Industry News

Gold Fields has awarded a contract to Goldwind to design, manufacture and construct seven wind turbines for its St Ives gold mine, located 80km south of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The turbines will form a 42MW wind farm as part of Gold Fields’ landmark $296m St Ives Renewable Energy project, which will become one of Western Australia’s largest renewable energy initiatives at an existing mine site. It’s not the number of turbines that’s news, but their gargantuan size. Together, these elements make the project one of the largest to be commissioned at an existing mine site in WA. Mobile batching plants will be deployed to the site in Kambalda to mix the 900m3 volume of concrete and allow for continuous pours at each of the seven turbine bases. The entire renewable system is projected to provide power for 73% of the St Ives site and reduce the mine’s carbon emissions by approximately 50% by 2030. Gold Fields Principal Specialist and Project Director Simon Schmid said the St Ives project was part of Gold Fields’ expanding decarbonisation…

The Northern Territory manufacturing ecosystem will soon access the latest surface cleaning technology for metal and other materials through Darwin-based services company Wurrba (pronounced Wataba), with co-investment from the Northern Territory Government and managed by the AMGC. Wurrba’s adoption and deployment of cutting-edge laser surface cleaning technology will mark the first time this calibre of technology is permanently available in the region, as companies previously required to engage with interstate or international suppliers for laser cleaning services. Founded in 2020, Wurrba is an Indigenous-owned, managed, and operated project management business that delivers comprehensive end-to-end solutions in construction, remediation, and maintenance throughout the Northern Territory. In collaboration with laser cleaning experts, Wurrba will also aim to tackle the challenges of operating such equipment in the heat and humidity of the Northern Territory, while also enhancing local staff’s skills in the operation, maintenance, and sustainment of the precision equipment. “Laser cleaning will become a critical enabler for the NT’s manufacturing and wider industrial ecosystem,” explained Raphael Clarke, Founder of Wurrba. “Through the adoption and deployment of this advanced technology, Wurrba…

Scientists have observed water molecules splitting in real time to form hydrogen and oxygen. Just before they split, the molecules did something entirely unexpected: They flipped 180 degrees. This micro acrobatic stunt requires energy, which explains why splitting water demands more energy than theoretical calculations indicated. The researchers suggest that further study could provide vital insights into enhancing the efficiency of splitting water molecules—paving the way for more affordable, clean hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen possesses several key properties that render it an attractive source of green energy. This energy-rich fuel can power trucks and even cargo ships, and it stands as the sole alternative to fossil fuels in industries such as steel and fertiliser manufacturing. When burned, the fuel emits water instead of carbon dioxide. However, the steep energy requirements for hydrogen production significantly limit the scale at which the fuel can be produced. According to the International Energy Authority, 322 million tonnes of hydrogen fuel must be generated annually to satisfy global energy needs. Yet, in 2023, only 97 million tonnes were produced…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising supply chain planning, but a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. AI isn’t just for highly advanced supply chains; regardless of maturity, every company can benefit. The key is aligning AI adoption with current capabilities rather than rushing into advanced solutions without a solid foundation. However, blindly implementing AI—without understanding your supply chain maturity or selecting the right technology partner—can be risky. AI success depends on choosing tools suited to your needs and ensuring proper integration. The Five Levels of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Maturity and AI Readiness A Supply Chain Maturity Model helps businesses assess where they stand and determine what AI can offer at each stage. While various models exist globally (Gartner, Oliver Wight, Deloitte, PwC, SCOR), the DMS Manufacturing Supply Chain Maturity Score is tailored to Australian and New Zealand manufacturers. This model evaluates people, processes, technology, strategy, and collaboration, helping businesses identify strengths, weaknesses, and AI opportunities. Here’s how AI fits into each maturity stage: Disjointed Manufacturing Supply Chains (Low Maturity) Limited processes, poor…

James Hardie Australia is proud to mark Australian Made Week by celebrating its partnership with Australian Made, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Australian manufacturing, innovation, and community development. Today, with more than 450 employees across local manufacturing, operations, research and development, James Hardie champions Aussie ingenuity from its facilities in Rosehill, New South Wales, and Carole Park, Queensland. “Our vision is to inspire how communities design, build, and grow today and tomorrow,” said John Arneil, President of James Hardie Asia-Pacific. “Our partnership with Australian Made is a symbol of our commitment to local manufacturing and product innovation. We’re proud to help create jobs, grow local capability, and build stronger communities - right here at home.” “No one understands Australian homes better than Australian manufacturers. By producing locally, we deliver products engineered specifically for our climate and building standards. Our investment in Australian manufacturing is a commitment to supporting local jobs and the communities we serve.” To help deliver on its purpose to build a better future for all, James Hardie had its range of fibre cement products certified…

To be held in Melbourne on September 18, the 2025 Mobility Technology Excellence Awards encompass all areas of mobility engineering including electric, autonomous and combustion engine technology, aerospace and defence, heavy commercial vehicles (on-and-off road), rail and rolling stock, specialty vehicles, mobility industry supply chains, research and development (R&D) agencies and service organisations. Nominations are now open and will close on June 30, 2025. The Mobility Technology Excellence Award has long been regarded as a prestigious accolade within the mobility engineering profession, offering significant recognition across the industry. All award nominations are reviewed by an expert panel of judges comprising of highly experienced and respected engineers in their field. All award-winning entries will be published in both the SAE-A's quarterly Vehicle Technology Engineer (VTE) magazine and other transport engineering publications as well as the SAE-A website and various online platforms. Companies and individuals may self-nominate or be nominated by others. The awards are presented at a gala industry dinner to those who have demonstrated…

With its head office in Tasmania and manufacturing plants in both Tasmania and South Australia, Jayben Group is an OEM company that specialises in powertrain products and light to medium industrial plant and equipment, including design, engineering, and manufacturing for the mining, agricultural, manufacturing, and defence sectors. Since its humble beginnings in 1927, the company has evolved significantly and today, it services clients both nationally and overseas. Determined to continue to provide clients with first-rate products, the company trialled Kemppi’s WeldEye welding management software before fully implementing the solution to effectively control welding quality. The challenge According to Danny Patmore, Fabrication Manager at Jayben Group, the company was not willing to forego quality despite experiencing strong growth. “Since our earliest days, we have been committed to producing high-quality products, and even though we have rapidly expanded, we remain unwavering in ensuring that quality is integral in all stages of the production process, including welding. “Welding is fundamental when you are manufacturing the sorts of parts and equipment that we produce in steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other metals. If the quality…

Safe Work Australia has recently brought in significant changes to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes after the Work Health and Safety Ministers endorsed a decision to change Australian legislation. The new law establishes air quality standards for an eight-hour weighted average at just 1mg/m³, an 80% reduction from the previous limit of 5mg/m³. This change represents a significant step towards ensuring worker safety by reducing their exposure to harmful welding fumes. The new limit applies to welders and anyone who works near them. Worker protection in the welding industry has recently faced scrutiny, as serious health issues have been linked to extended exposure to welding fumes, a recognised carcinogen. The quick implementation of this reduction will ensure workplaces actively mitigate the negative health effects associated with welding activities. This decision will also ensure that workers remain committed to their roles without worrying about potential long-term health impacts from their chosen careers. Implications of the WES changes to welding workers and business owners The recent update to the Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for welding fumes holds significant implications…

Exhaust-free and quiet compressed air production – wherever you need it. That's what you get with the Mobilair electric-drive portable compressors by KAESER Compressors. The drive units of the 132 kW M250E portable compressor consists of a highly energy-efficient IE4 electric motor and a Sigma Profile airend that has consistently proven itself in industrial rotary screw compressors. Depending on the combination and pressure range, the M250E delivers flow rates of up to 25 m³/min at 8.6 bar and 16.2 m³/min at 14 bar. “What sets these units apart from the industrial rotary screw compressors typically installed in closed compressor rooms, is the defining features of a MOBILAIR compressor by Kaeser,” said Ronald van Wyk, KAESER Australia’s Mobilair Sales Manager. “These compressors are purpose-built for outdoor installations, meaning they can withstand wind and weather without any issues – whether it's the body or the controls.” True to its MOBILAIR roots, the M250E is also built to be moved quickly and easily from place to place. The galvanised skids with forklift slots, fitted as standard, and the crane lifting eye are a…

This new acoustic imaging camera helps professional inspectors locate smaller compressed air leaks. FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, has introduced the Si1-LD, an industrial acoustic imaging camera that provides faster and more accurate compressed air leak detection for those on a modest condition monitoring budget. The new FLIR Si1-LD offers enhanced detection and quantification capabilities compared to the existing FLIR Si124-LD Plus, as well as a higher upper frequency limit. Compressed air systems typically lose 25–30% of their air due to leaks, leading to proportionally higher energy bills, costly unplanned production stoppages, shorter compressor lifespans, the need to purchase additional compressor capacity, and increased maintenance expenses for the extra equipment. Leveraging the advantages of ultrasonic technology, the new FLIR Si1-LD pinpoints leaks with enhanced imaging sensitivity at an affordable price. It offers several stand-out capabilities and features: An array of 96 microphones (2–100 kHz) enables the automatic detection, location, and measurement of compressed air and vacuum leaks from a safe distance of up to 130 metres. It is supported by a 12MP colour camera with 8× digital zoom…

Created with high-mix, low-volume batch production in mind, this tool offers outstanding flexibility across a wide variety of materials, making it perfect for workshops dealing with diverse jobs and varying specifications. One of the biggest challenges for CNC metal cutting SMEs is managing frequent tool changes and maintaining efficiency across various material types. The new Harmony UNI+ addresses this with its unique end gash design, capable of ramping up to 45 degrees in soft steels, in addition to all the other operations typically expected from end mills, such as shoulder milling, full slotting, dynamic/trochoidal strategies, and even plunging/drilling, all with the one tool. The smoother and more efficient machining of complex and intricate applications is crucial for small-batch, custom jobs. This reduces downtime for tool changes and enhances overall productivity. Another standout feature of the new series is its TiSiNos PVD coating. This advanced coating technology guarantees superior performance in steel, stainless steel, and cast iron, while also extending tool life. For CNC workshops that…

Australia’s manufacturing sector performance improved at an accelerated pace in March. Rising new orders supported a renewal of production growth. Job creation also resumed, aiding the clearance of backlogged orders. Meanwhile, purchasing levels were increased for the first time since September 2022, contributing to a significant rise in inventory of purchases. On the prices front, average input prices continued to rise at a steep rate in March, but output charge inflation eased despite reduced optimism regarding future output. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Australia Manufacturing Purchasing Manager’s Index™ (PMI®) increased to 52.1 in March, up from 50.4 in February. Remaining above the 50.0 neutral mark for the third consecutive month, the latest data indicated that conditions in the manufacturing sector continued to improve in March. Furthermore, the latest headline index was the highest recorded since October 2022. Contributing to the increase in the headline index was manufacturing production, which expanded at its fastest pace since October 2022. The recent acceleration in output growth was driven by rising new business inflows and increased capacity. Australian manufacturers reported receiving new orders at the…

WPF, a company based in Western Australia with operations nationally, is a leader in multi-discipline engineering services for the Australian energy sector. Renowned for handling diverse materials, from carbon steel to exotic alloys like duplex and copper-nickel, WPF serves some of the most demanding energy producers in the world. Their commitment to quality, with stringent internal acceptance criteria, often exceeding code requirements, sets them apart. WPF facilitates material segregation and process integrity while delivering exceptional results by fabricating across multiple workshops in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Operational challenges The tight labor market in Australia presented a significant challenge for WPF. Skilled coded welders capable of adapting to various conditions and fit-ups were scarce, making it difficult to maintain production efficiency and quality. Furthermore, the high cost and disruption caused by weld repairs, estimated to be similar to North America’s average of $1,000 per weld, added pressure to maintain repair rates below 1%. WPF’s reliance on traditional welding methods also introduced inefficiencies. While their manual processes were effective, scaling production without compromising quality or safety proved challenging. The…