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The first of 10 local trainees at Whitehaven Coal’s (ASX: WHC) Narrabri coal operations (NCO) coal handling and processing plant (CHPP) has secured a full-time role. Sam Cameron, one of the 10 trainees, was a baker in town before entering the program and he was one of the first three candidates to enrol in September 2022. He completed all program requirements ahead of schedule and was awarded a Certificate III in Resource Processing in June 2024. “The traineeship program was an incredible journey,” Mr Cameron said. “I wasn’t sure what to expect to begin with nut I jumped at the chance to learn new skills and set myself up for a long career in the mining industry. “The support and…

Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM) has acquired lithium metal business Li-Metal Corp for $16.88m (US$11m). This purchase includes the intellectual property and physical assets related to lithium metal production, including a pilot production facility in Ontario, Canada. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Arcadium’s position as a leading global producer of lithium metal by providing safer, lower cost and more sustainable processes for lithium metal production. Li-Metals’ capabilities will complement Arcadium’s existing process technologies for producing lithium metal at its Bessemer City site in North Carolina, using concentrated lithium chloride from its Güemes facility in Salta, Argentina. Arcadium president and chief executive Paul Graves commented on the acquisition. “We are excited to welcome the team to Arcadium Lithium as we look…

It sounds like something out of Star Wars, yet cosmic rays and hyperspectral imaging are a central feature in two mining technology projects backed by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), with major implications for safety and access to strategically important materials. mDetect is a Swinburne University spinout specialising in astrophysics research into muons, a type of subatomic particle that results from the Earth’s atmosphere being hit by cosmic rays, which fall harmlessly and constantly down on us1. They are sometimes described as the heavy cousin of electrons, with their mass helping them pass deep into objects; much further, for example, than ground penetrating radar. The company has commercialised telescopic devices and software in a system that uses muon behaviour…

NSW Mineral Council’s HSEC awards winners were announced last night as part of the organisation’s annual Health, Safety, Environment and Community Conference being held in Hunter this week. The awards recognise and celebrate the most outstanding innovations and contributions to the mining industry across a range of categories. NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee says the awards highlight the industry’s ongoing efforts to deliver better outcomes for the State’s workforce, communities and the environment. “The drive to innovate and develop world-leading practices is part of the NSW mining industry’s commitment to mine responsibility now and in the future,” he said. “Our 2024 award entrants have continued a very high standard”. The Health Excellence Award went to Peabody, Metropolitan mine,…

Artificial intelligence, geo-spatial data and emerging technologies will transform copper discovery in Australia, according to a new study published by the International Copper Association of Australia (ICAA). Roadmap to Zero: Discovery, the sixth report in the Roadmap to Zero Project, says developing new mines is now urgent, with copper mines taking an average of 24.1 years from discovery to production. In Australia, it takes 20 years and ICAA chief executive John Fennell says that whilst this country has the second biggest reserves in the world, there are larger challenges that need to be tackled. “ still not in the top five of the largest producers globally and slow discovery is a big reason”, he said. “Australian copper exploration spending…

A new telehealth service supported by BHP (ASX: BHP) is aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of women living in Port and South Hedland. The partnership between Hedland Well Women’s Centre (HWWC) and Luma for her Health and Wellbeing will give the Hedland community access to general practitioners (GP) specialising in women’s health. BHP’s support allowed upgraded IT systems, advanced cyber security programming, internet satellite upgrades and telehealth equipment to be purchased and installed. Hedland Well Women’s Centre chief executive Kianna Barker commented on the program. “It will increase the capacity and offering of GP services in Port and South Hedland, specifically focusing on services which are in high demand for women,” she said. “This is an…

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has officially opened the new crushing and ore sorting facility at its Pilgangoora operation in WA. This crushing and ore sorting facility is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and the largest in the world for lithium processing. It can sort more than 1000t of ore per hour. The milestone was marked by an official ceremony and ribbon cutting on site, with attendees including WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby, Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility chief executive Craig Doyle and Nyami Elders Willie Jumbo and Biddi Norman. The crushing and ore sorting facility, which crushes and separates lithium ore from waste, is the final component of the P680 project which increases Pilgangoora’s production capacity by…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has awarded a five-year contract to Indigenous-owned business Coolingah for the hire of three coaches to service the Wodgina lithium mine in WA. A fleet of 57-seat coaches recently arrived at Wodgina which will be used to transfer MinRes’ workforce across the mine site. MinRes general manager communities and heritage Heath Nelson says the partnership underscored the company’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with Indigenous businesses and supporting their growth and development. “We are proud of the close partnerships MinRes has formed with a range of Indigenous businesses, including Coolingah, which is owned and operated by a Traditional Owner on lands where we operate,” he said. “By collaborating with Indigenous businesses, we not only support their…

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has become the new naming rights partner of CQ Rescue, marking only the second time in CQ Rescue’s history that a naming rights partnership has been granted. Since 1996, BMA CQ Rescue has rescued, transferred and retrieved thousands of people. As a community helicopter provider, BMA CQ Rescue is available to residents, workers and visitors across Central Queensland, between Townsville and Rockhampton. BMA CQ Rescue general manager Lisa Martin welcomes the partnership that coincides with the first new helicopter arrival. “BMA’s unwavering support has stood the test of time and has been instrumental in advancing our mission and making a positive impact in our community,” she said. The hangar holds AW139 helicopters with five blades. The…