South Africa’s Pan African Resources is expanding into Australia with the acquisition of gold junior Tennant Consolidated Mining Group (TCMG) for $54.2 million, as it suspends exploration activities in civil-war hit Sudan.
The move increases Pan African’s stake in TCMG from 8% to 100%, handing it the Nobles gold project in Australia’s Northern Territory.
The asset, scoped to produce 50,000 ounces of the precious metal a year, is scheduled to begin commissioning in June 2025 and is part of Pan African’s strategy to secure low-cost production assets in Tier 1 mining jurisdictions.
“TCMG represents an opportunity to further expand and diversify our near-term low-cost production base,” said Cobus Loots, CEO, Pan African.
Work on mine construction has already started with the processing plant 50% complete, Pan African said, adding that the first gold production was scheduled for July 2025.
“Given the ongoing political unrest in Sudan, the decision has been taken to suspend exploration activities in Sudan,” Pan African stated, adding that issuing a formal notice of force majeure would safeguard its concession rights amid the crisis.
As the country’s official military continues to fight the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) a renegade paramilitary force, Pan African’s pivot to Australia may signal a shift toward expanding into regions with favourable mining policies and lower risks.
In other mining news, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has opened the Lynas Rare Earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie, which will create jobs and boost Australia’s ability to diversify the global supply of critical minerals.
The Lynas plant will create around 115 direct jobs in the Goldfields region by processing ores from the nearby Mt Weld mine to create a mixed rare earth carbonate.
The facility is the first rare earths processing facility in Australia, and the largest outside of China.
Minister King congratulated Lynas on the milestone and said the plant opening was an important step for Australia’s critical minerals industry and the Australian Government’s ambitions of growing the nation’s downstream processing capabilities.
“This opening is a big deal for Kalgoorlie, a huge deal for Western Australia and a massive step for Australia,” Minister King said. “Processing more of our critical minerals and rare earths here in this country is a big part of the Albanese Government’s plans for Building Australia’s Future.
“Projects like the Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility will deliver direct economic benefits to Australia while strengthening our sovereign capability.”
Critical minerals and rare earths elements are essential for the clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines, as well as advanced electronics, the defence industry and medical devices.
Mammoet, which is heavily invested in the mining and minerals industry in Australia recently launched its Hands-Free Lifting across its operations to enhance workplace safety and reduce the risk of hand and finger injuries during the handling of suspended loads and equipment under tension.
Traditionally, handling suspended loads or manoeuvring items during release and pretensioning has involved significant manual intervention, posing risks to workers and potential for human error. Hands-Free Lifting, which includes the use of taglines and pushpull sticks of varying lengths and designs, directly addresses these challenges. It avoids direct contact with suspended loads while they are connected to lifting devices.
The push /pull sticks can be used to adjust the position and orientation of loads without the need for hands-on manipulation, keeping workers at a safe distance.
They also allow for taglines to be retrieved remotely, which is ideal to avoid walking into the drop zone. Their versatility in application and adaptability to various industries and lifting scenarios ensure a safer working environment.
The adoption of these practices allows employees to focus on essential tasks without compromising safety, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries and ultimately reducing downtime and increasing productivity.
“It is our priority to advance the industry’s safe practices. While the use of hands-free lifting tools isn’t new to the industry, it’s often been seen as optional and utilized when convenient. Elimination and substitution are the most accessible and effective control measures in hazard management. So we aim to integrate hands-free lifting from the outset of any task where the use of hands can be avoided. By challenging the use of hands, we enhance planning and highlight SIMOPS risks, which we then mitigate through a planned approach to a lift and installation,” said Ryan Binedell, SHEQ manager, Mammoet Australia.
Safety was a hot topic of interest at LEEA LiftEx 2024 Gold Coast in Queensland in September which saw Stuart Davis, chief adviser (Construction Engineering) Engineering Unit Workplace Health and Safety Queensland talk about the Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2024, where The Queensland Government is investigating ways to better protect workers by implementing a possible change to the way concrete panels are lifted.
Also, Stuart Edwards, Edwards Heavy Lift and Ashlea Johnson, branch manager, Bunzl Safety, took part in a panel session about Industry Standards and Best Practice mentioning the development of AS4991 – Lifting Devices, which has been a topic of contention for a number of years. The session discussed the development and options to better develop this “catch-all” standard.
Thanks to the success of LiftEx Gold Coast the regional council is organising a members’ exclusive event, showcasing the latest industry technologies in May next year.
It has also finished drafting the Australian Standard (AS) 1353 – flat woven webbing slings, which will go to public comment this month and is seeking member feedback on the revised standard.
LEEA recently announced it has signed an MoU with The Crane Association of New Zealand (CANZ) to establish a stronger partnership, aimed at fostering collaboration, mutual support, and the sharing of resources and expertise to benefit their respective members and industries.
The MoU, signed by Sarah Toase, CEO of CANZ and Justin Boehm, regional manager ANZ, LEEA, said the objectives of the partnership include promoting knowledge sharing and best practices, enhancing member value, and collaborating on joint events, workshops, technical documents, and training programs.
The partnership will also involve organising and promoting joint conferences, seminars, and workshops, sharing research and publications, coordinating advocacy efforts on common issues and facilitating networking opportunities through joint events and the promotion of Global Lifting Awareness Day (GLAD).
“We are excited to formalise our partnership with The Crane Association of New Zealand. This MoU represents a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance collaboration and support within the lifting equipment and crane industries,” said Boehm.
Toase added: “This partnership will enable us to leverage the strengths and expertise of both organisations to better serve our members and advance our shared goals. We look forward to working closely with LEEA to achieve these objectives.”
In order to meet demand in the mining, infrastructure, civil, and construction sectors, LEEA member, Ranger Lifting has expanded, opening a branch in Thornton, Newcastle, as part of its strategic growth to disrupt the lifting equipment industry.
“It was over 10 years ago that we first spoke about opening a Newcastle/Hunter Valley branch and it’s finally here. We opened Melbourne and Brisbane first due to business opportunities, but a Newcastle branch was always the first goal of mine,” said Ashley Thacker, MD, Ranger Lifting.
“Newcastle presents an ideal environment for growth, offering a thriving industrial landscape with strong demand for highquality lifting equipment and services.
“Our team already has strong, wellestablished connections within Newcastle’s business community, enabling a seamless integration and local understanding of the market’s needs. Some of our long-term team members have lived in the area for many years and have great knowledge of the area and its economic challenges.”
Other companies looking to expand further afield include Hoisting Equipment Specialists (HES) based in New South Wales.
CEO Jason Francis recently travelled to Japan where he met Koji Nagaki, chairman, Nagaki Seiki Co, Alexandre Atlani, overseas division manager and Junichi Haruna Nagaki Seiki Co.
Nagaki Seiki is a well-known brand, for electrical and related infrastructure and has been designing, developing and manufacturing professional-grade tools for more than 70 years.
Francis spent four days in Osaka meeting the overseas sales team and received training on servicing Nagaki wire rope grips and pullers, allowing HES to be an authorised service agent in Australia.
HES has major inspection contracts for servicing and certification of lifting, rigging and cranes throughout Australia and has many long standing partnerships with renowned manufacturers such as OzBlok, N.G.K., RUD, and GIS Swiss Lifting Solutions.
Another company expanding in Australia is Axel Johnson International which recently acquired Stenhouse Lifting and Safety Solutions (Stenhouse), enhancing its geographical presence and service offerings. The acquisition is an add-on to its existing presence in the country already consisting of Certex Lifting Australia, and Dynamic Rigging Hire.
Stenhouse operates four branches throughout Southeast Queensland & Northern New South Wales, an area renowned for its robust local economy.
The integration of Stenhouse into Lifting Solutions’ business group not only strengthens the groups in the Australian lifting sector, but amarks a significant milestone in its growth trajectory, with a total of 15 sites and a workforce surpassing 160 employees in the country. Additionally, Stenhouse’s substantial revenue of approx. 10 million AUD enhances the combined entity’s financial strength and offering to national customers.
“The acquisition of Stenhouse is more than just an expansion of our services; it is a merging of shared values and a mutual commitment to excellence,” said Claes Fredlund, regional director APAC, Axel Johnson International. “We are confident that this partnership will leverage our combined strengths and further solidify our position in the market.”
Stenhouse’s CEO, Adam Thompson added: “Joining forces with Axel Johnson International and Lifting Solutions represents a new chapter for Stenhouse that will benefit our customers and employees alike. We look forward to contributing to the group’s success and setting new benchmarks in the lifting solutions sector here in Australia.”
According to Russell Ashcroft, MD, Kito Crosby Australia, Australasia’s hoist market is being transformed by digitalisation, safety, industrial expansion, and sustainability and it is well-positioned to address these evolving demands with its RY Wire Rope Hoist and EQ Electric Chain Hoist, as well as support from brands like Gunnebo Industries and Crosby.
“The hoist market is evolving, driven by rapid industrial changes, a growing emphasis on safety and efficiency, and the expanding mining, construction, and infrastructure sectors,” he said.
“Safety has always been a paramount concern in industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. However, as safety regulations become stricter in Australasia, companies are increasingly investing in lifting equipment that adheres to the highest standards of safety. With incidents of workplace injuries and fatalities prompting tighter safety laws, hoists must not only be reliable but also incorporate enhanced safety features.
“In sectors like construction and mining, hoists must comply with stringent Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and local crane codes, such as AS 1418. Kito offers a range of hoisting solutions engineered with advanced safety features, including overload protection, emergency stop mechanisms, and limit switches that ensure precise control. For example, the Kito EQ electric chain hoist comes with an electronic overload limiter that halts operation when a preset weight limit is exceeded, preventing unsafe conditions.
“Gunnebo Industries and Crosby, complement Kito Crosby’s safety focus by offering certified components, including hooks, shackles, and load monitoring systems. These products meet or exceed global standards, helping companies across Australasia comply with local and international regulations and avoid the costly consequences of safety breaches.
“With the rise of smart manufacturing, equipment that supports automation, data integration, and smart management systems is increasingly in demand. As factories become more connected, there are significant gains in productivity, reduced downtime, and improved maintenance efficiency. In response, Kito Crosby offers hoisting equipment that integrates with digital platforms for better asset management, predictive maintenance, and real-time monitoring.”
One notable offering says Ashcroft, is the Kito RY Wire Rope Hoist, designed to meet the needs of modern manufacturing. With precision control and compatibility with digital monitoring systems, the RY Wire Rope Hoist is ideal for automated environments and addresses the demand for enhanced production efficiency. This hoist not only improves operation speed and load control but integrates into smart factory ecosystems.
“The construction sector continues to thrive, driven by urban development and public infrastructure investments. Builders and contractors need lifting equipment that can handle heavy loads in tough conditions, with an emphasis on durability, ease of use, and low maintenance,” he added.
“Kito Crosby addresses these needs with rugged products like the Kito Chain Blocks and Lever Hoists, ideal for the construction sector. These products are built to endure tough environments and provide precise load control, essential for construction projects that often involve lifting heavy structural components in confined or outdoor settings. Gunnebo Industries and Crosby’s rigging equipment, including its lifting components, shackles and hooks, also serves as a valuable addition to any construction site.
“Mining remains a cornerstone industry, with a high demand for hoists and rigging equipment that can withstand extreme conditions and heavy-duty applications. The mining industry requires equipment capable of lifting substantial loads safely, with high resilience to harsh environments like dust, heat, and corrosion.
“Kito hoists, such as the ER2 Electric Chain Hoist, are particularly suited for mining applications due to their high durability and reliability. These hoists offer smooth operation and are manufactured to withstand the rigorous demands of mining sites. Gunnebo Industries further enhances Kito Crosby’s mining offering with specialised components, including wear-resistant chain slings and hooks, specifically engineered to perform under the challenging conditions typical in mining operations.
“As sustainability gains momentum, industries are increasingly seeking eco-friendly solutions, including energyefficient hoisting equipment. Kito hoists are designed with this in mind, offering compact, lightweight, and durable designs that reduce the use of raw materials and extend product lifespan. By consuming less power to perform the same tasks as traditional hoists, Kito’s products lower operational costs while also helping businesses reduce their energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions.
Kito Crosby’s commitment to highquality, long-lasting equipment supports the principles of the circular economy, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements. This focus on energy efficiency and durability appeals to environmentally conscious organisations looking to minimise their environmental impact while maintaining peak operational performance.
