GM, 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…

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Glencore-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…

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PROK opens cutting-edge facility in Utah

Conveyor equipment expert PROK held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its specialist manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah on January 24. The site will manufacture PROK HDPE, a high-tech composite roller featuring groundbreaking visual wear-indicator technology – a world-first in the industry. “PROK HDPE has redefined conveyor roller maintenance practices, offering enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness for mining operations globally,” noted…

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Eriez names Alpha Industrial as new rep

Eriez has selected Alpha Industrial and Mining Supplies as its new sales representative agency for the northern Ontario, Canada region. Its new partner is based in Lively, Ontario, and provides equipment for heavy and mining industry applications. Under the teaming, Alpha’s Jamie Osborne will assume the position as Eriez’ key account contact. Bill Dudenhoefer, regional sales director for North America,…

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Majority 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…

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Fortescue obtains funding for Michigan manufacturing facility

The Michigan Strategic Fund has approved support and incentives for Fortescue to establish a U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Center in Detroit. The Piquette Avenue site will become a major hub for Fortescue’s production of automotive and heavy industry batteries, fast chargers, and electrolyzers. “Fortescue’s Advanced Manufacturing Center will breathe fresh life into the birthplace of the automotive industry,” said Fortescue Energy…

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MSHA impact inspections target 16 mines in 11 States in December

The U.S. Department of Labor announced that its Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)  completed impact inspections at 16 mines in 11 states in December 2023, issuing 247 violations. The agency began conducting impact inspections after an April 2010 explosion in West Virginia at the Upper Big Branch Mine killed 29 miners. MSHA’s impact inspections in 2023 identified 2,739 violations,…

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IME’s Hoffman Recognized with ISEE President’s Award 

The Institute of Makers of Explosives’ (IME) senior director of scientific and regulatory affairs, Dr. Joshua Hoffman, was presented with the prestigious ISEE President’s Award at the opening session of the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) 2024 Annual Conference. A professional engineer and licensed blaster, Hoffman is a lifetime member of ISEE and has served on a number of…

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Virginia makes industry appointments

Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin recently made several appointments to his key board, including eight in coal mining. The first is for the Virginia Coal Mine Safety Board; the five selected are Christopher Lester, retired electrician, Murray Energy; Harless Mullins, retired plant operator, Alpha Natural Resources; Michael Gary Prater, United Coal; Victoria Ratliff, University of Virginia; and Joshua West, United Mine…

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