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Mining in progress without the use of people.

Lithium Universe to use AI for Apollo exploration

Newly listed Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) for exploration at the Apollo lithium project. Working with KorrAI Technologies in Canada, the AI will help guide LU7 field teams to focus on specific locations with high potential. KorrAI’s technology uses satellite data and AI to enhance field exploration practices, optimise time spent in the field, optimise cost and improve exploration outcomes. Their approach involves using AI to process and analyse satellite data and images, and by using advanced algorithms, KorrAI has created maps that show different geological features such as outcrops, pegmatites and vein formations. The successful use of the AI technology would enable Lithium Universe to potentially fast-track exploration activities that may have only occurred 12…

Chief executive Dean Goodwin holding Classic’s first gold bar with the team.

Classic Minerals and Bellevue Gold pour inaugural gold bars

Two WA gold mining companies have poured their first gold bars, marking a significant milestone for both. Classic Minerals Classic Minerals (ASX:CLZ) has cemented itself as a producer with the inaugural gold bar poured from the Kat Gap gold project in WA. Classic’s Gekko Systems advanced gravity separation circuit played an instrumental role in the production of the inaugural gold bar. The gravity circuit is a predecessor to the planned carbon-in-leach (CIL) process which is currently under construction and installation. On completion, the CIL process is projected to further enhance Classic’s gold recovery rates to 98%. Achieving first gold bar pour is a monumental testament to a gold project’s lifecycle and encapsulates the success of Kat Gap from exploration to…

Environmental Improvement Specialist Cameron Blackburn plays an integral role in the return of native flora as part of Alcoa's extensive rehabilitation

Alcoa commits to building on 60-year success in WA

Aluminium producer Alcoa is celebrating 60 years of operating in Australia this year. In 1963, the company started mining bauxite near Jarrahdale, refining it into alumina nearby at Kwinana, and smelting alumina to make aluminium in Victoria. This was the nation’s first integrated bauxite, alumina and aluminium industry. Today, Alcoa Australia operates two bauxite mines and three alumina refineries in the south-west of WA and an aluminium smelter in Portland, Victoria. Rehabilitation and Restoration The shallow, mosaic nature of bauxite mining means a moving footprint and progressive rehabilitation and restoration of forest environments. Alcoa does not mine in old growth forests or areas of high conservation value. About 80% of all areas Alcoa has cleared for mining have been rehabilitated and are at different stages of development. Alcoa Australia president…

Telfer mine at night.

Newmont receives clearance from KFTC for Newcrest acquisition

Newmont has received clearance from the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) to proceed with its proposed acquisition of Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM). Earlier this month, Papua New Guinea’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission cleared the proposed acquisition while the Canadian Competition Bureau issued a “no action” letter in July clearing the transaction. Other regulatory approvals to be secured include the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australia Foreign Investment Review Board, the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the Philippine Competition Commission. Additionally, Newmont and Newcrest are continuing engaging with the Papua New Guinea Government and regulators regarding other approvals and clearances for the transaction. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of this year. In mid-May 2023,…

BigLift vessel in the Port of Ashburton.

Essential marine cargo arrives at Onslow iron project

Essential marine cargo has arrived at Mineral Resources’ (ASX:MIN) Onslow iron project in WA. The Happy Dover heavy transport vehicle from BigLift recently sailed into the Port of Ashburton, with cargo including 20m-high berthing dolphins, the loading wharf that was transported in two modules and landside port infrastructure including conveyors and transfer stations. BigLift specialises in heavy lift and project cargos, with there being a limited number of these vessels in the world. Happy Dover is equipped with two 450t cranes to lift and place the cargo directly onto the piles, with the wharf modules weighing 150t each and the largest dolphins weighing 270t each. Once Happy Dover departs, the smaller mooring dolphins will be transhipped to the marine installation…

Core Lithium

Australia’s newest lithium miner: Core Lithium

With its Finniss lithium project situated on the outskirts of Darwin, Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) is Australia’s newest lithium miner. Finniss lies within the Bynoe Pegmatite Field — one of the most prospective areas for lithium in the Northern Territory — and covers over 500km2 of granted tenements. Finniss hosts a JORC 2012 compliant mineral resource of 15mt at 1.3% lithium oxide and the definitive feasibility study (DFS) in 2021 highlighted an average production of 173ktpa of high-quality lithium concentrate and total ore reserves of 7.4mt. In early 2020, the Northern Territory Government formally approved the final regulatory hurdle required for the commencement of site activities — the mine management plan. An extension scoping study then outlined lithium production over 10 years comprising open pit production from reserves and resources at the Grants and Hang Gong prospects and underground production at the…

Kalgoorlie Super Pit.

WA to establish hub in Canberra to represent resources sector

The WA State Government will establish a hub in Canberra to represent its resources sector on a national scale. While there is widespread acceptance within WA of the significant economic contribution of the state’s mining and resources sector, there is limited awareness or appreciation beyond the borders. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson said the hub will increase the effectiveness of the advocacy efforts of CME and other industry groups in the eastern states. “We discussed with the State Government the benefits of establishing a shared space in Canberra to enable the Government and WA’s peak body industries to collaborate and work together to ensure the best strategic outcomes are delivered for…

The Old Classics wing at The University of Adelaide.

The University of Adelaide receives $5m in funding for battery recycling training centre

The University of Adelaide (UoA) is set to receive $5m in funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for the establishment of a new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling. Southern Gold’s (ASX:SAU) battery technology company IonDrive Technologies (IDT) is the key partner organisation for the training centre. Led by Professor Shizhang Qiao at The University of Adelaide, the centre aims to revolutionise Australia’s battery and resources industry by establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities for recycling mixed battery materials, promoting second life re-use and fostering a battery circular economy. IonDrive Technologies will contribute $200k cash per year for five years which will be a catalyst for advancements in battery recycling technology and practices. Additionally, it will offer in-kind contributions…

Ceres Urea plant project in WA.

Decmil awarded $84m earthworks contract

Decmil (ASX:DCG) has received an $84m earthworks contract at Perdaman Industries’ Ceres Urea plant project in WA. Under the contract, Decmil will complete bulk earthworks including drilling and blasting, construction of a causeway, supply and installation of culverts, establishing portable water lines and general site clearing activities. The contract was received from the Saipem Clough joint venture (SCJV) between engineering consultant Saipem Australia and construction engineering company Clough Projects Australia. Work has begun and is expected to be completed by July 2024. Decmil chief executive Rod Heale is pleased to have received the contract. “We are delighted to have been awarded this package of works by SCJV, which falls right in our project value sweet spot of between $50m and…

Battery energy storage system.

Construction of vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility begins

Construction of Australian Vanadium’s (ASX:AVL) vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility in WA has begun. Australian Vanadium has appointed engineering group Primero Group, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH), to construct the facility with most long lead items now received. Further, experienced operations professional Simon Rough has been appointed to safely manage the facility through construction and into production. His extensive experience in vanadium processing and sulphuric acid production makes him a perfect fit to lead the team to successful production of high-quality electrolyte. The facility is designed to produce up to 33MWh per year of vanadium flow battery (VFB) high purity electrolyte. Australian Vanadium holds the exclusive licence of US Vanadium’s LLC (USV) process technology for manufacturing vanadium electrolyte for Australia…

Loader loading a semi-trailer with iron ore.

Mining rehabilitation fund to undergo independent review

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has announced an independent review of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) to ensure it continues to meet its objectives and sufficient financial reserves are available. The MRF is used by the state government if a mine operator is unable to meet their rehabilitation obligations and the site is declared abandoned. Economic consultants Marsden Jacob Associates will undertake the review and consult with a wide range of stakeholders that completed an MRF evaluation in 2018. The Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) was created to ensure the mining industry is financially responsible for restoring existing and abandoned mine sites — not WA taxpayers. WA tenement holders, except those under state agreements, are required to…