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Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has lifted its fully franked interim dividend to $.62/share after posting a strong first-half result, with record iron ore shipments, improved price realisations and lower unit costs driving higher earnings.The miner reported H1 FY26 revenue of about $11.86b (US$8.4b), up 10% on H1 FY25, while underlying EBITDA rose 23% to about $6.35b (US$4.5b) and attributable net profit after tax increased 23% to about $2.68b (US$1.9b).Fortescue said earnings were supported by higher sales volumes and a stronger Hematite realised price. Hematite realised price was US$90.87/dmt and Hematite C1 unit cost fell to US$18.64/wmt, down 3% from H1 FY25.Iron ore shipments reached a record 100.2mt for the half, up 3% year-on-year.Fortescue metals and operations chief executive Dino Otranto says this has been a standout first half.“We delivered record shipments of 100.2mt while keeping our people safe and costs low,” he said.“We have the lowest operating cost in the industry, and decarbonisation is pushing that even lower.“By removing diesel across our operations, we’re structurally improving our cost position. The more diesel we eliminate, the less exposure we have to price volatility, and the stronger and more predictable our margins become.“We’re now delivering decarbonisation at scale across the Pilbara. Around 3600 solar panels are being installed every day at our Cloudbreak mine, with another one gigawatt of solar in the immediate pipeline.“Construction is underway on our first wind farm, we’ve delivered two large battery energy storage systems at our sites, and we’re working with leading global manufacturers to roll out electric mining equipment, battery systems and large-scale renewable infrastructure.“A few years ago, this would have seemed ambitious. Today, it’s part of how we operate – and it’s lowering our cost base as we build it.”Fortescue’s board declared a fully franked interim dividend of $.62/share, up 24% on the FY25 interim dividend and representing a 65% payout of first-half NPAT.The company also saw strong cash generation, reporting net cash flow from operating activities of about $4.5b (US$3.2b) and free cash flow of about $2.1b (US$1.5b) for the half.Fortescue growth and energy chief executive Gus Pichot says the company continues to build a pipeline of projects to deliver the low-cost solutions the world needs.“Commercial discipline has underpinned solid progress across our global growth portfolio this half, including for our critical minerals and exploration strategy,” he said.“We expect to finalise shortly the acquisition of Alta Copper, strengthening our copper portfolio in Latin America. Subject to completion, our immediate focus will be on technical reviews, community engagement and advancing the studies required to inform future development decisions.“In Gabon, our teams have also further advanced studies at the Belinga iron ore project, and are progressing plans for an integrated mine, rail and port development.”FY26 guidance remains unchanged, including iron ore shipments of 195–205mt and Hematite C1 costs of US$17.50–US$18.50/wmt.

AusIMM will host the International Mining Geology Conference 2026 on April 21–22, 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together mining geology professionals, researchers and decision-makers from across the globe.Presenting at the International Mining Geology Conference are keynote speakers including Derisk Geomining Consultants director and principal geologist Mark Berry, Gold Fields mine and exploration geology senior manager Andrew Engelbrecht, Lihir Gold Mine principal ore deposit knowledge geologist Lauren Elliot and Mining3 chief executive Neville Plint.The event will also feature a Young Professionals Day on April 20, 2026, and include a dedicated program designed for early career professionals looking to build capability, expand their networks and help foster their next steps into a mining career.Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST) chief geological officer and International Mining Geology Conference 2026 Advisory Committee chair Daniel Howe comments on the conference.“The focus of the International Mining Geology Conference 2026 is to demonstrate how mining geologists create real-world value, through innovation, reconciliation, and practical case studies that show how new tools and technologies are helping set our profession up for the future,” he said.Whether looking to move from production to processing, or even into manufacturing, it all begins with exploration, resource definition and a careful assessment of mining-related opportunities based on what we know about the minerals beneath our feet.For more information visit: https://www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/mining-geology.

Alcoa (ASX: AAI) will further modernise approvals frameworks for its WA mining activities as the Federal Government reforms its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.Alcoa will undertake a strategic assessment of current and potential future mining areas through to 2045, to provide a holistic view of potential impacts to significant flora and fauna over a broad geographic area and provide stakeholders with greater clarity around the long-term future of mining operations.Operations at the Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines, both located in WA, will continue while the assessment takes place under a national interest exemption (NIE) granted by the Federal Government.The assessment does not impact the ongoing accredited environmental assessment of the future Myara North and Holyoake mine regions of the Huntly mine under both WA and Federal Government environmental legislation.Alcoa will continue to limit annual clearing to 800ha, increase annual rates of new rehabilitation to 1000ha by 2027 and deliver environmental offsets in accordance with the EPBC Act.Late last year, the Federal Government passed the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 to streamline decision making and overhaul existing environmental policy.While Alcoa maintains it has operated in accordance with the EPBC Act as it currently stands, it has agreed to pay $55m (US$36) through enforceable undertakings that acknowledge historical clearing. The funding supports the health of the Northern Jarrah Forest, including programs and research that improve habitat for threatened species and control invasive flora and fauna.Alcoa president and chief executive William F Oplinger says Alcoa appreciates the Federal Government’s recognition of the important contributions of its operations to the Australian economy.“We are committed to responsible operations and welcome this important step in transitioning our approvals to a contemporary assessment process that provides increased certainty for our operations and our people into the future,” he said.“We’re proud of our more than 60 years as a leading Australian aluminium producer and the role we are now playing in support of critical minerals production.”Ministerial decisions are expected by the end of 2026 and Alcoa anticipates that mining in these new major regions will commence no earlier than 2029.The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called for rapid finalisation of workable national environmental standards and bilateral assessment and approval accreditation agreements.According to the MCA, finalisation of national environmental standards, accreditation of all states for both assessments and approvals would be a major step forward for Australian mining companies.MCA chief executive Tania Constable says Alcoa’s decision is a strong example of government working together with industry to arrive at an outcome that is pragmatic and economically sensible while still being focused on improving environmental performance.“This outcome will allow Alcoa to undergo a more rigorous method of assessment while guaranteeing operations and thousands of jobs in the local WA community,” she said.“The recent changes to Australia’s environmental laws will have a significant impact on our sector, and many are still working to understand the impact on their operations.“Faster approvals for mines mean we can deliver the critical minerals and other commodities the world needs quicker, responsibly and more efficiently.”

The Queensland Government has launched a 10% subsidy on below-rail access charges for the next four years for users of the Mount Isa line in an effort to support industry and strengthen freight corridors.The Mount Isa line is a strategic freight corridor connecting the north-west minerals province (NWMP) to the Port of Townsville, playing a critical role in keeping exports moving.According to the Queensland Government, lowering rail transport costs will enable significant cost savings for operators within the region. For example, a rail user moving .5mtpa of minerals concentrates in a bulk operation between Cloncurry and Townsville would save about $1.4m annually and $5.6m over the four years, says the Queensland Government.Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg says the four-year subsidy is about backing the industries that keep the state moving by delivering practical support they can rely on.“By lowering rail transport costs, we’re making rail a more competitive option for industry, improving freight corridors and supporting growth across the NWMP,” he said.“We know transport costs can be a real pressure on industry in the north and this subsidy will encourage a shift from road to rail, improving safety on our roads and strengthening long-term freight resilience.”Minerals concentrate, fertiliser, acid, mining inputs, refined metals and cattle are all moved along the Mount Isa line.Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last says the Queensland Government is serious about unlocking the full potential of Queensland’s north-west.“Queensland’s resources are world-class, and demand is strong, with the elevating phosphate to  list of critical minerals late last year,” he said.“But to meet that demand, we need to get our resources to the coast, and that’s where the Government’s Mount Isa rail subsidy kicks in.“The Mount Isa line is the backbone of the north-west economy, moving mineral concentrates, processed metals, fertilisers, phosphate rock and acid to export markets.”

A contract worker has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) SimFer mine at the Simandou iron ore project in Guinea.

On Tuesday, billionaire Sanjeev Gupta placed his Tahmoor coal mine into voluntary administration after a year of uncertainty.Mr Gupta’s latest grapple to retain control came just hours after creditors, led by Coal Mines Insurance (CMI), appeared in the Supreme Court in Sydney to push Tahmoor into liquidation over unpaid insurance claims.The hearing was adjourned until February 18, but Mr Gupta took things into his own hands when Tahmoor Coal’s board, which includes Mr Gupta, placed the company into voluntary administration.This last-ditch effort prevents creditors from forcing liquidation over the unpaid debts and allows Mr Gupta more time to find an alternate pathway for Tahmoor.During the hearing, workers’ compensation provider CMI sought $4.7m in unpaid insurance premiums. Financial statements for FY24 were also bought forth, reporting unpaid creditor claims that exceeded $18.9m.Mining and Energy Union south-west district president Bob Timbs says Mr Gupta’s record is one of disaster and broken promises for regional communities.“If this mine is not sold to a serious and reputable operator soon, it will become harder and harder to restart it safely,” he said.Last week, Tahmoor parent company GFG Alliance rejected a $350m purchase offer from a consortium led by the site’s main contractor RStar — the employer of 250 of the 500 Tahmoor workers who are currently stood down without pay while the mine is idle — according to the Mining and Energy Union.“We are very concerned that Mr Gupta is playing for time to try and hold on to Tahmoor, which he has already milked for profits to fund his failed ventures elsewhere,” Mr Timbs said.“This could put the mine out of action permanently.”The Tahmoor coal mine is the latest victim in an extensive trail of resource businesses led by Mr Gupta that have fallen into administration across Australia.In February last year, the South Australian Government forced Whyalla Steelworks’ operator OneSteel Manufacturing into administration to avoid it becoming ‘irredeemable’ under Mr Gupta who was the previous owner.Legislation was pushed through state parliament to allow the South Australia Government to act on the significant outstanding debts, including unpaid royalties of $18.5m and a $15m bill to SA Water, owed by Whyalla Steelworks' owner GFG Alliance — which is headed by Mr Gupta.In November, Mr Gupta appointed William Buck as the voluntary administrator for his company Liberty Primary Metals Australia (LPMA). The decision came prior to a Federal Court hearing scheduled to discuss its liquidation for unpaid debts to NRW Holdings (ASX: NWH) subsidiary Golding.LPMA held majority of shares in Tahmoor coal mine and was also a previous owner of the Tahmoor colliery, Whyalla steelworks and Liberty Bell Bay manganese smelter.Mr Gupta has been under scrutiny since 2021, following the collapse of GFG’s largest creditor, Greensill Capital. Administrators for the company were unable to verify financing and sales invoices, totalling about $400m, related to loans to GFG as companies listed on the invoices denied ever working with Mr Gupta or his companies.In 2021, the UK Serious Fraud Office launched a criminal investigation to investigate suspected fraud, fraudulent trading and money laundering in relation to the financing and conduct of the business of companies within the GFG Alliance, including suspected fraud links to the collapse of Greensill Capital.In 2024, Greensill Capital’s appointed administrator released a report claiming the company was owed about $1b (£472m) form GFG Alliance.The SFO investigation is ongoing.

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has commenced commissioning of two new battery electric locomotives on its rail network as it moves to decarbonise its Pilbara iron ore operations.Delivered by Progress Rail, the battery electric locomotives will eliminate about one million litres of diesel each year all together, according to Fortescue.They house the world’s largest land-mobile batteries, with a capacity of 14.5MWh each and can recover 40–60% of energy through regenerative braking.The locomotives will operate on renewable power delivered via Fortescue’s Pilbara Energy Connect program.Fortescue metals and operations chief executive Dino Otranto comments on the milestone.“Real Zero is about transforming the way we power our assets, move our materials and run our operations, not offsetting emissions but eliminating them,” he said.“Decarbonising our rail network is a critical part of that task and the commissioning of these battery electric locomotives demonstrates that heavy-haul rail can operate reliably without fossil fuels.“For a mining operation of this scale, decarbonisation only works if renewable energy is firm, reliable and available 24/7. That’s why we’re building an integrated system combining large-scale solar and wind generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.“Through Pilbara Energy Connect, we’ve already constructed more than 480km of high-voltage transmission lines, physically linking our energy assets to our operations and rail network. This infrastructure enables renewable power to replace diesel and gas, in real time, across the Pilbara.”At North Star Junction, Fortescue already operates a 100MW solar farm, which will be supported by a recently installed 250MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) capable of delivering up to 50MW of power for five hours.The system plays a critical role in stabilising renewable supply for Fortescue’s operations.Construction is also progressing at Fortescue’s 190MW Cloudbreak solar farm, which is around two thirds complete.Fortescue has also received all primary approvals for the up to 644MW Turner River solar farm, with construction anticipated to commence later this year, while a 440MW solar farm at Solomon remains in the near-term pipeline.Fortescue growth and energy chief executive Gus Pichot says battery storage is the backbone of a renewable-powered mining system.“By integrating Fortescue Zero’s Elysia battery intelligence and management software, we’re able to optimise performance, extend battery life and intelligently balance energy across the network in real time,” he said.“This technology ensures the right power is available at the right time – whether that’s supporting rail operations, smoothing solar output or maximising the value of stored energy.”Fortescue is aiming to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its Australian terrestrial iron ore operations by the end of 2030.

The Queensland Government has opened expressions of interest (EOI) for its Mount Isa transformation study to assess future pathways for Queensland’s north-west region.The study will examine long-term industrial capability, market conditions and broader opportunities for workers, communities and regional economies across the full copper value chain throughout the north-west minerals province (NWMP) and the associated smelter and refinery.Completion of the study is a key milestone under the joint government support package for the Mount Isa copper smelter and Townsville copper refinery which provides capital investment into Glencore’s copper processing facilities.Importantly, local working families, businesses, councils and community members will have opportunities to provide input during the process.Federal Industry, Innovation and Science Minister Tim Ayres says the study is about securing a strong, long-term future for the Mount Isa region by taking a clear, end-to-end look at the region’s copper value chain and industrial capability.“My simple message to Mount Isa is — we’ve got your back,” he said.“By assessing the full copper value chain across the region, from the smelter and refinery through to supply chains and emerging opportunities, this work will help inform sound government and industry decisions beyond the current support period.“The Government will always stand up for Australian workers and manufacturing, and will ensure Mount Isa workers, businesses, councils and community members have a genuine say.”The region’s copper industry outlook has been uncertain after Glencore closed the doors at its Mount Isa mines last year.However, the region is ushering in a new generation of developments — including the $2.4b Eva copper project located 95km northeast of Mount Isa — and the Queensland and Federal Governments, alongside Glencore, continue to and the state’s north-west.Queensland Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last says this study is about standing with North and North-West Queensland for the long haul, delivering certainty to the hard-working Queenslanders who keep the copper industry moving.“We’re securing a future for thousands of jobs that rely on the smelter, refinery and Phosphate Hill,” he said.“We’re charting a long-term path that protects jobs and keeps Queensland at the forefront of copper and critical minerals processing."At the heart of this work are the boiler makers, diesel fitters, technicians and small businesses who rely on a strong copper processing sector.“This is an injection of confidence in the region, part of delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, from the copper smelter in Mount Isa, the fertiliser plant at Phosphate Hill, to the emerging projects across the NWMP and the port workers in Townsville."

Albemarle idles WA lithium plant despite price lift Albemarle will idle its Kemerton lithium hydroxide plant in WA despite a recent recovery in prices for the battery metal.Effective immediately, Train 1 will be idled and placed into care and maintenance. Albemarle previously placed Train 2 into care and maintenance in 2024.Albemarle chairman and chief executive Kent Masters said idling operations at Kemerton was a difficult decision.“It follows significant actions we have taken over the past two and a half years to reduce operating costs during an extended period of price volatility in the market,” he said.“Unfortunately, recent lithium price improvements alone are not enough to offset the challenges facing Western hard-rock lithium conversion operations.“This decision improves our financial flexibility and preserves optionality.”Albemarle posted a Q4 net loss of $581m (US$414m), compared to a $105.6m (US$75.3m) net profit in Q4 CY24.The miner did benefit from higher pricing and volumes, with Q4 energy storage net sales increasing 23% to $1.065b (US$759m).