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An initial environmental scoping study (ESS) has been completed Ark Mines’ (ASX:ARK) Sandy Mitchell rare earths and heavy minerals project in Queensland. Terra Solutions completed the study in partnership with Northern Environmental Testing and Compliance (NETC). The surveys collected samples from ground and surface water and a suitability assessment was completed to assess the native flora and fauna habitats with respect to threatened species. NETC also carried out an initial study of the aquatic ecosystems to set the baseline survey requirements for water testing. Work is continuing to collect a 12-month sample of data. Results will provide Ark guidance on the required aquatic and terrestrial ecological assessments as well as the development of monitoring solutions and environmental management plans. Ark…

A new report released by the Cook Government has mapped the pathways for WA to join the global green steelmaking value chain.  Led by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA), WA’s green steel opportunity report maps five ways WA iron ore can be used to reduce emissions from steelmaking. The report considers the size and scale of the capital requirements and infrastructure needed for these pathways. Pathways include green iron ore mining, green pellets, hot briquetted iron (HBI) from green pellets using fossil fuels, iron making — HBI from green pellets using renewable hydrogen and producing green steel in WA. While traditional mining uses diesel, burner fuel and gas-fired power, these pathways use green hydrogen and solar and…

The Mt Ida gold project, which recently had its newly constructed 1.5mtpa gold processing carbon-in-leach (CIL) plant commissioned, has just locked in a long-term LNG supply agreement. EVOL LNG secured the agreement with Mt Ida owner Aurenne Group to supply about 10,000t of LNG per annum, with the gold project also housing a 12MW gas-fired power station on site. EVOL LNG manager Josh Phillips said the use of LNG as an alternative to diesel would help minimise the mine’s power station emissions. “Aurenne will avoid over 8,000t of greenhouse gas emissions per year by fuelling their power station with LNG instead of diesel,” he said. “It was also important for the project to have a highly reliable fuel supply, which…

Yandal Resources (ASX:YRL) has acquired the rights to a key tenement to the immediate south of the Gordons project in WA. The tenement, E27/701, was acquired following the initial phase one results of a 3D geological modelling and targeting exercise completed by independent consultant Ben McCormack from Outlier Geoscience. The aim of the modelling and targeting is to determine the structural and stratigraphic controls on the mineralisation. While the exercise is continuing, work so far has determined the delineation of the Gordon-Sirdar shear zone (GSSZ) and associated splays that extend through the Gordons project are coincident with the Star of Gordon prospect. The GSSZ remains a high-priority target and further exploration will test the potential for plunging targets at depth.…

Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO) has received formal positive final investment decision (FID) to proceed with stage one development of the Kanmantoo underground copper mine in South Australia. Ove its initial four-year schedule, stage one is expected to deliver 43.5kt of copper in concentrate. Stage one will focus on two of the nine known mineral lodes at Hillgrove that were either drilled or mined as part of the open pit. These lodes remain open at depth and along strike with drilling underway to expand mine life and annual copper production. The project is fully funded through a $38m placement and share purchase plan and is without debt. In anticipation of a positive investment decision, underground development began in May with initial cuts…

Emerging silica sands developer and explorer Diatreme Resources (ASX:DRX) has received Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) referral decision for its Northern silica project. Via a referral with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), the EPBC Act has determined the project a “controlled action”. The Northern silica project constitutes a controlled action for the following matters: world heritage properties, national heritage places, listed migratory species, Great Barrier Reef marine park and listed threatened species and communities. This follows the lodgement made in May 2023 with the Queensland Government agreeing that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is appropriate for the Northern silica project. With these processes now confirmed, Diatreme will be advancing further site…

WA lithium company Global Lithium Resources (ASX:GL1) has executed a land access agreement for exploration and prospecting with Kakarra Part B for the Manna lithium project. Kakarra Part B is the native title claim group for the land underlying Manna which is situated 100 kilometres east of Kalgoorlie.  This agreement underlines the framework for Global Lithium to undertake Aboriginal heritage surveys to support ongoing exploration and pre-development work at Manna. It is in-line with the requirements of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021 (WA) which takes effect from July 1, 2023. GL1 managing director Ron Mitchell said the company is looking forward to building a partnership with the Kakarra people. “It is a pleasure to be building a relationship with…

The Western Australian Treasury Corporation (WATC) has successfully launched the State’s first green bond – raising $1.9b for eligible government projects that deliver environmental outcomes. The bond was heavily oversubscribed with more than $6b in bids received from over 60 investors. WA’s ‘use of proceeds bond’ supports eligible projects delivering positive environment outcomes such as the state’s investment to decarbonise the electricity grid. This includes batteries, wind farms, rebates, standalone power systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti said the issue of the green bond is a key milestone for the state. “The successful issue of the state’s inaugural green bond is a key milestone in the evolution of our borrowing program,” she said. ‘’It reflects the…

MACA has been awarded a five-year extension to its open pit mining contract at the Gruyere gold mine. Located around 1200 kilometres north-east of Perth in WA’s north-eastern Goldfields region, the Gruyere gold mine is held in joint venture between Gold Fields and Gold Road Resources (ASX:GOR). Currently, the mine has a mine life of more than 10 years and last year Gruyere delivered record annual gold production of 314,647oz. Gold Fields executive vice president Stuart Mathews is pleased MACA will continue its services. “Gold Fields Australia is pleased that a tier one business partner like MACA will continue supporting our Gruyere JV gold mine ensuring a continuity of service and the relationships we have built through all aspects of…

Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu has increased its holding in Delta Lithium (ASX:DLI) to 15% following a $46.4m investment. Increasing its shareholding from 2.76% to 15% from an initial $5m investment, Idemitsu is continuing its strategy of diversifying its portfolio and investing in high-growth markets (mining news).   Idemitsu chief executive Steve Kovac said the second investment is an exciting move for the company. “Idemitsu’s second major investment in Delta Lithium is another exciting move as we double down on our strategic investments in critical minerals as the world turns to a more advanced renewable future,” he said. ‘’As global demand for critical minerals and rare earths grow, we continue to target investment opportunities with a focus on energy-related minerals including…