Manufacturing news briefs – stories you might have missed

Rio Tinto aluminium production steady

Rio Tinto has announced aluminium production of 809,000 kiltonnes worldwide in the third quarter — including from its Australian smelters at Boyne Island and Bell Bay — down two per cent on the previous corresponding period. Production for the first three quarters of the year is up one per cent. Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: “We announced the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, bringing a world-class lithium business alongside our leading aluminium and copper operations to supply materials needed for the energy transition…The decarbonisation of our business remains a priority and is progressing well. We took another important step in securing a long-term future for the Boyne Smelter, announcing a partnership with the Queensland Government to support investment in renewable energy projects.”

OKA All Terrain Vehicles set for batch production

OKA All Terrain Vehicles has followed up on its successful type approval for the new Gen 5 NT model vehicle and the rollout of proof-of-concept models to OKA customers around Australia. The company is now poised to commence batch production of its latest multi-role platform. OKA has recently entered into an agreement with an investment consortium to seek funding of manufacturing growth, according to a post on social media. It reads: “This group will be actively seeking additional investors with a plan to commence batch production of OKA vehicles – batch production will rationalise manufacturing costs and help secure our supply chain.” Perth-based OKA All Terrain Vehicles was founded in 2017, and is the successor to OKA Motor Company which was established to produce all wheel drive off road vehicles in 1986.

Respiri raises $1.6 million from new investors

Respiratory healthcare company Respiri has received firm commitments for a $1.6 million strategic placement from institutional investor Merchant Biotech Fund and Hamma Capital, which the company said recognized its US commercial achievements. Respiri continues to execute on its US plans to help improve patient health through connected health management solutions, according to a statement. Respiri Chairman Nicholas Smedley said: “This is a significant endorsement of our US strategy and the executional capabilities of…the Respiri team. With this track record and anticipated future achievements, we remain confident of achieving profitability in the imminent future”

Archer Materials CEO departs earlier than expected

The departure of the CEO of quantum computing chip company Archer Materials Dr Mohammad Choucair is to take effect immediately. Archer previously announced that Choucair would step down from the CEO role on 17 January 2025. However the company told investors that with the recent commencement of the TMR quantum sensor project, the announcement in the last Quarterly Report of the upcoming refreshed corporate strategy, it was mutually agreed that it was appropriate for Choucair to complete his role as CEO. Choucair said: “The Company is in a good position, and I feel it is the right time to step down as CEO.” Archer’s Executive Chairman Greg English said: “On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Mohammad for his outstanding contribution to the company, and we wish him well in his other ventures.”

Amaero International achieves material revenue following US move

Metal additive manufacturing company Amaero International achieved its first material revenue in the quarter ended 30 September following its move to domicile in the United States. Amaero reported revenue of $1 million for the quarter, which included $600,000 from powder sales and $450,000 from Powder Metallurgy Hot Isostatic Pressing (PM HIP) manufacturing. The company, now based in Tennessee, has been awarded initial contracts totaling $1.1 million for PM HIP manufacturing and parts testing for the US submarine industrial base. CEO Hank J. Holland said: “We've transitioned from a development, commissioning and qualification phase to a commercialisation and revenue phase whilst continuing to build out the Tennessee facility and to expand production capacity.”

First UNSW Canberra satellite completes mission

The first satellite launched by UNSW Canberra Space, all the way back in November 2017, recently re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere and burned up, its mission finally over. According to a statement on Thursday from UNSW, the shoebox-sized satellite's Buccaneer Risk Mitigation Mission was a collaboration between UNSW Canberra Space and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). It featured a camera developed by UNSW Canberra and a GPS system designed by UNSW Sydney, and the mission helped Defence to fine-tune the performance of Australia’s over-horizon radar network, which can detect objects hundreds or thousands of kilometres beyond traditional radar limits and is a crucial part of Australia’s defence. UNSW Canberra Space acting director Melrose Brown said the mission’s greatest success was the experience researchers and support staff gained. “It established UNSW Canberra as a key partner for Defence, government and other industry leaders to meet the needs of Australia’s rapidly growing space sector,” said Brown. “The effects of this mission will continue to help both UNSW Canberra and DSTG in any future missions and collaborations.”

Nuclear energy panel seeks submissions

A new federal parliamentary committee established to inquire into and report on the consideration of nuclear power generation in Australia, is seeking submissions by Friday, November 15. The House Select Committee on Nuclear Energy is chaired by federal Hunter MP, Dan Repacholi, who said in a statement on Thursday: “Australians have a multitude of questions concerning the Opposition's proposed nuclear energy idea… This Committee will be looking to answer some of these questions as it gives proper consideration to Australia's future energy needs.” Repacholi said it intended to hear from communities across Australia that would be impacted by the federal opposition's nuclear energy plan.