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An Aboriginal heritage survey has been scheduled at Reach Resources’ (ASX: RR1) Wabli Creek project in the Gascoyne region, WA. The survey has been booked with the Burringurrah Aboriginal Corporation for the week beginning July 15, 2024. The survey will focus on the priority geochemical targets identified by Reach’s consultant geochemist, Sugden Geoscience, and the margins of the late-stage intrusive feature which is considered the likely source of niobium-yttrium-tantalum-titanium-rare earth element enriched pegmatites at Wabli Creek. Additionally, recent geochemistry has indicated that a carbonatite association cannot be ruled out in addition to the pegmatites. Reach Resources chief executive Jeremy Bower commented on the survey. “We would like to thank the Burringurrah Aboriginal Corporation and Wajarri people for their co-operation to…

Large scale mining is set to restart in Tennant Creek with Tennant Mining beginning construction on its Nobles gold mine project in the Northern Territory. Civil work is underway at Nobles with construction and commissioning to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Gold production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The project is forecast to produce an average of 65,000ozpa of gold and it’s expected to contribute $69.9m to the Northern Territory economy each year. Initially, work will focus on mining stockpiles and tailings at the Nobles open pit mine before the development of open cut and underground mines begin. Northern Territory Mining Minister Mark Monaghan commented on the restart of operations. “The resources…

Iron Valley, a subsidiary of BCI Minerals (ASX: BCI), is selling its Iron Valley iron ore assets to Polaris Metals, a subsidiary of Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN), for up to $72.6m. Iron Valley will receive $26m on completion of the transaction, which is expected in July 2024, and a further $12.5m contingent on commencements of mining at the Iron Valley north pit. The existing iron ore sale and purchase agreement between BCI and Mineral Resources will terminate upon completion of the transaction, with BCI to receive a final deferred payment of $34.1m in July 2025. Polaris will assume responsibility for payment of state and third-party royalties and rehabilitation obligations, effective from May 1, 2024. BCI managing director David Boshoff commented…

The world is in the midst of an energy revolution. Globally, the focus is on decarbonisation to meet net zero by 2050. More than ever before, the transition to electrifying mining operations is at the forefront of the mining industry as it plays a vital role in meeting the ambitious and required targets set by governing bodies. Ampcontrol has more than half a century of experience in challenging the status quo and delivering safe, smart, customised energy solutions and services. Solving complex problems in energy by developing world-first innovations, Ampcontrol and their smart minded people accept the challenge of electrification. Thomas Steigler, Ampcontrol Research Engineer, is a respected leader is his field. Developing engineered solutions with a holistic approach for…

The Queensland Government has passed legislation that strengthens the coexistence between the State’s resources, renewable energy and agriculture industries. Reforms include expanding the scope of Queensland’s coexistence institutions, including the GasFields Commission Queensland which will know be know as Coexistence Queensland. The role of Coexistence Queensland will be to provide enhanced information, engagement and education services to the community and industry on land access and coexistence issues across the resources and renewable energy sectors. Previously, focus was just on the onshore gas industry. Other coexistence reforms include: Expanding the remit of the Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment to provide advice, on request, to government entities on subsurface impacts from petroleum and gas activities. Expanding the role of the Land Access…

Envirostream Australia, a subsidiary of Lithium Australia (ASX: LIT), has signed a three-year mixed metal dust (MMD) offtake agreement with SungEel HiTech for battery recycling. Under the agreement, SungEel will purchase a minimum of 60% of Lithium Australia’s annual MMD production, subject to certain minimum quality requirements. SungEel has been a customer of Lithium Australia since 2020 and has purchased more than 300t of MMD, reflecting the growing demand for recycled materials for use in battery manufacturing processes. SungEel recently opened the third hydro centre in South Korea which is the largest litium ion battery recycling plant in the world and can input 20,000t of MMD in phase one. Lithium Australia managing director and chief executive Simon Linge says the…

The first Early Learner CAT 793 battery-electric haul truck is on its way to BHP before it hits the road at the Jimblebar mine in WA in October 2024. Members of BHP’s operational decarbonisation team recently visited Caterpillar’s Tuscon proving ground to witness the CAT 793 haul truck in action. BHP vice president of operational decarbonisation Dan Heal says this is an exciting time for the company. “It’s incredibly exciting to be here in Tucson seeing this battery-electric truck in action,” he said. “Not only do these trials represent an important step on BHP’s operational decarbonisation journey, but the technical outcomes could help to inform how we approach these challenges moving forward. “As we progress towards potential deployments, we need…

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has introduced the electric Sandvik DR416iE, the next-generation i-series rotary blasthole drill. The Sandvik DR416iE joins the Sandvik DR410iE, the Sandvik DR412iE and the Sandvik DR413iE as the fourth and largest electrified rig in Sandvik’s intelligent rotary blasthole range. This drill rig is designed to deliver superior performance and sustainability in demanding mining conditions. It’s ideal for iron ore and copper applications and can drill a hole diameter range of 270mm to 406mm. Powered by a 1044kW electric engine, the electric system of the Sandvik DR416iE incorporates a soft starter to help reduce impact on the mine’s power grid, preventing disruption to other equipment. The multi-voltage and multi-frequency electric motos offer greater flexibility, while the…

The Port of Esperance has welcomed a new iron ore exporter that will boost iron ore trade by up to 1.5mtpa. In a new agreement with Southern Ports, Gold Valley Iron Ore will be granted access to critical iron ore infrastructure at the port, including rail receival facilities, conveyors, shed space and the ship loader. This marks the first time a second customer has been able to access the iron ore circuit through the port and the first from the Wiluna area. Additionally, long-term customer Mineral Resources will continue to export through the shared infrastructure at the port. Gold Valley Iron Ore is expected to export its first shipment from the Port of Esperance in September 2024. WA Ports Minister…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will acquire Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters, which owns and operates the Boyne Island aluminium smelter in Gladstone, Queensland. On the completion of the transaction, and the recent agreement to acquire Sumitomo Chemical Company’s 2.46% interest in Boyne Smelters, Rio’s interest in Boyne Smelters will increase to 73.5%. The acquisition, which is for an undisclosed price, is subject to various conditions, including approval from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board, and it’s expected to be finalised in the second half of 2024. Upon completion of the transaction, the Boyne Smelter joint partners will be Rio Tinto (73.5%), YKK Aluminium (9.5%), UACJ Australia (9.29%) and Southern Cross Aluminium (7.71%). Operating since 1982, Boyne Smelters is Australia’s…