Targeted filtration upgrades from Sefar are boosting throughput and lowering operating costs in alumina refineries by tailoring filter media to specific Bayer process stages. Custom-designed cloths and synthetic fabrics are being matched to caustic slurry chemistries, particle-size distributions and temperature profiles in security filtration, washer circuits and polishing filters to reduce blinding and extend change-out intervals. For process engineers, the approach offers a way to stabilise vacuum and pressure filter performance, cut reagent and energy use, and improve underflow/overflow clarity without major capital modifications.

Miners are deploying larger rotary scrubbers, high-capacity screens and optimised tailings circuits to keep iron ore grades and plant throughput stable as feed becomes finer, stickier and more variable. McLanahan reports demand for heavy-duty scrubbing systems paired with multi-deck wet screens to break down clay-rich ore and split it into lump, fines and ultra-fines streams with tighter cut sizes. The shift places more emphasis on ore characterisation, water balance and wear-liner selection to avoid bottlenecks and unplanned downtime in dense media and wet screening sections.

Finalists for the GRX26 Industry Awards have been announced by AusIMM, spotlighting mining professionals and projects across categories such as digital transformation, ESG performance and emerging leadership. Shortlisted entries include initiatives using advanced orebody modelling, real-time fleet data analytics and low-emission processing circuits to improve mine productivity and environmental performance. Winners will be named at the GRX26 conference, giving operators and contractors a benchmark for current best practice in technology deployment, decarbonisation strategies and workforce development.