Author: Chloe Coutinho

OD6 Metals (ASX: OD6) has announced the proposed acquisition of the Historic Gulf Creek copper project — a high grade volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposit in New South Wales. Historic underground mining, over 100 years ago, for the high-grade copper-zinc VMS style deposit averaged 2-6.5% copper with +100m vertical and +300m strike open in multiple directions. There is significant greenfield and brownfield exploration potential with over 3km of untested strike in the immediate mine-stratigraphy, and over 10km across the tenement, according to OD6. OD6 managing director Brett Hazelden says OD6 reviewed over 40 potential new projects before entering into binding documentation to acquire the license over the historic Gulf Creek Copper mine and its surrounding area. “The project was mined…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has marked another significant milestone at Onslow Iron project in WA, with completion achieved on the project’s dedicated private haul road. Designed and developed in-house by MinRes’ engineering and construction team, the 150km sealed haul road underpins the innovative pit-to-ship supply chain setting Onslow Iron apart from other iron ore operations. In May 2024, the project delivered first ore on ship ahead of schedule and is now ramping-up production to 35mtpa. Having reached completion of the 150km sealed and fenced haul road, increased transport operations from the Ken’s Bore mine through to the Port of Ashburton will support ongoing production ramp-up to nameplate capacity. Ore is transported from mine site to port via MinRes’ custom-design…

Westgold (ASX: WGX) continues to extend its Bluebird-South Junction mining complex in WA, through its ongoing resource development drilling which has returned a record drill intercept for the Polar Star lode. The record drill intercept of 3.71m at 18.02g/t of gold is a standout among other significant intersections returned from both South Junction and Polar Star. Resource development drilling will continue, with two surface drill rigs and two underground drill rigs in operation. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the Bluebird-South Junction mine is rapidly becoming the key growth driver of Westgold’s Murchison portfolio. “Our team is mining the Bluebird and South Junction lodes now and with intercepts like 13.71m at 18.02g/t of gold from the Polar…

CSIRO has released a comprehensive report examining Australian attitudes towards mining, highlighting public trust in mining has significantly improved over the past ten years. This shift coincides with a growing interest in critical and energy transition minerals, with 73% of respondents acknowledging that access to critical minerals is essential for achieving net zero emissions. The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy requires critical minerals such as lithium, silicon, high purity alumina and rare earth elements. Conducted in collaboration with Voconiq, this latest survey marks the third instalment in a decade-long program of research, providing an update to the national surveys conducted in 2014 and 2017. CSIRO Mineral Resources science and deputy director Dr Louise Fisher says the report provides…

The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) released its Pre-Budget Submission (PBS), providing a comprehensive blueprint for the State Government to support the ongoing competitiveness of the resources sector and attract new investment and industries. Containing more than 80 recommendations, the 2025-26 PBS focuses on five key policy areas: competitive fiscal settings, efficiency in regulation, energy security and transition, regional economic development and fostering a safe, diverse and productive workforce. WA CME chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson says falling commodity prices — including iron ore, lithium and nickel — has coincided with rising energy, labour, construction and shipping freight costs which creates a challenging operating environment. “Urgent action is required in a range of areas to ensure WA does not…

The Tasmanian Government has commenced work on the minerals Royalty Rebate Scheme, a key initiative under the State’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. This scheme reflects the State Government’s commitment to supporting sustainable growth in the mining sector while delivering environmental and economic benefits to Tasmania. Tasmanian Business, Industry, and Resources Minister Eric Abetz says the State Government is prioritising innovative ways to maximise the value of its mining sector. “The Minerals Royalty Rebate Scheme will incentivise the reprocessing of historic tailings and encourage the recommencement of operations at legacy mine sites — especially where environmental rehabilitation can be achieved alongside mineral extraction,” he said. “This is a true win-win opportunity — it promotes both economic value through resource…

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael announced a 12-month funding extension for the Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant (C4P), ensuring ongoing operations. The $1.49m funding commitment from the State Government via the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) supports a partnership between Curtin University, CSIRO and MRIWA and leverages the capability created by the Future Battery Industry Cooperative Research Centre. Minister Michael says the State Government recognises the importance of knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary research and innovation synergies to improve WA’s global competitiveness. “This funding extension via MRIWA, ensures the C4P can be used to accelerate research and skills development to deliver outcomes of direct interest to the WA public,” he said. “Continued operation ensures retention of this unique…

Newmont Corporation’s (ASX: NEM) Cadia operation in Orange, NSW has achieved The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark, recognising responsible production practices at Australia’s largest underground mine. Cadia is Newmont’s first site globally to receive the award after successfully meeting more than 30 criteria needed in critical areas including environment, community, human rights and governance, amongst others. Newmont’s Cadia mine is the nation’s second largest copper producer and the third site in Australia to receive The Copper Mark. Cadia is the only mine to receive The Molybdenum Mark as it is the only operating mine producing molybdenum in Australia, a critical mineral used in industry and defence. Newmont chief safety and sustainability Officer Suzy Retallack comments on the achievement. “Meeting…

Element 25 (ASX: E25) has updated the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its WA Butcherbird manganese project following the success of the recent infill drilling program. The measured and indicated resource categories increased 142% to 130mt at 10.23% manganese, while the total MRE increased 6% to 274mt at 10% manganese. The recently completed extensive infill drilling program targeted known mineralisation within the current granted Mining Lease M52/1074, where Butcherbird Stage 1 mining and processing operations are located. Results from the infill drilling have been used to update the MRE for the Yanneri Ridge, Coodamudji, Richies Find and Mundawindi deposits. Element 25 managing director Justin Brown comments on the update. “The updated MRE is a very important step in our delivery…

Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team was crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle, NSW. The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry. Four teams from NSW —each having won their respective regional competitions — and four teams from Queensland mining teams, also decided by a series of competitions, competed for the 2024 title. Now in its 60th year, the competition features a series of challenging scenarios that replicate real-life emergencies faced in mining operations in both underground and surface environments. Anglo American Australia chief executive Dan van der Westhuizen says the Moranbah North…