Author: Chloe Coutinho

Fortescue brings opportunities to Busselton 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...

Barminco awarded $450m contract extension at Sunrise Dam 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...

Orica celebrates an explosive history 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 started as a small company named Jones, Scott and...

Paladin Energy to acquire Fission Uranium 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...

Halfway mark for almost $1b Queensland pipeline 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...

Alkane goes for gold with $89m Tomingley expansion 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...

$8m allocated to WA wind energy program 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...

Alcoa Australia appoints new leader 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...

Mineral Resources announces Yilgarn Hub shutdown Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) will cease Yilgarn Hub iron ore shipments by the end of the year following a viability assessment that confirmed the site is not financially viable beyond 2024. MinRes cites limited remaining mine life across five operating mines and significant capital cost and lead time required to ensure continuity of supply as driving factors in the decision. Yilgarn Hub operations will safely ramp down over the next six months, with up to 4mwmt expected to ship by the end of 2024. Mining...

EQ Resources granted permit to explore historic mine site EQ Resources (ASX: EQR) has been granted an Exploration Permit for Minerals (EPM) for critical minerals at the Wolfram Camp in Queensland’s Far North. The EPM approval allows EQ Resources to begin drilling, geological mapping, and soil and rock sampling over a 480 km2 area to unlock tungsten resources at the site, which includes the former Wolfram Camp and Bamford Hill mines. EQ Resources chief executive officer Kevin MacNeill says they are excited to get boots on the ground. “At EQ Resources, we understand the importance of responsible and sustainable mining practices,” he said. “As we...

Australia welcomes Chinese Premier’s visit as Fortescue and Tianqi lead energy transition Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hosted a three-day visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and China’s high-level delegation in June as part of efforts to foster improved Australia-China trade relations. Premier Li’s visit, the first by a Chinese Premier since 2017, featured a tour of...