Author: Chloe Coutinho

Consultation has begun for the Federal Government’s $13.7b production tax incentives. The production tax credits are designed to incentivise investment in renewable hydrogen, boost production of critical minerals and create jobs and opportunities for Australians. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the tax incentives are essential to the Future Made in Australia package in the Federal Budget. “The global energy transformation represents a golden opportunity for Australia and our production tax incentives will help us make the most of that opportunity,” he said. “Our production tax incentives will unlock new investment and new jobs in renewable hydrogen and critical minerals processing.” Two Treasury consultation papers have been released seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive and Critical Minerals…

De Grey Mining (ASX: DEG) will expand operations at its Hemi gold deposit in WA following strong results from recent drilling. New results extend mineralisation at the Eagle zone by 200m, with mineralisation still open down plunge and along strike. Discovery and resource extension drilling will continue within the Hemi area and at regional targets. Gorrion and Antwerp will see continued exploration with reverse circulation drilling. De Grey exploration general manager Phil Tornatora says this supports the expansion at Hemi. “Further significant intercepts continue to extend Eagle at depth,” he said. “In addition to potential resource increases, deeper drilling at Hemi will support our conceptual studies into potential underground mining in the future. “Deeper diamond drilling is now focussed on…

BHP (ASX: BHP) reports it is on track to reach its 2030 decarbonisation target, with net-zero operations expected by 2050. BHP expects a 30% reduction in operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and has already reduced FY2023 emissions by 30% below the FY2020 baseline. BHP plans to reach its targets through decarbonisation efforts in mining operations and steelmaking and shipping value chains. BHP climate vice president Graham Winkelman says emissions reduction may not be linear. “As we grow to meet increasing demand for our commodities, the pathway to net zero for our operational emissions will not be a straight line,” he said. “Our pathway reflects the dynamic nature of the assets we operate and the availability and readiness of…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has expanded its Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program to Busselton, WA. The VTEC program provides sustainable career pathways for First Nations people and is a key part of Fortescue’s training and development strategy. The program is delivered throughout WA in Perth, Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland and now Busselton. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says the program is backed by community support. “Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to providing opportunities for First Nations people and the success of the VTEC program is proven by the more than 1,500 First Nations people who have been offered employment since VTEC began,” he said. “I’m pleased to see the program expanding into the South West and…

Perenti’s (ASX: PRN) underground mining business Barminco has been awarded a three-year contract extension at AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam underground gold mine in the Goldfields of WA. The contract allows Barminco to continue underground development, production and mining support services to commence from October 1, 2024. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says continuation of contracts is ideal as no new growth capital expenditure is required. “AngloGold Ashanti is one of our largest clients, and we are proud to have worked with them for the past 20 years,” he said. “Perenti has an excellent track record at extending existing contracts which we attribute to our collaborative relationship with our clients. “Successful maintenance of our long-term relationships ultimately supports…

Orica (ASX: ORI) held a 150th anniversary gala last week in Melbourne, Victoria to celebrate its milestone with customers, partners, officials, retirees and employees. Founded in June 1874 as an explosives supplier, Orica has grown to become one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers with a market capitalisation nearing $9b. Orica chairman Malcolm Broomhead reflects on the company’s rich and impactful history. “From our explosive beginnings to our global presence in more than 100 countries today, Orica has been an integral part of the Australian and international manufacturing industry, creating products that have transformed everyday life,” he said. “As we celebrate 150 years, we look back at a story of resilience, innovation, and the unwavering commitment of…

Australian uranium company Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN) will acquire 100% of Fission Uranium Corporation in a move to bring Fission’s Canadian uranium mine into production by 2029. The transaction will create a globally significant uranium company listed on both the ASX and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) worth $5.25b (US$3.5b). The acquisition follows the restart of Paladin’s Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia as well as the release of Fission’s feasibility study for the Patterson Lake South (PLS) uranium mine in Canada’s Athabasca Basin region. Paladin chief executive Ian Purdy says the acquisition is part of their strategy to diversify and grow into a global uranium leader across Canada, Namibia and Australia. “Fission is a natural fit for our portfolio with the…

With 63km of pipeline laid, the halfway point of construction for the $983m Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline in Central Queensland has been reached. The pipeline supported by $311m in the 2024-25 State Budget, will deliver long term water security to Gladstone and boost the emerging hydrogen and critical mineral industries. Queensland Premier Steven Miles says the pipeline will secure Queensland’s position as a renewable energy powerhouse. “The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline isn’t just bringing water security to Gladstone, it will unlock more jobs in emerging industries like hydrogen and critical minerals, which are vital to our Energy and Jobs Plan,” he said. “This pipeline will help secure Gladstone’s future as a renewable energy powerhouse, but right now the project is…

Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) announced increased gold production above 100,000ozpa with strong resultant cash flow in a five-year plan for its Tomingley gold operations in NSW. Production will be sourced from underground and open cut mining, with 455,000 to 505,000oz of gold expected over the next five financial years. This increase follows plans to realign Newell Highway and expand the existing processing plant to a nominal 1.5mtpa rate through 2025. Alkane will fund the $89m realignment and expansion through cashflow and debt with a final investment decision expected in early 2025. Alkane managing director Nic Earner says Alkane is looking forward to delivering over the next five years. “Tomingley has a big future ahead of it. Our five-year plan details…

The WA Government has signed a collaborative agreement with Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) to establish a wind energy industry support program. As part of the State’s Wind Turbine Manufacturing Initiative, $8m will be committed to establishing the program which will assist local businesses in their pursuit to manufacture and service wind turbine components and power up WA’s energy capabilities. WA Minister assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson says the program will support the local manufacturing industry to enter new supply chains and boost WA’s clean energy transition. “In 2023, wind accounted for nearly 34% of Australia’s renewable power generation and this is expected to increase significantly in coming years,” he said. “We have…

Alcoa Corporation has appointed Elsabe Muller as operations vice president – Australia and Alcoa Australia president, effective October 2024. Ms Muller will be responsible for Alcoa’s bauxite mining rehabilitation, alumina refining and aluminium smelting activities in WA and Victoria. After more than 30 years with BHP (ASX: BHP), currently serving as its group HSE officer, Ms Muller brings considerable local and international resources sector expertise to Alcoa. Alcoa executive vice president and chief operations officer Matt Reed says Ms Muller has extensive leadership experience within both operational and commercial settings and a passion for developing people in a diverse and inclusive environment. “ has a track record of delivering results across many areas of focus for Alcoa including environmental…