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The Australian Aluminium Council (AAC) will integrate with the Australian Aluminium Extrusion Association (AAEA) in a move that will bring about a united voice for the Australian aluminium industry. The AAEA will join in the AAC’s membership and organisational structure with the Council’s chief executive Marghanita Johnson commenting on this. “The Council represents the industry from mine to market – and now with an even stronger focus on the downstream aluminium manufacturing sector in Australia,” she said. “With a cohesive representation, the Council will continue its direct engagement with the Government and platforms like the International Trade Remedies Forum to advocate in the face of uneven global competition.” One of the challenges facing the Australian aluminium industry is the…

A share of more than $1m in grants are up for grabs in NSW for groundbreaking projects that are focused on reducing carbon emissions through electrification. The Electrification and Energy Systems Network Seed Grant Scheme provides funding as part of the NSW Government’s Decarbonisation Innovation Hub. The Hub supports researchers, industry and government stakeholders in critical sectors to increase the uptake of new technologies in decarbonising the State. NSW Energy Minister Penny Sharpe says the projects must translate research-based technologies into real-life solutions for current and future energy challenges. “Electrification of our energy system is essential to reaching our Net Zero targets and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our environment and health. “It will also ensure our community…

The WA Government has released the State’s first Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Action Plan and will fund two CCUS projects to the tune of $26m. WA has CCUS projects proposed for development over the next 10 years, with an initial combined capacity to store over 20mtpa of carbon dioxide – or about a quarter of WA’s Scope 1 emissions. A total of $15m will go towards AGIG to develop an onshore transmission pipeline for an offshore multi-user CCS hub in the Pilbara, WA. The project will help transport carbon dioxide from facilities on the Burrup into depleted gas fields, sequestering up to five million tonnes of carbon dioxide in its first phases. Another $11m will support Mitsui E&P…

The Federal Government will today introduce the Future Made in Australia (Production Tax Credit and Other Measures) Bill 2024 to Parliament for renewable hydrogen and critical minerals. It will also expand the role and remit of Indigenous Business Australia. The legislation establishes two tax incentives: a Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive worth $2/kg of renewable hydrogen produced between 2027–2028 and 2039–40 for up to 10 years per project; and a Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive worth 10% of relevant processing and refining costs for Australia’s 31 critical minerals, for critical minerals processed and refined between 2027–28 and 2039–40, for up to 10 years per project. In a joint statement released today by Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers,…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) is constructing a 3.8MW solar array, featuring more than 6,600 solar panels, at the Ken’s Bore mine site at its Onslow Iron project. It is set to displace about 95TJ of natural gas per year and predicted to reduce emissions by about 4,990tpa of carbon dioxide. MinRes general manager operations and development energy Rowan Hill says the technology, together with a battery energy storage system, is planned to become operational by January 2025 to supplement the mine’s power generation system. “Together with natural gas, renewables play an important role in our energy transition – especially solar power to support our remote locations,” he said. “At Onslow Iron, a range of renewable energy solutions is being…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has a three-year partnership with Pride WA to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in WA. The partnership comprises PrideFEST, which is Pride WA’s flagship annual event and the State’s largest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It also supports Perth’s bid to bring the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports and culture event, the Gay Games, to the State. Pride WA chief executive Dr Lauren Butterly says the organisation is excited to partner with the mining giant. “We know how important it is for our community to be able to celebrate PrideFEST with their colleagues, and to know they are supported and celebrated at work. “We look forward to working with Fortescue over the next three years as PrideFEST…

Ford is set to launch the new Ranger Super Duty mid-sized ute in 2026, promising to tow more, carry more and do more for the mining industry. There are a variety of vehicles on the market today but all have compromises. Some can tow 4.5t but are compromised on off-road capability – or they may have a low gross vehicle mass (GVM), meaning low payload. Others may be able to carry large loads but have limited towing. The highly-anticipated Ford Ranger Super Duty can tow 4.5t, has a GVM of 4.5t and a gross combined mass (GCM) of 8t, with the heavy-duty off-road capability required by the mining industry. Ford Motor Company general manager for global trucks Sondra Sutton Phung…

Following the Federal Government’s addition of nickel to the Critical Minerals List earlier this year, the Wingellina nickel cobalt project has been granted Major Project Status by the Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic. Part of Nico Resources’ (ASX: NC1) Central Musgrave project in WA, Wingellina hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped oxide-type nickel-cobalt reserves at the triple junction point between the Northern Territory, WA and the South Australian borders (Surveyor Generals Corner) about 450km southwest of Uluru. Nico Resources managing director Jonathan Shellabear says the company welcomes this recognition of the project’s significance to economic growth, employment opportunities and regional development for the country. “Wingellina is one of the largest undeveloped nickel-cobalt projects globally and one of…

Komatsu Australia’s second annual industry supplier forum addressed ESG, safety and generational diversity across the equipment business’ supply chain. Insights on the chain of responsibility with freight and logistics, as well as ongoing vigilance to ensure roads are safe when transporting heavy equipment, were “hotly discussed” at the forum, according to company in a recent statement. Komatsu Australia EGM for supply chain Russell Hodson comments on this. “Particularly of interest was how we all need to be prepared for the upcoming ESG reporting requirements as we look towards 2026, particularly around scope 3, and what it means for not only Komatsu but our supply chain partners,” he said. “We were excited to share our update on our journey to ISO…