Author: Chloe Coutinho

Rio Tinto promises two new solar farms for energy transition Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has announced its plans for two new 5.25MW solar farms for the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory. Construction will begin in July 2024, with completion scheduled for early 2025. Aggreko will construct, own and operate the solar farms for Rio Tinto for up to 10 years. The solar farms will be built on Rio Tinto leases, following agreement with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner Groups, and will help transition to a low-carbon future after mining operations cease...

Liontown secures $379m for Kathleen Valley ramp-up Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) has secured funding from LG Energy Solution to boost current lithium mining and explore the feasibility of establishing a lithium refinery in WA. The agreement includes a five-year $379m (US$250m) convertible note, increasing total cash balance to about $501m to fund the Kathleen Valley, WA, ramp-up to 3mtpa steady state production. Funding will progress early enabling works in the underground mine to preserve the 4mtpa expansion option on a 2027 timeframe and to support 3mtpa production. The existing offtake agreement has also...

Civmec awarded $174m in contract extensions Civmec (ASX: CVL) has been awarded $174m in contract and scope extensions for fabrication, manufacturing, construction and maintenance work across Australia. Among these awards is the contract for the supply, manufacture and offsite assembly of a new shiploader for the Dalrymple Bay terminal in QLD to be undertaken at Civmec’s state-of-the-art facility in Henderson, WA. Civmec states the project will create significant opportunities for local employment and subcontracting, reinforcing Civmec’s commitment to contributing positively to the communities in which it...

Asra fast-tracks Kookynie gold project Asra Minerals (ASX: ASR) has accelerated preparations for drilling at Kookynie East in WA. This follows documentation from Bullseye Mining and Kalgoorlie Mining Associates, detailing agreement to dismiss all Applications for Forfeiture over the tenements. The tenements are being acquired by Asra to add to its expanding gold portfolio in the Leonora-Kookynie region of WA. Asra executive chairman Paul Summers says this development provides certainty for progressing drilling preparations. “This legal matter, which was unrelated to Asra and largely outside of the Company’s control, has not affected our ongoing...

Mt Marion breaks new ground Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) achieved first underground firing at its Mt Marion lithium operation in WA. Full development earthworks targeting a depth of 350m are expected within the next 18 months. Mt Marion general manager Marcelo Avecilla says the underground cut marks an important step forward in Mt Marion’s transition to an open pit and underground operation. “We’ve always considered Mt Marion a world-class asset and having recently doubled our underground Resource, MinRes is now working hard to deliver an exciting new phase...

Federal Government to overhaul automotive qualifications across industries The Mining and Automotive Skills Alliance (AUSMASA) plans to reform vocational education and training (VET) packages, becoming one of the first Jobs and Skills Councils to do so. AUSMASA will examine 15 different Certificate II pathway qualifications in the automotive training package. Qualifications will be redesigned based on their purposes to respond to changing workplaces and industries. This follows guidance from the Qualification Reform Design Group which proposed a revised system that moves away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach....

Karora and Westgold set for merger The Karora Resources board has unanimously recommended shareholders back its upcoming merger with Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX). For the merger to proceed, two-thirds of Karora shareholders will be required to vote in favour of the transaction on July 19. All Karora directors and senior officers have entered into agreements with Westgold to vote in favour of the transaction. The merged company will operate across two WA goldfields which includes four production centres. It is expected to become a top five Australian gold producer,...

Stanmore begins shutdown of Mavis Underground Stanmore Resources (ASX: SMR) announced it will begin halting mining operations at the Mavis Underground coal project in Queensland from the end of June 2024.  This follows a strategic review that determined the project, given its relatively short mine life, has proven to be uneconomic under current market conditions and coal prices.  The review cited comparatively higher costs driven by the challenging ramp-up and lower production volumes achieved to date.  The Mavis Underground pit, part of the larger Millenium project, will be closed and sealed, with the Millennium Complex as a whole expected...

Critical minerals tax credit in the works 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...

De Grey to expand Hemi gold 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,...

BHP on track for 2050 net-zero target 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...