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QRC education arms delivers record programs The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) has delivered a record number of workshops, programs and camps to school students across the State in 2024. At a total of 233 for the year, the QMEA continues to inspire students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, maths (STEM) and trades. QME is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). The Council’s chief executive Janette Hewson says the QMEA has succeeded in creating opportunities for students to discover more about resources in Queensland and potential careers available in the sector. “This year over 6,200 students have participated in QMEA programs or workshops –...

EDO to pay Santos $9m for halting $5.8b project The Federal Court has ordered the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) to pay Santos (ASX: STO) more than $9m after it attempted to block the $5.8b Barossa gas project in the Timor Sea in the Northern Territory. The EDO acted as the lawyers for three Tiwi Islanders in the proceedings to stop Santos from installing a 262km underwater gas export pipeline that runs from the Barossa gas field to the existing Bayu-Undan pipeline, citing interference with cultural songlines of the rainbow serpent and the “Crocodile Man”. Two weeks earlier, Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) commenced legal proceedings to overturn the...

Liontown supports FIFO worker wellbeing Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) is partnering with Edith Cowan University’s Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Centre on an important research project aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers. Liontown work health and safety manager Hayden Spencer attended the research showcase alongside government representatives, prominent researchers, industry peers and the academic community to discuss the company’s participation in the initiative. Supported by the WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) and conducted between March and April 2024, the study explored how team belongingness can influence the wellbeing of workers...

Metso launches next generation technology Metso is launching the Next Generation Fluid Bed Roaster, encompassing all the features developed and implemented in recent roaster projects executed globally. The Next Generation Fluid Bed Roaster is a reactor with improved individual components and digital tools to enable more efficient and stable roasting plant performance. Metso fluid bed technology director Jörg Hammerschmidt says the company is excited to launch the product. “It is a logical progression in this digital age, combining advanced roaster...

BlueScope low-carbon steel with CSIRO electrolyser CSIRO has successfully trialled its innovative hydrogen production technology at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks in NSW, proving that affordable and renewable hydrogen can be generated at scale to help decarbonise heavy industry. The trial commenced in October 2024 and features the national science agency’s tubular solid electrolysis (SOE) technology, which has clocked 1000 hours of successful operation turning both waste heat and electricity into hydrogen – with much greater efficiency than traditional methods. Conventional hydrogen electrolysers rely heavily...

CME & King support WA Gov lithium move Industry leaders have come out in support of the WA Government’s relief package for the State’s lithium producers. This comes as the Federal Government introduced a bill this week to provide up to $17b in production tax incentives for the critical minerals and rare earths industry as part of its Future Made in Australia agenda. Both the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME WA) and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King welcomed the announcement, with the peak body’s chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson saying lithium prices...

MinRes introduces new decarbonisation fund Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has introduced a new decarbonisation fund to support the company’s interim emissions reduction target and long-term ambition of net zero by 2050. Since July 1, 2024, all projects under MinRes’ operational control — including operational sites, exploration sites, warehouses and corporate offices — are charged for every tonne of emissions they produce. Funds generated from the initiative will be invested in MinRes decarbonisation initiatives spanning power generation and material movement, such as electrification and automation of mining, haulage and transport systems. The fund also supports the purchase of Australian Carbon Credit...

South32 creating safe spaces South32 (ASX: S32) is continuing its partnership with the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence (PGCNV), a WA organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Research by UN Women has found that almost one in three women experience violence in their lifetime — and in 2023 a woman was killed by partners or family members every 10 minutes. South32 chief legal and external affairs officer Kelly O’Rourke says the crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. “There is no excuse for violence against women and...

WA Government to protect lithium jobs The WA Government is acting to provide assistance to its critical lithium industry, supporting thousands of local jobs and the State's push to become a global battery minerals processing hub. WA's lithium industry has grown rapidly in recent years to be the biggest hard rock industry of its type in the world, supplying approximately 50% of the world's lithium. However, the industry has experienced a sudden and unexpected...

Collie community is Premier Coal’s number one Car racing enthusiasts in Collie, WA, will be able to hear all the speedway action loud and clear this 2023/2024 season, from October to April, thanks to a $4,900 donation from Premier Coal. This comes a month after the coal miner opened its gates for employees, managed contractors and their families to get an up-close experience of being on the mine as part of its Family Fun Days. New audio system & technical upgrade The $4,900 funding will enable the installation and purchase of a full-range sound solution including microphones, antennas, amplifier...

Winsome Resources tackles future lithium deficit Winsome Resources’ (ASX: WR1) recent scoping study for the Adina lithium project in Quebec, Canada, has affirmed the project’s competitive edge. With growing momentum behind clean energy initiatives, lithium remains a top priority for the US, Canada and Australia, as these governments work to reduce reliance on overseas sources and bolster domestic production. Winsome Resources managing director Chris Evans says Adina is forecasted to supply over 20% of the global lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) shortfall at the end of this decade, with an expected annual output of around 40kt LCE. “Commissioning is indicatively...