Author: Chloe Coutinho

MinRes: record lithium shipments in Q4 Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) reports a productive Q4, with record lithium shipments and high lithium prices across all operations. WA lithium operations Wodgina and Mt Marion both reported record shipments up 41% and 46% respectively from Q4 of 2023. Lithium operations benefitted from high prices, with a weighted average realised price across all operations of about $1479/dmt (US$970/dmt) in Q4, an increase of 15% from Q3. Total quarterly iron ore shipments increased by 6% from Q3 to 18.1Mwmt within guidance, with MinRes delivering its first iron ore on ship ahead of schedule from Onslow iron in WA. MinRes...

No more mining at Jabiluka Energy Resources of Australia’s (ASX: ERA) (ERA) lease for the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory will not be renewed, based on advice from the Federal Government. ERA applied for a 10-year renewal for the mine, which it previously held for 42 years. A planned Reserved Land area prevents future mineral titles over Jabiluka, according to a May announcement from the Northern Territory Government. The Reserved Land area will come into effect when ERA’s current lease expires on August 11. Northern Territory Mining Minister Mark Monaghan comments on the decision. “We have gone through...

Coal to remain in demand: BMA’s Adam Lancey Queensland’s competitive position in the energy transition was highlighted at the 2024 Queensland Mining Awards. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) asset president Adam Lancey says Queensland has become one of the biggest global players in the resources arena. “Across the mining industry we’re facing challenges — inflation pressures, disruption to supply chains, labour constraints, changes to policy and the need to accelerate the global energy transition,” he said. “Despite operating in an environment that is rapidly changing, we continue to...

Fortescue’s record June quarter Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has released its Q4 performance, highlighting record iron ore shipments totalling 191.6mt in FY24. The record iron ore shipments of 53.7mt in Q4 were 10% higher than Q4 FY23. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says this has been an outstanding quarter. “This record result demonstrated the efficiencies gained through our recovery plan following the ore car derailment in December 2023,” he said. “Looking ahead to FY25, we’re seeking to achieve record shipments with guidance of 190 – 200mt. “As part of bringing together...

Final approval for Westgold-Karora merger Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) has received final approval for its acquisition of Karora Resources, following a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada. The merger was previously approved by the foreign investment review board (FIRB) on July 17 and Karora shareholders on July 19. The transaction is expected to become effective on August 1, with Karora shareholders receiving 1.524 Westgold shares, $0.67 (C$0.608) in cash and .3 of a share of Culico Metals for every Karora share held at the effective time. Westgold expects Karora shares to cease...

NSW Resources Regulator targets incident prevention The NSW Resources Regulator conducted its annual high visibility campaign, spotlighting key incidents at underground and surface mines in NSW. Over ten days in late June and early July, 44 inspectors conducted unannounced inspections at 136 mine sites and engaged with mine workers and supervisors to carry out assessments. The NSW Resources Regulator issued 194 compliance notices during the campaign, most of which applied to the quarry sector. There is a separate safety campaign underway targeting principal hazards in...

CSIRO unlocks Australia’s critical minerals potential CSIRO has released its research, development and demonstration (RD&D) report for the Australian critical minerals industry. This is the first comprehensive assessment of innovation in critical mineral refining required to build a sovereign mid-stream processing industry in Australia. The report provides data on the current capabilities, RD&D and international co-operation opportunities across lithium, cobalt, silicon, rare earth elements and graphite. CSIRO...

Metso acquires Jindex in Australia Metso will acquire Jindex in a move to provide more comprehensive slurry handling solutions for the mining industry. The deal will combine Metso’s expertise in slurry handling with Jindex’s specialised valves and process flow control offerings. Metso Pumps business line head Tiago Oliveira comments on the acquisition. “This acquisition is yet another important step in the development of Metso’s Pumps business line offering to bring us closer to being our customers’ lifecycle partner of choice,” he said. “Flow and isolation control play a vital role in ensuring smooth slurry...

Alcoa aluminium apprenticeships open Applications are open for Alcoa’s 2025 Portland Aluminium apprenticeship for its smelter in Victoria. Candidates will receive a nationally-accredited trade certificate in mechanical fitting or electrical technology on completion of the four-year program. Final year electrical fitter apprentice Ella Kohlman says applying for an apprenticeship was the best career choice she has ever made. “As someone born and raised in Portland, I considered the apprenticeship a great chance to...

Final approval for Alcoa’s Alumina acquisition The Federal Court of Australia has approved the Alcoa Corporation’s acquisition of Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC). The acquisition is now legally effective, making July 23 the last day of trading for Alumina shares on the ASX. The acquisition is expected to be implemented on August 1 in line with the first day of trading for new Alcoa shares on the NYSE. Following implementation, eligible Alumina shareholders will receive 0.02854 new Alcoa CDIs for each Alumina share held on the scheme record date of July 25. In a June 11 statement, Alcoa president...

Karora shareholders approve Westgold merger Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) expects to complete its transaction of Karora Resources by August 1 after securing approval from Karora shareholders. Karora chairman and chief executive Paul Andre Huet says the shareholder approval was essential to proceeding with the transaction. “The approval by approximately 99% of the votes cast on the resolutions regarding the proposed merger transaction with Westgold along with receipt of Financial Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval, represent two important milestones towards the closing of this transaction,” he said. “We thank Karora shareholders for their overwhelming support of...