Author: Samantha Bawden

Queensland advances $1.23b graphite project The Queensland Government is advancing a major project in North Queensland with the release of the environmental impact statement (EIS) terms of reference for Graphinex’s Esmerelda graphite project. Subject to approval, the project could extract up to 3.5mtpa of ore to produce about 25mt of graphite concentrate over a 50-year project life, creating up to 100 construction jobs and 113 operational jobs at peak production. Queensland Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie says the Queensland Government is committed to backing projects that supercharge the economy...

Weir partners with Viking Analytics Weir has entered a strategic collaboration agreement with Viking Analytics to enhance its digital offering for mineral processing plants. This partnership will significantly enhance Weir’s NEXT intelligent solutions — the company’s comprehensive digital offering designed to transform mineral processing through real-time data, predictive analytics and process optimisation. By integrating Viking’s advanced machine learning technology, Weir will facilitate predictive maintenance solutions, ensuring uptime and production are maximised. Weir senior director Ole Knudsen says the company is committed to building a more sustainable future in mining through strategic partnerships with companies that...

AREEA calls for regulatory red-tape cutting A new forecast has warned of future growth risks in Australia’s mining and energy workforce, underpinned by weakening project pipelines and global competition for investment. Resources and Energy Workforce Forecast: 2025–2030, released today by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), shows 96 major projects are expected to commence production between late 2025 and 2030 — valued at $129.5b. These projects are forecast to create demand for 22,279 new operating phase jobs, lifting the national resources and energy workforce by just 7.1% by 2030 — the...

Fleet Space’s off-world exploration target Fleet Space Technologies has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ExLabs to deploy its off-world exploration technologies to survey the asteroid Apophis. The technologies will be used as part of ExLabs’ ApophisExL mission, planned for launch in 2028, representing a step toward advancing the science of off-world exploration and planetary defence while building essential capabilities for the development of a sustainable space resources economy. Apophis, a near-Earth asteroid with an...

Sandvik fleet to drive efficiency in Zimbabwe Sandvik has been contracted by Zimplats, Zimbabwe’s largest platinum group metals producer, to supply 28 pieces of underground equipment for its Ngezi mines. The order, to be booked in the Q3 CY25, includes 12 Toro LH209L loaders, six Sandvik DD211L development jumbos, five Sandvik DS211L-V bolters, three Toro TH545i trucks and two Sandvik TH430L trucks with deliveries scheduled between the Q3 CY25 and Q2 CY26. The agreement also covers parts and services kits to support long-term equipment performance. Located in the Hartley Geological Complex on...

BHP Xplor applications open BHP (ASX: BHP) has officially opened applications for the 2026 cohort for its accelerator program aimed at transforming the discovery of critical minerals — BHP Xplor. Launched in 2024, the program is designed to accelerate participants' exploration opportunities while fostering long-term connections with BHP. Ambitious teams and individuals dedicated to uncovering new sources of critical minerals essential for a sustainable future are invited to apply for the 2026 intake. Participants benefit from up to $750,000 in equity-free funding, expert mentorship and...

FMG launches zero-emissions roadmap Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has launched the third iteration of its climate transition plan at the Global Renewables Summit in New York as part of Climate Week NYC. The event was organised by Climate Group and Fortescue, with support from the Global Renewables Alliance, and was attended by heads of state, government leaders, business executives and financiers discussing ways to accelerate the deployment of zero-emissions technologies and unlock the full potential of the renewable energy transition. Fortescue’s updated plane...

Australia’s largest battery park approved Pacific Green, a global battery energy storage company, has secured a planning permit for the development of a grid-scale battery energy park in Portland, Victoria. Once constructed, it will become Australia’s largest battery energy park — providing up to 1GW of firming capacity — and will significantly boost energy storage capacity, securing the state’s energy stability and transition to net-zero emissions. Strategically positioned within an industrial zone, the energy park is near the Portland aluminium smelter and the Portland water treatment plant, enabling the asset to provide energy security to strategic...

Brightstar gets greenlight for Lord Byron Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has received approval from the WA Government to begin production at its Lord Byron open pit gold mine at its Laverton Hub in WA.   The project is on track for development and production in H2 CY26 after receiving approval from the WA Department of Mine, Petroleum and Energy (DPME) for Lord Byron's mining proposal and closure plan.   Brightstar’s managing director Alex Rovira says Lord Byron mine is pivotal to accelerating gold production growth in the company’s Laverton Hub.  “Importantly, the Lord Byron open pit is located less thank 10km from...

Weir launches heavy-duty submersible slurry pump Weir has redesigned its market-leading heavy-duty submersible slurry pump to deliver reliable performance in the harshest slurry environments.   The WARMAN SHW-XTR heavy-duty submersible slurry pump uses a larger shaft than previous designs and heavy-duty bearings to keep everything stable, running smoothly and avoid motor failure from shaft deflection.   Weir dewatering solutions global product manager Ian Ross says the legacy WARMAN SHW pump has been a mainstay in demanding applications in mining operations all over the world.  “ hydraulics are trusted throughout the industry, which...

FMG goes to New York Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) Green Pioneer, has sailed to New York for the world’s largest annual climate event — Climate Week NYC.  The 75m dual fuel ammonia-powered vessel is docked on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, marking the latest stop on its 2025 global tour to accelerate the adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel.  The Green Pioneer recently completed operations at the Port of Boston, where the Fortescue team worked closely with the US Coast Guard to secure approval for ammonia bunkering. This was successfully executed at the...