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Resources and energy export earnings ease due to slower world growth Following the $455b export high in FY23, earnings from Australia’s resources and energy sectors are set to normalise, according to the September 2024 Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ). Released by the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the REQ forecasts export earnings to ease to $372b in FY25, down from $415b recorded in FY24, as a result of weaker global prices, slower world growth and increased supply of key commodities. Iron ore prices fell to a two year low to below $144/t (US$100/t) due to weakness in global steel demand...

WesTrac awarded Large Employer of the Year WesTrac has been recognised for its industry-leading training and educational services, receiving the 2024 Large Employer of the Year award at the WA Training Awards. This award acknowledges excellence and high-level performance by large, registered organisations in vocational education and training. WesTrac (WA) has delivered more than 6,000 training sessions to its employees and more than 1,800 to external customers. Additionally, the company currently trains 180 metro and regional WesTrac apprentices and a further 200 customer apprentices. Students and apprentices attend the organisation’s purpose-built training facilities, including the...

Wyloo-Metalshub MoU on nickel pricing Wyloo and Metalshub have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the carbon footprint, ESG (environmental, social and governance) credentials, pricing and provenance in international nickel markets. The mining industry has been grappling with the downward pressure on nickel prices and mine closures from a flood of cheap nickel, mined in low-cost Indonesian operations, coming on to the global scene. Wyloo intends to use Metalshub for the sale of its low-carbon nickel and nickel concentrate products following a restart of its Kambalda...

Reward Minerals to acquire Beyondie potash plant Reward Minerals (ASX: RWD) has entered a $2.13m binding asset sale agreement with Kalium Lakes (ASX: KLL) for the Beyondie potash plant. This follows Reward’s previous purchase attempt for the plant in early 2024, with the company terminating the transaction, citing insufficient funds. Kalium’s operations at the plant ceased in September 2023, with the site transitioning to care and maintenance ahead of the sale. Reward will manage care and maintenance activities at the site until it is able to relocate the plant. Reward will...

Australia’s first hydrogen research facility opens at Deakin University Australia’s first purpose-built hydrogen research, testing and training facility is now up and running in Victoria. Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio officially opened the new Hycel Hydrogen Technology Hub at Deakin University in Warrnambool. The 4.5ha precinct features a new product engineering development laboratory, three laboratory bays, associated offices and a dedicated community and multifunctional space. This hub will increase Victoria’s testing and manufacturing capabilities in hydrogen technologies, with a focus on developing fuel cells for transport and heavy vehicles, plus trains and boats. A $9m investment from the...

Fortescue teams with Scania for autonomous mining road train, launches new Pilbara community funding Scania and Fortescue (ASX: FMG) will jointly develop and validate a fully integrated autonomous road train solution for the iron ore miner’s Christmas Creek operation in WA. With Scania’s technology in truck automation, the autonomous solution will be integrated with Fortescue’s Fleet Management System (FMS) to optimise fleet utilisation, maximise productivity, as well as ensure efficient fuel and energy consumption. The solution will also integrate Scania’s onboard autonomation hardware and technology for the...

Alcoa and AGL Energy sign power agreement for Portland aluminium smelter Alcoa (ASX: AAI) and AGL Energy (ASX: AGL) have entered a nine-year agreement to support future operations at the Portland aluminium smelter in Victoria. Effective July 1, 2026, the agreement covers 287MW of power supply and will support smelter operations to mid-2035. Together with a 300MW contract finalised with AGL in 2023, the combined contract will enable the smelter to produce up to 95% of its nameplate capacity of 358ktpa of aluminium. Currently, the smelter production averages at about 80% capacity. Alcoa Australia interim president...

Inaugural Kathleen Valley shipment departs for China The first shipment of concentrate from Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) Kathleen Valley lithium project in WA has departed from the Port of Geraldton and is enroute to China. The shipment, onboard MV Eckert Oldendorff, comprises of 11,855wmt of spodumene concentrate with a weighted average concentrate grade of 5.2% lithium oxide. Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano commented on the shipment. “Over the past six years, Liontown has focused on developing and constructing a world-class tier-1 lithium operations and now we announce the beginning of generating revenue and cash flow as we see our plans come to fruition,”...

Critical minerals a focus for latest round of Tasmanian drilling exploration grants program Successful applicants under the latest round of Tasmania’s drilling exploration grants program have been announced. Beginning in 2018, the grants program encourages and supports industry and investors to identify new and potentially lucrative greenfield mining opportunities as well as the re-examination of existing mine or mining lease sites. It provides up to $50,000 for direct drilling costs and $20,000 for helicopter support, if required, for successful applicants to undertake mineral exploration. Since 2018, 114 projects have been approved from 33 different companies. Tasmania Business, Industry...