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First instalment of minerals exploration video series released 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...

Fortescue’s hydrogen-powered truck operates off hydrogen for first time 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...

Anglo American rejects third BHP offer, extends deadline 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...

Northern Territory changes the way mineral royalties are calculated 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...

Mineral Resources delivers first ore from Onslow ahead of schedule 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...

BHP and Ear Science to improve ear health of Indigenous children 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...

Whitehaven Coal partners with Royal Far West to bridge healthcare gap Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has partnered with Royal Far West (RFW) in an initiative to provide scholarships to bridge the healthcare gap for children in rural and remote communities. Established in 1924, RFW provides essential multi-disciplinary health and disability services to country children and their families with a primary focus on developmental health issues. With services offered via telecare, direct community outreach and its Centre for Country Kids in Manly, no child is left behind due to geographical barriers. RFW’s culturally sensitive and community-focused approach aims to fill the gaps in the healthcare system for the most vulnerable families and communities by providing multidisciplinary health, education and disability services...

BHP and Hedland Maritime Initiative offering short-term leases in Port Hedland BHP (ASX: BHP) and Hedland Maritime Initiative (HMI) have partnered to make 12 new properties available for short-term lease in Port Hedland’s West End in WA. This will address the lack of affordable short-term accommodation in the area. HMI acquired the properties under the Port Hedland Voluntary Buy-Back Scheme (PHVBS). A $259k donation from BHP will provide brand new furniture and get them ready for their first lease through local realtor Hedland First National. The properties will be able to be leased for periods from five days up to...

Alcoa announces $15m for new Forest Research Centre Alcoa Australia will enhance its longstanding commitment to protecting, restoring and sharing knowledge about the forest by establishing a dedicated research centre. The aluminium producer, which mines bauxite in select areas of the Northern Jarrah Forest in WA’s Darling Range, has dedicated $15m of research funding over the next five years delivered through the formation of a new Forest Research Centre. Alcoa is also increasing its internal environmental research team from four to 11 staff and upgrading existing facilities at several of its WA locations to...

Exploration in the House a success The Department of Regional NSW’s Mining, Exploration, and Geoscience is pleased to announce the success of Exploration in the House – new data, new exploration futures, held at the NSW Parliament House on Friday, May 10, 2024. The annual event, a cornerstone of NSW Minerals Week, brought together 116 industry experts, and researchers to explore the latest advancements in geoscience and geophysical data. Hosted by the Geological Survey of NSW, the event highlighted the pivotal role of innovative exploration strategies in shaping the future of mining in the state. Keynote speaker, Professor Dietmar Muller from the University of Sydney, engaged attendees...

MinRes Onslow transhippers arrive in WA Two purpose-built transhippers — MinRes Airlie and MinRes Coolibah — have arrived at Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) Onslow iron project in WA. MinRes’ transhippers are unique in Australia and form an integral part of the Onslow project which is expected to deliver first ore on ship in mid-2024. After successful sea trials off Zhoushan port in China, the vessels were transported via a Cosco Shipping heavy lift vessel to the Pilbara coast. The intricate operation involved the specialised vessel Xin Guang Hua being partially submerged to lift the transhippers — which are 123m long and 36m wide...