Latest News

ECU reaches Everest heights at Edon with rubidium extraction Researchers from Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) Mineral Recovery Research Centre have successfully demonstrated the direct extraction of rubidium from ore samples supplied by Everest Metals Corporation (ASX: EMC). What began as discussions around lithium extraction at Everest Metal’s Mt Edon project in WA turned into how to best extract rubidium with lithium as a by-product. A research agreement was executed earlier this year around this, with the first stage involving a small-scale...

WA clears the way for more exploration and future mines Efforts to expedite the mining exploration approvals process in WA have proven successful with the State seeing a significant reduction in wait times for Program of Work applications. The WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) finalised 313 applications last month, with wait times cut by more than 50% from 16 business days to just seven. WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says exploration is essential to the development of future mines. “The Government is committed to making the approvals process as efficient as possible,” he said. "These...

Ore sorting trials demonstrate significant potential at Dolphin Positive ore sorting trials have shown potential to improve output from Group 6 Metals’ (ASX: G6M) Dolphin tungsten mine in Tasmania. Trails were conducted in April by HP Sorting Technology and focused on evaluating the potential of ore sorting technology to enhance the processing of low-grade and high-grade ore from Dolphin. The low-grade ore sample weighed 595.5kg and had an average grade of 0.22% tungsten oxide, and 66.05% of the material was classified as waste rock as it contained 0.02% tungsten oxide or less. The high-grade ore sample 609.5kg and had an average grade pf...

Glencore shifts on coal with shareholder support Glencore will retain its coal and carbon steel materials business after receiving backing from shareholders, citing opportunities to fund its transitioning metals portfolio. With its acquisition of a 77% interest in Canadian coal miner Elk Valley Resources in July, Glencore intended to demerge the combined business within 24 months from close. Following the acquisition, Glencore consulted shareholders to assess views regarding retaining or demerging the business, with over 95% of consulted Glencore shareholders supporting retention. Glencore says shareholders do not see a demerger as ESG...

Fifth year of record-breaking exports in the Pilbara The Pilbara region in WA saw a record 758.3mt of exports valued at about $173.2b pass through its ports in FY24. Iron ore was a major factor in this result, with Pilbara Ports handling about 80% of the national iron ore trade and 43% of the global iron ore trade. The record-breaking exports were achieved alongside more than 7,700 safe vessel visits, equating to an average of 21 vessel visits each day across...

Gold Fields supports WA Museum’s regional sites Gold mining company Gold Fields has entered a three-year partnership with the WA Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum. Gold Fields will be the presenting partner of two significant projects focused on the WA Museum’s regional museum sites: the Aboriginal Bush Food and Medicine Garden at the Museum of the Goldfields in Kalgoorlie, and digital audio guides. Foundation for the WA Museum chief executive Coralie Bishop spoke on the importance of the partnership....

Government urged to step in for Australian steel The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) is enlisting support from Federal and state governments for local steel fabricators and manufacturers, after research revealed the local industry is being undercut by an excess of cheap imports. Australia has experienced weaker industrial output of steel since the start of 2023 as world steel demand continues to be affected by the elevated interest rate environment in most advanced economies, according to the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ June Resources and Energy Quarterly...

Aruma locks in QLD copper and SA uranium projects Explorer Aruma Resources (ASX: AAJ) has completed the acquisition of a copper and uranium exploration portfolio across two Australian states. Last quarter, the company executed a share acquisition arrangement for the Wilam IOCG-uranium project in the Olympic Dam precinct in South Australia and the Fiery Creek and Bortala copper projects in the Mt Isa region of Queensland. Shareholder approval was granted on August 1, with 26.5 million fully-paid Aruma shares issued to NHMHA shareholders along with 52.5 million options. The shares issued...

BHP partners with Kariyarra to help create mining jobs BHP (ASX: BHP) and the Kariyarra Aboriginal Corporation have partnered to elevate employment and training outcomes for Kariyarra people. The Kariyarra Work Ready Program offers a combination of classroom and on-the-job training to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for a mining role. Importantly, it will create employment pathways for Kariyarra candidates with no prior experience. The inaugural program kicked off in July with 11 new trainees participating in a three-to-four-month training program at BHP’s Port Hedland operations. Led by BHP’s Indigenous employees, the program...

Horizon Minerals to commence mining at Phillips Find As the price of gold continues to climb, Horizon Minerals Ltd (ASX: HRZ) has executed a joint venture (JV) agreement with BML Ventures Pty Limited (BML) to develop and mine two open pits at Phillips Find. The company’s existing 200,000t toll milling agreement with FMR Investments Pty Ltd will be used for ore processing an eight-month period. Mining is expected to commence in the September 2024 quarter, with first gold production planned for December 2024, subject to the current mining proposal being approved. Horizon Minerals managing director and chief executive...

Westgold lands on the TSX Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) has commenced trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange following its merger with Karora Resources. Westgold acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Karora, with Karora shares being delisted from the TSX on August 2. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the merger with Karora creates an ASX and TSX listed, mid-tier gold producer with international appeal. “Westgold is unhedged, well-funded and focused on delivering shareholder returns,” he said. “The TSX: WGX listing provides increased liquidity and brings a +400,000oz producer to a broader investor base. “The listing also sees potential demand from...