Bluefield Coal and Mining Show returning in September

Biennial event’s theme in 2025 will be ‘Connecting Buyers and Sellers’ The Chamber of Commerce of the Two Virginias has announced the return of the Bluefield Coal and Mining Show, scheduled for September 10-12 at the Brushfork Armory Civic Center in Bluefield, W.Va. The show, today held both inside and outside of the armory facility, has been in existence for…

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Executive Q&A: Marvin Woodie

In this issue’s executive Q&A, NAM talked to Conn-Weld President Marvin Woodie, who is helping the company celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025 – as he personally marks his upcoming 45th anniversary of involvement with the processing supply manufacturer. He has certainly watched it grow right before his eyes, from 152 workers in 1986 when he arrived at Conn-Weld headquarters…

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Keeping track

Optimizing material tracking and monitoring across the mining value chain. by Rudy Moctezuma The mining industry is known for its variability and the challenges this creates for mine operations attempting to keep mining production as close to the mining plan as possible. Ore bodies are rarely uniform in mineralogy, grades and physical characteristics, presenting issues that extend throughout the mining…

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Mining maintenance in the modern era

A case for maintenance plans that allow smarter, not harder, work through the use of artificial intelligence and robotics. by Ben Lawrence Remember the early days of the COVID lockdown? Amidst the uncertainty, one commodity became inexplicably precious: toilet paper. The paper industry, a typically steady behemoth, suddenly found itself grappling with a demand surge of unprecedented proportions. For paper…

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I’m just a monitored valve (but I’ve got something to say)

Process monitoring equipment needs – as told by a valve in a mineral processing plant. by Mariana Sandin Hello. I’m just a valve – one of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands – in a global mining operation, part of the utilities group in my facility. I don’t ask for much: a little grease, the occasional calibration, and the hope that…

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Considerations and innovations in ground control

Equipment and technology innovations offer the potential for faster, safer, and more accurate ground control; however, this should not come at the expense of a proper geotechnical understanding. by Jonathan Rowland As underground operations move deeper and face increasingly complex conditions, equipment development is focused on delivering faster, safer, and more consistent ground control. Meanwhile, advances in computer processing capabilities…

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Blue Evolution launches Orca Minerals

The new initiative builds on a decade of seaweed infrastructure to deliver mineral sourcing via photosynthetic systems. In response to the growing global urgency around strategic mineral supply, Blue Evolution has launched Orca Minerals: the first U.S.-based platform to deliver regenerative biomining of critical minerals using cultivated seaweed. “Orca’s platform spans both offshore and controlled onshore cultivation, tailored to species,…

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Conn-Weld Celebrates 50 Years of Success

Company honors a half-century of excellence by celebrating ‘the products that built us and the people who define us.’ by Mark S. Kuhar Conn-Weld is celebrating it 50th anniversary at this year’s AGG1 show, the first of many celebrations planned throughout the year. The focus of its booth, “The Products That Built Us and the People Who Define Us,” highlighted…

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Solving the spare parts riddle

Spare parts management can be challenging for mining operations. North American Mining spoke to Dr. Frits de Vroet, an expert in inventory optimization, about the issues involved. by Jonathan Rowland Maintaining operational efficiency and productivity at mining sites is a game of overlapping (sometimes competing) strategies, played on a dynamic board with ever-changing pieces. A critical element is the mine’s…

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Going digital with operations management

With mines making investments to go digital to gain efficiency, operations management is a key discussion. What are the potential pitfalls – and just what is a MOM? by Fabio Mielli The landscape of mining operations is undergoing a seismic shift, with companies increasingly embracing integrated operations and reducing reliance on on-site staff. Despite advancements in technology, the industry continues…

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