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Funding extension to bolster onshore critical minerals processing WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael announced a 12-month funding extension for the Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant (C4P), ensuring ongoing operations. The $1.49m funding commitment from the State Government via the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) supports a partnership between Curtin University, CSIRO and MRIWA and leverages the capability created by the Future Battery Industry Cooperative Research Centre. Minister Michael says the State Government recognises the importance of knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary research and innovation synergies to improve WA's global competitiveness. "This funding extension via MRIWA, ensures the C4P can...

Newmont Cadia making its mark Newmont Corporation’s (ASX: NEM) Cadia operation in Orange, NSW has achieved The Copper Mark and The Molybdenum Mark, recognising responsible production practices at Australia’s largest underground mine. Cadia is Newmont’s first site globally to receive the award after successfully meeting more than 30 criteria needed in critical areas including environment, community, human rights and governance, amongst others. Newmont’s Cadia mine is the nation’s second largest copper producer and the third site in Australia to receive The Copper Mark. Cadia is the only mine to receive The Molybdenum...

Butcherbird in its element with 142% resources boost Element 25 (ASX: E25) has updated the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its WA Butcherbird manganese project following the success of the recent infill drilling program. The measured and indicated resource categories increased 142% to 130mt at 10.23% manganese, while the total MRE increased 6% to 274mt at 10% manganese. The recently completed extensive infill drilling program targeted known mineralisation within the current granted Mining Lease M52/1074, where Butcherbird Stage 1 mining and processing operations...

New critical minerals tech ramps up in NSW The NSW Government has unveiled a piece of groundbreaking critical minerals technology at the Londonderry Core library, marking its first rollout in Australia. The HyLogger 4, which came at an investment cost of $450,000, is a spectral scanner that marks a significant advancement in mineral exploration and geological research that allows for rapid and non-destructive spectral analysis of geological samples. According to the NSW Government, this provides critical data, leads to more sustainable exploration practices, and paves the way for future advancements and sustainable practices in the State's mining industry. The technology works by providing high-resolution digital images and detailed...

Toyota Australia & BHP trial first-ever battery electric HiLux double cab Toyota Australia and BHP have announced a trial of the first-ever battery electric HiLux double cab ute prototype. The trial of the electric HiLux double cab will see it deployed at BHP’s Port Hedland operations in WA where it will be used in a range of applications traditionally performed by diesel-powered light vehicles. Starting in late November, the trial will run for about 12 months, with BHP to provide feedback to Toyota after the conclusion of the trial. Toyota...

Gold Valley’s first shipment from Esperance Port Gold Valley has exported its first shipment of iron ore from the Port of Esperance, with bulk carrier MV Sifnos setting sail with more than 78,000t or iron ore from the Wiluna West mine in the Northern Goldfields towards China. This marks the first time the port has had two iron ore customers sharing its iron ore circuit assets, including shed space, ship loader and berth. WA Ports Minister David Michael says the State’s mining industry continues to drive the nation’s economy, with the ports playing a critical role in connecting trade to the world. "Southern Ports opening its Port of...

Moranbah North named national champions at mine rescue competition Queensland’s Moranbah North mines rescue team was crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Australian Underground Mines Rescue competition held at Chain Valley Colliery near Newcastle, NSW. The annual event brings together the top mines rescue teams to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to safety in the mining industry. Four teams from NSW —each having won their respective regional competitions — and four teams from Queensland mining teams, also decided by a series...

Regis swings back: ‘much more than just McPhillamys’ Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) has responded to the dominating discussion around the McPhillamys decision in its Q1 FY25 report, highlighting its next steps and opportunities beyond the $1b mine. A section 10 declaration under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection (ATSIHP) Act 1984 was made over the proposed tailings storage facility (TSF) in August, which Regis says renders the project unviable in its current form. Regis Resources managing director Jim Beyer says the site still has the potential to be a robust project with low operating costs and significant leverage to...

Fingerboards project receives new lease on life The Victoria Resources Regulator has renewed two retention licences held by Gippsland Critical Minerals at the Fingerboards mineral sands project. As part of this renewal, the regulator has placed strict conditions on Gippsland with the company to seek a Victorian Government determination on the future requirements of the Environmental Effects Statement, following the project’s failure to gain approval in 2021. Other milestones and performance requirements include thorough engagement with the community and Traditional Owners, climate modelling, environmental baseline monitoring and rehabilitation trials. Failing to deliver these milestones could lead to the cancellation of the licences. Resources Victoria executive director regulatory operations...

Resources companies spend $32.7b on Queensland businesses The Queensland Resources Council’s (QRC) Local Content Report shows resources companies spent $32.7b purchasing goods and services from Queensland companies in FY23 an increase of almost $6b on the previous financial year. QRC chief executive Janette Hewson says the report confirms the importance of the resources sector to Queensland’s economy goes beyond the direct contribution it generates for our state through royalties and jobs. “Our report reveals nearly three of every four dollars, or 72%, were spent by resources companies with businesses in Queensland,” she said. “Buying local means resources companies...

Fortescue: record Q1 shipments in strong start to FY25 Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) iron ore shipments were 4% higher in Q1 FY25 compared to the same period last year, despite higher C1 cost driven by inflationary pressures and a higher strip ratio. The Iron Bridge operation in WA, Fortescue’s first foray into the high-grade segment of the iron ore market, was a key player in this success, contributing 1.6mt to the 47.7mt total for iron ore shipments. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says Fortescue’s strong start to FY25, with record first...