The fact that US authorities have detained close to $43 million of electronics equipment from India in the current financial year, should serve as a lesson to would-be solar panel manufacturers in Australia about the need to pay very close attention to labour conditions in their supply chains. As part…

On August 22, 2024, the Australian Senate approved the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024, which includes new climate-related financial reporting requirements for large entities. The Bill, which has been the subject of extensive consultations and amendments, will now return to the House of Representatives…

Environmental offsets have been utilised worldwide for over 40 years. Defined by the EPA (2011) as “an offsite action or actions to address significant residual environmental impacts of a development or activity,” these initiatives typically cover issues such as biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. There is an array of…

Coal dust is a continuous concern at Australian coal mines, necessitating improved controls to protect worker health as well as driving environmentally friendly innovations to control and mitigate dust levels. Respirable coal dust is generated and released into the air through several different mining processes, including breaking, crushing or milling…

The mining industry now stands at a critical turning point due to an anticipated rise in mine closures over the next few decades. With an estimated 80,000 abandoned or former mine sites in Australia — and around 240 more expected to close between 2021 and 2040 — the impacts these…

Battery-electric haul trucks represent a significant decarbonisation opportunity for the mining sector and efforts are being made to develop and refine the technology to suit the requirements of large surface mines. When combined with a renewable electricity source, the electrification of mine haulage can eliminate what is likely the single…

A key factor in reducing the impact of mining on the environment is by implementing circular approaches to mine site waste materials, particularly metal scraps and equipment or machinery. Recycling scrap metals plays an increasingly important role in reducing demand for virgin materials and new mines, which can help to…

Multi-sensor drone technologies combined with emerging software innovations are being incorporated into increasingly sophisticated mining processes, substantially enhancing safety and efficiency at mine sites with surveying, mapping, imaging, and monitoring tools. Drones provide the ability for advanced inspection strategies, such as predictive maintenance and asset management, as well as thermal…