Author: Samantha Bawden

NT exploration gets $4m funding The Northern Territory Government has announced new funds to support resource exploration within the territory. The funding will award 38 grants to 30 companies through round 18 of the Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) program. The program is part of the Resourcing the Territory initiative, which accelerates exploration, discovery and local jobs. The mining sector is the most significant contributor to the territory’s self-sourced revenue, supported by eight mining operations and mineral exploration. Northern Territory Mining and Energy Minister Gerard Maley says the grants demonstrate the Northern Territory Government’s strong commitment to rebuilding the economy through responsible resource development. “This...

Pilgangoora resource gets 23% boost Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has delivered a 39mt increase in mineral resource for its Pilgangoora lithium deposit in WA’s Pilbara region. The significant upgrade indicates an inferred mineral resource of 446mt at 1.28% lithium oxide hosting 5.7mt of lithium oxide and 45mt of tantalum pentoxide, a 14% increase to previous figures from FY24. The mineral resource grade also improved by 12% largely as a result of the addition of new higher-grade prospects within the central extension drill areas. The upgrade was underpinned by a 104,627m drilling program that saw 364 holes drilled...

Bravus plays ball through to 2027 Bravus Mining and Resources and Rockhampton Basketball will keep their winning streak alive after the Queensland-based mining company resigned as a major partner for another two years. The renewal will see Bravus Mining and resources Arena remain at the heart of Rockhampton Basketball and provide a venue for all community games and events that bring the region together. Bravus reputation and ESG head Kate Campbell says the business is thrilled to continue to back Rockhampton’s basketball scene — both on the court...

New government leadership to drive WA priorities The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson has been appointed as WA Agent General for the UK and Europe region. As the first female CME chief executive in its 122-year history, Ms Tomkinson holds extensive leadership experience across WA’s public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Appointed by the Governor of WA, the Agent General represents WA’s investment attraction and trade promotion efforts by assisting investors and businesses wanting to engage with WA’s industries, including the mining and renewable...

Australian graphite gets a boost CSIRO is supporting the growth of Australia’s battery industry with the launch of a new $400,000 research and development (R&D) grant program to help small-to-medium (SMEs) in mining and manufacturing. The grants will enhance the quality, efficiency and sustainability of graphite — a critical mineral essential to battery production — by funding SMEs working on related projects. Australia holds significant reserves of graphite, but its presence in global battery supply chains remains minimal. The program aims to develop innovative technologies and processes that will position Australian companies as global leaders in graphite...

WA decarbonises iron ore exports NH3 Clean Energy (ASX: NH3) has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Pilbara Ports and Oceania Marine Energy for the establishment of low-emissions ammonia bunkering operations at the Port of Dampier. The operations, aimed to be completed by 2030, will service iron ore carriers and support the energy transition across the Pilbara-Asia maritime corridor. The JDA follows the International Maritime Organisation’s announcement of its net zero framework that sets mandatory emissions limits and a global pricing mechanism for...

Government backs Tanami The Northern Territory Government is showcasing resource development opportunities at the Tanami gold mine, delivering jobs, investment and royalties for locals. The site, acquired by Newmont (ASX: NEM) in 2002, is located 550km northwest of Alice Springs and currently employs more than 1,800 people. The Tanami Expansion 2 (TE2) project is well underway and is anticipated to transform the site’s production capabilities and extend its operational life well beyond 2040. In the current climate of record high gold prices, the mine is set to deliver significant royalty revenue to the Northern Territory economy....

Australia to fill Nigeria’s skills gap Last week, Murdoch University (MU) welcomed Nigeria Solid Minerals Minister Dr Henry Dele Alake ahead of a two-week technical training program. The program, a collaboration between MU and the Federal Government, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between both countries and is designed to address Nigeria’s resource sector technical skills gap. Delegates will engage directly with mining industry experts on trends in mining, investment opportunities and sustainability challenges as well as visit...

Indigenous excellence recognised at Blackwater Ochre Australia was announced as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Resource Council Indigenous Awards in the Exceptional Indigenous Business Award category after being nominated by Whitehaven. Supported by Whitehaven, Ochre has been instrumental in several rehabilitation and environmental projects at Blackwater coal mine, including supply of operators, execution of civil works packages, legacy borehole location and sediment control. The teams worked closely together to build Ochre’s capability to address mine compliance, which has positioned them to grow to where the now are — working autonomously at Blackwater. Ochre...

Australian mining to power 2032 Olympics The Queensland Government is setting a major projects pipeline for the state’s mining industry in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In a delivery plan for the event, the Queensland Government outlined a $7.1b infrastructure program that includes the construction of new Olympic venues and enhancing transport networks across regional and southeast Queensland as well as expanding essential energy infrastructure. The most notable project is the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium to be built in Brisbane’s Victoria Park, a feat that will require...

Rio debuts newest iron ore mine Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and China Baowu Group have officially opened their joint venture, 54% and 46% owned respectively, the Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara region in WA. The $3b project, completed on time and within budget, is anticipated to provide stability for Paraburdoo’s more than 880 residential and FIFO employees. It also supports the ongoing viability of Paraburdoo town and strengthens the WA and national economies through royalties and taxes. The opening of the site follows the completion of construction...