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Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has completed the world’s first use of ammonia, in combination with diesel in the combustion process, as a marine fuel onboard the Fortescue Green Pioneer, in the Port of Singapore. The vessel was loaded with liquid ammonia at Vopak Banyan Terminal on Jurong Island for the trial. In completing this trial, the Fortescue Green Pioneer has received approval from the Singapore Registry of Ships and ‘Gas Fueled Ammonia’ notation by classification society DNV to use ammonia, in combination with diesel, as a marine fuel. The Fortescue Green Pioneer began its journey toward becoming the world’s first ocean-going ammonia-powered vessel in 2022 when Fortescue successfully converted a four-stroke engine to run on ammonia, in combination with diesel, at…

Lion Energy (ASX: LIO) has obtained approval from the Queensland State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) for its Port of Brisbane hydrogen hub. This facility will be able to generate and dispense green hydrogen and load compressed hydrogen onto tube trailers for transport to other sites and depots. The hydrogen hub is geared towards heavy mobility fleets with an early focus on supplying hydrogen to domestic public bus fleets, truck fleets and fuel cell gensets for the mining and construction industries. This approval represents a key milestone for the project which can now proceed to the construction phase and Lion expects construction to begin in Q2 2024 with commissioning of the facility by H2 2024. Key equipment has been obtained,…

Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals industry have been invited to apply for a research and development (R&D) program. Created by CSIRO, the Innovate to Grow program helps SMEs acquire valuable business insights and strategic plans to leverage R&D to meet their business needs. The program is sponsored by the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a collaboration between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and ANSTO. Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub manager Lucy O’Connor says SMEs play an important role in driving innovation in critical minerals supply chains. “Scaling up and commercialising critical minerals projects requires strategic collaboration to address technical challenges and drive sustainable growth and innovation in this sector,” she said. “This program is…

Mineral and petroleum exports have increased by 14.3% to more than $5b in 2023, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Of the $17.9b in exports recorded in 2023, the resources sector contributed $5b, however, this doesn’t include an additional $2b in confidential energy and mineral goods. More than $3b came from iron and steel, refined copper and lead — highlighting the significance of the energy and mining sectors driving South Australia’s export growth. Furthermore, iron ore exports reached almost $1.2b for the year. South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis commented on the exports. “We are seeing the resources sector thrive as we focus on the global energy transition. Shifting towards exporting more value-added products,…

Underground mining services company Metarock has entered into a binding agreement to sell PYBAR for $65m to Thiess as the global company looks to grow its underground hard rock contracting division. Estimated net proceeds to Metarock will be about $36.3 after deducting PYBAR’s outstanding debt and estimated transaction costs. Post transaction, Metarock will comprise the Mastermyne, Wilson Mining and MyneSight business units, with the PYBAR brand remaining and continuing to be operated by Thiess. Metarock group executive chair Jon Romcke says the agreed transaction represents a great outcome for Metarock shareholders. “The purchase consideration represents compelling value for the PYBAR business, which will continue to grow as part of Thiess’ global mining services platform,” he said. “The transaction significantly strengthens…

Alcoa is on the hunt for graduates in electrical, geotechnical and mine engineering, chemical, mechanical and environmental science for its 2025 graduate program. This three-year program offers graduates job opportunities at Alcoa’s bauxite mines and alumina refineries in the Peel and Upper South West regions, as well as its Australian headquarters in WA. Former graduate program recruit Vani Gupta says one of the greatest benefits of the program was the immersive nature of the role and the support it offered. “Through the graduate program, I really got to experience what refinery life was like,” she said. “You’re not just working at a computer, you’re going into the field, seeing what changes you need to make, and then troubleshooting on bigger…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) will acquire the Lake Johnston nickel concentrator plant and tenure and turn it into a lithium processing hub. Owned by Poseidon Nickel (ASX: POS), Lake Johnston lies 185km southwest of Kalgoorlie in WA, covers an area of 86km2 and comprises of one exploration licence and 10 mining leases. To acquire Lake Johnston, Mineral Resources will pay $1m upon execution of a binding heads of agreement with Poseidon, $6.5m on completion of the sale and purchase agreement and $7.4m 12 months post completion. Lake Johnston has front—end capacity of 1.5mtpa and is capable of being converted to treat lithium ores, including dense media separation fines. The asset is licenced to operate to 2041 and has an active…

Thirty new apprentices have started their apprenticeships with BHP Mitsubishi (BMA), coming from a range of different regions across Queensland. This marks the fourth consecutive year there are more female apprentices than males with a mix of school leavers and mature apprentices. Prior to beginning their apprenticeship, each person participates in BMA’s work readiness program at the Emerald TAFE, which focuses on what the program entails and what the apprentices can expect once they begin. BMA apprentice coordinator Andy List welcomed the new apprentices. “It’s been another great intake of apprentices this year and the work readiness program has been a good opportunity to welcome them to BMA and prepare them for their future careers, focusing on safety and explaining…

Australian-based global technical services firm MEC Mining has acquired environmental services company METServe, positioning it as a provider of end-to-end services across the full mining life cycle. The combined service offering will encompass all aspects of environmental services previously provided by METServe including approvals, impact assessment, environmental management, closure and rehabilitation, ecology, social, GIS analysis and cartography. MEC Mining chief executive Christofer Catania says the acquisition complements MEC’s portfolio. “METServe has a 20-year history of working within industry on successful project approvals across the federal, state, and territory levels in Australia,” he said. “It’s exciting to bring METServe into the MEC group, our combined services offerings and mutual focus on supporting our clients as journey partners makes this a fantastic…

Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has awarded a five-year mining services contract to Carey Group for work at its Mt Weld rare earths mine in WA. Upon commencement of the contract — which is expected in April — Lynas will transition from campaign mining to continuous mining over the five-year period to supply ore to the expanded Mt Weld process plant. Under the contract, Carey will mobilise a mining fleet consisting of production drilling, excavation, hauling and auxiliary equipment. Carey will also provide new haul trucks with a focus on technologies designed to improve efficiency, productivity and precision. Carey managing director Daniel Tucker says the company is pleased to work with Lynas. “We are immensely pleased for the opportunity to…