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Elphinstone delivers sixth underground grader to South Africa

Underground mine equipment manufacturer Elphinstone has delivered a fifth UG20K Underground Motor Grader into South Africa through distributor Barloworld Equipment. The grader, introduced to the market in 2018, is a robust, reliable and productive machine based on Caterpillar equipment. It is used to maintain haul roads which lead to increased productivity and reduced operational costs of the haulage fleet. Burnie, Tasmania manufacturer Elphinstone has sold over 50 underground graders worldwide, one of its range of Underground Mining Support Vehicles including agitators, motor graders, personnel carriers, delivery trucks, service trucks, water cannons and water tanks. Elphinstone is an authorised Caterpillar OEM, with its vehicles also available via the Worldwide Caterpillar Dealer Network.

Government focuses ARENA on renewables.

The minister for climate change and energy Chris Bowen has re-focused the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) on the funding of renewables. Bowen said: “The previous government tried to abolish ARENA and spent years undermining it. I’ve signed regulations which make it clear that ARENA will focus on renewables and electrification. The R in ARENA stands for renewables & under the our Government ARENA’s role in renewables will be protected.” Established on 1 July 2012, ARENA’s purpose is to support the global transition to net zero emissions by accelerating the pace of pre-commercial innovation. Bowen is continuing negotiations with the cross bench over its major climate election promise – legislation to target a 43 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.

Archer Materials looks to industrialise quantum devices

Quantum computer device developer Archer Materials is investigation the industrialisation of its core technologies. The company has determined through ‘3D electrostatic finite element modelling’ that its technologies are compatible with existing industrial foundry processes such as photolithography. The modelling simulates quantum electronic device architectures related to the storage and readout of data stored at the sub-atomic level. Archer told investors: “The results will be used to determine which commercial foundries Archer will engage with regarding future fabrication.”

Austal delivers 16th LCS vessel to the US Navy

Perth international shipbuilder Austal has delivered the 16th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) it has built for the US Navy – the future USS Santa Barbara. Austal CEO Paddy Gregg said the vessel had been constructed at Austal’s yard in Mobile, Alabama even during the expansion of the yard to build steel hulled ships. Austal is building aluminium ships the trimaran LCS’s as well as catamaran expeditionary fast transports, as well as a number of steel types for the USN. Austal is currently building three of the 127-metres LCS’s

Picture: Elphinstone/UG20K Underground Motor Grader

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