Author: Alya Malik Faisal

Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has received results from a reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling program targeting infill and extensional resource drilling at the Yunndaga deposit. The drilling program has presented visible gold intersected in three separate diamond drill holes, with tests pending and has returned further significant RC intercepts such as 8m at 6.67g/t gold from 245m (YNRC2053) and 4m at 6.73g/t gold from 46m (YNCR25056). The Yunndaga deposit provides a current resource of 3.4mt at 1.4g/t gold for 156koz. It is located within the .6moz at 1.4g/t Menzies gold project. The results confirm the presence of high-grade mineralisation in typical Menzies-style lodes, with nuggety high-grades and classic pinch-and-swell morphology. This highlights the potential of Yunndaga to accommodate a…

Sandvik is introducing its next generation bolter miner for longwall mining, featuring the latest bolting technologies to increase productivity, improve safety and reduce costs. Adding onto the proven reliability of Sandvik MB670-1, the upgraded Sandvik MB672 is purpose-engineered for longwall mining operations. As underground coal mining continues to embrace automation and digitalisation to enhance safety and efficiency, Sandvik is advancing bolting technology with innovative solutions designed to automate the bolting process. The fully automated cutting cycle known as Cutronic, allows for consistent, faster and more accurate advancement, significantly reducing panel development time in stable ground conditions. This enhances operational efficiency as well as reducing wear and tear on Sandvik MB672, extending its service life and reducing its operational costs. The…

Sandvik Mining is introducing a new simulator designed to accelerate operator competence and enhance the efficiency of automated drilling operations. The new AutoMine Surface Drilling Training Simulator — available for all i-series surface drill rigs — delivers a realistic, safe and cost-effective training environment that prepares operators and specialists for the demands of modern mining. Sandvik Mining learning solutions automation head Anu Pyysalo comments on the simulator. “The AutoMine Surface Drilling Training Simulator bridges the gap from classroom learning to operational readiness by giving operators an immersive, hands-on environment to practice, make mistakes, and refine their skills before working in a live mine,” she said. “This approach accelerates learning, builds confidence and ensures that operators are fully operated to manage complex…

Black Cat Syndicate (ASX: BC8) has commenced underground mining at Majestic, located about 45km southeast of Kalgoorlie, WA. Macmahon Underground (ASX: MAH) has been awarded the contract for underground mine development, production services and associated works at Majestic and have commenced underground mining activities. The initial production target from Majestic is 776kt at 3.2g/t for 80koz gold, of which about 63% is already in ore reserve (at $2300/oz). Drilling from underground positions will commence as soon as possible. This is to further grow resources which are drill restrained and remain open at depth and along strike. Other service-related components for the new underground project are advancing, including installing long term dewatering infrastructure and portal support. Black Cat managing director Gareth…

An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) SimFer mine site in Nzérékoré, Guinea on August 22. Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm comments on the incident. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues impacted by this tragic event as well as the wider community,” he said. “We will offer all the support we can at this very difficult time and a thorough investigation will take place together with the relevant authorities to establish the causes of this tragic incident.” Rio Tinto incoming chief executive Simon Trott comments on the incident. “At Rio Tinto, the safety of every member of the workforce is our main priority,” he said.…

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has highlighted that tapping into used batteries as a secondary lithium source not only helps reduce environmental impact but also secures access to this valuable resource. The global lithium-ion battery market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 13%, reaching $87.5b by 2027, with lithium consumption forecast to increase from 390kt in 2020 to about 1600kt by 2026, according to ECU PhD student Sadia Afrin. However, only about 20% of a lithium-ion battery’s capacity is used before the battery is no longer useable in electric vehicles, meaning those batteries end up in storage or on the landfill retaining nearly 80% of their lithium capacity. The Australian Department of…

Hastings Technology Metals (ASX: HAS) has completed the acquisition of 100% of Great Western Gold’s (GWG) shares. The acquisition consists of a cash payment of $370,000 and the issue of 3 million fully paid ordinary HAS shares. The acquisition grants Hastings’ management control of the Whiteheads gold project located 80km north-east of Kalgoorlie in WA’s Eastern Goldfields. This includes a 75% joint venture interest previously held by Great Boulder Resources (ASX: GBR) in key project tenements. Hastings also now holds 100% ownership of additional, non-joint venture tenements previously secured by GWG. This provides Hastings with a 75-100% interest across the Whiteheads Gold project tenements, The acquisition covers 380km and covers 14 licences, including 12 exploration licences, one prospecting license and…

WorkSafe has started an investigation into a work-related death at a mine site near Wiluna in WA’s Goldfields-Esperance region. WorkSafe investigators from Perth and WorkSafe Mines Safety inspectors from Kalgoorlie are attending the site, 900km north-east of Perth. WorkSafe commissioner Sally North extended her sincere condolences to the man’s family, friends and colleagues. WorkSafe was unable to provide further details as its enquiries are ongoing.

Experts from mining industry groups, unions and universities have partnered up to establish the Critical Minerals Advisory Committee to deliver the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy. Various mining industry groups, unions and universities have taken part in the first Critical Minerals Ministerial Advisory Committee meeting with NSW Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos. The committee’s expertise will help guide the NSW Government’s work as it supports communities to realise the economic opportunities that as many as 2700 new jobs could bring in the state’s growing critical minerals sector. The committee includes representatives from the NSW Minerals Council, Critical Minerals Association of Australia, Mining and Energy Union, Australian Workers Union (AWU), Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC),…

Covalent Lithium has produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide at its Kwinana, WA refinery, enabling supply to global markets including the growing electric vehicle industry. This was confirmed following the company’s internal validation process completion. The refinery’s production commencement is a pivotal moment in the development of Covalent Lithium’s fully integrated mine-to-refinery operation. In achieving first production, the operation is expected to ramp up to 50,000tpa nameplate capacity over the next 18 months. Covalent Lithium chief executive Ross Martelli says the achievement reflects years of dedicated work across the business. “This is a major achievement for the project,” he said. “Pleasingly, construction and commissioning was completed within the cost guidance provided by our shareholders in early 2023. “The plant is…

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has launched the MineStar Fleet Management System at its Pilgangoora operation to enhance safety and productivity. The system tracks, monitors and manages fleet health, performance and efficiency. It focuses on safely detecting machine locations and surroundings to prevent accidents. It also collects real-time data from equipment and converts it into actionable information to optimise the operation’s potential. PLS project manager Andrew Bannon says the system brings a step-change in operational precision and material management. “High-precision machine guidance helps our operators, dig, grade and load according to plan,” he said. “That means better accuracy and smarter material movement. “It also tracks the amount and types of materials moved and loaded, which helps us optimise material control and…