United Coal Company (UCC) has donated Biomarine mine rescue equipment to Virginia Tech’s Mine Engineering Department to help facilitate students’ development into proficient mining engineers. “The impact of this donation on the Virginia Tech Mine Engineering Department is expected to be profound, enhancing their ability to train and prepare for mine rescue operations,” said UCC officials. “The equipment enables more…
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Canadian authorities file criminal case against Diavik mine
Rio Tinto’s Diavik mine, located about 200 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, is facing a criminal case after a 2003 accident left an employee seriously injured, reported Reuters. “[The] Diavik diamond mine is charged with multiple counts alleging violations of the Mine Health and Safety Act, including failure to implement and maintain safe work practices,…
Read MoreU.S. thermal coal exports highest in five years
According to data from ship-tracking firm Kpler, the United States exported more than 32.5 million metric tons of thermal coal in 2023, reported Reuters. The total volumes were the highest since 2018, and were worth more than $5 billion. Coal miners and trading firms have stepped up sales of U.S. coal to international buyers as domestic use of the product…
Read MoreWorld Coal Association becomes FutureCoal
After more than 38 years, the World Coal Association (WCA) will cease use of its moniker, rebranding itself as FutureCoal – The Global Alliance for Sustainable Coal. The unveiling of the new name and logo was held in Delhi by group chief executive Michelle Manook, who said the new era is in response to a call from coal and coal…
Read MoreGM, Komatsu partner on HYDROTEC fuel cells
General Motors and Komatsu will co-develop a hydrogen fuel cell power module for Komatsu’s 930E electric drive mining truck, the world’s best-selling ultra-class haul truck. GM and Komatsu will jointly design and validate the technology. Lightweight and quick to refuel, hydrogen fuel cells are ideal for electrifying applications traditionally powered by diesel engines. Hydrogen provides an effective method to package…
Read MoreGlencore-led group nabs Teck coal unit
A consortium led by Glencore agreed in November to acquire Teck Resources’ steelmaking coal unit for $9 billion, marking one of the largest deals in the mining sector, according to Reuters. Glencore will own 77% of the business in a $6.9 billion cash deal, while 20% will go to Japan’s Nippon Steel Corp., which already holds a 2.5% stake. South…
Read MoreMajority of U.S.-produced met coal now MCPA represented
The Metallurgical Coal Producers Association (MCPA) has revealed that a majority of the nation’s metallurgical coal produced annually – about 55% – is now represented by the group. While MCPA is a regional association representing Appalachian producers, coal tonnage by its members is all mined within a four-state region: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The MCPA recently welcomed Blackhawk…
Read MoreArch Leer first to achieve Towards Sustainable Mining verification
Arch Resources’ Leer coal mine in West Virginia has achieved Level A verification for all protocols comprising the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative. Leer is the first mine of any type to achieve and verify this performance level through TSM’s new subscription program, which allows any mine anywhere in the world to implement this globally recognized sustainability initiative for the…
Read MoreEpiroc, Vale to strengthen mine safety
Epiroc Canada and Vale Canada, a Vale Base Metals subsidiary, have entered into a non-binding agreement to develop, test and utilize groundbreaking mining techniques and equipment to bolster safety processes and drive innovative solutions. “We are excited about our shared commitment with Vale Base Metals to accelerate the transformation of the mining industry through innovation that will keep pushing the…
Read MoreSurface drill rig order beats record for Sandvik
Equipment maker Sandvik has won its largest-ever order, valued at SEK 248 million (US$23.66 million), for surface drill rigs to be delivered beginning this quarter to U.S. dealer Country Boy Supply. The order, booked in the fourth quarter of 2023, includes 34 units to replace the company’s current contractor fleet in Georgia and Tennessee. Specifically, the fleet will include 16…
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