Author: Chloe Coutinho

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...

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...