Author: Samantha Bawden

Primero awarded $157m contract Primero Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRW Holdings (ASX: NWH), has landed a multimillion-dollar contract with Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) for its Hope Downs 1 operations in the Pilbara region of WA. Under the contract, Primero will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, construction, testing commissioning and handover of non-process infrastructure works at the site. “This award represents the continuation of our long-term relationship with Rio Tinto through the delivery of world-class infrastructure projects,” says Primero managing director Michael Gollschewski. Design and procurement work will begin...

Meeka Metals closer to first gold As processing plant works near completion, Meeka Metals (ASX: MEK) anticipates first gold production in the coming months from its flagship Murchison gold project. Following the successful installation of the power station at the site in May the plant has been energised in advance of full commissioning. Open pit mining operations continue at the St Anne’s North and Turnberry Central sites as ore stockpiles continue to grow. “With power to the plant and ore stocks on the ROM we are on track for commissioning and first gold in the coming weeks,” says Meeka...

Glencore to supply Kwinana refinery Cobalt Blue (ASX: COB) has secured a contract for cobalt hydroxide feedstock supply from Glencore for Australia’s first ever cobalt refinery in WA. Under the terms of the contract, Glencore will supply Cobalt Blue up to 50% of the refinery’s feedstock requirements, a minimum of 3,750t, for a period of three years. Cobalt Blue chief executive Andrew Tong says the company is thrilled to formalise a relationship with Glencore. “Locking in at least 50% of Kwinana cobalt refinery's feedstock requirements is a significant step in derisking the project that brings us...

MinRes is committed to reconciliation Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has strengthened its commitment to Indigenous engagement and empowerment by incorporating the value of First Nations cultures and histories throughout its operations. MinRes prioritises education, mutual respect and positive action through on-ground cultural awareness, employment pathways and supporting economic empowerment of Indigenous businesses as part of its approach to reconciliation. The company’s indigenous employment strategy showcases its commitment to providing a culturally supportive and safe work environment, while increasing representation throughout its...

Dolphins at Dawson mine Early this week, the Dolphins NRL players paid a visit to the iconic Dawson coal mine in Moura, Central Queensland owned by the team’s premium partner Anglo American. The players toured the site before hitching a ride on a 400t Cat797B truck and going up in a dragline, getting a real experience of life on the mines. “It’s good to have the boys come out and to see what one of their key sponsors does and get involved,” says Anglo American dump truck driver Glen Cecil. There are some notable synergies between mining and sport with teamwork being...

The future of drill autonomy with Sandvik Sandvik Mining continues to pioneer autonomous surface drilling with the launch of AutoMine Surface Fleet. The solution delivers unprecedented flexibility, reduces downtime and improves productivity by enabling operators to manage more than 15 Sandvik surface i-series drill rigs from any connected site location. The location-independent capabilities provide the flexibility required to drive continuous improvement and optimisation with both onsite and remote-control operations. “The system is fully compatible with the AutoMine Universal Station, allowing the operation of both boom and rotary drills even...

Harmony’s $1.6b bid for NSW copper mine South African mining company Harmony Gold has entered a binding agreement to acquire MAC Copper (ASX: MAC) in hopes of adding the CSA copper mine to its portfolio. MAC shareholders, under the terms of the scheme, will receive $19 (US$12.25) per MAC share. MAC acquired the high-grade CSA site from Glencore in 2023 for $1.2b and 20.6% of ordinary shares in MAC, a deal with a value totalled at $1.7b. “The acquisition of the CSA copper mine in Australia is significant as it introduces a...

BHP supports remote Indigenous students BHP (ASX: BHP) continues to fund more than 30 scholarships for high school students in Year 7 through to Year 12 in rural WA through a partnership with MADALAH. Getting a quality education is one of the many challenges faced by First Nations students living in remote and regional WA. MADALAH, an Indigenous led not-for-profit that offers scholarships for First Nations students that continues to make education more accessible across the region. MADALAH, which stands for ‘Making a Difference and Looking Ahead’, doesn’t just support students financially, it creates opportunities for students both in and outside of the classroom. The organisation partners with schools in Perth and across the greater WA region to help kids...

BHP launches AI hub BHP (ASX: BHP) is establishing its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore in partnership with AI Singapore (AISG) and Enterprise Singapore to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption in the resources sector. The hub aims to solve enterprise-wide challenges using AI technologies to improve safety and increase productivity. BHP chose to develop its AI capabilities in Singapore due to the country’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, strong digital infrastructure and alignment with the company’s goals to scale technologies that deliver operational value. BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd says that Singapore is a clear leader in...

Kingsrose and BHP’s Norwegian alliance Following encouraging geological results, Kingsrose Mining (ASX: KRM) and BHP (ASX: BHP) will renew their Finnmark Alliance for another year to continue exploration of several critical minerals throughout Norway. Since its inception, BHP has provided funding of more than $9m (US$5.84m) to the project. The company has pledged an additional $5.42m (US$3.5m) in funding in the alliance’s second year. “During the past year we achieved one of the largest generative exploration programs globally,” Kingsrose managing director Fabian Baker says. “It is a rare opportunity to explore entire mineral belts from first principles, we are grateful...

Record jobs growth in WA mining Employment in WA’s resource sector has reached record heights, marking eight consecutive years of employment growth within the industry. The WA Government has attributed the continued growth to strong mineral and petroleum sales totalling more than $223b and the continued development of iron ore, gold, lithium, nickel and alumina operations across the state. Last year, iron ore dominated mineral sales totalling $128b, the third highest ever recorded by the state, driven by strong prices and the production of near-record volumes. Gold also hit a record $24b in sales amid a stellar price environment. The state also saw the highest value...