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SMEs to unlock critical minerals potential with CSIRO R&D program Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the critical minerals industry have been invited to apply for a research and development (R&D) program. Created by CSIRO, the Innovate to Grow program helps SMEs acquire valuable business insights and strategic plans to leverage R&D to meet their business needs. The program is sponsored by the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub, a collaboration between CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and ANSTO. Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub manager Lucy O’Connor says SMEs play an important...

South Australian mining exports increased to more than $5b in 2023 Mineral and petroleum exports have increased by 14.3% to more than $5b in 2023, according to figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Of the $17.9b in exports recorded in 2023, the resources sector contributed $5b, however, this doesn’t include an additional $2b in confidential energy and mineral goods. More than $3b came from iron and steel, refined copper and lead — highlighting the significance of the energy and mining sectors driving South Australia’s export growth. Furthermore, iron ore exports reached almost $1.2b for the year. South Australian Energy and Mining Minister Tom Koutsantonis...

Thiess to acquire PYBAR for $65m Underground mining services company Metarock has entered into a binding agreement to sell PYBAR for $65m to Thiess as the global company looks to grow its underground hard rock contracting division. Estimated net proceeds to Metarock will be about $36.3 after deducting PYBAR’s outstanding debt and estimated transaction costs. Post transaction, Metarock will comprise the Mastermyne, Wilson Mining and MyneSight business units, with the PYBAR brand remaining and continuing to be operated by Thiess. Metarock group executive chair Jon Romcke says the agreed transaction represents a great outcome for Metarock shareholders. “The purchase consideration represents compelling value for...

Alcoa seeking graduates for 2025 program Alcoa is on the hunt for graduates in electrical, geotechnical and mine engineering, chemical, mechanical and environmental science for its 2025 graduate program. This three-year program offers graduates job opportunities at Alcoa’s bauxite mines and alumina refineries in the Peel and Upper South West regions, as well as its Australian headquarters in WA. Former graduate program recruit Vani Gupta says one of the greatest benefits of the program was the immersive nature of the role and the support it offered. “Through the graduate program, I really got to...

Mineral Resources to develop lithium processing hub Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) will acquire the Lake Johnston nickel concentrator plant and tenure and turn it into a lithium processing hub. Owned by Poseidon Nickel (ASX: POS), Lake Johnston lies 185km southwest of Kalgoorlie in WA, covers an area of 86km2 and comprises of one exploration licence and 10 mining leases. To acquire Lake Johnston, Mineral Resources will pay $1m upon execution of a binding heads of agreement with Poseidon, $6.5m on completion of the sale and purchase agreement and $7.4m 12 months post completion. Lake Johnston has front—end capacity of 1.5mtpa and is capable of...

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance welcomes 2024 apprentices Thirty new apprentices have started their apprenticeships with BHP Mitsubishi (BMA), coming from a range of different regions across Queensland. This marks the fourth consecutive year there are more female apprentices than males with a mix of school leavers and mature apprentices. Prior to beginning their apprenticeship, each person participates in BMA’s work readiness program at the Emerald TAFE, which focuses on what the program entails and what the apprentices can expect once they begin. BMA apprentice coordinator Andy List welcomed the new apprentices. “It’s been another great intake of apprentices this year and the work readiness program has been a...

MEC Mining acquires METServe, expands into environmental services Australian-based global technical services firm MEC Mining has acquired environmental services company METServe, positioning it as a provider of end-to-end services across the full mining life cycle. The combined service offering will encompass all aspects of environmental services previously provided by METServe including approvals, impact assessment, environmental management, closure and rehabilitation, ecology, social, GIS analysis and cartography. MEC Mining chief executive Christofer Catania says the acquisition complements MEC’s portfolio. “METServe has a 20-year history of working within industry...

Lynas Rare Earths inks mining services contract with Carey Group Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has awarded a five-year mining services contract to Carey Group for work at its Mt Weld rare earths mine in WA. Upon commencement of the contract — which is expected in April — Lynas will transition from campaign mining to continuous mining over the five-year period to supply ore to the expanded Mt Weld process plant. Under the contract, Carey will mobilise a mining fleet consisting of production drilling, excavation, hauling and auxiliary equipment. Carey will also provide new haul trucks with a focus...

Thiess advances sustainable mining journey Following the release of its 2023 sustainability report, mining and resources solution provider Thiess is advancing its journey towards sustainable mining, emissions reduction and diversifying its services. Further progress has been made towards the company’s 2025 decarbonisation target with scope one emissions reduced by 21% and scope two emissions reduced by 12% during 2023. These efforts were enhanced by the diversification of Thiess’ commodities and services to rebalance its thermal coal revenue to less than 25% by the end of 2027. Recognising, Thiess has set an additional diversification target to rebalance its portfolio to consist of...

King expects full investigation into Ballarat gold mine collapse WorkSafe Victoria is investigating a fatal mine collapse yesterday at Victory Minerals’ Ballarat gold mine at Mount Clear in the State’s west. A 37-year-old Bruthen man has died and a 21-year-old Ballarat man is seriously injured after a rockfall in the underground mine. Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King says her thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who has died mining. “We must remember this is a dangerous job,” she said. “The prosperity of our nation is the resources sector and it’s built off...

Fenix Resources secures $70m haulage and logistics contracts Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX), via its wholly owned subsidiaries, has been appointed haulage and logistics services provider for Gold Valley’s mid-west iron ore operations. Over the next three years, Fenix will provide transport and logistics for 3mt of iron ore product, generating more than $70m in revenue for the company. These agreements are comprised of a haulage and logistics agreement and a port services agreement to cover the transportation and handling Gold Valley’s iron ore products from a new inland port. Under the logistics agreement, Fenix-Newhaul will transport 3mt of iron ore from Gold Valley’s mid-west...