Author: Chloe Coutinho

Westgold Polar Star lode gets its wings 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...

CSIRO, King weigh in on Australia’s relationship with mining 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...

WA CME: energy transition firing gun started; WA stranded in starting blocks 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...

Tasmania tackles historic mines with re-opening and reprocessing 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...

Funding extension to bolster onshore critical minerals processing 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...

Newmont Cadia making its mark 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...

Butcherbird in its element with 142% resources boost 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...

Moranbah North named national champions at mine rescue competition 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...

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...

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...