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Global Rewinds, based in Bibra Lake, WA, is a quietly powerful player in the industrial electrical services landscape.

Eight Pilbara initiatives have shared in a $152,000 funding total as part of the 2025 Fortescue (ASX: FMG) Innovation Grants Program.From eco-events to community gardens, the Innovation Grants program funds up to $25,000 per initiative that are focused on sustainability, green innovation and community-led environmental change.The program is designed to introduce a new wave of creative ideas and sustainable initiatives, helping to tackle environmental challenges, strengthen local connections and create lasting benefits across the Pilbara.Fortescue director approvals, communities and services Rosli Wheelock comments on how these grants empower local organisations.“Community-led innovation is at the heart of these grants and we are proud to support ideas that not only drive sustainability but strengthen the social fabric of our Pilbara communities,” he said.To celebrate, Fortescue hosted events in Port Hedland and Karratha, bringing together local organisations, partners and community members to hear firsthand from the recent grant recipients.

Vaughan Harris has just become the first Tjiwarl community member to complete an apprenticeship with Liontown (ASX: LTR) at its Kathleen Valley lithium operations.Mr Harris grew up in Leonora and completed his final years of high school at the Cunderdin College of Agriculture. He started his electrical trade at 23 which led him to complete his apprenticeship.Mr Harris reflects on the historic moment in the Liontown partnership with the Tjiwarl community.“Being the first Tjiwarl apprentice to complete an apprenticeship here at Liontown feels exciting,” he said.“I hope it shows other Tjiwarl members, and even non-members, that it’s absolutely possible to complete an apprenticeship with Liontown’s support and the support of the community.”Mr Harris will relocate to Karratha with his wife, Cate, and daughter Aurora.“I hope to keep expanding my electrical knowledge, taking up extra courses and training,” he said.“When I get to Karratha, I’m hoping to start out in the rail side of things, which interests me most, but whatever I end up doing will likely be new to me, and that’s exciting in itself.”Liontown continues to partner closely with Tjiwarl to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities.

Macmahon Holdings (ASX: MAH) has executed a new three-year contract at the Byerwen coking coal mine in Queensland.Macmahon has been a part of the Bowen Basin mine since its establishment in 2017 undertaking open cut mining services, including load and haul and crusher feed, and provides employment to 545 people on site.This contract acts as a continuation of Macmahon’s services from December 2025 with no additional capital expenditure required beyond sustaining capital budgets.The contract also highlights an option to extend a further two years, resulting in an increased total value of $1.32b.The Byerwen mine is owned by Byerwen Coal, a joint venture between QCoal Group and Japanese steel manufacturer JFE Steel.Macmahon managing director and chief executive Michael Finnegan comments on the contract.“The QCoal relationship and Byerwen project are incredibly important to Macmahon and have helped underpin the company’s continued growth over the last nine years,” he said.Following the notice of award announcement for the project to the ASX in April, Macmahon’s shares increased from $.23 to $.61 as of December 17. This is the company’s highest level since early-May 2012.Macmahon’s FY26 guidance remains unchanged.

Northern Star (ASX: NST) has selected Sandvik to supply Toro TH663i underground trucks and Toro LH621i and Toro LH517i intelligent loaders for its underground operations in WA.The i-series platforms offer advanced connectivity, real-time analytics, automation readiness and superior maintainability, enabling high payloads, lower operating cost per ton and safer work sites, according to Sandvik.Sandvik load and haul business line manager Andrew Dawson comments on the partnership.“We are proud to partner with Northern Star on this significant fleet investment,” he said.“This order underlines our commitment to delivering equipment and services that help our customers meet their productivity, safety and sustainability targets in underground operations.”The deal was confirmed in Q4 CY25 with deliveries expected to commence in Q1 CY26 and to continue throughout the year.

Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) will divest the Mt Henry-Selene gold project in WA, closely following the announced spin-out of the company’s non-core Murchison projects.Alicanto (ASX: AQI) will acquire 100% of the 150moz project including all associated mining tenements, licences, heritage agreements, contracts and technical information.The Mt Henry project was acquired by Westgold in 2024 after being placed on care and maintenance in 2019 by Karora Resources. It hosts a combined mineral resource of 24.5mt at 1.2g/t gold for 915,000oz of contained gold and an ore reserve of 11.7mt at 1.3g/t gold for 478,300oz.Westgold will receive $15m cash and $19.6m via the issue of 19.9% of the ordinary shares in Alicanto post transaction close.Westgold says the transaction is aligned with its long-term strategic plans of focusing on larger, core operating assets rather than non-core assets such as Mt Henry.“This transaction delivers Westgold shareholders an attractive mix of cash, exposure to project upside via a large strategic shareholding and deferred consideration payable on specific project milestones,” Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell said.“Westgold is pleased to partner with Alicanto, whose board and management team are experienced and committed explorers and have a demonstrable record of rapidly advancing gold projects.“Westgold continues to progress discussions in relation to the potential sale of its Peak Hill and Chalice gold assets following strong inbound interest.”Alicanto interim executive chair Ray Shorrocks comments on the transaction.“The Mt Henry acquisition is an exceptional company-making opportunity for Alicanto,” he said.“It provides immediate scale, a high-quality, near-surface Resource and a clear platform for rapid growth and development.“The .9moz resource and pit shells were calculated when the gold price was one-quarter of its current level and the historic drilling data shows most holes ended in mineralisation.”The divestment follows Westgold’s recently announced demerger, with the company spinning out its non-core Reedy’s and Comet gold exploration assets to new stand-alone Valient Gold.The Reedy’s and Comet assets have a combined mineral resource of 15.6mt at 2.4g/t gold for 1.2moz.Both projects were previously in production before being placed on care and maintenance in FY23.“By establishing Valiant, we create an independent, well-funded gold company that can bring forward value from smaller assets such as the Comet and South Emu-Triton underground mines and unlock the exploration potential across the Reedy and Comet packages,” Mr Bramwell said.“Valiant will have a fast-track to cashflow with an ore purchase agreement (OPA) to be entered into with Westgold.“This collaborative, capital efficient model is proven, as demonstrated by Westgold’s investment and OPA with New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG).“This model saw NMG transition from explorer to producer, with gold production from NMG’s Crown Prince deposit now delivering high grade oxide ore to Westgold’s Meekatharra processing hub.“Valiant can replicate this success. With several small underground mines in care and maintenance, a range of open pit opportunities and exploration upside, the Valiant team has multiple near-term restart and growth options to deliver near term cashflow.”Westgold will retain upside to exploration and production success through a substantial equity holding in Valiant.

The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $294m (US$191m) feasibility study to progress the first stage of the Rhodes Ridge project.

Rio Tinto signs agreement with Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation have signed an Interim Modernised Agreement, establishing a pathway to a fuller agreement that will govern how the miner operates on Yinhawangka Country in the long term. The agreement introduces a co-management approach allowing Yinhawangka to be involved earlier in mine planning.  It will establishment a joint committee where both parties work together to make decisions regarding the protection and management of cultural heritage and Country as well as new projects and major operational changes.  The interim agreement builds on the 2013 Participation Agreement between the Yinhawangka People and Rio Tinto. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation board chairwoman Robyn Hayden (née Tommy) comments on the agreement.  "Mining on our Country always comes with hard decisions, and we have always been clear that Yinhawangka People must be at the centre of those decisions,” she said.  “This agreement with Rio Tinto reflects both parties’ commitment to working in partnership, strengthening respectful communication, and ensuring Yinhawangka voices are heard.  “It creates opportunities for both our current and future generations, supporting a stronger and more sustainable future for both our People and our Country.” Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz says the agreement will allow the company to keep learning from Yinhawangka knowledge and perspectives as it works towards a fully modernised agreement, based on respect, transparency and shared responsibility. “We thank the Yinhawangka People for their continued leadership and guidance, as we work together to strengthen our partnership,” he said. Yinhawangka Aboriginal Corporation and Rio Tinto will continue working together to finalise the agreement in 2026. 

Metso launches new grinding classification systemMetso has unveiled an innovative, configurable modular grinding classification system.The design consists of pumps, hydro-cyclones, product samplers, liquid resistance starters, particle size analysers, and mill lubrication units, which are easy to install and combine.The system, applicable for all types of grinding mills, is designed for maximised implementation efficiency while also reinforcing safety, quality and reliability in minerals processing.Metso grinding systems manager Jesse Ting comments on the new design.“Our customers get multiple benefits from this advanced system that integrates seamlessly into their operation and boosts the efficiency of their grinding systems,” he said.“Our pre-engineered modules are scalable for different mill types and classification stages, delivering exceptional performance with four times faster installation and more than 20% savings in overall cost compared to conventional solutions.“Each module is sized to match perfectly with standard 20ft or 40ft ISO shipping container dimensions, simplifying transport and installation. Safety is incorporated into every stage of the lifecycle, from installation to operation and maintenance.”The modules can be stacked, allowing for compact use of space, while the pre-engineered design eliminates the need for on-site modification and improves installation safety.

UGL to construct Stage 3 of Western Downs batteryThe CIMIC Group’s specialist engineering and services provider, UGL, has been selected by Neoen and Tesla to construct Stage 3 of the 305MV/1220MWh Western Downs battery in Queensland.This follows UGL’s successful delivery of Stage 1 and early completion of Stage 2 (270MW / 540MWh) in November.For Stage 3, UGL will install 312 Tesla Megapack 2XL units, along with high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks and footings. UGL will also provide testing and commissioning support to ensure seamless integration to the grid.Together, Stage 1 and Stage 2 provide 540MW/1080MWh of storage capacity. Once Stage 3 becomes operational, the battery will offer a combined total of 845MW/2.3GWh.ACS group and HOCHTIEF chief executive and CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan Santamaria comments on the major renewable energy storage project.“Stage 3 of the Western Downs Battery will add 305MW/1220MWh of storage capacity to Queensland’s energy network, building on the success of Stages 1 and 2 delivered by UGL,” he said.“This expansion strengthens grid reliability and supports the integration of renewable generation in one of Australia’s most important energy corridors.”UGL managing director Doug Moss comments on Stage 3.“Western Downs Battery Stage 3 will be our tenth battery installation project and our seventh in partnership with Neoen and Tesla,” he said.“As a leader in constructing and commissioning renewable energy assets and connecting them to the grid, we are helping to accelerate Australia’s energy transition.”Construction on Western Downs Battery Stage 3 will commence February 2026 with completion expected in the summer of 2027/28.