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BHP (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) have partnered to test large battery-electric haul truck technology in WA’s Pilbara region. The companies will work with manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu to conduct independent trials of the battery-electric haul truck, including testing of battery, static and dynamic charging systems to assess performance and productivity in the Pilbara. The collaboration reflects BHP’s, Rio’s, Caterpillar’s and Komatsu’s commitments made to support Rio Tinto’s and BHP’s shared ambition of net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Two Cat 793 haul trucks will be trialled from the second half of 2024, while two Komatsu 930 haul trucks will be tested from 2026 at mine sites across the Pilbara. Caterpillar and Komatsu will each provide…

The WA Government has released a refreshed battery and critical minerals strategy to help guide future investment and create new jobs. Since the last refresh in 2020, WA’s value-adding and critical minerals industries have grown substantially. There have also been changes in the international investment environment, including significant global policy shifts in the critical minerals and renewables industries. The refreshed strategy outlines the State Government’s vision to grow WA’s internationally competitive, ethical and value-adding industry into 2030. It also aims to further develop the State’s industries to contribute to global decarbonisation efforts, diversify the State’s economy and deliver meaningful outcomes for regional and Aboriginal communities. Near-term priority actions include creating a more efficient approvals system, planning and investing in common…

This week, Monadelphous (ASX: MND) unveiled the largest and newest crane — “Rubino” — to join the company’s fleet. Named in honour of former Monadelphous chairman John Rubino, members of the Rubino family were joined by Monadelphous executives, staff members, customers in Port Hedland for the unveiling. Monadelphous was joined by Tadano president and chief executive Toshiaki Ujiie and executive officer Takashi Fuki at the unveiling. “Rubino” is a Tadano CC88.1600-1 crane with a load capacity of 1600t and is capable of lifting the equivalent of three Boeing 747 airplanes at a radius of 42m. With a total counterweight of 1155t, it can lift more than any other crane currently in Australia and is currently one of the largest cranes…

The Federal Government has released the country’s first national battery strategy, supporting a Future Made in Australia and boosting Australia’s resilience and security. The global demand for batteries is set to quadruple by 2030 as the world transitions to net zero. The strategy identified four high-value strategic opportunities: Stationary storage – building energy storage systems to firm renewable power generation in the national grid and for communities, businesses and homes Provide battery active materials to the world by upgrading raw minerals into processed battery components to strengthen battery supply chains Leveraging world-leading knowledge to build safer and more secure batteries connected to the grid Building batteries for the transport manufacturing industry, including heavy vehicle manufacturing Funding for the strategy was…

Resources Victoria has released the first instalment of a video series helping to explain important and misunderstood aspects of the State’s resources sector. Minerals exploration and mining are often confused. Though both are essential stages along the path to developing a resource, the process and scales are very different. In the video series — Minerals Exploration Explained — a Victorian minerals explorer outlined in their own words what they do, the techniques they use, how they select a site and how it is restored. Mineral explorers use low-impact methods to understand local geology and look for evidence of minerals over a large area, then typically focus activities on a smaller zone. This involves mapping, water and soil sample testing, targeted…

Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) hydrogen-powered haul truck prototype — Europa — has operated off hydrogen for the first time. This development marks a major step in Fortescue’s mission to decarbonise heavy industry as well as its partnership with Liebherr Mining. In partnership with Liebherr, Europa is a T 264 Liebherr haul truck that contains a 1.6MWh battery and 500KW of fuel cells. The prototype can store over 380kg of liquid hydrogen. Fortescue chief executive Dino Otranto says the company is excited to have Europa operating. “Following the success of our battery electric haul truck prototype at site, we’re thrilled to now have Europe up and running on hydrogen,” he said. “We’re aiming to transport Europa to our mining operations within the…

Anglo American has rejected the third takeover proposal from BHP (ASX: BHP) after the latter put forward a new offer on May 20, 2024. Under the terms of the latest proposal, Anglo American shareholders would receive 0.8860 BHP shares and ordinary shares in Anglo American Platinum and Kumba Iron Ore for every Anglo American share held. This offer represents a total value of $59.77 (£31.11) per Anglo American share including $10.37 (£5.40) in Anglo Platinum shares and $8.13 (£4.23) in Kumba shares. This revised proposal represents an 11.3% increase in the spot aggregate value per Anglo American share. BHP chief executive Mike Henry commented on the proposal. “BHP’s revised proposal will offer immediate value for Anglo American shareholders and allow…

The Northern Territory has introduced the Mineral Royalties Bill 2024 to change the way mineral royalties are calculated in the Territory. From July 1, 2024, there will be a new ad valorem royalty scheme for the calculation, payment and administration of mineral royalties for new mines that begin from 2024. The current profit-based mineral royalties scheme outlined in the Mineral Royalty Act 1982 will be exempt for all existing mines that were in production in the 2023 calendar year. The Northern Territory’s current mineral royalty scheme was developed in the 1980s and has been subject to numerous amendments. In 2021, the Mineral Development Taskforce (MDT) was established to identify and investigate opportunities to accelerate investment in new mining projects. In…

Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) Onslow iron project in WA has delivered first ore ahead of schedule for delivery to China Baowu Steel Group. Two transhippers, MinRes Coolibah and MinRes Airlie, are currently loading 113k wet metric tonnes of iron ore aboard a bulk carried anchored 40km off the Port of Ashburton. This milestone was achieved just 11 months after ground was broken at the Ken’s Bore mine site which lies 150km east of Onslow. MinRes designed, built and is managing the mining and transport infrastructure that is unlocking iron ore deposits in the West Pilbara that would otherwise remain undeveloped. Mineral Resources managing director Chris Ellison commented on the milestone. “The historic moment for MinRes cements our position as Australia’s…

BHP (ASX: BHP) and Ear Science Institute Australia have partnered to improve long term health outcomes for Indigenous children living in remote communities. The Healthy Ears on Country program aims to improve long-term health outcomes within Aboriginal communities across the East Pilbara region. Over three years, BHP will contribute $825k to help expand the scope of services available and support the purchase of specialist equipment, additional staff and training for local healthcare providers. BHP head of corporate affairs Meath Hammond commented on the partnership. “Access to quality health care is an ongoing challenge experienced by regional and remote communities,” he said. “We are proud to partner with Ear Science to support the amazing work they do in the Pilbara, with…