Author: Hannah Winks

Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has executed a strategic framework agreement with Aquirian (ASX: AQN) for the supply of all drilling and energetics services at its Goldfields Hub in WA, as the company advances towards near-term production.The agreement has an initial term of up to five years. In addition, Brightstar has initiated a three-year agreement with Aquirian subsidiary Drillforce for the Lord Byron open pit mine. Mining activities at Lord Byron are expected to commence in the second half of CY26.Under the arrangement, Drillforce will deliver an integrated drill and blast solution, incorporating its proprietary Collar Keeper® technology on new Epiroc T45 rigs.Brightstar says the technology is designed to improve blast precision by balancing fragmentation with ore preservation to minimise dilution and enhance recovery.The approach is expected to deliver operational benefits including improved dig productivity, lower load and haul costs and reduced processing disruptions alongside safety improvements including reduced operator exposure during blasting activities.Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira says the agreement aligns with the company’s focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation.“We are excited to be partnering with Aquirian for our open pit drill and blast services for the Goldfields Hub,” he said.“Aquirian’s vertically integrated business provides a strong operational focus on ore preservation during the drill and blast sequence, which is anticipated to deliver material benefits to our open pit mining operations.”Brightstar is targeting first gold production from its Goldfields Hub in mid-2027.

Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) has moved into a net cash position following a strong March quarter underpinned by higher gold prices and consistent operational delivery.The company generated $406m in group cash flow for the period, finishing the quarter with a $42m net cash position and total cash holdings of $1.37b.Gold production reached 170,000oz for the quarter alongside 11,000t of copper, at an all-in sustaining costs of $2,220/oz.Evolution says it remains on track to meet its FY26 gold production at lower than original cost guidance, with group copper production now expected to come in around the low end of guidance following weather disruptions at Ernest Henry.High-margin operations across the portfolio continued to drive performance, with record net mine cash flows achieved at both Mungari and Red Lake. Mungari delivered 51,000oz of gold for the quarter, while Red Lake maintained steady output above 30,000oz for the fourth consecutive quarter.Evolution managing director and chief executive Lawrie Conway says the results reflects consistent execution and disciplined capital management.“Evolution continues to generate significant cash flows from consistent operational delivery and disciplined capital allocation,” he said.“We have rapidly deleveraged by more than 31% in just over two years, reaching a net cash position by the end of March.”Across the portfolio, Evolution reported no material disruptions linked to the global fuel supply situation, noting existing supply contracts remain in place.The company also advanced several key growth projects during the quarter, including the E22 block cave and coarse particle flotation project at Northparkes and the Bert orebody at Ernest Henry. These developments are progressing on schedule and within budget, according to the miner.

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, Canada as part of a CA$135m investment to improve operational reliability at the site.The 1.1-kilometre system is designed to transport about 800,000tpa of alumina, providing a consistent supply of raw material for aluminium production.The infrastructure is designed with a 50-year operational life replacing current equipment dating back to the 1960s.Rio Tinto says the new system also delivers environmental benefits, with a sealed pipe design reducing particulate emissions by around 40% through improved material containment and fewer transfer points. The recovered alumina can be reintroduced into the production process, allowing for more efficient material handling.Rio Tinto BC Works general manager Simon Pascoe says the project strengthens a critical component of the smelter’s operations.“This project is a key milestone for Kitimat and a strong signal of our confidence in the future of our operations,” he said.Rio Tinto has operated in Kitimat for more than 70 years and continues to invest in its aluminium operations in British Columbia.

Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) is bracing its Mid-West operations in WA for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle and diesel fuel delivery uncertainty linked to global supply constraints.The combined impact of weather disruption and constrained fuel supply could affect mining and haulage activities for Fenix. To manage the situation, the company is scaling back non-essential operations while prioritising processing and haulage.The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the cyclone could impact the Gascoyne Coast before tracking south through the Mid-West, prompting the Mid-West Port Authority to activate cyclone response procedures which will temporarily close all shipping operations at Geraldton Port.Fenix expects to maintain sufficient fuel supplies in the near-term, supported by existing stockpiles, allowing the miner to continue to process and haul iron ore to the port of Geraldton.Despite these current challenges, Fenix has maintained its FY26 guidance of 4.2-4.8mt of iron ore sales at a C1 cash cost of $70-$80/wmt on the expectation the port operations recommence in early April 2026 and diesel fuel supply conditions stabilise.Fenix said it does not intend to revise its guidance at this stage, as the underlying assumptions for its three-year production plan and Weld Range development strategy remain unchanged.

Macmahon Holdings (ASX: MAH) is partnering with Manuka Resources (ASX: MKR) for the restart of mining operations at the Wonawinta silver project in NSW.The agreement covers open pit mining services, drill and blast and load and haul activities with mining expected to recommence in May 2026.A formal mining services agreement is anticipated to be finalised in April, with an estimated value of $190m across an initial five-year term.Macmahon has said no additional capital expenditure is required for FY26, with company guidance remaining unchanged.The Wonawinta project, located in the Cobar Basin, last operated in 2015 before being placed in care and maintenance due to low silver prices.Manuka Resources acquired the project in 2016 and has since intermittently used the site’s processing plant for gold from its nearby Mt Boppy operation.The project was returned to care and maintenance in early 2024.Macmahon managing director and chief executive Michael Finnegan welcomes the opportunity to partner with Manuka Resources to de-risk operations at Wonawinta.“Macmahon is proud to be working in partnership with Manuka Resources to get this exciting large-scale silver project into production again” he said.“We look forward to working closely with them to deliver the operational flexibility and scalability that supports Manuka’s development timetables and production targets.”

A fatal accident involving a contractor has occurred at Nickel Industries’ (ASX: NIC) Hengjaya mine in Indonesia.All operations have since been suspended at the mine pending an investigation by the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources which is expected to commence on March 27.The contractor, engaged by PT Fajar Metal Industry, was working on the construction of transmission lines for the slurry plant and dry stacked tailings facility infrastructure when the fatal accident occurred, according to Nickel Industries.The company said it is cooperating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and will provide further updates as they become available.Nickel Industries extended its condolences to the contractor’s family, friends and fellow workers and said support is being provided.

Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has seen its final day of production after 23 years of operation.The mine which has produced more than 150 million carats of rough diamonds was discovered in 1991 beneath Lac de Gras, 220km south of the Arctic Circle.Mining began in 2003, utilising both open pit and underground mining methods to produce predominantly white gem quality diamonds and a small proportion of rare yellow diamonds.A celebration at the mine was attended by Indigenous Government Organisations, government representatives and other stakeholders to signal the formal completion of production.Diavik chief operating officer Matthew Breen says this milestone reflects the significance of the operation in the region.“Diavik has been an inspired collaboration between a modern mining company and Indigenous partners with an enduring legacy of socioeconomic benefits for the North” he said.“We look forward to continuing to respectfully reclaim the land in line with our commitments to, and in partnership with, the Government of the Northwest Territories and Indigenous partners.”Planning for closure has been underway since before production began, with closure objectives covering safety, land use, landforms, water and biodiversity and community capacity.Closure activities will extend to 2029, followed by a period of post-closure monitoring.Rio Tinto says the rough diamonds from the final production phase will be polished and sold through 2026 and beyond via its global customer network.