WA confidence plunges as BHP, Rio and Fortescue feel iron ore squeeze

By Rueben Hale

Tuesday, 20 October 2026

NewsProjects & Operations

WA business confidence has plunged 46.3 points from a mainland-leading 117.2 to 70.9 in just a year, while mining sentiment has sunk to the lowest of any sector, new Roy Morgan figures show.

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.

BHP set to slash 300 jobs

NewsPeople & Workforce

BHP cuts 300 Pilbara jobs as unions push back

BHP is planning to slash around 300 jobs across four of its flagship iron ore operations in WA, drawing the ire of unions and the state government as the mining giant moves to tighten its operating structure.

Underground mine development

NewsProjects & Operations

Medallion targets November gold sales as Cosmic Boy nears processing

Medallion Metals is closing in on first gold sales amid strong bullion prices, with commissioning at Cosmic Boy and underground development at Kundip next on the agenda.

Australian mining geologists grapple with the risks of using AI

NewsTechnology & Innovation

BHP, Bellevue geologists weigh AI gains against risks

BHP and Bellevue Gold geologists weigh AI’s productivity gains against the risks of eroding geological judgement, skills and confidence in mining decisions.

On the gold production pathway

NewsProjects & Operations

Ballard’s $50m raising puts Mt Ida on path to production

Ballard Mining (ASX:BM1) is seeking up to $50m from investors to ramp up development of its Mt Ida gold project in WA's Goldfields, as it pushes towards a 2moz resource and a final investment decision by mid-2027.