Author: Chloe Coutinho

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

WesTrac awarded Large Employer of the Year WesTrac has been recognised for its industry-leading training and educational services, receiving the 2024 Large Employer of the Year award at the WA Training Awards. This award acknowledges excellence and high-level performance by large, registered organisations in vocational education and training. WesTrac (WA) has delivered more than 6,000 training sessions to its employees and more than 1,800 to external customers. Additionally, the company currently trains 180 metro and regional WesTrac apprentices and a further 200 customer apprentices. Students and apprentices attend the organisation’s purpose-built training facilities, including the...

Reward Minerals to acquire Beyondie potash plant Reward Minerals (ASX: RWD) has entered a $2.13m binding asset sale agreement with Kalium Lakes (ASX: KLL) for the Beyondie potash plant. This follows Reward’s previous purchase attempt for the plant in early 2024, with the company terminating the transaction, citing insufficient funds. Kalium’s operations at the plant ceased in September 2023, with the site transitioning to care and maintenance ahead of the sale. Reward will manage care and maintenance activities at the site until it is able to relocate the plant. Reward will...

Whitehaven Coal and Viva Energy donate $30k for Walhallow infrastructure Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has partnered with VIVA Energy (ASX: VEA) to contribute to the Walhallow community infrastructure project, continuing the company’s commitment to supporting local communities and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups. Whitehaven donated $20,000, and Viva Energy added a further $10,000, boosting the efforts of the Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) to upgrade critical infrastructure within the community. These donations are in conjunction with a grant from the NSW Government’s Growing Regions Program. The infrastructure upgrades will include improvements to existing buildings, such as the...

Rio Tinto celebrates cultural stories with 19th Colours of our Country exhibition Art enthusiasts from WA and beyond are invited to experience the stories and culture of Pilbara Aboriginal artists at the annual Colours of our Country exhibition. Now in its 19th year, the exhibition will be held at the Central Park building in Perth, from Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 27. It will showcase a vibrant collection of 160 unique Aboriginal artworks from 43 artists. This year's line-up features independent artists and art centres across...