Author: Chloe Coutinho

Government urged to step in for Australian steel The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) is enlisting support from Federal and state governments for local steel fabricators and manufacturers, after research revealed the local industry is being undercut by an excess of cheap imports. Australia has experienced weaker industrial output of steel since the start of 2023 as world steel demand continues to be affected by the elevated interest rate environment in most advanced economies, according to the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ June Resources and Energy Quarterly...

Westgold lands on the TSX Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) has commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange following its merger with Karora Resources. Westgold acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Karora, with Karora shares being delisted from the TSX on August 2. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the merger with Karora creates an ASX and TSX listed, mid-tier gold producer with international appeal. “Westgold is unhedged, well-funded and focused on delivering shareholder returns,” he said. “The TSX: WGX listing provides increased liquidity and brings a +400,000oz producer to a broader investor base. “The listing also sees potential demand from...

Woodside to acquire $3.61b lower carbon ammonia project Woodside (ASX: WDS) will acquire 100% of OCI Clean Ammonia Holding B.V. and its lower carbon ammonia project for an all-cash consideration of about $3.61b (USD$2.35b). With an advantageous location on the US Gulf Coast, the project will have access to multiple sources of feedstock and a deepwater port for international export. The project is under construction and targets production of first ammonia from 2025 and lower carbon ammonia from 2026. Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill says the acquisition supports Woodside’s...

Liontown delivers at Kathleen Valley Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) reports first underground development ore mined and first spodumene concentrate delivered to port at its Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA. Since the commencement of underground operations at Mt Mann in November 2023, more than 4,000 development metres have been advanced. The 145t of spodumene concentrate delivered to the Port of Geraldton in WA, will be stockpiled at Qube’s dedicated storage shed ahead of first shipment planned for later this quarter. Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano says this rapid progression underscores...

Lift the uranium ban: Cauldron Energy’s Jonathan Fisher Cauldron Energy chief executive Jonathan Fisher advocated for uranium mining in Australia at the WA Mining Club July luncheon. Mr Fisher argues uranium mining is essential to decarbonisation and cites the Federal ban on nuclear energy and WA ban on uranium as roadblocks in achieving emissions reduction goals. “The nuclear industry globally is now awake,” he said. “That is driven by decarbonisation because other than hydro, nuclear is the only mass available, baseload generating, zero carbon source which is on 24/7.” Following the triple nuclear pledge signed at COP28 — which saw 22 countries pledging...

Alcoa acquires Alumina Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) has completed its acquisition of Alumina, cementing itself as a leading pure play, upstream aluminium company. Alcoa president and chief executive William F. Oplinger says the company is proud to announce the completion of its first major acquisition. “The acquisition of Alumina strengthens Alcoa's 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,” he said. “I want to thank both the Alcoa and Alumina teams,...

Westgold and Karora complete merger Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) and Karora Resources have completed their merger to create a leading mid-tier gold producer and international gold company. This follows Westgold’s acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Karora. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says this marks the next phase of Westgold’s evolution into a larger, unhedged and well-funded Australian gold producer. “Our value proposition is significantly enhanced with an expanded team, quality operating assets and an enviable pipeline of exploration prospects across two of Australia’s most productive gold fields,” he said. “The merger with Karora upsizes our WA operating...

WA CME: Agility needed for energy edge The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) has released its report on risks to WA’s investment-readiness, highlighting the need for turnkey industrial areas. The Australian Venture Consultants report commissioned by the WA CME examined a range of industrial precincts in competing jurisdictions. The report found the lack of fully equipped strategic industrial areas (SIAs) was severely hampering WA’s ability to attract investment. WA CME chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson says the intense global competition in critical minerals and clean energy supply chains means that investment incentives and project-ready industrial precincts offer a significant competitive advantage. “One of the key factors hindering WA’s agility to respond to market needs and have projects up and...