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The Northern Territory Government has given the green light for the Fountain Head gold project in Pine Creek to resume operations. The open-cut gold mine, operated by Patronus Resources Ltd (ASX: PTN), formerly PNX Metals Ltd, was developed in 2008 and has been in care and maintenance since. Patronus Resources has met its regulatory requirements under the new Environment Protection Act 2019 and is now authorised to proceed operations following the Territory Government’s approval of its Deemed Mining Licence (DML). Northern Territory Mining and Energy Minister Gerar Maley says the approval is good news for the Pine Creek region, local businesses and the local community. “Our mining and resources sector contributes over $6b to our economy, creates thousands of jobs…

The Northern Territory Government, in collaboration with the CSIRO, have released a study on the geological storage potential for carbon dioxide, hydrogen and compressed air across several of the Territory’s onshore basins. The report, entitled CO2, H2 and compressed air energy storage site screening study – selected onshore basins in the Northern Territory, provides an examination of the Amadeus, Bonaparte (onshore), Georgina, McArthur (including the Beetaloo Sub-basin) and Ngalia basins. It includes an assessment of their geological storage potential across hydrocarbon reservoirs, saline aquifers and salt diapirs. Commissioned by the Northern Territory Geological Survey (NTGS) under its Resourcing the Territory program, the study collates the available stratigraphic and petrophysical data for these basins into a series of regional prospectivity maps.…

The push to find new copper resources, as the world transitions to electrification and renewable energy sources, has been given a boost thanks to an international study that has cracked the code on the metal’s origins. Copper is on Australia’s Strategic Minerals List and the study, which includes researchers from University of Western Australia (UWA), could reshape how the metal is mined and unveil new pathways to future copper deposits. Published in Nature Geoscience, the study proposes a new model for the formation of large copper deposits. Led by Dr Tom Lamont from the University of Bristol, the research is part of the ‘High Grade Hypogene Copper’ initiative, a consortium that includes UWA and BHP. BHP expects global copper demand…

Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) has announced positive results for the September quarter at the recent International Mining and Resources Conference in Sydney. The Iron Ridge iron ore mine, located in WA’s Mid-West region, saw six shipments totalling 345,950wmt of iron ore products shipped. This pushed Fenix Resources past the milestone of 5mt shipped from Iron Ridge since first shipment began in February 2021. The mine, which is 100% owned by the company, hopes this is the launchpad for plans to expand to 4mtpa as soon as 2025. Production currently sits at 1.4mtpa at Iron Ridge. Meanwhile, production and haulage are now underway from the company’s 100% owned Shine iron ore mine with shipments to commence in the current quarter, while…

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the State’s new Natural Resources, Mines, Regional and Rural Development Minister and Burdekin member Dale Last. QRC chief executive Janette Hewson congratulated Mr Last on his appointment to the Queensland Cabinet. “The QRC looks forward to working constructively with Minister Last, whose own electorate includes one of Queensland’s major resources regions,” she said. “In the 2022-23 financial year our coal, gas, metals and critical minerals generated close to $117b for Queensland and supported more than 530,000 jobs. “There are significant opportunities for Queensland’s world-leading resources sector to continue underpinning our state’s economic prosperity with the right government policy settings that attract investment in new projects. “QRC looks forward to meeting with Minister Last…

The latest Australian Tax Office (ATO) Tax Transparency Report shows that the nation’s mining industry is the biggest taxpayer for the second consecutive year. With a total of $43.1b in company tax paid, along with $31.5b in royalties, the mining sector paid a combined $74.6b in FY23. Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable comments on this. “Mining companies make up more than half of Australia’s top 20 largest taxpayers, with Rio Tinto, BHP, and Glencore taking the top three spots,” she said. “In 2022-23, the sector accounted for approximately 44% of tax paid by large corporate entities, according to the ATO report. “This means reliable funding for the NDIS, schools, roads, aged care, hospitals, and Australia’s national security,…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) will accelerate its leadership succession plan with managing director Chris Ellison making the decision to step down as company boss. The board at MisRes has handed Mr Ellison a board-imposed financial penalty of $8.8m, and loss of remuneration of up to $9.6m, reflecting the significance of corporate governance and reputational issues to the miner. MinRes’ chair James McClements will also step down before next year’s annual general meeting. The share market has reacted to the announcement with MisRes’ shares copping a 9% hit on Monday morning. Speaking on the leadership transition and broader change to the company, Mr McClements says it is in the best interests of the shareholders and MinRes as a whole. “In reaching…

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Australia’s mining industry is a driving force of national growth and innovation but operating safely and efficiently comes with significant challenges. This high-risk sector relies on safety and operational standards to help protect workers and optimise performance. Australian Standards™ are essential tools that provide guidance needed to help meet regulatory demands and support effective mining operations. For mining professionals, having access to the right standards at the right time is crucial for staying compliant and managing risks. The Standards Australia Store offers a range of solutions, allowing mining companies to tailor their standards access to meet the specific needs of their operations. How standards support mining operations Mining comes with unique challenges, from hazardous work environments to the use of…

BHP (ASX: BHP) has signed a multi-year Global Framework Agreement with ABB to collaborate on project delivery, operations, maintenance and decarbonisation across the mining major’s global operations. With the goal of net zero by 2050, BHP is making strategic moves to develop and deploy technology as rapidly as possible, while also supporting sustainable growth in copper, potash and iron ore. BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd comments on this. “Strategic partnerships like the one we have with ABB will be integral in supporting BHP’s growth ambitions, such as those we have in South Australia, as well as our operational decarbonisation efforts globally,” he said. BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti says this agreement further solidifies the partnership between the two…