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High grade niobium, TREO and zircon identified at Yangibana High grade niobium, rare earths and hafnium-rich zircon have been identified at the Bald Hill deposit within Hastings Technology Metals’ (ASX: HAS) Yangibana project in WA. A recent geological mapping and rock chip sampling program at Bald Hill uncovered multiple carbonatite-related ironstone intrusions ranging from 100m to 650m in length. Of the 104 rock chip samples reported on, 22% exceeded 1% niobium pentoxide, with a peak concentration of 23.69% niobium pentoxide measured. More than half of the samples ranged between 0.25% to 8.91% total rare earth...

UGL to build stage two of Western Downs Battery UGL, a member of CIMIC Group, has been appointed to design and construct stage two of the Western Downs Battery in Queensland for Neoen. A 270MW/540MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) and high voltage infrastructure will be installed and connected to the grid at Neoen’s Western Downs Green Power Hub. The BESS will consist of 140 Tesla megapack 2XL units and is expected to begin operations in 2026. UGL is also constructing stage one of the Western Downs Battery, which is expected to start operations later...

Acubis Number 1 communications partner in Asia-Pacific third year running An Australian company specialising in remote communications, Acubis, has been named Rajant Corporation’s top Asia-Pacific Partner for the third time in a row. Rajant is a US based company, specialising in wireless communication technologies, and is a major supplier of cutting-edge technologies to Acubis. Rajant’s wireless kinetic mesh technology is employed by Acubis in its design of communications solutions for major Australian mine sites. This latest accolade recognises Acubis as number one throughout the Asia-Pacific region for design, system integration, support and sales of Rajant products. Acubis General Manager Jeff Berg and the whole Acubis team are proud to have received this award for...

Sandvik to acquire Universal Field Robots in Q4 this year Sandvik has signed an agreement to acquire Universal Field Robots (UFR) with the transaction expected to close in Q4 CY24. UFR is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, and provides autonomous interoperable surface and underground mining solutions. Sandvik president and chief executive Stefan Wilding says “Universal Field Robots is an important strategic addition to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions”. “ will strengthen our growth potential and provide key capabilities in the development of our mining automation solutions portfolio going forward,” he said. With about...

BHP delivers record volumes at WAIO in FY24 BHP (ASX: BHP) had a strong FY24, with record production achieved at its Western Australia Iron Ore (WAIO), Spence and Carrapateena operations. Revenue increased 3% from the prior corresponding period to $82b (US$55.7b), primarily as a result of higher realised prices across iron ore and copper, with sales volumes increasing 3% and 5%, respectively. Underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 4% to $42.7b (US$29b), while underlying attributable profit was up 2% to $20.1b (US$13.7b). BHP chief executive Mike Henry commented on...

Fortescue celebrates $5b milestone in First Nations contracts Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) Billion Opportunities program has celebrated more than $5b in contracts and sub-contracts awarded to 200 First Nations businesses since its launch in 2011. Focusing on sustainable development, the Billion Opportunities program supports individual First Nations businesses, helping build a stronger and more resilient economic future. To amplify the program’s impact, Fortescue has been in partnership with ANZ since 2017 to provide funding to First Nations businesses. Fortescue chief executive Dino Otranto commented on the program. “The success of the Billion Opportunities program is credit...

Cornwall coal mine wins best overall at VMRC Mines across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania took part in the Minerals Council of Australia’s (MCA) Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) from August 23 – 25. Organised by MCA Victoria, the VMRC is a major annual safety training exercise involving simulated rescue scenarios for mine emergency response teams. Scenarios were hosted by Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine and the Central Deborah gold mine, both of which are in Victoria. Cornwall Coal won best overall at the event, with Ballarat gold mine coming in second and Mandalay Resources’ Costerfield...

Expert panel established to guide green metals growth A new expert advisory panel has been established to advance green metals production in Australia. Members of the green metals advisory panel were joined by Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic for the first time to promote and accelerate greener metals manufacturing. The panel offers decades of experience in metals industries, financing, research, decarbonisation and industrial workforce issues. Members comprise of: Australian Steel Institute chief executive Mark Cain Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Farrow KPMG national managing partner Paul Howes Australian Aluminium Council chief executive Marghanita Johnson...

Federal Government gives approval for Australia’s largest renewable energy project In a step towards making Australia a renewable energy superpower, the Federal Government has approved a new industrial solar power project in the Northern Territory. SunCable’s Australia-Asia Power Link will be the biggest solar farm in the country and it’s expected to generate up to 6GW of renewable energy, including 4GW to be used in Darwin. The project will enable a green manufacturing sector, produce renewable solar power for Darwin and provide a long-term source of ongoing employment in remote areas. SunCable estimates the project will deliver more than $20b in economic value...