Author: Samantha Bawden

Scholarships strengthen Australia’s critical minerals leadership The WA Government has announced a scholarship program for advance critical minerals research projects with funding from the state’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The critical minerals sector is pivotal to the global transition to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies. The international scholarship program encourages eligible Australian researchers, postgraduate students and professionals to collaborate with global experts and contribute to Australia’s strategic priorities in the critical minerals sector. Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 per month over a six-month period to cover airfares, accommodation, transportation and related expenses. The funding supports research...

Major players launch autonomy trials Thiess has partnered with Norton Gold Fields (ASX: NGF) and EACON Mining Technology to launch a groundbreaking tripartite partnership to deploy autonomous haulage technology in Australia. A formal agreement was signed during a ceremony held in Melbourne witnessed by senior executives from all three companies. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Australian mining sector and advances the deployment of OEM-agnostic haulage systems through retrofit technology. By integrating EACON’s autonomy solution into Norton Gold Fields and Thiess mining trucks, the project reflects a shared ambition to enhance safety, productivity and...

Whitehaven supports Aboriginal Elders Olympics Whitehaven (ASX: WHC) was one of the major sponsors of the 2025 Aboriginal Elders Olympics which saw more than 400 Elders from across NSW participate in a series of games and social activities. The event offers participants the opportunity to engage in social interaction, physical activity and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of unity and pride amongst Indigenous communities. 27 teams competed in a round-robin format with points tallied across a range of activities to determine the winners. Hosted by the 2024 champion, the Inverell Bear Eaters,...

WesCEF Achieves 98% emissions reduction Wesfarmers Chemicals Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) is closing in on net zero operations following the installation of additional abatement catalysts. The abatement catalysts convert greenhouse gases into less harmful substances before they are released into the atmosphere. The advanced technology virtually eliminates emissions from WesCEF’s newest nitric acid ammonium nitrate (NAAN) plant in Kwinana, WA. WA Premier Roger Cook comments on the plant’s milestone. “I want to ensure WA’s economy remains the strongest in the nation,” he said. “This project is the exact thing I want to see more of in WA. “By helping...

WA awards innovation in mining The WA Government has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 WA Innovators of the Year (WAIOTY) awards. The awards create opportunities to highlight mining and resource sector focused startups and emerging businesses. Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) is the primary sponsor of the awards with two awards given in its name ­­ the Rio Tinto Emerging Innovation Award and the Rio Tinto Growth Innovation Award. This year’s program recognises WA innovators across seven different awards with winners...

Alcoa supports men’s mental health Alcoa (ASX: AAI) is supporting the 2025 M8D8 program, organised by WA’s Youth Focus, for its third consecutive year. The campaign, focusing on the Peel and South-West regions, highlights the importance of conversations between friends and how they can make a significant difference to young men’s mental health. M8D8 encourages young men to talk about how they are feeling, regardless of whether it is good or bad. The nearly 50% increase in mental ill health related issues since 2007, highlighting the importance of awareness and support around this...

Rio's critical move into critical minerals Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and partner Indium Corporation have successfully extracted its first primary gallium as part of a research and development project. The project aims to produce commercial quantities of the critical mineral present in the bauxite processed at Rio’s Vaudreuil refinery in Quebec in Canada, the country’s one and only alumina refinery. Gallium is used in key sectors including the manufacturing high-performance radars, smartphones, electric vehicles and laptops. The mineral is produced in limited quantities across the globe with only an estimate 600t produced annually. Rio Tinto chief executive Jérôme...

Queensland unlocks northwest mining opportunities The Queensland Government has announced a series of incentives aimed at pushing growth and investment across mining and freight sectors. The new incentives aim to cut rail access charges for emerging rock phosphate producers and simultaneously increase freight volumes and support new entrants in the market. Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last says that the initiative will deliver real outcomes for the region. “We want to see mines opening, not closing,” he said. “That’s why we’re incentivising phosphate on the Mount Isa rail line, to take the pressure off new...

Speewah: Australia’s first fluorite project progresses Tivan (ASX: TVN) has formed an incorporated joint venture (IJV) with leading Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corporation. The IJV is working to develop, finance and operate the Speewah fluorite project in the Kimberley region of WA. This coincides with rising interest in the mineral after fluorine was added to Australia’s critical minerals list in late 2023. Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson comments on the partnership. “We are delighted to commence a long-term partnership with one of Japan’s most respected companies and to have established a relationship based upon...

Finalists for 2025 Industry Leaders & Awards Austmine and AusIMM have announced the finalists for the 2025 Industry Leaders & Awards, celebrating excellence across Australia’s world-leading mining and mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sectors. Winners will be announced on 21 May at the Industry Leaders & Awards Dinner held as part of the Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25) in Brisbane. The annual awards highlight the achievements of individuals and organisations who are shaping the future of the resource sector, from driving forward innovation and operational excellence to expanding Australia’s global...

Introducing Caterpillar’s advanced safety technology Cat® has announced new advanced safety technology, including a collision warning and motion inhibit system, across its next generation medium wheel loaders. Fully integrated for optimal performance, the new features are designed to improve safety, operational efficiency and provide greater accuracy. Cat global product application specialist for medium wheel loaders Frank Stadelmann comments on the new technology. “Our new optional collision warning system with motion inhibit includes object detection, people detection and motion inhibit as a package to improve safe operation by alerting operators and inhibiting loader motion in...