Rio Tinto’s US$1.9b bauxite bet secures future of Weipa

By Rueben Hale

Friday, 23 October 2026

NewsProjects & Operations

Rio Tinto is making a US$1.9b bet on the future of Queensland’s bauxite industry, but the investment comes as ageing mines near closure and pressure mounts over environmental and cultural heritage concerns.

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.

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.

Raleigh Finlayson tight lipped on new company plan

NewsProjects & Operations

Finlayson establishes private company as next move remains unclear

Gold mining heavyweight Raleigh Finlayson has established a mystery company, Kurnalpi Holdings, but its commercial purpose remains under wraps.

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

NewsProjects & Operations

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

WA business confidence has suffered the nation's steepest fall, as weaker iron ore prices and rising costs put pressure on BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue.

Pilbara iron ore train

Economics & Commodity PricesNews

Fortescue faces costly choices in China pricing standoff

Fortescue faces some tough choices as iron ore stockpiles mount at Chinese ports.