Author: Chloe Coutinho

Tivan has completed the current phase of flotation optimisation testwork for the Speewah fluorite project WA, with improvements in both fluorite grade and recoveries. Grades of up to 98.8% calcium fluorite were achieved from fourteen cleaner flotation trials. Testwork also demonstrated potential to improve fluorite recoveries from 90% to up to 95% at the 97% calcium fluorite acidspar product specification. The results demonstrate that the 97% calcium fluorite acidspar product specification can be achieved and support engineering design of the process plant and further testwork being undertaken as part of the feasibility study being progressed. Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson says the company is very pleased to have achieved this important technical milestone. “The testwork results represent major de-risking of…

Nimy Resources (ASX: NIM) and Curtin University will collaborate on advancing gallium-related research, development and production, positioning Nimy to unlock the potential of its significant high-grade gallium deposits. The signing of a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Curtin and Nimy establishes a framework for cooperation to strengthen Australia’s position in the critical minerals sector, specifically focusing on gallium — a vital material for advanced technology, renewable energy and defence applications. The non-binding agreement reflects a shared commitment to leveraging Nimy’s high-grade gallium discovery and Curtin’s world-class research expertise to support secure, allied-controlled supply chains, including for the Australian national security community and United States Department of Defence (US DoD). Gallium is listed as a critical mineral across Australia, the…

POSCO Future M is featuring its new cathode and anode material technologies and products at InterBattery 2025, held at COEX Seoul May 5-7. POSCO Future M will showcase its cathode and anode material technology roadmap and the group-level supply chain achievements spanning raw materials, materials and recycling to address the temporary demand stagnation known as the “chasm” by enabling electric vehicles that travel farther, charge faster and cost less. First, for electric vehicles that travel farther, the company is introducing Ultra Hi-Ni (Ultra High Nickel) single-crystal cathode materials that maximise energy density by increasing nickel content to over 95%. This material, designed for premium electric vehicles requiring extended driving range, is scheduled for mass production technology development by 2026. Additionally,…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is extending its partnership with the North Pilbara Football League (NPFL) for a further three years in a $90,000 deal. MinRes continue as the League’s major sponsor — with MinRes’ logo adorning umpire uniforms and ground signage — and all finals matches will also continue to be known as the MinRes Finals Series. MinRes will also continue to support the Mineral Resources Community Spirit Award to be presented at the League’s annual awards night. The company has supported delivery of the NPFL since 2022, including the reserves and women’s seasons, as well as providing benefits to member football clubs. The League is home to five clubs — Dampier Sharks, Karratha Kats, Port Hedland Rovers, South Hedland…

Ramelius Resources (ASX: RMS) is set to acquire all remaining Spartan Resources (ASX: SPR) shares that it does not already own. The transaction will create a leading Australian gold producer with a combined group mineral resource estimate of 12.1moz of gold and ore reserve of 2.6moz of gold, according to the companies. The merger sees complementary and proximate assets coming together, with significant work already undertaken to optimise synergies between Mt Magnet and Dalgaranga. As a result, the combined group is  looking to increase production to more than 500koz by FY30. Spartan executive chairman Simon Lawson says this is a highly attractive and transformational combination which the company believes represents a great outcome for Spartan shareholders. “The combined group will…

A Central Queensland mine has made history today as the first in Australia to deploy an advanced high wall mining system to extract coal with cutting-edge efficiency. Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last joined Vitrinite staff and community leaders to mark the first use of the company’s HW300 Highwall Miner at its Vulcan South mine near Dysart. The HW300 Highwall Miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production costs and minimising land disturbance. Vitrinite chief operating officer Michael Callan says there are only about 90 HW300 Highwall Miners in operation around the world. “Today marks the culmination of six years of research on the high-wall?mining method, the HW300 unit and…

Element 25 (ASX: E25) has received a formal works approval from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) for the Butcherbird expansion project. The project is now fully approved under WA Regulatory Framework to construct a 1.1mpta manganese concentrate production operation. Butcherbird manganese will be the primary feedstock for E25’s planned battery grade, high purity manganese sulphide monohydrate (HPMSM) processing facility in Louisiana, USA. E25 will also sell Butcherbird manganese concentrate product to customers in the manganese alloy and steel industries. All other required approvals and access agreements are in place and established from Butcherbird’s Stage 1 pilot operations including water abstraction, heritage clearances, Native Title and pastoral agreements.

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Edify Energy have signed two new solar and battery hybrid services agreements (HSAs) to increase the supply of reliable, competitively priced electricity to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland. Under the agreements, Rio Tinto will purchase 90% of the power and battery storage capacity generated by the Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations for 20 years. Edify Energy will build, own and operate the projects, with construction due to begin in late 2025 and targeting completion in 2028. Located in Central Queensland, the adjacent Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations, will together feature 600MWac of solar and 600MW / 2,400MWh of battery storage. Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker…

Fortescue Zero (ASX: FMG) has been announced as the Official Pit Boost Provider of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship for Season 11. Having successfully developed and launched its new Pit Boost technology for the all-electric series, its hardware provides teams competing in the global championship with a +10% boost of total battery capacity, in 30 seconds. This rapid and efficient ultra-fast booster system has been designed to deliver two battery boosts per race from a portable unit. The use of onboard energy storage also enables the 600kW boost that is not constrained by grid connection. The ultra-fast technology used for Pit Boost is enhanced by Fortescue Zero’s battery intelligence software, Elysia, which allows for the optimisation of speed,…

The Australian steel industry and Federal Government have responded to US President Donald Trump’s announcement that there will be no exemption on the country’s steel and aluminium tariffs. This follows efforts from the Federal Government to make a case for Australian exemption. According to the Australian Steel Institute (ASI), the last Trump administration granted Australia an exemption after nine months of lobbying by the government and others. The ASI says it will continue to work with the Federal Government to secure an exemption from the 25% tariff on Australian steel, despite confirmation today that the tariff will go ahead. ASI chief executive Mark Cain says the tariff is disappointing, but the ASI will continue pressing for relief on behalf of…