Author: Chloe Coutinho

Following the successful ballot, workers can take the action if they provide five days’ notice to BHP.

BHP faces first Pilbara strike in decades

Electrical workers at BHP’s (ASX: BHP) Pilbara mining operations have voted for protected industrial action, following more than a year of negotiations.The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) says the vote is the first at a mine operator in the Pilbara in decades and covers 60 workers on BHP’s Pilbara high-voltage network.The workers are seeking a workplace agreement that covers annual pay adjustments, classifications, travel time, higher duties and on-call arrangements and would replace a patchwork of “wildly disparate individual contracts,” according to the ETU.“ETU members working at BHP in the Pilbara are highly skilled. They perform difficult, specialist, high-risk work,” ETU WA secretary Adam Woodage said.“For years they have been working under wildly disparate individual contracts, with basic conditions at the whim of individual managers, who have played favourites and built personal empires through the selective application of company policies.”WA CME chief executive Aaron Morey says the move, which opens the door to the first resources sector strike in the Pilbara in decades, sends a worrying signal to global investors.“This is a dangerous turn for the Pilbara. Industrial conflict and dispute doesn’t just hurt investment – ultimately, it hurts workers and WA families,” Mr Morey said.“The log of claims put forward by the ETU is not grounded in reality. It proposes total remuneration packages comparable to the WA Premier while also seeking to dictate rostering patterns and workforce composition. Simply put, the union’s demands are unworkable.”Following the ballot, covered workers can take work stoppages lasting between 15 minutes and 48 hours. Workers can also refuse permit issuance, switching programs, on-call and overtime work, high-risk work and attending management-led meetings.Mr Woodage said that unions wanted to be a force for peace in the Pilbara, but that could only happen if companies were willing to engage in genuine productive negotiations.“Today’s vote is the result of hubris by BHP. Their disagreement with the people who keep the lights on and the ore moving has reached this point because of a protracted, deliberate and short-sighted refusal on the part of the company to negotiate a reasonable, consistent agreement,” he said.“Workers put a position to BHP more than 12 months ago hoping to commence negotiation of a fair, reasonable, transparent agreement. The company has refused to negotiate on a single point.“This refusal left workers with no other way forward than to pursue protected industrial action.“It’s nobody’s preferred way forwards, but when it is the only way forward it is one that we are more than prepared to take.Mr Morey says similar strikes, frequent in the 1970s and 1980s, damaged WA’s reputation as a trading partner, leading to investment flowing into Brazil, creating an iron ore industry that today remains WA’s biggest competitor.“The conflict in the Middle East provides a stark reminder of the importance of the strategic importance of WA’s export industries,” he said.“Our reputation as a reliable supplier of minerals and energy to Asian markets is one of our greatest strengths as we seek to navigate the unfolding global energy challenge.“We cannot afford to damage that reputation through industrial disputes based on unrealistic union demands.”Mr Woodage says the door remains open should BHP wish to meaningfully commence negotiations.Proposed actions will not be taken in any situation where the safety of workers or the community may be threatened, according to the ETU.

The Boyne aluminium smelter, Australia’s second-largest aluminium smelter, is majority owned by Rio Tinto.

Boyne smelter secured to 2040

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and the Federal and Queensland Governments will invest $2b to secure the future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone.The agreement secures future aluminium production at the smelter until at least 2040, beyond the completion of Boyne Smelters Limited's current power contract ending in 2029.Under the deal, the Federal and Queensland Governments will invest a combined $2b across 10 years to 2040 and Rio Tinto will underwrite close to $7.5b in new renewable energy and storage in the state.The Boyne aluminium smelter supports 1000 jobs at the site and a further 2000 indirect jobs in Gladstone, according to the Queensland Government.Australia is unique in that it has the entire aluminium supply chain, from bauxite mining to finished products, onshore.Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last comments on the agreement.“At a time when supply chain disruptions are being felt across the globe, this investment is needed now more than ever to safeguard Queensland’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities and to build national resilience and international competitiveness,” he said.“Only in Queensland can we mine, refine and smelt to produce one of the world’s most versatile and ubiquitous metals, being aluminium and we must protect that capability.”Rio Tinto aluminium & lithium chief executive Jérôme Pécresse says the partnership will ensure Boyne smelter remains internationally competitive, strengthens the Australian aluminium sector for the future and supports the transformation and decarbonisation of the Queensland energy system.“As fossil fuels become increasingly expensive, this investment, combined with the power purchase agreements we have already signed, positions Boyne to be among the world’s first aluminium smelters underpinned by solar and wind power,” he said.“It also ensures heavy manufacturing like aluminium smelting can continue in Gladstone for the long term and preserves one of the few fully integrated aluminium value chains in the world — from bauxite mining to alumina refining to aluminium smelting all in Queensland — as demand for aluminium continues to grow with the energy transition.”In addition to its previously announced power purchase agreements, Rio Tinto has agreed to offtake 40% of Lightsource bp’s Lower Wonga solar and battery hybrid project near Gympie, equivalent to 112MWac of solar capacity and about three hours duration of associated battery storage. This brings total Queensland renewable power contracted by Rio Tinto to more than 2.8GW.

The board of directors has formally approved the final investment decision (FID) to restart operations.

Mothballed NT lithium operation to restart

Core Lithium (ASX: CXO) will bring its Finniss lithium operation back into production after securing restart funding.The miner will move immediately into mobilisation, early works and development activities to position Finniss for first concentrate production in the September quarter of 2026.Core Lithium managing director Paul Brown says all major approvals are in place and there is a proven processing plant ready for restart.“Near-term ore feed will be sourced from the Grants open pit, providing a low-risk and rapid pathway to recommencement of concentrate production,” he said.“BP33 underground development will occur in parallel, supporting a transition to long-life, high-margin underground operations.“The company remains focused on safe, disciplined execution as it advances a staged restart program through 2026 and 2027 with first spodumene concentrate production targeted for the September quarter 2026.“First ore from Grants is targeted within one month of contractor mobilisation, with BP33 first ore expected in mid-CY27 and ramp-up to nameplate production of 1.2mtpa in mid-2028.“Employment levels at Finniss are expected to scale across construction and operations, supporting a material number of jobs over the project lifecycle.”The restart will be funded through a package comprising $99m (US$70m) in convertible notes from Glencore and InfraVia, a $71m (US$50m) senior secured loan from Nebari, and a fully committed $120m equity raising.Glencore lithium head Robin Francois comments on the development.“We share the government’s view that this operation is vital to the regions’ critical minerals strategy and is a key asset for achieving the Northern Territory Government’s ambition of a $40b economy by 2030,” he said.“This is another example of how Glencore’s unique marketing business can support Australian mining companies while we continue to expand as a leading supplier of critical minerals.”Together with existing cash and recent sale proceeds, the package is expected to fully fund construction and restart and provide liquidity during ramp-up as Finniss transitions toward steady-state operations.

The issue comes as fuel prices have become more economically sensitive, with the Reserve Bank of Australia raising the cash rate to 4.10% on March 17.

Fuel shortages force WA miner to halt operations

Continuing fuel supply constraints tied to the war in Iran are impacting Australia’s exploration and mining sector, with smaller operators now halting operations.Blue Cap Mining has halted gold mining operations and sent workers home in WA due to a lack of guaranteed fuel supply, according to the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC).According to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, mining accounted for 35% of diesel used in Australia during FY24.AMEC says that although reports from across the country indicate that fuel continues to enter Australia, disruptions within the domestic supply chain are preventing it from reaching the customers who need it most.“We keep being told there is enough fuel supplies to meet demand, it just needs to get to the right places,” AMEC chief executive Warren Pearce said.“Well, right now, that simply isn’t happening.“Case in point is Blue Cap Mining, who this week chose to halt gold mining operations and send workers home in WA, due to the lack of guaranteed fuel supply.“It’s the small mining operations and mining services companies, that like farmers, rely on fuel provision from independent fuel companies, that are bearing the brunt of fuel shortages.”The Australian Mining Review has reached out to Blue Cap Mining for comment.On March 3, Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen moved to reassure the public, saying Australia was “currently in excess of the minimum stock obligations” for petrol, diesel and jet fuel.At the time, Minister Bowen said Australia had 36 days’ worth of petrol, 34 days’ worth of diesel and 32 days’ worth of jet fuel on hand at present.The latest weekly figures — for stocks held on March 10 and released in the first weekly update on March 14 — showed 37 days of petrol, 30 days of diesel and 29 days of jet fuel at a normal rate of consumption.Following this, the Federal Government temporarily relaxed Australia’s fuel quality standards, allowing higher-sulfur petrol to be supplied for 60 days to ease regional shortages.Minister Bowen said the move would add about 100 million litres a month of new domestic petrol supply that would otherwise have been exported to be blended.There have been reports that major fuel wholesalers have been rationing supply to independent operators servicing regional and remote areas.AMEC says it is the major fuel wholesalers, such as BP, Chevron, Mobil and Viva Energy, who control the flow of fuel to independent distributors and ensure established supply chains remain functional.“From what our members are telling us, there is a serious disconnect between these wholesalers and the independent distributors,” Mr Pearce said.“Independent operators know where the fuel needs to go, but they’ve been rationed down by the wholesalers.“We need to see the fuel wholesalers re-engage with independent operators and make sure the system that has worked flawlessly year on year for us, continues to work.”The Federal Government temporarily released up to 20% of the baseline Minimum Stockholding Obligation, making up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel available to help ease fuel shortages in regional Australia.Fuel companies will only be allowed to relax their storage obligations if they are taking steps to prioritise supply to regional customers, allocate reasonable additional supply to bulk customers and are providing volumes needed to help meet usual demand — not to customers seeking to profiteer from price spikes, panic purchasing or stockpiling.

Over half of BHP’s recent half year earnings were sourced from copper.

BHP CEO steps down as miner pivots to copper

BHP’s (ASX: BHP) Mike Henry will step down on July 1 after six and a half years as chief executive, with Brandon Craig set to succeed him.This comes as the company continues to simplify its portfolio, having demerged its petroleum business, high grading its coal business and pivoted towards copper and potash under Mr Henry.BHP says its copper operations coupled with its soon-to-be-commissioned potash mine leaves the company well placed to deliver high-margin growth into the future.Mr Craig brings more than 25 years of operational and corporate leadership experience at BHP to the role.Currently serving as BHP’s President Americas, Mr Craig has overseen BHP becoming the world’s largest copper producer and advanced high-quality growth options in copper and potash.Under Mr Craig, BHP increased copper guidance for FY26 and FY27, targeting about 2.5mtpa of copper equivalent production by the mid-2030s. Escondida also extended its grade and production guidance through productivity improvements and a focus on operational excellence.With iron still a major market for the miner, Mr Craig has had crucial experience leading the WA Iron Ore business. BHP says he improved operational performance and increased the company’s lead as the lowest cost, highest margin major iron ore producer in the world.Mr Craig says it is an honour and privilege to succeed Mike Henry as chief executive.“Thanks to his leadership, BHP is well positioned for the future,” he said. “ will be remembered for his strategic decision-making, portfolio transformation, operational excellence and focus on safety and high-performance culture.“As incoming CEO, I am committed to leading the talented and hard-working people who make BHP a great company and continuing to generate long-term value for all our shareholders.”Mr Henry says it has been a privilege to serve as chief executive of BHP and to have worked with so many truly talented people.“I am proud of what we have achieved together,” he said.“BHP is a safer and higher performing company and is better positioned for future growth.“We are creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders, our supply chain, partners and our communities.“ is an excellent choice as chief executive, and I wish him every success in the role.”BHP says under Mr Henry’s leadership, it achieved a gender balanced workforce, a 30% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions and stronger partnerships with Indigenous peoples.

(Image source: Weir) The value of the agreement has not been disclosed.

Weir wins supply contract in Namibia

Weir has been awarded a contract to supply a 150tph crushing and screening plant for Bezant’s Hope and Gorob copper-gold project in Namibia.The order includes an ENDURON® ET905 jaw crusher; an ENDURON® ET906 jaw crusher, a Trio® TF4012 vibrating grizzly feeder, a Trio® EF3605 vibrating pan feeder, a Trio® TIOSP6162 scalping screen, conveyor belts and the supporting steel structure.Weir comminution director for Europe, Middle East and Africa JD Singleton comments on the contract.“There is obviously a lot of time, effort and resources that go into designing, developing and bringing to market new products,” he said.“The range of ENDURON® jaw crushers were developed in close collaboration with our customers, so we’ve been confident throughout the entire process that these crushers will help miners overcome some of their most pressing operational challenge.“Nevertheless, it’s rewarding to see this work come to fruition and crushers performing well in some of the most arduous crushing applications.“Today, miners are taking a more holistic view of their operations; rather than looking at pieces of equipment in isolation, they are increasingly considering how what happens upstream impacts what’s happening downstream, and vice versa. In other words, there’s more of a focus on optimising the entire flowsheet.“As an end-to-end solutions provider, Weir has long understood the value of this approach. We’ve worked closely with Bezant and its partners to develop a crushing and screening solution for Hope and Gorob project that optimises the entire flowsheets and enables them to meet their ambitious production targets."Weir recently launched its new range of ENDURON® jaw crushers, which have been developed to enhance safety, boost productivity, simplify maintenance and support its customers’ sustainability goals.The updated ENDURON® jaw crushers now feature a redesigned Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which allows for true push-button control of CSS adjustments. This new feature eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing safety risks for operators and maintenance teams.The new HPU also ensures consistent tensioning of the retraction springs at all times, improving reliability and ease of use across the full wear range of the jaw dies. The optimised motor power and oil tank capacity reduce the HPU’s carbon dioxide footprint and reduce environmental impact.Bezant technical director Martyn Churchouse says Weir’s service centre, located less than one hour from the mine site, significantly reduces project risk from a service and support perspective.“We recognise that crushing and screening plants require extensive maintenance, and having a hands-on partner who supports and stands behind their own equipment is essential to ensuring our success,” he said.

Rio Tinto says activities will take place in parallel with ongoing collaboration with local communities and Native American Tribes as well as state-level permitting.

Rio, BHP-backed US copper project clears major legal hurdle

Resolution Copper will move into its next phase after a lengthy legal battle over the transfer of land in Arizona came to an end.On Friday, the Ninth Circuit upheld a lower court decision denying a preliminary injunction that had sought to stop the land exchange. The ruling cleared the way for the US Forest Service and Resolution Copper to complete the transfer.Under the exchange, Resolution Copper will transfer more than 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive land into federal protection and received more than 2,400 acres adjacent to the historic Magma copper mine near Superior, Arizona.The project, owned by Rio Tinto (55%) and BHP (45%), has been tied up in litigation and permitting disputes for years despite the land exchange mechanism dating back to 2014.In August 2025, the Ninth Circuit temporarily blocked the land transfer while it considered last-minute legal challenges from the San Carlos Apache Tribe and environmental groups. President Donald Trump later criticised the ruling, calling it a decision by a “radical left court”.Following the milestone, Resolution Copper announced an additional US$500m in preliminary spending over the next two years to support enabling works, including surface drilling to gather more resource information, funding for Native American Tribes and local communities, upgrades to project infrastructure and initial underground development activities. The company said the spending is also expected to create about 100 new jobs.The development comes as Washington pushes to strengthen domestic copper supply.USGS says Arizona accounts for about 70% of US copper mine output, but the country still relies heavily on imported refined metal. In 2025, refined copper imports rose to 1.7 million tonnes, while domestic refined output fell about 9% due to planned maintenance at both primary smelters.“The national security of America depends on our ability to harness the abundant natural resources we are blessed with in this country,” US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said.“The Resolution Copper project is a prime example of bureaucratic and legal chokeholds preventing our rural communities, supply chains and defence industry from producing the minerals we need right here in America.“Completing this land exchange unlocks a major domestic source of copper, essential for defence, grid modernisation and next-generation energy, and positions the nation to secure its future by expanding mineral production and unleashing America’s full resource potential.“This responsible mining project fulfills President Trump’s vision of American mineral independence.”While supply is not an immediate concern, the US is still seeking to strengthen its domestic copper position. Arizona accounts for about 70% of US copper mine output, but the country remains reliant on imported refined metal and is facing pressure across its own smelting and refining base.USGS data shows refined copper imports remain substantial, while domestic refined output fell in 2025 as smelters underwent maintenance.In February 2025, Trump ordered a Section 232 investigation into copper imports on national security grounds and later announced a 50% tariff on copper imports effective from August 1, 2025.Rio Tinto Copper chief executive Katie Jackson says the completion of the land exchange marks a significant milestone for a project with the potential to supply up to 25% of US copper demand for decades.“ expected to add $1b a year to Arizona’s economy and create thousands of local jobs in a region where mining has played an important role for more than a century.“As demand for copper continues to grow, projects like Resolution can play an important role in strengthening domestic supply chains. We acknowledge the support of the US Government and its growing recognition of the need for domestic sources of copper and other critical materials.”

Total gold sales for January and February were 220koz.

Northern Star flags additional production downgrade

Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) has flagged a further downgrade to its full-year gold guidance following weaker performance in the last two months and throughput issues at KCGM.The miner has warned that achieving even the bottom end of its 1.6–1.7moz guidance range is now “challenging”.Northern Star says its current best estimate is for FY26 production to exceed 1.5moz, after weaker-than-expected January and February performance caused by ongoing throughput constraints at the existing KCGM mill and lower mining productivity, especially at Jundee.The update marks a further deterioration from the cuts announced in January, when the company reduced group production guidance, raised AISC guidance and lowered KCGM’s expected output.In an investor call, Northern Star managing director and chief executive Stuart Tonkin said he recognised that, externally, it may appear the company had not been forthcoming with information.“That’s not the case,” he said.“In January, we absolutely thought 1.6moz was a very comfortable floor we would clear.“So to be sitting here as soon as now to say things aren’t going well, I get it, it’s as disappointing for us as it is our audience and we have to learn from that.”Until the expanded KCGM mill comes online, operations remain dependent on the existing mill, which has been struggling to maintain steady performance.Northern Star says the mill expansion remains on track for commissioning in early FY27.The miner will now undertake an operational review at Jundee, aimed at reducing costs and prioritising higher-margin ounces.“Front of mind for management and the board is that efforts to achieve the FY26 forecast do not compromise the transition to the new plant and have negative implications for Q1 next year,” Mr Tonkin said.“To deal with that concern, management’s focus over the next four months will be to set the company up to achieve its full potential from the start of FY27 and not on the achievement of short-term guidance above all else.“The production focus over this period will be on extracting ounces in the most effective way, from both a cost and mining efficiency perspective.”On the positive side, Northern Star said mining volumes at KCGM were tracking well, with ROM stockpiles continuing to build to about 100koz of high-grade ore at the end of February. The miner said this material would be processed in FY27, displacing lower-grade ore.

This follows the fatal incident in February that resulted in the death of a contract worker at Rio Tinto’s SimFer mine, part of the Simandou project in Guinea.

Worker dies at Rio Tinto copper mine

An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Kennecott copper mine in Utah.All surface and underground mining operations at the mine have been suspended.Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott comments on the fatal incident.“We are devastated by the loss of our colleague, and our heartfelt sympathies are with their family, friends, teammates, and everyone in the Kennecott community,” he said.“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and contractor partners to support a complete and thorough investigation.“The safety of our people comes before everything else. We are fully focused on understanding what led to this tragedy. I will be travelling to Kennecott to support our team on site.”Rio Tinto says it is providing support, including counselling, to its team members.

(Image source: Alcoa Australia) Kelly Pillay is a graduate geotechnical engineer at Alcoa’s Pinjarra refinery.

Alcoa Australia opens graduate program

Alcoa Australia (ASX: AAI) has opened 18 vacancies across 12 disciplines to university graduates looking to build long?term careers in the mining, refining and smelting sectors.

The job cuts leave about 90 workers remaining at the mine.

238 jobs cut at troubled Tahmoor Coal mine

McGrathNicol restructuring partners Shaun Fraser and Jonathan Henry have cut Tahmoor Coal’s workforce by more than 70%, making 238 employees redundant following their initial assessment of the mine as liquidators.Workers affected by the cuts have been offered a limited period of unpaid leave.“The Tahmoor mine is a quality asset that has unfortunately been affected by issues facing the broader GFG Group and has lacked the capital necessary to continue mining operations,” Mr Fraser said.Tahmoor Coal entered voluntary administration in February, just hours after creditors led by Coal Mines Insurance moved to force the mine into liquidation over unpaid debts, including $4.7m in insurance premiums. Financial statements for FY24 were also bought before the court, showing unpaid creditor claims that exceeded $18.9m.The administration gave Sanjeev Gupta more time to pursue an alternative pathway for the idle mine, adding to pressure across his Australian operations following administrations involving other GFG-linked assets.According to the Mining and Energy Union, GFG Alliance had at the time rejected a $350m purchase offer from a consortium led by the site’s main contractor RStar, the employer of 250 of the 500 Tahmoor workers who were initially stood down without pay while the mine was idle.The liquidators have confirmed that they are urgently seeking expressions of interest for the Tahmoor mine in a sale process that commenced this week and that there is significant interest from several parties familiar with the mine.