The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, has produced the country’s first gold using a non-toxic chemical process in an effort to provide an alternative to cyanide and mercury to extract the yellow metal.
Rio Tinto has approved $146 million of funding to undertake initial work at the Koodaideri iron ore project in Western Australia, ahead of a final investment decision expected by the end of the year.
Rock-falls are the top safety issue in mines. The inaccessibility of some areas underground makes it difficult and dangerous for inspections to take place after blasting.
What was once assigned to the realm of science fiction is proving a reality through Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul™ programme, with the company achieving significant milestone with the first delivery of iron ore in the Pilbara, Western Australia by a giant robot – an autonomous train.