Rio commissions $2.1b low-carbon smelter

Digital revolution at Plutonic gold mine Catalyst Metals (ASX: CYL) has announced a transformative move to digital operations at its Plutonic gold mine in North Meekatharra in WA. The move, incorporating RCT-Powered by Epiroc, comes as the company prepares for the future of mining technology. RCT is a global technology partner that offers an array of interoperable machine solutions to revolutionise the mining sector by reducing operational costs and improving bottom line profit. Catalyst's digital revolution consists of comprehensive upgrades to existing machines, not just new equipment, including Sandvik and Cat loaders with the implementation of RCT’s AutoNav package. This...

NeoSmelt bolstered by $19.8m Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed funding to support NeoSmelt joint venture’s planned pilot plant in Kwinana, WA. The funding will progress a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the project which aims to prove Pilbara iron ore can be used to produce lower-carbon iron using a direct reduced iron-electric smelting furnace (DRI-ESF) pathway. If successful, this technology has the potential to unlock longer term alternatives to the traditional blast furnace steelmaking route and help ensure the longevity of Australia’s iron ore industry. All five joint venture...

FMG launches zero-emissions roadmap Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has launched the third iteration of its climate transition plan at the Global Renewables Summit in New York as part of Climate Week NYC. The event was organised by Climate Group and Fortescue, with support from the Global Renewables Alliance, and was attended by heads of state, government leaders, business executives and financiers discussing ways to accelerate the deployment of zero-emissions technologies and unlock the full potential of the renewable energy transition. Fortescue’s updated plane...

The Federal Court has ordered BHP (ASX: BHP) to pay about $84,000 to 85 workers for unlawfully requiring them to work over holidays without providing a reasonable right of refusal.