Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Lynas extends knowledge of critical rare earths resource

Lynas Rare Earths will begin a new exploration programme following the identification of major extensions to its Mt Weld rare earths resource in Western Australia. The company has successfully completed a one kilometre deep exploration hole drilled in fresh carbonatite below the current Mt Weld ore reserve. Mt Weld is the most significant large rare earths resource outside China, with the drill results confirming its criticality to the western world’s supply of rare earths used to make high technology products. Rare earth mineralisation was found at an average concentration of 2.2 per cent, however some regions were up to 21.44 per cent rare earth oxides. “The results reveal a large area of new exploration target in fresh carbonatite below the zone of surficial weathering profile. Lynas will establish a new exploration programme on the identified target.”

UTas offers industry 4.0 workshops

The University of Tasmania is offering Industry 4.0 workshops to “future-proof your business with richer data for better decision-making, quality-assurance at every level, and uncovering opportunities for innovation.” The University of Tasmania’s Industry 4.0 workshops will be held across four dates: 8 and 12 March and 5 and 12 April, 2022. The workshops consist of an interactive online experience for industry professionals who are considering investing in or adopting new technologies to meet the business needs of tomorrow. More details are available via the event landing page.

Environmental Clean Technology backed by Victoria R&D Loan

Zero emission hydrogen technology company Environmental Clean Technologies has completed its second draw of $788,000 from its Invest Victoria R&D loan facility. The company’s loan of $1.968 million is now fully drawn. The loan facility allows the forward factoring of accrued R&D tax incentive refunds, providing cashflow to manufacturers when it is most needed. The R&D cash flow loans are available up to $4 million for a period of between 12-28 months, and are available to innovative Victorian SMEs. ECT is developing its zero-net emission Coldry technology project and zero-net emission hydrogen refinery project.

New President for he Australasian Supply Chain Institute

The Australasian Supply Chain Institute (ASCI) has announced a new President and a new ambitious vision. ASCI President Alexandra Riha announced her resignation in February, with Dr Tom Janoshalmi, ASCI Vice President and Board Director, appointed as the new ASCI President and Board Chairman. ASCI will now focus on the ASCI Professional Accreditation Scheme, continuous professional development, industry advocacy and mentorship. Dr Janoshalmi comes to ASCI with a wealth of expertise and successful career within the digital supply chain sector. Dr Janoshalmi is SVP and General Manager of SAP’s Next Generation Cloud Delivery. In his current role, Tom focuses on developing and implementing strategies for high customer impact technology adoption to enable supply chain resilience. Dr Janoshalmi holds a Doctorate degree from Newcastle University in Operations Research and a Business Degree from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He is a guest professor at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany.

Picture: Dr Tom Janoshalmi

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