Tag: mining

The Australian Aluminium Council has called for bauxite, alumina and aluminium to be added to Australia's Critical Minerals List, saying the move would help protect the country's integrated aluminium industry and strengthen its role in global manufacturing and supply chains.

Schneider Electric has partnered with Australian advanced manufacturing company Hyperion Systems to integrate industrial automation and control technologies into a containerised 3D printing platform designed to produce replacement parts and maintenance tooling closer to industrial operations.

The Western Australian Government has signed a Letter of Intent with France to strengthen critical minerals supply chains, support industry development and expand opportunities for trade and investment.

The Queensland Government has opened an Australian-first critical minerals processing facility in Townsville, aiming to support downstream manufacturing, reduce technical risks for mining projects and attract investment in local processing capabilities.

Australian-headquartered explosives company Dyno Nobel has unveiled a prototype autonomous system designed to automate drill and blast processes at mining sites, potentially reducing the need for workers to enter high-risk blast zones.

The US administration has announced more than $2 billion in mining and mining-related investments, alongside more than $180 million in mining education and workforce initiatives, as it seeks to strengthen domestic manufacturing supply chains for critical materials.

Researchers at Adelaide University have developed a swarm robotics system inspired by the cooperative behaviour of bees and ants, with findings suggesting the technology could improve safety, efficiency and sustainability in future mining operations.

Australia’s mining sector is entering a defining decade. Coordination between government and industry is strengthening, particularly around critical minerals and long-term supply. This is supporting a more stable outlook and reinforcing the role mining will play in Australia’s economic growth. 

Researchers at The University of Queensland say engineered “super fungi” could offer a lower-impact method for recovering critical minerals from mining waste, while also contributing to site remediation efforts.

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology recently showcased its latest advancements in mining technology at the 2026 Global Mining Machinery Expo.