Author: Daniel Hershowitz

Taruga Minerals (ASX: TAR) has launched field exploration at its newly acquired Thowagee Project in WA’s northern region, ushering the start of a promising new phase in the company’s base and precious metals strategy. Located within a 416.5km² tenement package, Thowagee is surrounded by Taruga’s existing licence applications and includes the historically productive Thowagee mine. The former operation extracted polymetallic ore from hydrothermal quartz veins, with 1956 records indicating the recovery of 15.2t of lead and 5878g of silver. More recent historical sampling has revealed high-grade outcrop potential. Rock chip results have returned grades of up to 59.3% lead and 286g/t silver, with copper, gold and zinc also present. Highlights from the sampling include: 286g/t silver, 59.3% lead (TH9) 134g/t…

Victory Metals (ASX: VTM) has confirmed the presence of gallium in its final mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product from the North Stanmore clay-hosted rare earths and critical minerals project in WA. The announcement positions Victory as one of the most advanced gallium-focused projects in the country, with 358g/t gallium oxide confirmed in MREC produced during metallurgical testing. The company believes it is the first Australian operation to recover gallium in a final MREC product. Victory chief executive and director Brendan Clark says the achievement strengthens Australia’s critical minerals capabilities. “To our knowledge, we are the first Australian company to confirm the successful recovery of gallium in a final MREC product — and that puts us in a league of…

Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) transhipping operation at Onslow Iron has welcomed its newest addition, with the MinRes Rosily entering service as the fourth vessel in its growing fleet. The 123m, 20,000t capacity transhipper arrived in Exmouth in February before completing a successful testing and commissioning phase off the coast of Onslow. It now joins MinRes ships Airlie, Coolibah and Bundarra, all working to support the project’s staged ramp-up to its 35mtpa nameplate capacity. MinRes executive marine general manager Jeff Weber says the arrival marked another key step in the project’s delivery. “Our transhipping operation is an integral component of Onslow Iron’s innovative transport solution that has unlocked stranded iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara,” he said. “It’s exciting to…

Construction has officially commenced on the $41.7m Isaac Resources Excellence Precinct, marking a major step toward building regional capability in Queensland’s Bowen Basin. The project is set to deliver a purpose-built hub for training, research and industry collaboration in one of Australia’s most productive mining regions. Backed by $39.7m from the Queensland Government’s Resources Community Infrastructure Fund and $2m from the Federal Government, the precinct is being delivered by the Isaac Regional Council in partnership with the Resources Centre of Excellence and Country Universities Centre. The project’s goal is to foster a more skilled and diversified local workforce by supporting education, reskilling and applied research in areas such as mine rehabilitation and future land use. It will also serve as…

Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has officially welcomed its 2025 graduate intake, hosting a two-day induction in Gunnedah, NSW aimed at preparing the next generation of professionals for careers across its mining operations. 12 graduates have joined the business across a range of disciplines including engineering, operational technology, geology and environmental science. The event marked the start of Whitehaven’s two-year graduate program, which combines structured rotations with on-the-job learning and formal development sessions. Whitehaven’s graduate program is a structured initiative focused on developing future leaders through a combination of hands-on training and formal development. Graduates are rotated across sites and offices, where they’ll gain broad exposure to the business. “We are looking forward to introducing our 2025 graduates to the business…

Indigenous-owned and operated Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services has signed a five-year contract with Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) to provide essential tyre fitting services for MinRes operations, with the company’s initial support going towards the Onslow Iron project. Founded by the Buurabalayji Thalanyji Aboriginal Corporation (BTAC) with support from MinRes, the business marks a significant step in strengthening local Indigenous enterprises. Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services director Frances Hayes describes the partnership as having a notable positive impact for both the business and the broader Thalanyji community. “Through this partnership, Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services will play a crucial role in maintaining the Onslow Iron project, ensuring tyres are on the road,” he said. “Irdiyamarnu Tyres Services represents our commitment to sustainable growth and economic empowerment…

The Federal Government has announced a $750m investment to drive the development of new technologies that will keep Australia’s metals manufacturing sector competitive on the global stage. Australia is already a leading exporter of high-quality alumina, aluminium, iron and steel, with metals exports contributing over $150bpa. This funding aims to add further value to the industry by supporting the adoption of low-emissions technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. The investment is part of the broader $1.7b Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund, unveiled in the 2024-25 Budget. It is designed to accelerate technological breakthroughs, fund pilot and demonstration projects and support innovations that can reduce emissions and modernise manufacturing infrastructure. A primary objective of the funding is to enable commercial-scale production…

New Hope Group (ASX: NHC) has delivered a strong performance in H1 2025, increasing coal production, cutting costs and boosting returns to shareholders. The company produced 5.4mt of saleable coal, a 33% increase, while coal sales rose by 44%. Bengalla Mine reached steady-state production, delivering 4.2mt, while New Acland ramped up to 1.2mt, accounting to nearly four times the mine’s previous output. Improved efficiencies also reduced Bengalla’s production costs by 16% to $68.3 per tonne, with further cost savings expected at the New Acland operation as production increases. New Hope chief executive Rob Bishop says the company’s earnings have improved considerably, with future production at New Acland being a key focus as the year progresses. “We have had a strong…

Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions has developed a drilling performance upgrade package for its Sandvik DD210 narrow vein underground drill rig. The Sandvik DD210 is a compact and versatile single-boom electro-hydraulic jumbo used for tunneling and mining development in cross sections up to 24 m². This flexible and simple drill contains a narrow vein carrier and compact telescopic drilling module, making it ideal for operations in confined areas. The upgrade incorporates the THC561 control system for multi-purpose and efficient drilling controls. The THC561 control system together with RDX5 rock drill provides higher drilling performance, with a 15% gain in penetration rate when compared to the previous version. Operators benefit from an extended component lifetime, guaranteeing reduced wear on the rock…

Anglo American’s 2025 Community Grants Program has made funding available to Central Queensland community groups and not-for profit organisations in the Moranbah, Middlemount, Moura, Banana and Theodore regions. Anglo American Australia sustainability and corporate affairs head Kate du Preez says the program was designed to account for and support the future of local communities where it operates. “We are passionate about ensuring mining benefits reach the people and places that make our regions unique now and for generations to come,” she said. “Our Community Grants Program is just one of the ways we invest in the future of our local communities with a focus on education, environment, wellbeing and skill building.” In 2024, 57 groups across Anglo American’s operations in…