Author: Samantha Bawden

Fleet Space pioneers multiphysics exploration Fleet Space Australia has launched ExoSphere MT as part of its AI-powered mineral exploration platform ExoSphere. Featuring next-generation magnetotellurics (MT), ambient noise tomography (ANT), active seismic and gravity surveys, the platform enables companies to acquire, process and integrate high-resolution 3D exploration data into AI-powered insights. MT is a passive geophysical method that uses naturally occurring variations in the Earth’s electromagnetic (EM) fields — produced by solar winds and thunderstorms — to measure the electrical resistivity and conductivity of subsurface materials. Uniquely suited to image crustal...

BUMA wins multi-million-dollar contract extension BUMA Australia has been awarded a two-year contract extension at the Goonyella Riverside coal mine in central Queensland, a joint venture between BHP (ASX: BHP) and Mitsubishi Alliance. The contract will see BUMA, a wholly owned subsidiary of PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama, continue to deliver mining services at the project through to September 2027. BUMA will continue to deploy three prime fleets throughout the contract period to the Goonyella project. Since 2022, BUMA Australia has provided labour, supervision, technical expertise and mobile plant services for pre-strip operations and coal mining at...

WA Premier takes green iron to Japan WA Premier Roger Cook is travelling to Japan to support continued collaboration on the clean energy transition between the nation and WA. Japan is a significant investor in WA with longstanding partnerships in the state’s resources sector. In a series of high-level meetings with government and industry stakeholders, Mr Cook will reinforce WA’s relationship with Japan. An important discussion topic for the trip will be WA’s continued resources exports that will contribute to Japan’s energy transition. Opportunities for mutually beneficial co-operation across areas such as green iron, ammonia, carbon...

Funding secures next generation resource workers The Queensland Government is investing $2m to expand its Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) education arm. The funding will establish a jobs pipeline for resource workers in regional hubs across central and north Queensland by increasing awareness and interest in energy and minerals career pathways. The expansion will take place over three years, with the first regional hub based in Mackay at the Resources Centre of Excellence. Rockhampton will follow in 2026 and Townsville in 2027. Queensland Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates says...

Broken Hill extends major project status Cobalt Blue Holdings (ASX: COB) has been awarded a three-year extension on the major project status for its Broken Hill cobalt project in NSW. Major project status enables additional Federal Government regulatory support for projects of national significance through their contribution to strategic priorities, economic growth, employment and regional Australia. The recognition of the project’s national significance supports the company in advancing investment discussions, particularly pertaining to international investor support, as well as domestic investment. Cobalt Blue chief executive Andrew Tong says major project status acknowledges the strategic significance of the project...

Geoscience igniting modern gold rush Experts from the Geological Survey of WA (GSWA) have led a geoscientific breakthrough that could spark the next wave of major gold discoveries across the state. By analysing thousands of geological samples, GSWA has identified the chemical signature most closely linked to the formation of gold-rich mineral systems — particularly those formed by ancient intrusions of molten rock deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The discovery is a major advancement in mineral exploration on a global scale as many of the world’s largest and most productive gold deposits are found within intrusion-related systems. These...

Sandvik grows Mongolian fleet Sandvik Mining has been contracted to supply 17 loaders and two trucks to Rio Tinto’s (ASX: Rio) Oyu Tolgoi copper-mine in the South Gobi Desert. The underground equipment supply includes eight Toro LH410 loaders, seven Toro LH515i loaders, two Toro LH517i loaders and two Toro TH551i trucks. Deliveries are expected to begin in October 2025 and continue through to late next year. Underground operations at the site, jointly owned by Rio (66%) and the Mongolia Government (34%), began in early 2023 and have continued to ramp...

Rio awards $167m contract to NRW NRW Civil & Mining, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings (ASX: NWH), has been awarded a contract for works at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Brockman Syncline 1 mine in the Pilbara region of WA. Under the contract NRW will be responsible for the construction of earthworks, roadworks and drainage associated with the primary crusher, overland conveyor and non-process infrastructure at the site located within the Brockman mine hub. NRW will also be responsible for the construction of haul roads, access roads and concrete structures. The scope of the works includes drill...

Scholars drive WA’s minerals innovation The WA Government has announced the cohort for the Minerals Institute of WA (MRIWA) 2025 PhD scholarships and student placement schemes. The schemes strengthen the resources sector by driving innovation in sustainable mineral production and fostering research and industry advancement, reinforcing WA’s position as a global industry leader. The scholarships have been awarded to three students that are tackling critical challenges faced by the minerals industry. Kenneth Akiti has been awarded the prestigious Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship for his research into responsible management of retired mining vehicle batteries, addressing environmental and economic challenges....

Fortescue empowers future leaders Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has pledged $600,000 over three years to support program development at Hedland Senior High School, located in Port Hedland, WA. The funding will enable Hedland Senior High School to deliver a suite of education and engagement programs aimed at empowering local youth to strengthen regional capability and deepen First Nations engagement. A wide range of initiatives will benefit from the funding, including science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) programs for students, improvements to the school’s technology hub and culturally respectful initiatives that celebrate...

Minerals booming in latest Australian resource forecasts The Federal Industry, Science and Resources Department has reported growing resources and energy export volumes in the most recent Australian Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ). Gold is set to become Australia’s third largest resources export earner, as the commodity fetches record prices, behind iron ore and liquid natural gas next year, with earnings forecast to reach $56b, according to the REQ. Exploration expenditure for iron ore — Australia’s largest export earner — continues to rise. Amid continued fallout over global trade tensions and conflicts — the REQ reported —...