Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has sung the praises of the greater use of automation technology in its Australian mining operations, suggesting that remote controlled trucks, trains and mining equipment will play an increasing role in the mining giant’s business.

CIO of West Australian-based mining and rail company Calibre Global, Jason Cowie, began his CIO career in Western Australia some 15 years ago with stints at McMahon Holdings and Cape Australia Holdings before joining Calibre in August 2011.

When you work in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia, it’s easy to feel isolated. Which is why resources and energy companies that operate in the area go to great lengths to ensure employees are connected – and entertained.

Eight months after National ICT Australia (NICTA) released its secure embedded L4 (seL4) microkernel, it has moved closer to commercialisation with potential developments by the Department of Defence and the mining sector using the software.

Queensland-based mining company Macarthur Coal is on the hunt for a new CIO, following the recent departure of David Rose.

In a fast growing sector, the bottom line is everything