Author: Samantha Bawden

Metso accelerates flotation innovation Metso has opened a new separation laboratory and pilot area at its research centre in Pori, Finland, bringing expanded research and development services for its customers.  The latest development at the research centre is the new coarse particle flotation (CPF) cell, which introduces a novel deep-froth pneumatic design that eliminates the need for fluidised beds, set for launch in 2026 following industrial-scale testing.  Metso Plus flotation technologies, such as the Concorde Cell and FloatForce+, were validated at Pori before their launch and both are now referenced globally across a range of commodities....

Bellevue’s record-breaking quarter Bellevue Gold (ASX: BGL) has delivered strong Q1 FY26 results, surpassing gold production and development expectations across its gold project in WA.  The company achieved a record production volume of 296kt processed at 3.2 g/t gold, following 259kt of ore mined at 3.2 g/t gold, with grades expected to rise throughout FY26 as the mining sequence progressively moves to higher-grade stoping areas in the Deacon, Viago and Deacon North mining areas.   Development rates for the quarter averaged 322m per jumbo operator per month, well ahead of the FY26 guidance of 270m per month.  Following the successful completion of planned plant upgrades during the...

Karlawinda delivers record gold production Capricorn Metals (ASX: CMM) has announced its Karlawinda gold project, in the Pilbara region of WA, is on track for it FY26 guidance in a preliminary update on Q1 FY26 production.  The project delivered another strong quarter of operations, producing 32, 318oz of gold, on track to achieve 115,000-125,000oz at an all in sustaining cost (AISC) of $1,530-$1,630 per oz, in line with expectations outline in the FY26 mine plan.  Gold production for the quarter reflected the ongoing mining productivity improvement that drove the consistent quarterly increases in output throughout FY25.   The mining fleet achieved...

Cost reassessment underway for $12b Snowy 2.0 Snowy Hydro has ordered the comprehensive review of its Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project in NSW currently undergoing development. Due to current material cost pressures, the company has engaged independent construction cost experts to verify the principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture’s (FGJV) line-by-line reassessment. Snowy Hydro chief executive Dennis Barnes says the renewable energy project has made good progress since its reset in 2023 and the need to reassess is disappointing as the critical importance of the project to electricity users across the network has not changed. “Despite disruption, including work stoppages due to safety...

Miners pay more tax than all other sectors combined The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today released its Corporate Tax Transparency report for 2023-2024, highlighting the Australian mining industry has paid more tax than any other industry. The report confirms Australia’s mining industry remains the nation’s biggest taxpayer, for the third consecutive year, paying $65b in company tax and royalties for 2023-24, despite weaker commodity prices and challenging geopolitical conditions. ATO assistant commissioner Michelle Sams highlights the industry’s resilience. “Despite a decrease in tax payable reflecting weaker commodity prices which impacted profitability of...

$4.5b WA wheatbelt wind farm advances Synergy has applied to develop its Tathra wind farm, a 2GW combined solar and wind project, with the WA Government after receiving consent for land usage from nine farm owners. The state-owned company’s proposed project, located 300km north of Perth near Eneabba, includes 140 wind turbines with a generation capacity of up to 1000MW, up to 1,000,000 solar photo-voltaic (PV) panels with 500MW of solar capacity and lithium-ion batteries with a 500MW capacity. Synergy’s planning documents state that by co-locating wind turbines, solar panels and a battery energy storage system...

FMG renews Shooting Stars partnership Fortescue (ASX: FMG) continues to support First Nations girls across regional WA through its partnership with Shooting Stars and the Port Hedland Academy aimed at providing access to life-changing opportunities. Shooting Stars began in Halls Creek as a Netball WA pilot program, now 10 years on, it supports more than 1000 First Nations girls and young women across 21 sites in WA and South Australia. While the program is still part of Netball WA, Shooting Stars has evolved into a holistic social and emotional wellbeing program. By partnering with host schools and providing participants with advocacy,...

Westgold to increase production by 25% Westgold (ASX: WGX) has delivered a high confidence plan that lifts annual gold production at its WA projects from 326koz to 470koz by FY28. Underpinned by the company’s ore reserves of 56mt at 1.93g/t gold for 3.5moz of gold, the plan will see increased output from the company’s four existing processing hubs, currently operating at a 6mtpa capacity, fed from its operating mines and ore purchase agreement. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the outlook provides a baseline for a larger, more...

Weir unveils new ENDURON crushers Weir, a global leader in mining technology, has launched a new range of ENDURON jaw and cone crushers, developed in close collaboration with customers to address their most pressing operational challenges. This customer-first approach has resulted in equipment that enhances safety, boosts productivity, simplifies maintenance, and supports sustainability goals. The updated ENDURON  jaw crushers now feature a redesigned Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU), which allows for true pushbutton control of CSS adjustments. This innovation eliminates the need for manual intervention, significantly reducing safety risks for operators and maintenance teams....

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...