Off the Record: A lack of curiosity killed the cat

By Samantha Bawden

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

NewsOpinion

If you find that after less than a minute of mental effort your subconscious is nagging you to “just ask ChatGPT”, you may be letting go of your cognitive wheel and becoming a passenger to the “thoughts” of your LLM of choice.

The MOU supports Metallium’s plan to develop a national network of e-waste processing facilities, strategically located near major e-waste collection hubs, rapidly expanding U.S. data centre industrial parks and regional industrial corridors with strong logistics and waste generation.

(Image source: NASA)

Off the Record: Do space barons dream of electric fleets?

We are looking at the Moon, again. And running out of fuel, again.It’s hard to tell whether we are getting ahead of or behind ourselves as our oldest concerns creep out of the shadows.It’s not 1988. The US isn’t launching Operation Praying Mantis against targets in the Gulf, hastening the end of the Iran-Iraq War. But the Strait of Hormuz is once again under pressure.It’s not 1969. Neil Armstrong isn’t making his giant leap, delivering a psychological victory to the American people as the Cold War simmers on. But the Moon is seeing its first astronauts since the Apollo program.Across the decades and celestial bodies, it’s hard to tell where we’re at. Are we cobbling together some sort of post-modern dystopian future populated by Lovecraftian ethical abominations of our own making? Or perhaps stomping around in a primitive reality, hitting each other with clubs and betting on the cart to drag the horse along with it?Let’s be realistic and agree on somewhere in between.Either way, there is comfort in Artemis II’s historic mission, where four people carry our humanity quietly through space.Back on Earth, things are far less rosy, as the age-old issue of fuel keeps us grounded.Our traditional industries are scrambling to keep the lights on. Ordinary people are weighing the gamble of filling a tank. And even Elon Musk, long fixated on building a “self-growing city” on Mars, has pulled his gaze back to the Moon.Tech overlords, they’re just like us.And just like us, they are still constrained by some laws. SpaceX is now flaunting the Moon as a timelier and more practical destination than the red planet due in part to the pesky issue of orbital mechanics.Occam’s razor reminds us that the simplest solution is usually the best. It omits the bit about the blade coming back to bite if forgotten in a pocket. Before boarding Musk’s latest flight of capital, err, progress, it’s worth sitting with that sting.I’m not looking forward to returning my full attention to earthbound matters when Artemis II splashes down tomorrow. But beyond the ten-day mission, I hope we can still find a silver lining in space — just don’t tell the asteroid miners!Long before our latest lunar ambition there was Vanguard 1, still holding on as the oldest artificial object in orbit. Launched in 1958, it was the world’s first solar-powered satellite, fittingly free from the fuel constraints that are binding us on Earth.According to the Russians, that’s the one that counts.Off the Record is The Australian Mining Review's weekly column.

Annual revenue increased to $556.5m, primarily as a result of increased neodymium-praseodymium production and sales, according to Lynas.

Donald wins major project status and $80m financing

Astron’s (ASX: ATR) Donald rare earth and mineral sands project, located in the Murray Basin, Victoria, has been recognised by the Federal Government for its national importance. The project is one of the world’s most significant rare earth resources and is expected to be the fourth-largest rare earth mine outside of China once operational. Astron is developing the project as a joint venture with US-based critical minerals company Energy Fuels. The companies have also received a conditional letter of support from Export Finance Australia for a project financing facility, representing a major milestone in progressing funding initiatives. The shovel-ready project is one of Australia’s most advanced critical mineral projects, targeting the production of rare earth elements (REEs), which will be…

Global lithium supply deficits expected as early as 2028

Economics & Commodity PricesNews

Global lithium supply deficits expected as early as 2028

Global lithium demand could exceed 13mt by 2050 under an accelerated energy transition, according to Wood Mackenzie’s latest Energy Transition Outlook for Lithium.The report found that without significant new investment, supply deficits could emerge as early as 2028 as existing supply projects are unlikely to meet demand beyond the mid-2030s.Highlighting the need for sustained investment across the value chain, Wood Mackenzie predicts the global lithium industry requires up to $393b in new investment to prevent the looming supply deficit.In the report, Wood Mackenzie models four energy transition pathways, with lithium demand in 2050 ranging from 5.6mt LCE under a delayed transition to 13.2mt LCE in a net zero scenario.Under the delayed transition scenario, the market will remain adequately supplied until 2037 before entering deficit.Under the country pledges scenario, deficits emerge around 2029, requiring an additional 6.7mt LCE of supply by 2050 to meet projected demand, and under the net zero scenario, deficits are expected to begin in 2028 and persist through mid-century.Wood Mackenzie research director Allan Pedersen says the lithium market is heading into a supply crunch sooner than many industry players may suspect.“Under ambitious climate scenarios, we see deficits emerging from 2028,” he said.“The industry needs to act now should governments progress policies towards Net Zero. Projects approved today will determine market balance in the critical 2030s.”Electric vehicles (EVs) remain the primary driver of demand growth, accounting for 72–80% of lithium consumption across scenarios, according to Wood Mackenzie.The report also noted that rechargeable batteries across all applications account for 96–98% of lithium consumption by mid-century.Wood Mackenzie senior research analyst Rebecca Grant says energy storage systems (ESS) are the sleeper story.“ESS demand grows at 6-7% annually in our forward scenarios as renewables dominate new power capacity and grids require flexibility at scale,” she said.According to Wood Mackenzie, total investment requirements range from about $148b under a delayed transition scenario to $393b under a net zero scenario.Investment is expected to peak between 2030 and 2034, driven by the need for new mining capacity, refining infrastructure and regional supply chains.“The winners will be those who can deploy capital efficiently while navigating trade fragmentation and securing regional market access,” Ms Grant said.Across all scenarios, one conclusion is consistent — lithium is irreplaceable for the energy transition and the industry faces structural supply challenges that require immediate action.“Whether we're on a 1.5°C pathway or something less ambitious, lithium demand will outstrip current supply plans,” Mr Pedersen said.“The question isn't whether we need more lithium. It's whether the industry can mobilise capital fast enough to meet demand while navigating an increasingly fragmented global trade environment.”

University graduates invited to work with Glencore

NewsPeople & Workforce

University graduates invited to work with Glencore

University graduates invited to work with Glencore Glencore has opened applications for its 2027 graduate program which offers university graduates the opportunity to launch their careers with the leading resources company.Open to graduates in engineering, environmental science, geology, accounting, health and safety, human resources and IT, the program begins in February 2027 and provides a strong foundation for long-term careers in the mining industry.The two-year program combines hands-on site experience with structured development, mentoring from industry leaders and access to a strong professional network, along with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.Since 2020, 668 graduates have joined Glencore’s Australian coal and metals operations, gaining practical experience while contributing to major regional projects and local communities.Glencore coal human resources manager Michelle Montgomery says the coal graduate program was designed to give graduates real responsibility, strong support and early exposure to operational environments.“Our Graduate Program gives emerging professionals the chance to learn, grow and thrive in a supportive and challenging environment, while building strong foundations for long-term careers,” she said."Beyond technical skills participants develop confidence in communication, teamwork and leadership, all underpinned by a strong safety culture, integrity and responsibility for solving real challenges.”For graduate geotechnical engineer Nicholas Grady, the coal graduate program offered opportunities he had not found elsewhere in the industry, particularly the chance to gain experience across both underground and open-cut operations.“I chose to apply for the Glencore graduate program because it offered opportunities other programs didn’t, particularly as a geotechnical engineer,” he said.“I’ve had the chance to work in both underground and open-cut coal operations and gain plenty of hands-on experience.“The support on site has been great. I have a direct supervisor who has been extremely helpful and someone I can always speak to, even when we’re not on site together. It’s a unique opportunity for graduates looking for real responsibility early in their careers, and I would encourage students to give it a go.”Glencore Mount Isa Mines human resources manager Shari Barwick says the metals graduate program is designed to give graduates meaningful responsibility while providing the support they need to succeed.“Our graduate program helps early-career professionals build skills, confidence and leadership capability in a supportive and challenging environment, laying the groundwork for rewarding careers in regional Queensland,” she said.“Alongside technical skills, graduates develop teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities, guided by our strong focus on safety, integrity and real-world impact.”For metallurgist Mikayla McKenna the opportunity to challenge herself, gain practical experience and build confidence was a defining part of the program.“I joined the graduate program because I wanted hands-on experience, not just theory,” she said.“That is one of the best parts of the graduate program, learning from people who’ve been solving problems for years. That knowledge doesn’t exist in textbooks, you only get it by being here, amongst the action.“Within months of arriving, I was solving real operational problems and working with people who trusted me. That’s what made this experience unlike any other.”

King backs historic Mount Lyell restart

NewsProjects & Operations

King backs historic Mount Lyell restart

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has backed the potential reopening of Tasmania’s Mount Lyell copper mine which has been under care and maintenance since 2014.Mount Lyell, situated near Queenstown on Tasmania’s west coast, began production in 1894 as a copper mine with gold by-products. It is frequently cited as Australia’s oldest continuous mining field with more than $4b worth of metal estimated to be mined from the area.Following two deaths in December 2013, and a third fatality a month later, production was stopped and previous owner Copper Mines of Tasmania (CMT) placed the mine into care and maintenance in 2014.Sibanye-Stillwater acquired the mine in 2021 and recently advised Minister King that the company has completed its feasibility study into best options for re-establishment, with a board decision expected later this year.“The thing about this mine and what is very clear from speaking to Sibanye-Stillwater, is there is a lot in its favour on the reopening: the underground is now in very good shape, a lot of work has been carried out; very, very positive copper and gold prices, a great market, and it's an excellent deposit.” Minister King said in an interview to ABC Hobart Radio.CMT, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sibanye-Stillwater, holds the mining lease for the site including the established infrastructure and underground development.With both gold and copper, reaching record price highs in February 2026, and increased need for copper in establishing Australia’s clean energy future, Minister King has indicated the Federal Government is supportive and willing to assist in restart efforts.“I'll make sure I follow up my department on how we can assist if we need to assist” she said.“They've got plans for the site, but they do have to make sure they get that board approval.“And I'll be getting my department and myself and my office to put our shoulder to the wheel to make sure we can do whatever we can to make sure that happens.”