Author: Chloe Coutinho

Harnessing the sun’s potential in mid-stream silicon processing

Harnessing the sun’s potential in mid-stream silicon processing

Harnessing the sun’s potential in mid-stream silicon processing In the second instalment of the Australian Mining Review’s critical minerals series, we speak with Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub manager Lucy O’Connor, ANSTO high purity quartz project manager Neilesh Syna and ANSTO high purity quartz project technical lead Robert Fowles for a dive deep into emerging mid-stream processing pathways for silicon in order to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Deployment of solar power is essential to the success of Australia’s energy transition. The nation stands to be a leader in this space, as we are equipped with the vast solar resources needed to meet global demands. However, the country is entirely reliant on overseas supply chains to produce...

Rio Tinto’s intention to expand its lithium portfolio is apt, as double-digit growth in lithium demand is forecast over the next decade, according to the company.

Rio Tinto eyes Arcadium Lithium acquisition

Rio Tinto eyes Arcadium Lithium acquisition Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has approached Arcadium Lithium (ASX: LTM) for a potential acquisition of the leading global lithium chemicals producer. The approach is non-binding and there is no certainty that any transaction will be agreed to or will proceed. Arcadium Lithium’s ASX shares jumped 44% on Monday, following the announcement. The lithium producer remains focused on executing its strategic vision and pathway to significant growth, as set forth in its recent Investor Day presentation in September 2024. In the presentation, Arcadium Lithium president...

(Image source: UNSW) Food waste costs the Australian economy around $36.6b each year and accounts for about 3% of our annual greenhouse gas emissions, according to UNSW.

Next-gen batteries using food-based acids hit sustainability sweet spot

Next-gen batteries using food-based acids hit sustainability sweet spot A novel battery component that uses food-based acids found in sherbet and winemaking could make lithium-ion batteries more efficient, affordable and sustainable, according to new research out of UNSW. A prototype, developed and patented by UNSW chemists, reduces environmental impacts across its materials and processing inputs while increasing energy storage capability. UNSW Science lead researcher Professor Neeraj Sharma says the research team is optimising a single-layer pouch cell, similar to what you’d use in a mobile phone, only smaller. “We’ve...

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) A drone taking flight within the study area.

Bravus Mining and Resources takes groundwater monitoring to new heights at the Carmichael mine

Bravus Mining and Resources takes groundwater monitoring to new heights at the Carmichael mine Bravus Mining and Resources' high-tech approach to groundwater research near the Carmichael mine in central Queensland has earned national recognition in a prestigious industry award. The regional Queensland business has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Environmental Management and Sustainability category at the 2024 Australian Mining Prospect Awards for applying military-grade drone technology to discover and protect previously unknown groundwater springs. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the company has partnered with Eco Logical Australia to add multispectral and thermal imaging to...

Komatsu says that while the company is global, its heart remains in the local regions it serves.

Komatsu Australia named Finalist in the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards

Komatsu Australia named Finalist in the 2024 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards Komatsu Australia has been named as a finalist for the ISPT Investment in Brisbane Award 2024 as part of the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards. This award highlights businesses that have made strategic investments in Brisbane, Queensland, contributing to the city’s future growth and development. The nomination reflects Komatsu Australia’s strong and ongoing commitment to the Brisbane region, which has been an integral part of its story since 1978. Komatsu says its continued investment reinforces its belief in Brisbane as a key hub for economic activity and customer support...

(Image source: Jamie Kidston/ANU) ANU research fellow Michael Anenburg.

Extinct volcanoes a ‘rich’ source of rare earth elements

Extinct volcanoes a ‘rich’ source of rare earth elements Iron-rich magma entombed inside extinct volcanoes is likely abundant with rare earth elements, offering a new way to source these in-demand metals, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Rare earth elements are vital to the development of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines. They are also found in smartphones, flat screen TVs, magnets and even trains and missiles. With more countries investing heavily in renewable energy technologies, the demand for rare earth elements continues to skyrocket, with demand for these elements expected...

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) Members of the E2M research team downloading data from one of the 10 bioacoustics recorders installed on the Carmichael mining lease and conservation area.

Queensland research maps movements and behaviours of black-throated finch

Queensland research maps movements and behaviours of black-throated finch Queensland researchers have mapped the habitat and movements of the black-throated finch in a never-before-seen level of detail, as part of Bravus Mining and Resources commitment to managing the environment. The findings are the latest from a five-year joint research program between Bravus Mining and Resources and researchers from ecology consultancy E2M and have been published in the peer-reviewed and highly respected international scientific journal PLOS One. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says...

(Image Source: Rio Tinto — Photo: Argyle Diamonds Pty) The 2024 Rio Tinto Argyle Tender Art Series Collection.

Rio Tinto diamonds shine bright at art collection premiere

Rio Tinto diamonds shine bright at art collection premiere Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has launched its 2024 Beyond Rare™ Tender, the second in its Art Series offering, showcasing 48 lots of extraordinarily rare masterpieces of nature from its diamonds business. Titled Colour Awakened, this collection is headlined by seven “Old Masters”, notable historic diamonds from Rio Tinto’s WA Argyle diamond mine that operated from 1983 to 2020. The Old Masters comprise seven round brilliant cut, pink and red diamonds, ranging in size from 0.60ct to 2.6ct. Speaking at the London launch, Rio Tinto Minerals chief executive Sinead Kaufman...

(Image source: Rio Tinto) Operating since 1982, Boyne Smelters is Australia’s second largest aluminium smelter.

Rio Tinto acquires Mitsubishi’s 11.65% stake in the Boyne aluminium smelter

Rio Tinto acquires Mitsubishi’s 11.65% stake in the Boyne aluminium smelter Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has completed its acquisition of Mitsubishi Corporation’s 11.65% interest in Boyne Smelters Limited (BSL). BSL owns and operates the Boyne Island aluminium smelter in Gladstone, Queensland. The operation includes manufacturing carbon anodes, aluminium production via smelting and casting of molten metal into aluminium products ready to ship. Following completion of the transaction, Rio Tinto’s interest in BSL is now 71.04%. Rio Tinto looks forward to continuing to work with its BSL joint venture partners and other stakeholders on securing a competitive low-carbon future for its Gladstone...

The Energy Innovation Fund has invested $38.2m across four projects under Round 2, which will create up to 200 construction jobs, 20 ongoing jobs and unlock more than $160m of commercial investment, according to the Victoria Government.

Terang big battery to boost jobs and strengthen the grid

Terang big battery to boost jobs and strengthen the grid Victoria Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited the site of Fotowatio Renewable Ventures’ Terang Battery Energy Storage System, essential to storing Victoria’s renewable energy. The project includes a 100MWh/200MWh battery and grid forming inverter, which was made possible through a $7m investment as part of Round 2 of the Energy Innovation Fund. The project will include 38 inverters and 48 battery containers and create up to 150 jobs...

The facility is part of the $140m Pilbara Hydrogen Hub, co-funded by the WA and Federal Governments.

Pilbara Clean Energy Training and Research Institute progresses to design

Pilbara Clean Energy Training and Research Institute progresses to design Aurecon Australasia will design the Clean Energy Training and Research Institute (CETRI) under the WA Government’s $140m push to establish the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub. The $22m facility will be a multi-user training hub and research institute that incorporates different training providers and research site locations across industry and tertiary and vocational training settings. The design process will occur over the next eight months, during which extensive consultations will occur with key stakeholders. This will include industry, the training and research sector and community groups, including Aboriginal organisations in the...