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An independent review into the statutory framework for small-scale title for opal mining has issued its final report, with 81 recommendations to enhance and support the sustainability and efficacy of the industry. NSW Natural Resources Minister Courtney Houssos commissioned the review following a departmental review of administrative processes which uncovered 3343 minerals claims in Lightning Ridge and White Cliffs were impacted by invalid decisions. The review was undertaken by former Land and Environment Court Judge and NSW Attorney General Terry Sheahan with support of law firm Norton Rose Fulbright Australia. The final report covers a range of topics, including: Balancing stakeholder rights and responsibilities Improving rehabilitation and environmental outcomes Updating cost and compensation structure Improving understanding and usability of the…

Tartana Minerals (ASX: TAT) has shipped 150t of copper sulphate pentahydrate to one of the largest mining operations in the Northern Territory. The product came from Tartana’s namesake project which is located 150km west of Cairns in Queensland. The project contains a heap leach solvent extraction crystallisation plant which produced copper sulphate pentahydrate for 10 years before being placed in care and maintenance in 2014 with refurbishment works beginning in 2023. Depending on the specifications of the product, copper sulphate pentahydrate is sold to both mining operations and the stockfeed industry. The bright blue crystal is used as a fungicide, algaecide, root killer and herbicide in both agriculture and non-agriculture settings. Tartana managing director Stephen Bartrop commented on the shipment.…

The South Australian Chamber of Mines & Energy (SACOME) has welcomed BHP’s proposed staged expansion of its Olympic Dam smelter and refinery, which has the potential to double the State’s copper production by the mid-2030s to 650,000t. One of only two copper smelters in Australia, the other being Mount Isa in Queensland, this expansion will see the current Olympic Dam copper smelter upgraded to a two-stage smelter, with its refining capacity also expanded. Last week, a notification in the South Australian Government Gazette announced that the State Government had commenced the application and assessment process. SACOME chief executive Rebecca Knol says this strategy supports the State Prosperity Project, which is South Australian Government’s roadmap for growing its renewable energy, critical…

Komatsu is continuing to provide jobs for people with a disability through the renewal of its partnership with Endeavour Foundation. The partnership between the two companies will provide employment opportunities within Komatsu’s Oil Wear Analysis (KOWA) area. Supported employees in the program clean the 100% recycled plastic containers so they can be reused up to six times. Komatsu executive general manager Russell Hodson says the company is excited to continue its partnership with Endeavour for a further three years. “We’ve been able to not only offer meaningful employment to a number of people, but with more than 30% of Komatsu’s plastic packaging waste generated through our KOWA bottles, this program and partnership also means we can significantly reduce the volume…

The South Australian Government has announced the start of an application and assessment process for BHP’s (ASX: BHP) planned smelter and refinery expansion at Olympic Dam. This marks a step forward for BHP’s copper growth plans in South Australia and follows the company’s FY24 results which outlined a phased strategy to increase production in South Australia to 500kt of refined copper cathode by the early 2030s. BHP asset president copper South Australia Anna Wiley commented on the news. “Today’s announcement is an important step for BHP and the South Australian Government as we work together towards our shared ambition to significantly increase copper production in this state,” she said. “We are already growing BHP’s copper production in South Australia with…

BHP (ASX: BHP) has partnered with the AFLW for the 2024 season to help inspire the next generation of women shine in the workplace and on the football ground. With the 2024 NAB AFLW season kicking off tonight (August 30), BHP is aiming to improve opportunity and equality in business and sport. BHP Australia president Geraldine Slattery says the company is excited to continue supporting the AFLW for another season. “At the heart of this partnership is our shared commitment to embracing diversity. Together with the AFLW, we have a common desire to achieve gender balance and enable every woman to thrive in their chosen career,” she said. “Our partnership is all about supporting initiatives that empower and create a…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has released its FY24 results with the period highlighted by record underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $550m. While revenue increased 10% from FY23 to $5.27b, underlying net profit after tax decreased 79% to $158m. Mineral Resources credits the increase in revenue to the growth in mining services revenue from the Onslow iron project in WA. Looking at MinRes’ production, production volumes totalled 269mwmt, up 9% from 248mwmt in FY23, and first ore was delivered from Onslow ahead of schedule. Additionally, MinRes’ mining services division was awarded six new contracts and three contracts were renewed with Tier 1 clients. MinRes’ iron ore division achieved shipments of 18.1mwmt across all hubs, a 3%…

A new initiative in WA will improve the State’s container recycling rates and see millions of beverage containers on mine sites collected and diverted from landfill every year. CITIC Pacific Mining will partner with Sodexo Australia to provide 360 Containers for Change collection points at Eramurra mine site and village, near Karratha, WA. This Western Australia Return Recycle Renew Limited-supported (WARRRL) partnership is expected to result in 2.7 million containers collected each year, diverting more than 5% of unrecycled containers from landfill. Sodexo Australia managing director Keith Weston says this is a significant step for the company. “Being the first food services company to commit to net zero globally by 2040, reducing waste across our operations is crucial to achieving…

WesTrac customers are getting the chance to test drive two new Cat compact track loaders at the CTL Roadshow in WA, NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. First launched at the National Diesel Dirt and Turf Conference in Sydney earlier in the year, the Cat 255 and 265 compact track loaders are the first next generation compact track loaders to hit the market. These two new models will be replacing the Cat 259D3, 279D3 and 289D3 machines and build on the success of the D3 series by offering customer-driven enhancements and the latest industry-first features. The new Cat 255 and 265 compact track loaders have improved engine performance and stability, higher lift and break-out ability and greater operator comfort. Upgraded…