Helicopter grounding puts mining contractor risks in spotlight

By Rueben Hale

Wednesday, 4 November 2026

NewsPeople & Workforce

A helicopter operator servicing major miners has been grounded over alleged safety breaches, raising questions about how closely mining companies monitor their aviation contractors.

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.

Coal haulage truck

NewsPolitics & Regulation

Blackwater expansion faces rehabilitation test

Whitehaven Coal’s proposed Blackwater mine expansion could unlock 200mt of additional coal, but rehabilitation obligations and regulatory conditions remain key hurdles.

Australian cattle

NewsProjects & Operations

Northern Star faces Bronzewing cattle beef

Northern Star Resources faces a reported legal dispute after pastoralist David Geraghty alleged wastewater at its Bronzewing gold mine poisoned cattle, reigniting tensions between miners and pastoralists over land access and livestock protection.

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.

Fortescue sack exec

NewsPeople & Workforce

Fortescue sacks executive for workplace misconduct

Fortescue has dismissed a senior executive following allegations of sexual harassment and bullying.