Author: Samantha Bawden

Rio Tinto consider move into critical minerals Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) discussed a move into critical minerals and rare earths amidst global trade tensions and shifting market dynamics at its annual general meeting held in Perth yesterday. As countries move to create their own independent domestic supply chains, critical minerals have held the international spotlight. Following the US’ implementation of tariffs and China’s export restriction as a response, Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm commented that the company is considering the role of critical minerals in its future portfolio. Mr Stausholm noted that critical minerals are already present...

Komatsu Australia travels to Papua New Guinea Komatsu Australia has announced that it is now distributing to customers in Papua New Guinea. This follows Komatsu acquisition of existing distributor UMW Niugini Limited, now renamed Komatsu Niugini Limited (KNL), completed yesterday on the 1 May 2025. Komatsu Australia managing director Sean Taylor says the acquisition resulted after a change in the ownership structure of the joint venture parties that previously owned UNM Niugini Limited. "As a result of this change in structure, KNL has become a fully owned part of the Komatsu group,” he said. “Komatsu Australia is the obvious choice to...

Murchison gold project delivers first ore Meeka Metals (ASX: MEK) has announced that first ore has been mined from open pits at its Murchison gold project, located in the Murchison Gold Fields of WA, following processing plant expansion works at the site approaching completion. First ore was mined from the St Anne’s north open pit during April and a stockpile of ore are now being built up in preparation for the commissioning of the processing plant in June 2025. Open pit mining activities also began at the Turnberry Central site during April making it the second of five stage one high-grade oxide open...

Weir confirms completion of Micromine acquisition Mining technology giant Weir has announced that it has completed the acquisition of Mining Software Holdings (Micromine), a global leader in mining software solutions, for $1.3b. WA based Micromine provides intuitive software solutions for the mining and exploration industry with more than 22 offices globally and operates in more than 90 countries. Weir strives to utilise mining technology to help customers in the resource sector operate at their highest productivity and lowest environmental impact. Weir chief executive Jon Stanton said that the company is delighted by the formal completion of the acquisition. “Micromine is a high performing, high...

US closer to unlocking critical minerals cache The US Government has expedited permitting for several proposed mining projects across the country as the nation strives to gain independence in the critical mineral circuit. One of the world’s most significant undeveloped copper deposits, the Resolution copper project, is getting a green light for fast-tracking. The joint venture between Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and BHP (ASX: BHP), 45% and 55% owned respectively, is anticipated to be the largest copper mine in North America. The proposed underground mine has the potential to meet up to 25% of the US copper annual demand once...

Delta Lithium to demerge Mt Ida In a bid to focus on its lithium assets, Delta Lithium (ASX: DLI) has announced a demerger of its Mt Ida gold assets into a separate entity, Ballard Mining. The demerger will provide a solid foundation to further advance Delta’s Mt Ida gold project, located 225km from Kalgoorlie in the Eastern Goldfields Province of WA, towards standalone production. The move will also allow Delta to focus on lithium exploration and development at its Yinetharra and Mt Ida lithium projects whilst maintaining a substantial interest in Ballard Mining and...

New Murchison Gold shouts eureka New Murchison Gold (ASX: NMG) has confirmed the presence of strongly gold mineralised zones at depth at its Crown Prince gold project. The recent drilling program at the site has confirmed the presence of a high-grade gold bearing structure continuing below the planned open pit development at Crown Prince. The company has delivered an assay result of 0.28m at 17,240g/t of gold within a broader intersection of 1.64m at 3,090g/t of gold from 251.36m. (Image source: New Murchison Gold) The recent drilling program has confirmed the presence...

Macmahon wins $172m underground contract Macmahon (ASX: MAH) has announced that it has been awarded an underground mining services contract at the Deflector underground gold-copper mine in the southern Murchison region of WA. The contract includes all underground and mine development and production services and all other associated works. The two-year contract commences on May 1 this year, with possible extension, and is expected to add $105m to Macmahon’s secured orderbook. Macmahon managing director and chief executive Michael Finnegan commented that the company is pleased to have been awarded the contract. “Macmahon values our relationship and are excited to continue building on this,” he...

Alkane goes global: diversifying gold and antimony production Perth based Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) are set to acquire Canada based Mandalay Resources in a proposed “merger of equals” to create a diversified gold and antimony producer. The acquisition proposes that Alkane is to buy all issued and outstanding shares of Mandalay under a court-approved plan of arrangement in an all-share transaction. Mandalay shareholders will receive 7.875 Alkane common shares per each Mandalay common share held. The merged entity will operate under the name Alkane Resources and following the transaction, Mandalay shareholders will own 55% of the merged company and...

Delta Lithium expands to Mortimer Hills Delta Lithium (ASX: DLI) is expanding its Yinnetharra lithium and tantalum project as it acquires Mortimer Hills from Zeus Resources (ASX: ZEU). The strategic acquisition of Mortimer Hills, located in the Gascoyne region of WA, comprises of one granted exploration licence located 5km southeast of southeast along strike from Malinda. The tenure gives Delta access to another 4km of strike along the Leake Springs metasediment unit that hosts both the Malinda and Jameson resources that boast a combined 21.9Mt of lithium. Delta managing director James Croser said that the acquisition of Mortimer Hills is a strategic...

Honeywell to boost production and efficiency at Eneabba Honeywell has announced its integrated controls and safety system (ICSS) will be designed and implemented at Iluka Resources’ (ASX: ILU) Eneabba refinery to create a safer environment for workers and boost efficiency. Located in WA, the $1.8b refinery will be Australia’s first fully integrated rare earth refinery and will produce rare earth oxides essential to defence systems, electric and hybrid vehicles, robotics, sustainable energy technologies and consumer, industrial and agriculture applications. The site will benefit from the use of...