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Production and shipments ramp up at Thunderbird Sheffield Resources (ASX: SFX) has ramped up production and shipments from the Thunderbird mineral sands mine in WA. Production has increased month on month with around 825kt of ore mined in June 2024. For the June 2024 quarter, total ore mined is expected to be 2.2mt, around 20% higher than the operating rate assumed within in the 2022 bankable feasibility study (BFS). The increase production resulted in 55kt of ilmenite concentrate produced in June and 120kt for the quarter, while zircon concentrate was 13kt for June and 33kt for the quarter. Additionally, the wet...

Fortescue brings opportunities to Busselton Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has expanded its Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program to Busselton, WA. The VTEC program provides sustainable career pathways for First Nations people and is a key part of Fortescue’s training and development strategy. The program is delivered throughout WA in Perth, Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland and now Busselton. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says the program is backed by community support. “Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to providing opportunities for First Nations people and the success of the VTEC program...

Barminco awarded $450m contract extension at Sunrise Dam Perenti’s (ASX: PRN) underground mining business Barminco has been awarded a three-year contract extension at AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam underground gold mine in the Goldfields of WA. The contract allows Barminco to continue underground development, production and mining support services to commence from October 1, 2024. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says continuation of contracts is ideal as no new growth capital expenditure is required. “AngloGold Ashanti is one of our largest clients, and we are proud to have worked with them for the past 20 years,” he said. “Perenti has an excellent track record at...

Significant production potential confirmed at Gould’s Dam Following strong intercepts, where up to 2925ppm triuranium octoxide was encountered, significant production potential has been confirmed at the Gould’s Dam deposit in South Australia. Gould’s Dam is part of Boss Energy’s (ASX: BOE) Honeymoon uranium mine and the results support the company’s strategy to increase the nameplate production rate and mine life at the mine. The production rate will increase from the current nameplate capacity of 2.45mlbspa to the export permit limit of 3.3mlbspa. A total of 96 mud rotary holes have been drilled to date at the Sunrise and Billeroo targets with other...

Orica celebrates an explosive history Orica (ASX: ORI) held a 150th anniversary gala last week in Melbourne, Victoria to celebrate its milestone with customers, partners, officials, retirees and employees. Founded in June 1874 as an explosives supplier, Orica has grown to become one of the world’s leading mining and infrastructure solutions providers with a market capitalisation nearing $9b. Orica started as a small company named Jones, Scott and...

Paladin Energy to acquire Fission Uranium Australian uranium company Paladin Energy (ASX: PDN) will acquire 100% of Fission Uranium Corporation in a move to bring Fission’s Canadian uranium mine into production by 2029. The transaction will create a globally significant uranium company listed on both the ASX and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) worth $5.25b (US$3.5b). The acquisition follows the restart of Paladin’s Langer Heinrich mine in Namibia as well as the release of Fission’s feasibility study for the Patterson Lake South (PLS) uranium mine in Canada’s Athabasca Basin region. Paladin chief executive Ian Purdy says the acquisition is part of their strategy to diversify and...

Kaiser Reef to divest NSW exploration assets for up to $3.62m Kaiser Reef (ASX: KAU) is set to divest its NSW exploration assets to unlisted public company HearMeOut for up to $3.62m. Kaiser Reef is divesting the Stuart Town group of tenements as well as the Macquarie North tenements. Although the company considers the tenements to be highly prospective for gold mineralisation, it will focus on near-term gold mining growth opportunities across its Victorian production and exploration assets. Kaiser will retain exposure to the NSW projects with a 20% free carried interest until a decision to mine is made. Subject to satisfaction, due diligence, ASX...

Northern Territory Government extends MOU with Avenira and Aleees The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Northern Territory Government, Avenira (ASX: AEV) and Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees) has been extended to June 30, 2025. Initially executed in September 2022, an MOU was signed between the three parties to work towards the development of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathode manufacturing facility. The Northern Territory Government would assist and advise in relation to necessary infrastructure, including water, energy, power, telecommunications, road, port, rail access and service requirements. A bankable feasibility study is expected to be completed in...

Halfway mark for almost $1b Queensland pipeline With 63km of pipeline laid, the halfway point of construction for the $983m Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline in Central Queensland has been reached. The pipeline supported by $311m in the 2024-25 State Budget, will deliver long term water security to Gladstone and boost the emerging hydrogen and critical mineral industries. Queensland Premier Steven Miles says the pipeline will secure Queensland’s position as a renewable energy powerhouse. “The Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline isn’t just bringing water security to Gladstone, it will unlock more jobs in emerging industries like hydrogen and critical minerals, which are vital to our Energy and Jobs...

Alkane goes for gold with $89m Tomingley expansion Alkane Resources (ASX: ALK) announced increased gold production above 100,000ozpa with strong resultant cash flow in a five-year plan for its Tomingley gold operations in NSW. Production will be sourced from underground and open cut mining, with 455,000 to 505,000oz of gold expected over the next five financial years. This increase follows plans to realign Newell Highway and expand the existing processing plant to a nominal 1.5mtpa rate through 2025. Alkane will fund the $89m realignment and expansion through cashflow and...

Venture Minerals sells Riley iron ore mine for $3m Venture Minerals (ASX: VMS) is selling its wholly-owned subsidiary, Venture Iron, to Gold Valley Brown Stone. Venture Iron is the holder of the Riley iron ore mine in Tasmania which has been on care and maintenance since 2021. The sale isn’t subject to any conditions precedent and it’s expected to be completed on July 8, 2024. Upon completion of the sale, Venture Minerals will transfer 100% of the shares in Venture Iron to Gold Valley for $3m, of which $50k has already been paid as a deposit. Venture Minerals and Gold Valley will work together to...