market Forecast to 2036: Supply–Demand, Trade Flows & Price...
Mount Ridley Mines has reported 94.9 per cent gallium recovery from a third-party bauxite sample using its patent-pending Selectro process, alongside recoveries of 92 per cent aluminium and 97 per cent iron in a single low-temperature leach. The test also produced a silica-rich residue instead of conventional red mud, highlighting the technology’s potential to recover multiple metals from bauxite through one processing route. The sample was provided by Australian Silica Quartz Group from its Darling Range bauxite project in Western Australia. It comprised material collected from 16 vacuum drill samples across four holes at the Athena and Ceres prospects. Containing 80 parts per million of gallium, the sample yielded an extraction rate of 94.9 per cent into solution. Mount Ridley said this...
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Komatsu has delivered its 300 th autonomous haulage system (AHS) truck to the global mining giant, Rio Tinto's Pilbara operations in Western Australia, marking an important milestone for mining automation. This achievement marks the continuation of a long-standing partnership between the two industry giants, which began with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2011 to deploy 150 AHS trucks. Thirteen years later, the collaboration remains robust, with both Rio Tinto and Komatsu committed to accelerating the adoption of automation in mining operations. This latest addition to Rio Tinto's fleet underscores the company's ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and safety through advanced technology. Garry Povah, Komatsu Australia's General Manager of Mining Automation, said, “We’ve led the...
As Indonesian President Joko Widodo prepares to step down this October after a decade in power, his final State of the Nation address on August 16, 2024, underscored a key element of his economic policy: resource nationalism. Throughout his tenure, Jokowi has sought to harness Indonesia's vast natural resources for domestic benefit. This stance has sparked both support and controversy on the global stage, connecting Indonesia significantly to the international community. One of the most notable aspects of Jokowi's policy has been the ban on the export of unprocessed mineral ores, beginning with nickel in 2020. This move aims to shift Indonesia from being a mere exporter of raw materials to becoming a hub for value-added processing, inviting international investors to participate in the...
The "Green Technology and Engineering Demonstration of Efficient Production of New Powder Materials by Bayer Process Red Mud" project by Chinalco Shandong Co., Ltd. has achieved a significant milestone. The project bagged the first prize of the Science and Technology Progress Award from the China Environmental Protection Federation in 2023. This recognition highlights the company's innovative advancements in the comprehensive use of red mud, marking a new technological breakthrough. Chinalco Shandong Co., Ltd. is the first entity in China to establish a research institute dedicated to using red mud. The company has wholeheartedly embraced the new development concept, consistently prioritising ecological and green development. By enhancing the safety level of its industrial chain, Chinalco...
As a testament to its exemplary mining practices, Baphlimali Bauxite Mine of Utkal Alumina, a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, has been awarded the 5-Star Rating Award. This award, bestowed by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, highlights the mine's outstanding performance in social responsibility, environmental stewardship, technical and scientific excellence, and sustainable land use. The esteemed accolade was presented by the Honourable Union Minister for Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, alongside the Honourable Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Satish Chandra Dubey, during a ceremony organized by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and the Ministry of Mines. The event celebrated the nation's top-performing mines, with Baphlimali Bauxite Mine, the largest mining...
For years, the residents of Nanar in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district in India have stood united against the environmental threat posed by a proposed oil refinery project. Now, they are gearing up for another significant fight against bauxite mining. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has announced a public hearing on August 29, 2024, to discuss the environmental implications of the proposed Nanar Bauxite Block, spanning 362 acres. The state administration's recent letter to the Nanar village council (gram panchayat) announcing the public hearing has shocked the villagers. The MPCB has also issued a public notice about the hearing, which the district collector will oversee. Residents are invited to register their suggestions and objections regarding the environmental issues...
Admir Šahmanović, the Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Montenegro, met with former workers of the bauxite mine on the Seoca plateau, who have been waiting for ten years to pay claims from the bankruptcy estate. In a statement from the Ministry, Šahmanović assured the workers that he would strive to resolve the issue legally and within the institutional framework. The minister's commitment comes after a decades-long struggle for the workers to receive their due compensation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the mine's bankruptcy. Šahmanović's promise marks a significant step towards addressing their grievances and seeking a just outcome through proper legal channels. Šahmanović said, "I am sorry that this multi-decade problem is dragging on and that you are...
Arrow Minerals Limited is pleased to announce a significant step forward in its expansion strategy with the entry into a Share Purchase Option Agreement (the Agreement) to acquire the Niagara Bauxite Project situated in Guinea. Guinea is currently the world's largest exporter of high-grade, low-impurity bauxite, and this acquisition marks a significant milestone for Arrow Minerals. Arrow Minerals Limited, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, is an exploration and development company focused on delivering long-term shareholder value by discovering economic mineral deposits in West Africa. Strategic expansion in bulk commodities The Niagara Bauxite Project is recognised as an advanced asset with a rich exploration history. Located just 100 km from the Simandou railway, set for...
Guinea's military leadership has introduced a draft constitution to reduce presidential terms and limit the number of terms a president can serve the West African nation with the world's largest bauxite reserves on record. The proposed changes, announced by Jean-Paul Kotembedouno, spokesperson for the National Transition Council's constitution commission, seek to shorten the presidential term from six years to five and restrict any individual from serving more than two terms as president in their lifetime. The draft constitution also sets age requirements for presidential candidates, who must be at least 35 years old and not older than 80. This proposal follows the dissolution of the previous constitution by General Mamadi Doumbouya after his coup in September 2021. The coup ousted former...
Canyon Resources Limited has formally signed a mining convention for the Minim-Martap Bauxite Project in Cameroon. This pivotal agreement grants Canyon's subsidiary, Camalco Cameroun SA, the right to mine and export bauxite contingent upon the issuing of a mining permit for the project area. The mining convention was officially executed at a signing ceremony attended by Camalco's Chief Executive Officer, Rana Pratap Singh, and the Interim Minister of Mines, Fuh Calistus Gentry. This agreement, a testament to the extensive approval process, signifies a robust and strengthened partnership between Canyon and the Government of Cameroon, a partnership that will be instrumental in the project's success. The completion of the Mining Convention enables Canyon Resources to advance its development...
Saudi Arabia’s mining sector is on the cusp of a transformative era, with the Kingdom determined to become a global leader in the industry. Saudi Arabia is rich in minerals essential for various global industries. The Kingdom is transitioning into a leading exporter of diverse energy types, moving away from its traditional role as an oil producer. It has a strong potential to produce minerals crucial for the energy transition, such as aluminium, copper, and rare earth elements, as well as minerals needed for global agriculture. The strategic focus on economic diversification has placed the mining sector at the forefront of national development plans, with the Kingdom’s mineral wealth valued at an estimated $2.4 trillion (SR9.4 trillion). According to the World Risk Report 2023, released...
The Planning Institute of Jamaica's 2023 Economic and Social Survey reveals that the local bauxite sector almost doubled its output last year, significantly contributing to an 86.8 per cent growth in the mining and quarrying industry compared to 2022. This recent edition of the survey, tabled in Parliament on July 17, 2024, provides a comprehensive analysis of Jamaica's economic and social performance for the previous year. The findings highlight mining as the industry with the highest growth rate in 2023. In 2022, the mining sector experienced a substantial decline, with a -35 per cent reduction in its real value added (RVA). However, last year, mining accounted for 1.8 per cent of Jamaica's total gross RVA, up from 1.0 per cent in 2022. RVA measures an industry's contribution to a...
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has presented mining lease agreements for bauxite and lithium to Parliament for consideration. The Ministry submitted a lease agreement with Ashanti Bauxite Limited Company to mine bauxite in the Nyinahini Block 2 Area in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region. A lease agreement with Barari DV Ghana Limited was also presented to explore lithium at Ewoyaa in the Central Region. The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, laid these agreements before the House on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The agreements seek parliamentary approval for mining activities in the specified areas. In response, Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin referred the agreements to the Committee...
During this week's Noosa Mining Investment Conference in Queensland, the Australian mining and exploration company Metro Mining will showcase the ongoing acceleration of operations at its Bauxite Hills Mine, situated north of Weipa. Commencing mining activities at the expansive 1,900 km 2 project in April 2018, Metro Mining swiftly shipped 2 million tonnes of bauxite to five major Chinese firms within its inaugural year. Following an expansion initiative in 2019, which increased annual capacity to 3.5 million tonnes, Metro Mining is now poised for further growth, targeting a capacity boost to 7 million tonnes annually. This rapid growth is a testament to Metro Mining's potential and is sure to attract the interest of potential investors. Recent reports indicate a robust performance, with...
China’s bauxite imports in May 2024, following a peak in April, reversed and stood below 14 million tonnes. According to China customs data, the country imported 13.549 million tonnes, registering a month-on-month decline of 4.84 per cent from 14.2376 million tonnes and year-on-year fall of 4.63 per cent. China’s bauxite imports decreased in May after two consecutive months of increase. China’s total bauxite imports in the first five months of 2024 amounted to 64.1288 million tonnes, slightly up from the corresponding period of the earlier year. Mainstream sources of ores Guinea continued to be the top supplier, albeit with a lower volume of ores than the previous month. According to customs data, Guinea supplied 9.4174 million tonnes of bauxite to China, which edged a fall of 10.27 per...
The United States has initiated discussions with Indonesia about joining a multinational partnership to improve Southeast Asia's environmental standards. Jose Fernandez, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, disclosed the proposal during his recent diplomatic visit to Jakarta. The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is comprised of 14 countries alongside the European Union. Its primary goal is to expedite the establishment of sustainable supply chains for critical minerals, leveraging financial and diplomatic support. Fernandez emphasised that joining the MSP could allow Indonesia to bolster governance and environmental practices within its mineral sector. Indonesia, renowned for its extensive mineral reserves, including bauxite, nickel, and...
Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) said it would possibly ease some restrictions on bauxite ore exports, according to statements from ministry spokesperson Agus Cahyono Adi. This proposition followed discussions between ESDM Minister Arifin Tasrif and members of Commission VII of the House Representatives (DPR) related to possible relaxations they might bring in. According to Agus, the discussions took place last week, and concrete decisions still need to be taken. He also cited that the government had given three years of export relaxation for bauxite ores before President Widdo banned it, with effect from June 2023, to shore up the domestic processing of its mineral resources. By doing this, Indonesia wanted to replicate its success in nickel processing after...
Funds management giant Regal is actively seeking investors for a substantial $20 million capital-raising effort to acquire a royalty over a bauxite operation in Northern Queensland, according to sources close to the deal. Regal Funds Management, established in 2004, is one of Australia's most recognised and awarded alternative investment managers. With offices in Sydney, Singapore, and New York, Regal manages investments for various institutions, family offices, foundations, and private investors domestically and internationally. As a pioneer in Australia's hedge fund and alternatives industry, Regal boasts one of the largest fundamental research teams in the Asia-Pacific region. The firm offers multi-award-winning investment strategies across long/short equities, private markets, and...
According to Fastmarkets report, the Indonesian government is planning to ease the bauxite export ban due to slower-than-expected progress in developing domestic alumina refineries. Indonesia ranks among the world's largest bauxite suppliers, with China as a significant consumer. The ban announced by Joko Widodo, the president of Indonesia, on December 20, 2022, to stimulate the growth of its downstream metals sector might be relaxed in the next couple of months, allowing Indonesian bauxite to re-enter the international market by the fourth quarter of the year. "The Indonesian government may be thinking to ease the bauxite export ban simply because they do not have the alumina refineries to consume that much bauxite. So, in this instance, the ban is hurting rather than benefiting...
