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A momentous milestone took place last week with the turning of first soil for Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek iron ore mine, about 100km north of the Roy Hill mine in WA’s northeast Pilbara region. After multiple environmental and regulatory delays, the Federal Government finally gave the green light in September this year for the mine to proceed, with first ore expected in FY26 at an expected production rate of 10mtpa. Hancock Prospecting executive chairman Gina Rinehart, Hanroy chief executive Sanjiv Manchanda and staff from Roy Hill, HanRoy and Atlas Iron attended this important ground-breaking event. Mrs Rinehart says the McPhee mine, which has a 15-year mine life, will use existing infrastructure, such as preparation plant, rail, road and port. “Not…

Australia’s largest robotics and automation headquarters has been officially opened by the WA Government just north of Perth in Neerabup, promising to drive advancements in zero-emissions technologies. The Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) allows local, national and global companies to test, research and develop across autonomous solutions, remote operations and robotics without interrupting day-to-day operations. WA Premier Roger Cook says the State is leading the nation in the development of robot and automation solutions. “Our Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct will play a key role in the integration of robotics to increase efficiency and safety within key industries in WA, including mining,” he said. “It’s exciting to be opening this world-class innovation hub right here in Perth, strengthening WA’s…

The WA Government is piloting a long-duration vanadium flow battery in Kununurra in northwest WA which will allow Horizon Power to examine whether the technology can be installed in microgrids and off-grid power systems. The battery, supplied by VSUN Energy, a subsidiary of Australian Vanadium (ASX: AVL), will collaborate with Horizon Power on integrating this energy storage into its network as well as system support testing over the next 12 months. WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby says “this pilot won’t just mean there is more clean, reliable, and affordable power for regional WA – it means Horizon Power can better understand how batteries can support microgrids and other off-grid power systems throughout the State”. Battery storage already plays a critical…

BHP is investing $7.8m into Curtin University’s environmental DNA (eDNA) research program which supports global conservation efforts. The eDNA for Global Environment Studies (eDGES) program includes projects monitoring the endangered Pilbara olive python in WA, protecting native birds in Chile’s high-altitude wetlands, detecting elusive underground invertebrates and developing new tests to identify invasive marine species. BHP head of biodiversity Dr Tim Cooper says the company is proud to support innovative projects like eDGES. “The eDGES program has the potential to create a new generation of biodiversity conservation tools to help industry and government make informed decisions,” he said. “The program is funded by our Social Investment Framework under the ‘Environment’ stream – helping to fill knowledge gaps for better biodiversity…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) will transition its Bald Hill lithium mine into care and maintenance this week with about 300 staff impacted. The company says all Bald Hill employees will be redeployed, followed by a redundancy process if opportunities cannot be found. Mining and mobile maintenance operations cease today, with the spodumene concentrate plant and accommodation village scheduled to temporarily cease operations by early December this year. MinRes managing director Chris Ellison says Bald Hill is a significant value opportunity for the company once lithium prices improve. “Placing Bald Hill on care and maintenance is a prudent decision but one not made lightly,” he said. “The decision aligns with the work we have done across the company in recent months…

A substantial funding extension from New Hope Group’s (ASX: NHC) New Acland Coal will allow the PCYC Oakey Connect program to continue to support the region’s young people for another two years. New Acland Coal, which has been supporting social and community projects throughout the Darling Downs for more than 20 years, will invest another $360,000 to fully fund the vital program. Two years ago, New Acland Coal stepped-in and prevented the PCYC Oakey Connect program from closing due to lack of funding. The Oakey Connect program supports young people to build resilience by developing skills and habits to help navigate life. The PCYC also champions education pathways and relationships between young people and community leaders. New Acland Coal general…

HIGHLUX provides solar lighting solutions designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian mining industry. Our solar products provide reliable, high-performance lighting in hot dusty and cyclone-prone environments. Our solutions are cost-effective, fast to deliver and safe and easy to install and maintain. Tough & Reliable Solar Lighting for Safety & Amenity  Mining companies prioritise safety and comfortable living conditions for their remote staff during shifts as well as during downtime at camp, and recognise lighting plays a vital role in achieving this objective. HIGHLUX has supplied lighting solutions to mines in every Australian state, including lighting for entry gates, roads, bus drop-off zones, light-vehicle parking, pathways and shelters in mining camps. In mine processing areas, HIGHLUX has provided…

Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) has commenced its first phase of drilling at the Speewah fluorite project in WA, with contractor DDH1 Drilling beginning diamond drilling earlier this week. This follows on from the pre-feasibility study completed in July this year that assessed the viability of a mining and processing operation of fluorite ore to produce acid grade fluorspar. A detailed phased drill plan including exploration, resource extension, metallurgical testwork, geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling then ensued, with Tivan commencing ground-disturbing works to facilitate the drill plan three weeks ago. Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson says the company is “delighted to have commenced the drill campaign at the project well ahead of the arrival of the wet season”. “With the ongoing support…

Western Australia has experienced its seventh consecutive year of jobs growth, thanks to the State’s strong resources sector. In FY24, the sector employed 134,871 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions, supported by mineral and petroleum sales of $238b. The State also led the nation in exploration investment with $2.58b spent in FY24 or 62% of the national spend. Key exploration targets included critical minerals such as lithium, rare earths (which achieved record spending levels), nickel/cobalt and copper. WA Premier Roger Cook says the State’s economic management of the resources sector is second to none. “We are a global investment destination of choice as we remain a reliable business partner, we maintain a robust regulatory framework and we have a long history of…