Magnet fit for a magnate

Two heavy-duty cranes dotted the Epping skyline in December. The 20-tonne machines had been brought in especially to simultaneously lift two 34-tonne magnets that were commissioned for use in Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore mine in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Malcolm Davy, general manager of manufacturer Eriez Magnets, said the gigantic magnets took about eight months to build and involved intensive manual labour. They will be installed above conveyer belts in the mine to remove unwanted steel before it reaches a crushing belt where it could damage machinery. The international company moved from Campbellfield to larger premises in Epping late last year. Mr Davy said China had been the driving force of their market. “But it has quietened down a bit lately.” … Lexi Cottee