Author: Chloe Coutinho

EQ Resources hits tungsten production records  EQ Resources’ (ASX: EQR) Mt Carbine tungsten operations in Queensland hit a new monthly production record of 9,040mtu for August, with a new daily record of 571mtu.  These results are driven by improving ore grade and equipment upgrades at Mt Carbine and come as the company transitions from contract mining to owner-operator mining in the Andy White open pit.   Improvements include the upgrade to the TOMRA XRT Ore Sorter #2 topped with increased recovery at the gravity plant due to the installation of a scavenger jig.   Mining operations also recorded a higher-grade feed supplied to the...

Success of manufacturing depends on AI and robotics The future success of Australia’s manufacturing industries is dependent on accelerated investment in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) annual national convention in Brisbane, Queensland will hear. Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub founder and chief executive Professor Cori Stewart will argue AI and robotics not only save time, but also potentially save lives by minimising human error and ensuring a safer working environment. Professor Stewart will deliver the presentation to the peak body on September 10. Professor Stewart says continued growth in the manufacturing industry including...

Westgold begins mining at Bluebird Westgold (ASX: WGX) has commenced mining at its South Junction Lode within the Bluebird-South Junction mining complex at Meekatharra, WA. The ramp up targets a 100kt per month run rate for the Bluebird-South Junction mine by Q3 FY25. The drilling results have returned significant intersections from both the Polar Star and South Junction Lode positions. Of great significance is an intersection of 8.83m at 15.31g/t gold being the most southern hole drilled to date with the mineralised system remaining open to the south. Westgold managing director and...

Queensland invests $1m to boost critical minerals ESG standards The Queensland Government and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) have partnered to increase ESG capability, awareness and knowledge sharing within the state’s critical minerals sector. The Queensland Government will invest $1m, as part of the Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy, to establish a formal ESG Advisory Panel comprising representatives from government, industry, academia and the community. Key initiatives of the panel include reviewing domestic and international trends in ESG; baselining Queensland’s critical minerals industry ESG capability; developing capability uplift strategies, tools and guidance materials and establishing...

Genesis ahead of schedule at Laverton mill Mining and processing preparations for Genesis Minerals’ (ASX: GMD) Laverton mill re-start in WA are running ahead of schedule, enabling the company to capitalise on strong gold prices. The re-start is running six months ahead of schedule with re-start expected in October 2024, marking the first step in an accelerated growth strategy aimed at achieving a 325kozpa target. Following the progress, Genesis has increased its forecast FY25 production at Laverton to 35-35,000oz from 14-16,000oz. Total FY25 production outlook also increased to 190-210,000oz from 162-188,000oz. Genesis Minerals managing director Raleigh Finlayson says the expedited start of production...

Construction of world’s-largest high purity alumina facility begins The transformation of Alpha HPA’s (ASX: A4N) Gladstone, Queensland, project into the largest single-site ultra-high purity aluminium materials refinery in the world is officially underway. Alpha HPA managing director Rimas Kairaitis says he is pleased to announce that construction of the Stage Two HPA First Project has now commenced, with extensive funding support in place to progress to full scale production. Alpha HPA’s 10ha, state-of-the-art Stage Two facility will leverage the established Stage One operation and Alpha HPA’s novel, Australian owned and developed,...

Bellevue Gold shines with $75m maiden net profit Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL) has announced a maiden net profit of $75m for FY24 following the start of production at its Bellevue gold mine in WA. Bellevue generated free cash flow of $41m in the June 2024 quarter from production of 42,705oz, highlighting the cash flow potential of the project as production continues to grow. Bellevue managing director Darren Stralow says the company has achieved many major milestones during the year as it made the transition to gold producer. “Production commenced in October 2023, and we are pleased to report profit of $75m for FY24...

Wonderful turn out for Whitehaven Coal Community Open Day  Whitehaven Coal’s (ASX: WHC) annual Community Open Day gave about 1500 residents from across the Boggabri, NSW, region a behind the scenes look at their local mining industry.  Whitehaven Coal’s managing director and chief executive Paul Flynn attended the event and said it was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to residents, local businesses and the broader community who continue to support Whitehaven and its operations in the region.  “Our Community Open Day is one of the most important days on our calendar and I know...

Alcoa teams up with Clontarf Coodanup Academy  Alcoa Australia (ASX: AAI) will provide a grant of $250,000 to the Clontarf Foundation’s Coodanup Academy to help young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men complete Year 12 and enter employment.  Alcoa WA mines manager Darrin Strange says the partnership with Coodanup Academy is an important step in the company’s mission to further strengthen relationships and enhance respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  “We are very proud to work closely with the Clontarf Foundation and to announce our three-year partnership to support the boys...