Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

a2 Milk China manufacturing licence renewed

The a2 Milk Company has had its current registration to manufacture China label infant formula renewed by the China Administration for Market Registration. This will allow China’s Synlait milk to continue to manufacture the product until 21 February, 2023 – registration had been dur to run out in September this year. The two companies are working to progress the registration of the China label product under new GB standards which come into effect in 2033. a2 Milk said: “While this is also progressing, timing is uncertain and remains subject to SAMR approval.”

Australian Bushmasters in action in Ukraine advance in the Donbas

Australian Bushmaster vehicles gifted to Ukraine are in action supporting the latest Ukraine advance into areas formerly held by Russian forces in the North of the country. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko went on social media to thanks Australia for the Thales Australia manufactured vehicles (pictured in action in Ukraine) Myroshnychenko said: “Australian Bushmasters are saving lives and helping Ukraine repel the Russians from the Kharkiv region near Izium. It’s an inspirational start of a working week.” Izium, a major transport junction, was liberated this week following a surprise Ukrainian offensive.”

Starpharma drug shows anti-tumour activity

Pharmaceutical developer Starpharma has reported ‘promising anti-tumour activity’ of its drug candidate DEP cabazitaxel, an enhanced version of the drug cabazitaxel. It had a number of advantages compared to published data for the conventional drug, according to the company. DEP cabazitaxel showed superior efficacy for 25 patients with metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer measured by longer progression-free survival, and lower incidence of key side effects. The paper was presented by principal researcher, Professor Robert Jones of the Velindre Cancer Centre in Wales.

Latrobe Magnesium awards spray roaster contract

Latrobe Magnesium announced on Tuesday that it has contracted Tenova to provide and install spray roaster technology at a demonstration plant in the Latrobe Valley. The company said the new spray roaster represents some 28 per cent of plant costs and is the longest lead time item. Latrobe Magnesium is building a demonstration plant for magnesium metal production using its “world-first patented hydrometallurgical  extraction and thermal reduction process” with initial capacity of 1,000 tonnes per annum. It will harvest magnesium metal from Yallourn fly ash resource – a waste stream from brown coal power generation. 

Climate Council releases “Climate Gamechangers” report

The Climate Council has released a report highlighting what it calls “10 game-changing actions Australian governments can immediately get cracking on to fast-track emissions reductions, tackle the energy and cost-of-living crises, and create tens of thousands of new jobs.” Many of the recommendations of the Power Up: 10 Climate Gamechangers report (linked) could be implemented in the federal government’s federal term, said the climate action pressure group. “It will deliver win-win-win benefits for our climate, cost of living and economy,” according the CEO Amanda McKenzie. Recommendations include Plug in 100 per cent renewables; Boost batteries for rock-solid renewable supplies, through a Renewable Energy Storage Target; and Upskill Australians for clean trades.

Picture: Vasyl Myroshnychenko