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CSIRO unlocks Australia’s critical minerals potential CSIRO has released its research, development and demonstration (RD&D) report for the Australian critical minerals industry. This is the first comprehensive assessment of innovation in critical mineral refining required to build a sovereign mid-stream processing industry in Australia. The report provides data on the current capabilities, RD&D and international co-operation opportunities across lithium, cobalt, silicon, rare earth elements and graphite. CSIRO...

Tasmania Government opens round 10 of EDGI The Tasmanian Government has opened applications for round 10 of the Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI). The search for critical minerals needed for the world’s decarbonisation plans will be a key focus in this latest round of mineral exploration grants. Tasmanian Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz commented on the new funding round. “There is a global shift to find the minerals needed to build our economy and Tasmania can be a leader in this endeavour,” he said. “This funding will allow mineral explorers to test greenfield locations which may lead to our...

Weir launches ENDURON® Orbital range Weir has launched the ENDURON® Orbital range of vibrating screens for sand, aggregate, construction and small tonnage mining operations. With an all-bolted construction, the screens significantly improve reliability by eliminating welding in high-stress areas, removing the leading mode of failure in vibrating screens. Locking bolts ensure structural integrity and durability, supporting easy maintenance with the quick replacement of individual components without the need for extensive downtime. The ENDURON® Orbital range comes in two screen types, the E series: Elliptical Motion Horizontal Screens and the C series: Circular Motion...

Metso acquires Jindex in Australia Metso will acquire Jindex in a move to provide more comprehensive slurry handling solutions for the mining industry. The deal will combine Metso’s expertise in slurry handling with Jindex’s specialised valves and process flow control offerings. Metso Pumps business line head Tiago Oliveira comments on the acquisition. “This acquisition is yet another important step in the development of Metso’s Pumps business line offering to bring us closer to being our customers’ lifecycle partner of choice,” he said. “Flow and isolation control play a vital role in ensuring smooth slurry...

BHP and PHCCI partner to drive growth and sustainability A social investment contract between BHP (ASX: BHP) and the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHCCI) is aiming to drive economic growth, sustainability and community development in the region. Over the next three years, BHP will invest $2m to boost local businesses activity with a focus on driving diversity of suppliers, attracting sustainable businesses to the region and increasing job creation and workforce readiness. The program aims to...

Auric buys specified mineral rights from WIN for $1.2m Auric Mining (ASX: AWJ) and WIN Metals (ASX: WIN) have signed a binding term sheet for the partial sale of WIN’s nickel and lithium rights within the Munda gold project in WA. The total initial transaction is $1.2m with the nickel rights component making up $1m of that. Auric now owns all minerals and has sole mining rights for the next eight years down to the 235m RL, around 150m below surface. After the eight years are up, WIN will have the right to develop a decline from within Auric’s rights area....

Lynas signs Zenith contract for Mt Weld hybrid power station Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) and Zenith Energy have signed contracts for the supply of power to Lynas’ Mt Weld mine and concentration plant in WA. The power will be supplied via a 65MW hybrid power station comprising of a 24MW wind farm, a 7MW solar PV farm and a 12MW battery energy storage system. Additionally, the renewable facility will be supported by a 17MW high efficiency gas fired power station. To provide redundancy in the back-up system for 24/7 operations, 5MW of diesel standby generation will be installed. Under a power purchase...

Alcoa aluminium apprenticeships open Applications are open for Alcoa’s 2025 Portland Aluminium apprenticeship for its smelter in Victoria. Candidates will receive a nationally-accredited trade certificate in mechanical fitting or electrical technology on completion of the four-year program. Final year electrical fitter apprentice Ella Kohlman says applying for an apprenticeship was the best career choice she has ever made. “As someone born and raised in Portland, I considered the apprenticeship a great chance to...

Final approval for Alcoa’s Alumina acquisition The Federal Court of Australia has approved the Alcoa Corporation’s acquisition of Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC). The acquisition is now legally effective, making July 23 the last day of trading for Alumina shares on the ASX. The acquisition is expected to be implemented on August 1 in line with the first day of trading for new Alcoa shares on the NYSE. Following implementation, eligible Alumina shareholders will receive 0.02854 new Alcoa CDIs for each Alumina share held on the scheme record date of July 25. In a June 11 statement, Alcoa president...

Queensland Government launches new critical minerals initiatives The Queensland Government has launched two new initiatives to grow investment into the State’s growing critical mineral industry. The first initiative — the Queensland Critical Minerals Prospectus — showcases projects ready for investment at different mining stages. This information is complemented by details of Queensland’s critical minerals sector, including known endowments and the action the State Government is taking to accelerate the development of this sector. The second initiative — the Critical Minerals Investor Hub — is a new online tool that connects potential investors with government agencies and proponents of projects already in development. Queensland Resources and Critical...

Unlocking New Value in Mining with Cordant™  Establish predictable performance while managing costs  The mining industry is at a critical juncture. A rising demand for raw materials supporting the energy transition, increasing cost pressures, higher regulatory and compliance requirements, and a shortage of skilled labor are just some of the challenges driving the need for transformation.   In such a dynamic environment, mining organisations must develop agility, while finding ways to extract more value from their existing assets and resources. Achieving this relies on their ability to embrace emerging technologies that enable dynamic improvement processes to not only drive productivity gains and cost-efficiencies, but unlock new opportunities.  Baker Hughes is one company helping asset owners navigate these challenges while balancing factors...