ZERO releases second-generation EV for underground mining

Vehicle conversion company ZERO Automotive has launched its second-generation, LandCruiser-based ZED70 Ti, with mining services company Barminco signing on as the first customer to accept delivery and CarBon Leasing & Rentals confirming an order of 200 vehicles. According to a statement on Thursday, the design features:  The company’s proprietary HEPS (Hazardous Environment Protection System) underbody…

New report estimates non-animal models represent a $1.5 billion opportunity for Australia

New modelling published by CSIRO estimates that non-animal models for medical product development have the potential to create $1.5 billion in revenue and 5,000 jobs by 2024. Animals are typically used as part of R&D and testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of new medical products, according to CSIRO. Non-animal models can use “human-derived”…

Gippsland dairy farms not managing effluent, says EPA

Inspections of 19 Gippsland dairy farms have found 85 per cent non-compliance in dairy effluent management, according to EPA Victoria. The high level of non-compliance was in spite of “ongoing communications with the industry” about effluent management, the agency said, as well as “surprising and disappointing.” Jessica Bandiera. EPA Gippsland Regional Manager, said that, “Maintaining…

RMIT’s tiny titanium spike breakthrough suggests antimicrobial surfaces “may need to be rethought”

An RMIT University team has shown promising results from insect-inspired “microscale spikes” for titanium implants and other surfaces, demonstrating drug-free anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. According to a statement from the university, the features on the “micro-pillared titanium surface pattern” were about the height of a bacteria cell and designed to address drug-resistant “superbugs” which are…

Weld Australia launches new Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package

Professional body Weld Australia recently launched a new set of educational material, the Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package, delivered online and including 12 welding and fabrication units of competency. According to a statement on Tuesday from Weld Australia, the MEM package is delivered at a “time, place and pace” that suits the student, and “reimagines…

Lockheed Martin chosen for air defence system

The Department of Defence has selected Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) as the strategic partner to steward AIR6500 Phase 1 (AIR6500-1) – the delivery of a new Joint Air Battle Management System (JABMS). The system will be the architecture at the core of the Australian Defence Force’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capability. The…