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Cosmic rays and hyperspectral imaging in mining operations It sounds like something out of Star Wars, yet cosmic rays and hyperspectral imaging are a central feature in two mining technology projects backed by the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC), with major implications for safety and access to strategically important materials. mDetect is a Swinburne University spinout specialising in astrophysics research into muons, a type of subatomic particle that results from the Earth’s atmosphere being hit by cosmic rays, which fall harmlessly and constantly down on us1. They are sometimes described as the...

Woodside to acquire $3.61b lower carbon ammonia project Woodside (ASX: WDS) will acquire 100% of OCI Clean Ammonia Holding B.V. and its lower carbon ammonia project for an all-cash consideration of about $3.61b (USD$2.35b). With an advantageous location on the US Gulf Coast, the project will have access to multiple sources of feedstock and a deepwater port for international export. The project is under construction and targets production of first ammonia from 2025 and lower carbon ammonia from 2026. Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill says the acquisition supports Woodside’s...

NSW Mining’s 2024 HSEC awards winners NSW Mineral Council’s HSEC awards winners were announced last night as part of the organisation’s annual Health, Safety, Environment and Community Conference being held in Hunter this week. The awards recognise and celebrate the most outstanding innovations and contributions to the mining industry across a range of categories. NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee says the awards highlight the industry’s ongoing efforts to deliver better outcomes for the State’s workforce, communities and the environment. “The drive to innovate and develop world-leading practices is part of the NSW mining industry’s commitment to mine responsibility...

Liontown delivers at Kathleen Valley Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) reports first underground development ore mined and first spodumene concentrate delivered to port at its Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA. Since the commencement of underground operations at Mt Mann in November 2023, more than 4,000 development metres have been advanced. The 145t of spodumene concentrate delivered to the Port of Geraldton in WA, will be stockpiled at Qube’s dedicated storage shed ahead of first shipment planned for later this quarter. Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano says this rapid progression underscores...

Lift the uranium ban: Cauldron Energy’s Jonathan Fisher Cauldron Energy chief executive Jonathan Fisher advocated for uranium mining in Australia at the WA Mining Club July luncheon. Mr Fisher argues uranium mining is essential to decarbonisation and cites the Federal ban on nuclear energy and WA ban on uranium as roadblocks in achieving emissions reduction goals. “The nuclear industry globally is now awake,” he said. “That is driven by decarbonisation because other than hydro, nuclear is the only mass available, baseload generating, zero carbon source which is on 24/7.” Following the triple nuclear pledge signed at COP28 — which saw 22 countries pledging...

Develop new mines urgently: International Copper Association Artificial intelligence, geo-spatial data and emerging technologies will transform copper discovery in Australia, according to a new study published by the International Copper Association of Australia (ICAA). Roadmap to Zero: Discovery, the sixth report in the Roadmap to Zero Project, says developing new mines is now urgent, with copper mines taking an average of 24.1 years from discovery to production. In Australia, it takes 20 years and ICAA chief executive John Fennell says that whilst this country has the second biggest reserves in the...

BHP funding to support women’s health services in Hedland A new telehealth service supported by BHP (ASX: BHP) is aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of women living in Port and South Hedland. The partnership between Hedland Well Women’s Centre (HWWC) and Luma for her Health and Wellbeing will give the Hedland community access to general practitioners (GP) specialising in women’s health. BHP’s support allowed upgraded IT systems, advanced cyber security programming, internet satellite upgrades and telehealth equipment to be purchased and installed. Hedland Well Women’s Centre chief executive Kianna...

Alcoa acquires Alumina Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) has completed its acquisition of Alumina, cementing itself as a leading pure play, upstream aluminium company. Alcoa president and chief executive William F. Oplinger says the company is proud to announce the completion of its first major acquisition. “The acquisition of Alumina strengthens Alcoa's position as one of the world’s largest bauxite and alumina producers and is expected to result in long-term value creation from greater financial and operational flexibility,” he said. “I want to thank both the Alcoa and Alumina teams,...

Pilbara Minerals commissions world’s largest lithium ore sorter Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has officially opened the new crushing and ore sorting facility at its Pilgangoora operation in WA. This crushing and ore sorting facility is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and the largest in the world for lithium processing. It can sort more than 1000t of ore per hour. The milestone was marked by an official ceremony and ribbon cutting on site, with attendees including WA Energy Minister Reece Whitby, Northern Australian Infrastructure...

MinRes awards five-year contract to local Indigenous business Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has awarded a five-year contract to Indigenous-owned business Coolingah for the hire of three coaches to service the Wodgina lithium mine in WA. A fleet of 57-seat coaches recently arrived at Wodgina which will be used to transfer MinRes’ workforce across the mine site. MinRes general manager communities and heritage Heath Nelson says the partnership underscored the company’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with Indigenous businesses and supporting their growth and development. “We are proud of the close partnerships MinRes has formed...