Fortescue sells first copper using arsenic removal technology

By Chloe Coutinho

Monday, 19 October 2026

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Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has sold more than 40t of copper concentrate processed using its arsenic removal technology, marking a milestone for a process that the miner says could unlock previously uneconomic deposits.

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.

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Epiroc to Acquire Leading Provider of Mining Automation Solutions

Epiroc has agreed to acquire Remote Control Technologies Pty Ltd, an Australian company that provides automation and remote-control solutions for mining customers around the world. With this acquisition, Epiroc will be the world-leading automation solutions provider not only for surface and underground rock drilling but also for underground loading and haulage. Remote Control Technologies, known as RCT, is headquartered in Perth, Australia, with customers in more than 70 countries. The company provides automation and remote-control solutions applicable for either a single machine or an entire mixed fleet of machines regardless of manufacturer or type of equipment. RCT also provides data and information systems, fleet and machine management systems, and machine protection systems. RCT has about 225 employees and had revenues...

Federal Government’s AI plan ‘abandons’ safety guardrails

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Federal Government’s AI plan ‘abandons’ safety guardrails

The release of generative AI chatbot ChatGPT in late 2022 marked a turning point in technology as a previously fictional concept became readily available to the public.Though AI as it stands is a far cry from Skynet — The Terminator’s highly-advanced AI hellbent on launching a nuclear attack on humanity — it may still be wise for society to proceed with caution.

BHP spicing it up in Chile

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BHP spicing it up in Chile

BHP (ASX: BHP) has signed four new clean energy contracts for power at its Escondida and Spence copper mines in Chile as it continues its push toward 100pc renewable power in the mid 2020’s. While the company will cop US$780m in cancellation fees for dropping coal contracts, it said that it would be value-accretive in the long term. The transition came as the result of separate tenders for both Escondida and Spence, with BHP signing on for two separate 15-year contracts for 3TW hours per year, and 10-year contracts for 3TW hours per year with ENEL Generacion Chile and Colbun respectively. BHP said that the contracts would reduce energy prices at the mines by about 20pc, provide operations flexibility and...

Virtual Reality In Mining: Pushing The Boundaries

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Virtual Reality In Mining: Pushing The Boundaries

The University of New South Wales' mine simulator. Image: University of New South Wales. BY AMY BLOM THE benefits of virtual reality for miners are growing at a rapid pace, particularly in training and safety. Now, it could be time to expand the technology and begin looking at fully integrated systems. Augmented and virtual reality has become more widespread within the mining sector and according to researchers, exciting developments could be on the horizon. Virtual reality has already been used by numerous universities and organisations in Australia as an educational tool for engineering students and future mine workers. In recent years, the technology has also been used as a safety training tool for miners and rescue brigades in...

The WTC has supported industrial activities in WA for more than 60 years making it one of the first heavy industrial areas established in the state.

WA rolls out new Industry Reference Group

WA rolls out new Industry Reference Group A new Industry Reference Group (IRG) will provide advice to government on the development of the Western Trade Coast (WTC) as Perth's premier strategic industrial area continues to grow. The group will inform the delivery of common-user infrastructure in the region and consider industry needs in government policy and decision-making. The Western Trade Coast — which covers the Kwinana Industrial Area, Rockingham Industry Zone, Latitude 32 General Industrial Area and Australian Marine Complex —contributes $15b to the WA economy each year and supports...

According to Spartan, receipt of these key approvals marks another important step towards the redevelopment of a long-life, high-grade gold operation at Dalgaranga.

Spartan set up for underground mining

Spartan set up for underground mining Spartan Resources (ASX: SPR) has taken an important step towards the re-start of its Dalgaranga gold project (DGP) in WA following the receipt of all key regulatory approvals required to allow the mining and processing of underground ores to proceed. Approvals have been received from both the WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) and the WA Department of Water and Environment Regulation (DWER) for the mining and processing of underground ores at the DGP along with modifications to the mill. Full approvals have...

This follows the fatal incident in February that resulted in the death of a contract worker at Rio Tinto’s SimFer mine, part of the Simandou project in Guinea.

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Worker dies at Rio Tinto copper mine

An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Kennecott copper mine in Utah.

Westgold begins mining at Bluebird

Westgold begins mining at Bluebird

Westgold begins mining at Bluebird Westgold (ASX: WGX) has commenced mining at its South Junction Lode within the Bluebird-South Junction mining complex at Meekatharra, WA. The ramp up targets a 100kt per month run rate for the Bluebird-South Junction mine by Q3 FY25. The drilling results have returned significant intersections from both the Polar Star and South Junction Lode positions. Of great significance is an intersection of 8.83m at 15.31g/t gold being the most southern hole drilled to date with the mineralised system remaining open to the south. Westgold managing director and...