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Green is a go: WA initiative approves first project A solar project in the Pilbara, WA, is the first project approved under the WA Government’s Green Energy Approvals Initiative. The approved project of up to 150MW will be located within a 13,000km2 in the Pilbara and is part of Indigenous-led Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation’s (YEC) plans for one of Australia’s largest renewable energy developments intended to total 3GW of solar, wind and storage capacity. Pilbara member Kevin Michel says this project sets a new standard for renewable energy developments. “I'm thrilled the first project assessed under the Green Energy Approvals...

Large scale gold mining restarts in Tennant Creek Large scale mining is set to restart in Tennant Creek with Tennant Mining beginning construction on its Nobles gold mine project in the Northern Territory. Civil work is underway at Nobles with construction and commissioning to be completed in the second quarter of 2025. Gold production is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The project is forecast to produce an average of 65,000ozpa of gold and it’s expected to contribute $69.9m to the Northern Territory economy each year. Initially, work will focus on mining stockpiles and tailings at the Nobles open pit mine...

Liebherr celebrates global milestones 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the Liebherr Group, with celebrations taking place in locations all over the world. Liebherr also celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Zambia company earlier this month. The company was founded in June 2014 to provide support for mining activities in the Zambian Copperbelt. Liebherr Zambia administration managing director Henri Wassink says the company has expanded over 10 years. “When we first opened, we had a handful of employees: one accountant, one parts representative, and a single technician,” he said. “Today, Liebherr Zambia is more than 100 employees strong, and we are present on different customer sites.” Despite being home to 20%...

Energy transition tops global mining trends: State of Play Energy transition is now in the top three global trends that are expected to have the biggest impact on innovation in mining over the next 15 years, according to latest reports by State of Play. The reports, entitled Mining Strategy in a Changing World and Unearthing Tomorrow: Trends Shaping the Future of Mining, analyse surveys and interviews with industry leaders to identify changes in attitudes and practices. State of Play founder and chairman Graeme Stanway says the reports showcase a significant shift in attitudes towards the energy transition. “In recent years the survey results were pretty evenly...

BCI Minerals to sell Iron Valley for $72.6m Iron Valley, a subsidiary of BCI Minerals (ASX: BCI), is selling its Iron Valley iron ore assets to Polaris Metals, a subsidiary of Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN), for up to $72.6m. Iron Valley will receive $26m on completion of the transaction, which is expected in July 2024, and a further $12.5m contingent on commencements of mining at the Iron Valley north pit. The existing iron ore sale and purchase agreement between BCI and Mineral Resources will terminate upon completion of the transaction, with BCI to receive a final deferred payment...

Revolutionising Industry to Electrify? Challenge Accepted The world is in the midst of an energy revolution. Globally, the focus is on decarbonisation to meet net zero by 2050. More than ever before, the transition to electrifying mining operations is at the forefront of the mining industry as it plays a vital role in meeting the ambitious and required targets set by governing bodies. Ampcontrol has more than half a century of experience in challenging the status quo and delivering safe, smart, customised energy solutions and services. Solving complex problems in energy by developing world-first innovations, Ampcontrol and their smart minded people accept the challenge of electrification. Thomas Steigler, Ampcontrol Research Engineer, is a respected leader is his field. Developing engineered...

Coexistence strengthened between Queensland’s resources, renewable energy and agriculture industries The Queensland Government has passed legislation that strengthens the coexistence between the State’s resources, renewable energy and agriculture industries. Reforms include expanding the scope of Queensland’s coexistence institutions, including the GasFields Commission Queensland which will know be know as Coexistence Queensland. The role of Coexistence Queensland will be to provide enhanced information, engagement and education services to the community and industry on land access and coexistence issues across the resources and renewable energy sectors. Previously, focus was just on the onshore gas industry. Other coexistence...

QLD passes new laws to protect resources worker safety Queensland Parliament has passed new laws to protect the health and safety of workers in Queensland’s mining industry. The newly passed Resources Safety and Health Legislation Amendment Bill addresses serious risks on mine sites and includes reforms of critical controls and the introduction of enforceable undertakings. Queensland Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart says resources workers’ safety is his primary focus. “The most important thing to come out of out of any workplace at the end of each shift is its workers, and that is why safety is...

Moranbah pilot program lights the way for a career in mining A pioneering Moranbah, QLD program designed to equip local talent with cutting-edge electrotechnology skills is creating career pathways into the mining industry while fostering thriving communities. Anglo American – which operates five steelmaking coal mines in the Bowen Basin – partnered with Moranbah State High School (MSHS) and Major Training to deliver the electrotechnology course in the region. The course provides an entry-level understanding of electrical systems, circuitry and safety while allowing graduates to carve six months off an electrical apprenticeship....

Draft mining amendment to ensure security The WA Government has approved draft mining amendment legislation that will ensure security of mining tenure and address key industry issues. In 2017, the High Court found that granted mining leases were invalid if they did not strictly follow the process for preparing and lodging tenement applications outlined in the Mining Act 1978. Following this outcome, the WA Government has drafted amendments to address procedural matters in Mining Act 1978 to prevent similar scenarios from arising in the future. The changes include amendments to address common pitfalls in the tenement application process such as the statements required to...

Lithium Australia signs battery recycling agreement with SungEel Envirostream Australia, a subsidiary of Lithium Australia (ASX: LIT), has signed a three-year mixed metal dust (MMD) offtake agreement with SungEel HiTech for battery recycling. Under the agreement, SungEel will purchase a minimum of 60% of Lithium Australia’s annual MMD production, subject to certain minimum quality requirements. SungEel has been a customer of Lithium Australia since 2020 and has purchased more than 300t of MMD, reflecting the growing demand for recycled materials for use in battery manufacturing processes. SungEel recently opened the third hydro centre in South Korea which is the largest...