In this issue

Welcome to the latest issue of MINE Australia.

In this issue, we investigate a Rio Tinto report into what it described as a “culture” of bullying and sexual harassment at its operations. Misogyny and gender-based violence are sadly not unheard of in many industrial sectors, but the unique set-up of Australian mining, with many mines in remote locations and staffed by fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers, has allowed enclaves of hostility to develop. 

Rio Tinto itself is in a unique position in this environment. The company deserves credit for drawing attention to an issue that many have suspected was taking place, but the miner must also shoulder some of the blame for these environments to spring up at its facilities. Hopefully work like this can be the starting point for more meaningful change in the sector, starting with drawing attention to the injustices faced by women.

Elsewhere, we consider the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector. From FIFO operations that have tried to hold out against the spread of the virus, to a gold industry that is eyeing resurgence, the fates of the pandemic and Australian mining have been intertwined for years. 

We also profile some of the most exciting technologies to affect the sector, asking what more renewable power and central government grants could do for an industry that has already embraced technological innovation.

For all this, and ongoing coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from our sister site Mining Technology, read on. 

JP Casey, editor