Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Cathy Foley to lead expert methane reporting panel

The federal government has appointed Chief Scientist Cathy Foley to lead an expert panel as part of efforts to ensure the ongoing reporting for methane and other greenhouse gases is accurate and transparent. The Government has released its response to the recommendations of the 2023 review of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme conducted by the independent Climate Change Authority (CCA). The CCA found the NGER scheme was ‘performing well and continues to be integral to meeting Australia’s international energy and emissions reporting obligations’. The CCA made 25 recommendations for the NGER scheme, including adjustments to data transparency, coverage, methane emissions measurement, reporting and verification and administration.

Swinburne’s new hydrogen skills micro-credentials

​Swinburne University of Technology is addressing the immediate skills gaps across the burgeoning hydrogen industry through the development of a suite of 11 micro-learning modules. Funded by the Victorian Government, Swinburne Edge collaborated with hydrogen industry leaders to develop the framework behind the interactive digitised learning modules. Swinburne Vice President of Innovation and Enterprise Dr Werner van der Merwe, said: “Swinburne is incredibly proud of have developed a product…that immediately addresses these critical skills gaps across Australia to help achieve net-zero.”

Cobram Estate Olives big sales and profit rise

Olive oil manufacturer Cobram Estate Olives has reported revenue from ordinary activities up 34.8 percent to $227.8 million compared to $169 million in the previous year. Net profit for the year was up 140 percent from $7.7 million to $18.5 million. The company told investors: “By the ongoing robust demand for our extra virgin olive oil as consumers continue to recognise its high quality and positive health attributes. During FY2024 the company grew packaged goods sales in both the Australian and USA markets, with increased household penetration in Australia and growing distribution in the USA expected to strengthen our market position in future years, allowing us to capitalise on our growing olive oil supply from Company-owned and third-party olive groves.”

RME wins innovation award for mill relining equipment

Mineral processing mill relining systems manufacturer Russell Mineral Equipment has won the 2024 Queensland Mining Industry Health & Safety Conference (QMIHSC) Innovation Award. The award recognises RME’s Advanced Technology Mill Relining System for its use of automation to eliminate the need for crew to enter the mill during liner exchange, delivering significant safety and commercial outcomes for Customers and the wider industry. As RME approaches its 40th anniversary, the award also recognises the company for raising safety standards in the mill relining industry. RME Founder, Executive Chairman and Chief Engineer Dr John Russell said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the judging panel for recognising the significance of this extraordinary achievement by our engineers, project collaborators, industry partners and Customers. This innovation marks a new era of safety for reline crews.”

First grants from Queensland-Bavaria R&D programme

Research to make batteries and fuel cells more efficient is one of ten projects to receive seed funding under the historic Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program. Other projects to receive funding support include designing better ways to handle the heat from spaceships’ atmospheric re-entry; helping find better treatments for infections; and identifying exercises that can treat osteoporosis. The Queensland-Bavaria Collaborative Research Program is a joint initiative formed under a Declaration of Intent between the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation and the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts signed in May 2023. It will see the development of partnerships and research collaboration in the areas of cleantech, energy and storage, emission reduction technologies, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, aerospace, additive manufacturing, health, life sciences, biomedical research, and the wider bioeconomy.

Lark Distilling completes capital raise

Whiskey producer Lark Distilling has completed its $6.5 million institutional placement, part of a larger ~$22.5 million equity raising effort. The placement saw strong demand from both existing institutional and sophisticated shareholders and new investors, according to the company. The proceeds aim to enhance Lark’s balance sheet flexibility to invest in brand building and facilities for export strategy and growth acceleration. Additionally, Lark plans to undertake a $15 million conditional placement to key directors and a $1 million Share Purchase Plan for eligible shareholders.

W.A. calls for homegrown ferries

The West Australian government has called on WA industry to design and manufacture the state’s new fleet of ferries.

“Just as the METRONET C-series trains were manufactured locally in WA, the Cook Government will ensure the expanded ferry fleet supports quality local manufacturing jobs into the future,” WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. “As part of the business case development, we’re keen to see what innovative and modern ferry designs are available, and importantly, what capacity there is to manufacture the ferries right here in Western Australia. Feedback from the EOI will help us better understand the capability of the local vessel industry and progress next steps in planning an expanded ferry system.”

Picture: Cobram Estate Olives/sales and profits on the rise

Acrux gets greenlight to make medication

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved pharma company Acrux’s topical acne medication. The approval of Dapsone Gel, its generic version of Aczone, means Acrux can begin manufacturing and market this drug in the country.