All articles by Julian Turner
Julian Turner
Is it better to build a new mine or to buy one?
‘Smart buying’ and merger activity has driven new mine openings in recent years, but with reserves and ore grades declining, will it make more sense for companies to build or buy mines in the future? Julian Turner talks to Travis Hough, director in Frost & Sullivan’s metals and minerals practice.
Mining robots: Rio Tinto doubles down on autonomous drilling
Rio Tinto is employing a further nine autonomous drilling systems at its mines in Pilbara in Western Australia, taking the total to 20. The technology enables a remote operator using a single console to control four autonomous drill rigs simultaneously. Julian Turner reports on an industry revolution.
Mind the gap: training mining workers for a digital future
As mining becomes increasingly automated, the skills gap is growing. Rio Tinto has announced a $2m vocational education and training (VET) initiative in an effort to address this, ensuring that the next generation of workers is ready for mining’s brave new digital world. Julian Turner reports.
Risky business: managing political instability in the mining industry
Managing political and regulatory risks while operating abroad is now a business imperative for mining operators. Julian Turner talks to Rob Foulkes and Charlie Pembroke of consultancy Critical Resource about sustainability, licence to operate issues and avoiding mistakes of the past.
Mind the gap: training mining workers for a digital future
As mining becomes increasingly automated, the skills gap is growing. Rio Tinto has announced a $2m vocational education and training (VET) initiative in an effort to address this, ensuring that the next generation of workers is ready for mining’s brave new digital world. Julian Turner reports.
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Mapping the future: Professor Hyam Rubinstein discusses the MineOptima project
The MineOptima project was developed by Professors Thomas and Rubinstein of the University of Melbourne to apply their work on network optimisation and microchip design to the planning and design of the most efficient mines. Julian Turner talks to Professor Rubinstein about their work.
Improving sustainability: should miners turn to IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to dramatically reduce the impact of mining operations on the environment, and environmental monitoring is now the number one driver of IoT in the sector, according to new research from mobile satellite company Inmarsat. Julian Turner reports.
Altered states: mining regulations in Queensland and across Australia
AMEC CEO Simon Bennison has called for sweeping reforms of what he terms Queensland’s “rigid and needlessly complex” mining sector rules. Julian Turner compares and contrasts the legislative frameworks across Australia and analyses what needs to be done to ensure Queensland remains attractive to investors.
Deep impact: Atlas Copco takes automated drilling to the next level
Atlas Copco has won a contract to convert 18 more of BHP Billiton’s blast hole drills to autonomous operation, following the success of its existing rigs. Julian Turner talks to Tyler Berens, product line manager – automation, about optimisation, efficiency and operating a drill in Texas from the company’s test center in Sweden.
Fly-in, fly-out – the mental and physical effects of mining work schedules
Fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) work schedules dominate the Australian mining industry but can exact a heavy toll on relationships and families. We get an update on the parliamentary inquiry into the mental health impacts of FIFO and changes to the workforce demographic in Western Australia.