Category: Features

The Australasian Exploration Geoscience Conference (AEGC2025) brings together global leaders and innovators across exploration, energy, geophysics and sustainability. Under the theme Exploring innovation for a sustainable future, AEGC2025 will present the latest technical insights and practical applications shaping the resources industry now and into the future. With the event just weeks away, there’s still an opportunity to register across multiple categories, including student, member and day passes, making it accessible for professionals at all stages of their careers. Conference Registration https://2025.aegc.com.au/registration/ Download the PDF Program https://2025.aegc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/250821_AEGC-2025-Program-Outline.pdf AEGC Networking Breakfast – Direct Booking Link: https://2025.aegc.com.au/networking-breakfast/ Program snapshot: September 8: Registration, exhibitor move-in and welcome reception September 9 – 11: Full technical program, keynote and plenary sessions, oral and poster presentations, plus…

Stanmore Resources (ASX: SMR) is building momentum on its path to growth with the acquisition of the outstanding 50%-stake in the Eagle Downs project in August of 2024. The company has achieved this while ensuring constant production from its other Queensland operational assets, Isaac Plains, South Walker Creek and Poitrel.

Mining giant Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has been actively expanding its West Angelas iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of WA for more than 10 years. The company is continuing this momentum after receiving approval for a $579m expansion project from the WA Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) back in 2019.

The Bengalla coal mine in NSW is geared up for a strong 2025 after a lift in coal production last year and key milestones for its Bengalla Growth Project being met ahead of schedule. The Bengalla Mining Company produced saleable coal production of 8mt during FY24, which represents an 11% increase from the prior year. Despite minor disruptions caused by rail cancellations and adverse weather conditions late in FY24, the company continued to achieve productivity gains, with elevated inventory levels and higher overburden removal in the latter months of the year providing a solid production runway to the start of FY25, with coal sales for the first quarter 21% higher than the previous quarter. Bengalla achieved the primary goals of…

Black Cat Syndicate Limited (ASX: BC8) has swiftly emerged as a dynamic force in WA’s gold mining sector. Since its 2018 listing, the company has strategically acquired and developed high-grade gold projects. It has a market capitalisation of $359m and is well on the way to positioning itself as a significant player in the industry. Strategic acquisitions and project portfolio In mid-2022, Black Cat Syndicate acquired two key assets from Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST): the Paulsens Gold Operation in the East Pilbara and the Coyote Gold Operation in the Tanami region. These acquisitions, along with the Kal East Gold Project in the Eastern Goldfields, have expanded the company’s resource base to more than 2.5moz of gold across about 4,890km2…

Since 2024, Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has had its sights set on meeting surging global demand for rare earths, by advancing its $500m Mt Weld Expansion Project in WA’s Goldfields. The Mt Weld rare earths deposit sits in a two-billion-year-old volcanic plug and is considered one of the world’s most valuable rare earths deposits because of its high grade and predicted long life, containing both light and heavy rare earth elements. Back in August 2022, Lynas announced a $500m capacity expansion project at the mine and concentration plant — global demand for rare earth materials and neodymium magnets had been accelerating, with neodymium magnet demand forecast to grow from 130,000t of neodymium magnets consumed in 2020 to 265,000t in…

As the demand for battery minerals remains high, IGO (ASX: IGO) continues to make strides in its quest to discover, develop and deliver products critical to a clean energy future. Whether it’s the electrification of transport, energy storage, or renewable energy generation, IGO is investing in its mining assets to meet the world’s appetite for critical minerals. The Nova Operation is the cornerstone of IGO’s clean energy transition. Situated in WA’s Fraser Range, about 360km southeast of Kalgoorlie, the deposit reflects the company’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and low-impact mining practices. Since reaching nameplate production in December 2017, Nova has continued to punch above its weight. Although it achieved a strong total production of 20,806t of nickel, 9,922t of copper…

Jimblebar is a key component of BHP’s (ASX: BHP) WA iron ore (WAIO) operations, an integrated system of four processing hubs and five open-cut mines in the Pilbara region connected by more than 1,000km of rail infrastructure and port facilities. The operation iron ore mine located 40km east of Newman is part of an 85:15 joint venture between BHP and Mitsui and ITOCHU. The operation is regarded as reliable and dependable by BHP, as it continues to demonstrate its strengths across performance, productivity and innovation. In FY24, WAIO posted record production of 255mt (BHP share) with Jimblebar contributing a whopping 73,111t, up from 66,801t the year prior. In addition to posting large numbers, Jimblebar also delivered a favourable product mix,…

The Year of the Wood Dragon is particularly auspicious for Yancoal (ASX: YAL) as it celebrates 20 years of operation in Australia in 2024. What started as a single mine operation in 2004 has now grown into one of country’s largest coal producers and exporters in the country. Its majority shareholder, China-based Yankuang Energy Group, is pleased with what the company has achieved in two decades. Yancoal Australia chairman Gang Ru says the company has established itself as a world-class coal mining business in Australia. “ transformed challenges into opportunities and achieved extraordinary results.” The coal miner turned things around in the few short years since COVID-19 lockdowns began in early 2020. By the end of 2023, Yancoal was…

In the quiet, expansive land of central west NSW, Tomingley gold operations is gearing up for a golden transformation. Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK), the company behind the mine’s driving force, is taking bold steps to secure its future through the ambitious Tomingley Gold Extension Project – a plan that promises to enhance efficiency, extend the mine’s life, and uncover even more untapped potential beneath the soil. The extension was approved by the NSW Planning Minister on 21 February 2023, and Alkane has development consent until end-2032 – doubling the life of the mine until 2031 and producing an estimated 745,000oz of gold. Extending operations Alkane is extending mining operations at Tomingley to the San Antonio and Roswell (SAR) resources immediately…

Pantoro (ASX: PNR) is proving it can move quickly on a golden opportunity. Coming off a merger in 2023 with its then 50% partner at Norseman, Tulla Resources, Pantoro has posted improved results in every quarter following the commencement of operations at the gold mine. With surging production and gold prices, what will Pantoro do with its newfound resources? The Australian Mining Review speaks with Pantoro managing director Paul Cmrlec to find out. Dynamic strategy At the start of 2024, Pantoro announced a major modification to its mining strategy at the Scotia mining centre, reducing the open pit scope and bringing forward underground development, citing ongoing cost escalation in the open pit environment. Mr Cmrlec comments on the change to…