CopperString budget hits record $3.2b

Rio Tinto unearths exceptional yellow diamond Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has discovered one of the largest gem-quality yellow diamonds to ever be found. Weighing in at 158.20 carats, this rough diamond was found at its Diavik diamond mine located in the remote Northwest Territories of Canada. This is one of five diamonds weighing in over at 100 carats to ever be found at Diavik in its two decades of operation. Diamond production at Diavik is primarily white gem quality diamonds, with less than a percent of its production yielding yellow diamonds. Diavik diamond...

Larvotto rejects ‘undervalued’ US takeover bid Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV) has rejected US Antimony Corporation’s (USAC) takeover bid after the board unanimously agreed the offer materially undervalued the company.  USAC lodged the offer, valued at $723m, on October 20 seeking to exchange six shares in USAC for every 100 shares in Larvotto. This would make the value of the deal dependant on daily market performance of USAC shares at the time.  Larvotto Resources non-executive chair Mark Tomlinson says the board is confident that the company’s value and long-term growth potential significantly exceeds the indicative value of the offer.  “With Hillgrove set to become...

Scholarships strengthen Australia’s critical minerals leadership The WA Government has announced a scholarship program for advance critical minerals research projects with funding from the state’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The critical minerals sector is pivotal to the global transition to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies. The international scholarship program encourages eligible Australian researchers, postgraduate students and professionals to collaborate with global experts and contribute to Australia’s strategic priorities in the critical minerals sector. Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 per month over a six-month period to cover airfares, accommodation, transportation and related expenses. The funding supports research...

China’s energy industries thrive under pressure Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found that China’s stringent environmental regulations could potentially be enhancing productivity in the new energy sector.  A report released in collaboration between ECU and Harbin University of Science and Technology, Environmental regulation and firm productivity: evidence from China’s new energy industry, investigated the new energy industry, a strategic industry for China, and the mechanisms through which environmental policies could affect productivity at a firm level.  According to the report, China has seen unprecedented economic development since the launch...