Author: Chloe Coutinho

Garden Well Main and Rosemont Stage 3 underground development achieved planned levels during the quarter.

Regis swings back: ‘much more than just McPhillamys’

Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) has responded to the dominating discussion around the McPhillamys decision in its Q1 FY25 report, highlighting its next steps and opportunities beyond the $1b mine. A section 10 declaration under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection (ATSIHP) Act 1984 was made over the proposed tailings storage facility (TSF) in August, which Regis says renders the project unviable in its current form. Regis Resources managing director Jim Beyer says the site still has the potential to be a robust project with low operating costs and significant leverage to the spot gold price. “However, based on our extensive industry experience, our view is that it could now take between five to ten years to develop a…

Fortescue says it is making tangible progress towards transitioning its diesel mining fleet to a zero-emission fleet through equipment partnerships signed with Liebherr and MacLean.

Fortescue: record Q1 shipments in strong start to FY25

Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) iron ore shipments were 4% higher in Q1 FY25 compared to the same period last year, despite higher C1 cost driven by inflationary pressures and a higher strip ratio. The Iron Bridge operation in WA, Fortescue’s first foray into the high-grade segment of the iron ore market, was a key player in this success, contributing 1.6mt to the 47.7mt total for iron ore shipments. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says Fortescue’s strong start to FY25, with record first quarter iron ore shipments, was achieved while maintaining a group total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) of 1.2. “This strong operating performance means we are on track to meet our FY25 market guidance,” he said. “We also celebrated…

Newmont says it expects to receive at least $2b in gross divestiture proceeds from high-quality, non-core asset sales, in addition to the $527m dollars in cash already received from other investment sales since the beginning of 2024.

Newmont divestment program packs a punch in Q3

Newmont (ASX: NEM) is revving up for a strong finish to CY24, capitalising off its divestment program and a roaring gold market in Q3. In Q3 CY24, Newmont announced the sale of its Akyem operation in the Republic of Ghana and its Telfer operation in WA, two landmark agreements in the company’s continuing program to divest its non-core assets as it shifts focus to its Tier 1 assets. Newmont president and chief executive Tom Palmer comments on the company’s Q3 results. “In the third quarter, Newmont delivered 2.1moz gold equivalent and generated $760m in free cash flow from our world-class portfolio,” he said. “We continue to make meaningful progress on our non-core divestment program with the two transactions announced in…

This is Minister King’s third visit to Japan.

King campaigns for critical minerals connections in Japan

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King is visiting Japan this week in a move to promote resources and energy trade, investment and advance a Future Made in Australia. Further opportunities to partner with Japan on critical minerals projects will be a priority during the visit. Minister King will hold talks with executives from some of Japan’s largest companies and will deliver a keynote address in Nagoya to a major Joint Business Conference, which brings together Japanese and Australian business leaders. Minister King comments on the visit. “Japan is one of Australia’s most trusted and valued trading partners and Australia is rock solid in its commitment to remain a reliable and stable source of resources and energy,” she said. “At the same time,…

Green Iron SA says the establishment of a new green iron export industry in Australia will help meet the steel decarbonising needs of our key trading partners.

South Australia to spearhead green iron revolution

Green Iron SA — a consortium comprised of Magnetite Mines (ASX: MGT), Aurizon Holdings (ASX: AZJ), Flinders Port Holdings and GHD — has been launched to kick-start green iron production and export capability in South Australia. By harnessing the vast untapped potential of the Braemar iron region, Green Iron SA aims to position the state as a global leader in the low-carbon steel supply chain. Magnetite Mines managing director Tim Dobson says the time has arrived for South Australia to take advantage of its massive magnetite endowment. “With 6bt of magnetite resources ready to mine, Magnetite Mines is excited to take this important step toward building a world-class green iron industry in South Australia,” he said. Aurizon Holdings head of…

Baosteel is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BaoWu Group. BaoWu Group is the world’s largest steel producer and one of the lead proponents of the Simandou iron ore project, the largest un-developed high-grade iron ore deposit in the world.

Arrow, Baosteel MoU unlocks Simandou multi-user railway

Arrow Minerals (ASX: AMD) has signed a non-binding MoU with Baosteel to deliver Arrow’s iron ore to steel mill customers. The framework includes provision for all key commercial elements including iron ore pricing, freight, ore haulage, ore handling, ship loading and government royalties related to Arrow’s Simandou North iron project in Guinea. Arrow managing director David Flanagan says this is an important milestone for Arrow, the Simandou North iron project and Guinea. “The delivery of multi-user infrastructure will continue to attract significant global investment which in turn will promote the growth of a world class mining industry,” he said. “That will result in globally competitive operations, substantial local employment and extensive national benefits. “It has taken millions of man-hours, billions…

Attracting innovation for rare earths

Attracting innovation for rare earths

Midstream processing in Australia In the third instalment of the Australian Mining Review’s critical minerals series, we speak with CSIRO senior principal research scientist Chris Vernon, ANSTO principal consultant Karin Soldenhoff and Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub manager Lucy O’Connor for a deep dive into emerging mid-stream processing pathways for rare earths (RE) needed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Rare earths are a critical input for electric vehicle (EV) and wind turbine supply chains, playing a foundational role in the global energy transition. As demand for renewable technology increases domestically and globally, the RE market is also expanding, with the previously overlooked materials becoming increasingly attractive. By investing in domestic mid-stream processing capabilities highlighted in Australia’s national science…

This year’s report recognises the next generation of MinRes’ workforce — apprentices and trainees — shining a light on the new skills and fresh thinking that will support the company’s continued growth.

MinRes delivers much more than ore for FY24

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) reports one of the best development years in its history, headlined by the launch of Onslow iron in the Pilbara region of WA. The company has released its 2024 Annual Reporting Suite, including its annual and sustainability report, highlighting the company’s achievements and performance over the past financial year. In addition to the delivery of first ore on ship from Onslow iron in May 2024, MinRes made major moves in WA lithium, with record production at Mt Marion and Wodgina and the completion of the Bald Hill acquisition. The 2024 Sustainability Report outlines MinRes’ commitment to operating responsibly, building a safe and diverse workforce and prioritising sustainability. In an effort to foster safety and wellbeing,…

(Image source: BHP, picture by Luke Marsden) BHP says the agreement sets a new path forward in the relationship between BMA and the Barada Barna people, providing intergenerational benefit to the Traditional Owners of the land where BMA operates.

Groundbreaking agreement between BMA and Barada Barna people

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has entered into a native title project agreement with the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation (BBAC) for the company’s Bowen Basin, Queensland, operations, including the Broadmeadow, Caval Ridge, Goonyella Riverside Peak Downs and Saraji mines. This is the second native title project agreement BBAC and BHP have negotiated together in Queensland and a first between BMA and BBAC. Under the agreement, BMA will provide financial benefits for priority community projects that create more opportunity for Barada Barna people to live and work on country. The agreement also delivers financial benefits for social-economic purposes and opportunities in the form of contracting, business, employment, education and training. Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Nicole Muller comments on the agreement. “This…

Construction at Atlas officially commenced mid-August 2024, following receipt of final construction approvals.

Image accelerates Atlas mineral sands project

Image Resources (ASX: IMA) is accelerating construction of its Atlas mineral sands project in WA following receipt of final permitting milestones. This represents the finalisation of Image’s Ground Water Operating Strategy (“GOS”) and the receipt of 5C water licenses for water abstraction and mine dewatering at Atlas. Project construction and full-scale operations including achievement of first HMC production in Q1 2025 can now advance. Initial roadwork and civil construction were facilitated by a temporary 5C water abstraction license. Now civil and infrastructure construction and mine development will accelerate rapidly, clearing the path for relocation and erection of the processing plant from Image’s Boonanarring project. Construction of the Atlas accommodation camp was successfully completed in September and dismantling of the Boonanarring…

Alcoa says the acquisition of Alumina strengthens its position as one of the world’s largest bauxite and alumina producers and is expected to result in long-term value creation from greater financial and operational flexibility.

Major acquisition drives strong results for Alcoa

Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) reported results for the Q3 CY24 that reflect the acquisition of Alumina and resulting increases in net income, adjusted net income and Adjusted EBITDA. Net income increased to $134m (US$90m), while adjusted net income increased sequentially to $201m (US$135m). Adjusted EBITDA increased to $680m (US$455m). Alumina production decreased 4% to 2.44mmt primarily due to the full curtailment of the Kwinana, WA, refinery completed in June 2024. In the Aluminium segment, production increased 3% to 559,000mt primarily due to continued progress on the Alumar smelter restart. In the Alumina segment, third-party shipments of alumina decreased 9% primarily due to decreased trading. In Aluminium, total shipments decreased 6% sequentially primarily due to decreased trading and the timing of…