Author: Samantha Bawden

Freight operators warn proposed changes threaten industry viability Australia's freight operators have expressed concerns that proposals to curtail diesel rebates or mandate transitions to electric or alternative fuels would trigger significant cost-of-living increases and threaten the viability of thousands of small transport businesses. The warning comes as Climate Change Authority chairman Matt Kean backed calls to overhaul the diesel fuel rebate, suggesting the billions spent annually would be better directed towards electrification. However, exclusive survey data from Loadshift — a subsidiary of Freelancer Limited (ASX: FLN) and Australia’s largest online marketplace for heavy-haulage transport. —...

Chile company slashes water usage in lithium extraction Summit Nanotech has announced a major milestone in water efficiency for lithium extraction, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. Independent validation confirmed that Summit’s process uses about 30% less freshwater than evaporation ponds and 50% less than commercial DLE benchmarks, while maintaining high lithium recovery and product quality. Summit Nanotech’s process has delivered consistent performance across commercially viable lithium brine assets in...

Coal mine worker’s near miss prompts safety alert Queensland’s resources safety and health regulator has issued an industry-wide safety alert after a worker was trapped between two vehicles in an incident at a Central Queensland coal mine. While reversing, a tilt tray truck came very close to a pick and carry crane, trapping a worker, who was loading rigging gear at the front of the crane, between the two vehicles. Though no one was seriously injured, this incident has raised serious safety concerns. In 2024, a worker at BMA’s Saraji South coal mine in Queensland suffered fatal crush injuries after being pinned between two vehicles. Resources Safety and Health Queensland...

Sandvik’s world first battery-powered cable bolter Sandvik is expanding its industry-leading battery-electric underground drill offering to include a battery-powered cable bolter, the first of its kind. Designed for cement grouted cable-bolt installation in underground mines and tunnels, the Sandvik DS422iE is a rock reinforcement drill rig which uses lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery power instead of a diesel engine and offers zero emissions tramming, drilling, bolting and grouting. The LFP battery chemistry provides maximum safety underground...

Metso’s reliable power solutions for grinding mills Metso has introduced its new power transmission (MPT) engineered to meet the rigorous demands of today’s modern mineral processing operations. Featuring the H-Series and R-Series gearbox platforms specifically engineered for horizontal and vertical grinding mills, respectively, the solutions are designed to offer exceptional reliability, serviceability and OEM value in aftermarket applications. The in-house-designed power transmission solutions are engineered to integrate seamlessly with Metso grinding mills for superior performance and simplified maintenance. These benefits translate into increased operational optimisation, extended wear life, minimised downtime and enduring value that supports long-term business success. A...

Queensland Government backs energy storage solutions Queensland Government-owned Stanwell Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners to position the Stanwell power station as a hub for battery innovation. Under the MoU, Stanwell and Quinbrook will pilot one of the world’s first 8-hour duration battery systems at the Stanwell coal-fired power station site near Rockhampton. Unlike conventional large batteries, which offer up to 4-hour duration, the EnerQB battery is designed specifically for 8-hour operation, offering transformative potential for firming renewable energy and supporting industrial growth. Queensland Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki says...

Court rules for safer conditions for Queensland mines The Queensland Industrial Court has ruled in favour of the state's resources regulator to limit operations at Queensland open cut mines during severe lightning storms. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has issued a safety alert following the outcome, which confirmed it was not safe for mine workers to operate heavy mobile equipment (HME) such as bulldozers and dump trucks, during nearby lightning storms. The court cases arose after RSHQ coal mines chief inspector Jacques le Roux first issued a directive...

Federal Government supercharges battery innovation The Federal Government is investing $25m in Melbourne-based company Relectrify to fast-track the roll-out of its world-first battery energy storage system, the AC1. This breakthrough battery technology has the potential to transform energy storage – supporting the transition to a more flexible, low emissions grid as, unlike conventional batteries, the AC1 can generate grid-ready AC power directly from battery cells, without the need for an inverter. This dramatically decreases costs, reduces battery degradation and helps deliver more reliable, affordable energy as part of the Federal Government's efforts to...

Curtin scientists awarded for their innovation Two Curtin University researchers have been recognised among Australia’s top emerging science leaders, named joint WA winners of the 2025 Young Tall Poppy Science Awards. Geologist Dr Denis Fougerouse and geospatial scientist Dr Yongze Song, are the two winners of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS)’ prestigious award, celebrated for their respective research driving Australia’s clean energy and smart infrastructure futures. Dr Denis Fougerouse is a geologist pioneering research in nanogeoscience...

Alcoa’s record-breaking rehabilitation effort Alcoa (ASX: AAI) planted a record number of nursery-raised native seedlings across sites as part of its annual planting season.  The 745,000 seedlings were hand planted across 619ha at its Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines in WA and 2.1t of zamia palm seeds were spread over the same areas.  The increase from about 500,000 plants and 1.6tof zamia seeds last year is part of a concerted effort to increase total areas under rehabilitation and ensure optimum density of planting.  Planting is one of the final steps of...