EPA fines Hecla mine for hazardous waste mishandling

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it fined Hecla Mining’s Greens Creek mine $143,124 for violating hazardous waste management and disposal requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.  “EPA continues to hold mining companies accountable for hazardous waste disposal practices,” said EPA Region 10 Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Ed Kowalski.  “The company operates in a relatively…

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Ripple effect: How vibrations testing can save millions

When looking at pit-to-port successes at mines, particularly from a cost perspective, the seemingly small changes can make the biggest impact. NAM recently talked to Dialight CEO Fariyal Khanbabi about how vibrations – or lack thereof – can impact other systems, specifically safety through proper lighting. NAM: Why is vibration such an important consideration when looking at upgrading lighting in…

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PLANNING AN UNDERGROUND TRANSITION

Moving from open pit to underground operations is fraught with complications. North American Mining spoke to three experts about the considerations and risks involved.  By Jonathan Rowland A majority of mining operations begin life as open pits; however, as mining progresses, ore reserves may be proved to extend to greater depths than originally anticipated. To continue exploiting these reserves, the…

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Building resiliency: Three core actions to create stronger cybersecurity 

The threats of cybersecurity are front and center in mining as operations become increasingly dependent on technology and digitization. How can the industry fight off what it can’t see? By Ray Texter, Texas United Management Security leaders in the manufacturing sector are tasked with being proactive and maintaining the highest level of visibility and control to balance security and functionality…

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Digital Transformation in the Golden Age of Mining Technology Earning a Social License to Automate 

In this second of a three-part series, read about how changing times have had an impact on mine safety and technology for sustainability, and how operators prioritizing all of these are reaping the benefits.  By Marc Poualion, senior industry marketing manager, Aspen Technology Technology drives improvements to the bottom line as it always has, but in today’s environment, profitability isn’t…

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Thinking Water

North American Mining talks to two experts about the principles, challenges and opportunities of water management in underground mines.  By Jonathan Rowland Environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies are now playing a much more significant role in the life of businesses. Traditionally, these have tended to place heavy emphasis on climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions. While…

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Brain drain within the minerals sector spells trouble for other ‘critical’ industries

With a growing demand for critical minerals, the mining industry is looking for possible solutions that can access additional sources notwithstanding a limited workforce.  By James Tworek, CEO, Element79 Gold  The “metals of the future” are deeply reliant on a robust mining sector. Everything from space travel and transportation to electronics and power storage, even communications and medical applications rely…

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Digital Transformation in the Golden Age of Mining Technology 

The mining industry is between 30% to 40% less technologically mature than comparable industries. Alarmed? Read more in this first of a three-part series about the opportunities surrounding digital transformations and mining for the future. By Marc Poualion, senior industry marketing manager, Aspen Technology Never before has there been more companies designing and developing new software solutions empowered by the…

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Caterpillar acquires Tangent Energy Solutions

Caterpillar has acquired Tangent Energy Solutions, an energy-as-a-service (EaaS) company that provides customers with turnkey solutions for reducing energy costs, increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions, monetizing electric grid support, and providing resiliency for customer operations. The acquisition of Tangent Energy, the company said in May, also positions Caterpillar to work directly with utilities and energy providers to supply distributed energy…

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