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Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) MC driver training program has celebrated the 100th candidate participating in the initiative. Beginning in October 2023, the program upskills people with an existing multi combination (MC) truck licence with the skills and knowledge to drive 330t quad road trains. The program has a 93% retention rate and graduates are placed at Mineral Resources and client sites across the Pilbara and Goldfields regions. The 100th participant Kelly Mottan says it’s a dream come true to have the opportunity to upskill and drive 330t payloads. “I’ve previously worked in the mining and logistics industry and after driving dump trucks I knew the next thing I wanted to do is drive quad road trains,” she said. “I saw…

Curtin University has been named as operator of WA’s new GreenTech Hub. The hub will help build state-wide capability and capacity in green technologies and services. It will also stimulate growth in skills and knowledge, plus support the creation of jobs and developing new industries. The hub will be operated by Curtin University and is funded as part of the agreement between State Government and Chevron as operator of the Gorgon joint venture, a consortium including the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Osaka Gas, MidOcean and JERA. WA Innovation, Digital Economy and Science Minister Stephen Dawson congratulated Curtin on the appointment. “To be operated by Curtin University, this new stand-alone GreenTech Hub will play a key role in fostering…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is set to sell its 49% interest in the Onslow Iron project’s haul road to Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners for $1.3b. The 150km fully sealed and fenced dual lane haul road links the Ken’s Bore mine site to the Port of Ashburton and is equipped with fibre optic cabling to support Mineral Resources’ autonomous road trains. Mineral Resources will retain majority ownership and exclusive rights to use, operate and maintain the Onslow haul road, ensuring seamless mine-to-ship delivery of iron. Proceeds are payable in cash and comprise upfront consideration of $1.1b and a deferred consideration of $200m that is subject to achieving a 35mtpa run rate for any quarter before June 30, 2026. Mineral Resources managing…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will invest $8m over five years to enhance conservation land management and support Traditional Owner ranger programs in the Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks. In partnership with WA’s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the Pilbara Conservation Project will protect areas of high conservation value and integrate Traditional Owner’s knowledge of the land into conservation land management. This includes weed management, feral animal control and bushfire management at Karijini, Millstream Chichester and other high conservation value Pilbara sites, through implementation of the Pilbara Conservation Strategy. The project will also support ranger training and fee for service work for Aboriginal Ranger Groups. Rio Tinto vice president health, safety, environment and communities Cecile Thaxter commented on…

MTM Critical Metals (ASX: MTM) and Murdoch University have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to investigate research opportunities for metal extraction. Under the MOU, MTM and Murdoch will examine ways to use flash joule heating (FJH) technology to develop new research in mineral extraction and processing to enhance the recovery of metals and minerals. The two parties will aim to establish research programs and infrastructure at Murdoch for testing mineral waste streams and developing new mineral processing solutions for primary ores. MTM will also leverage Murdoch’s experience to research and commercialise FJH technology, and the parties will seek joint funding, including grants from Australian, US and industry sources. The FJH technology was recently licensed to MTM by Rice University…

Aggreko launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Plan (RAP) during National Reconciliation Week (NRW), with special guest speaker Cathy Freeman. Aggreko launched its first RAP during National Reconciliation Week 2020, which provided the blueprint for the organisation’s commitment to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures, acknowledge the history and build closer relationships. To commemorate the milestone of being one of the first companies in the hire and rental industry to begin its second RAP, Australian Olympian Cathy Freeman was invited to deliver a keynote speech to employees and key customers. Chef Nornie Bero of Mabu Mabu provided catering. Aggreko AusPac managing director George Whyte commented on the launch. “Our business is committed to making a positive difference to the…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is taking steps to minimise impacts on marine fauna at its Onslow iron project in the West Pilbara, WA. While appropriate lighting is important for working safely at night, artificial light can sometimes disrupt the natural behaviours and activity patterns of native fauna – potentially leading to adverse impacts. For marine turtles in particular, artificial light can cause disorientation among hatchlings. To minimise, monitor and manage artificial light spill and its potential environmental impacts, Mineral Resources prepared an Artificial Light Management Plan (ALMP). The plan includes regular monitoring of turtle and shorebird populations, as well as monitoring programs to identify light spill levels and associated triggers for additional management measures, such as adjusted light intensity and…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will invest $215m (US$143m) to develop a research and development facility in WA to further assess the effectiveness of its low-carbon ironmaking process, BioIron™. The development of the facility, located in the Rockingham strategic industrial area, follows successful trials of the ironmaking process in a small-scale pilot plant in Germany. BioIron™ uses raw biomass and microwave energy instead of coal to convert Pilbara iron ore to metallic iron in the steelmaking process. When combined with renewable energy and carbon-circulation by fast-growing biomass, BioIron™ has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 95% compared with the current blast furnace method. It will include a pilot plant that will be 10 times bigger than its predecessor…

Tivan (ASX: TVN) has signed a heads of agreement (HOA) with Glen Hill Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation (GHPAC) to further opportunities for collaboration at the Speewah project in WA.   GHPAC holds the Glen Hill pastoral lease and is the sole sub-lessee of the Doon Doo pastoral lease, both of which are located in or near the area surrounding Speewah.  Under the agreement, Tivan and GHPAC will explore potential opportunities for regional collaboration which includes:   Early works programs for Speewah including the access road from the Great Northern Highway to the fluorite and vanadium deposits   Shared infrastructure that could be used by both Speewah and the leases   Local Indigenous employment opportunities   Commercial synergies between the proposed mining and…