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Dino Otranto has been appointed as chief executive of Fortescue Metals (ASX:FMG), replacing Fiona Hick who lasted just under six months in the role. With over 20 years of experience in the global energy and resources industry, Mr Otranto joined Fortescue in 2021 as chief operating officer iron ore. Prior to joining Fortescue, he was chief operating officer at Vale Base Metals, leading the company’s North American, European and Asian nickel and copper businesses. Mr Otranto commented on his appointment. “I am really looking forward to continuing to work with our amazing Fortescue team to strengthen our powerhouse iron ore business further while racing to reach real zero by 2030 across our operations,” he said. “Climate change is accelerating and…

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) and First Quantum have formed a joint venture to unlock the development of the La Granja project in Peru. La Granja is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the world and it has the potential to be a large, long-life operation with an indicated and inferred mineral resource of 4.32bt at 0.51% copper. First Quantum has acquired a 55% stake in the project for $105m and will invest up to a further $546m to fund capital and operational costs to take La Granja through a feasibility study and toward development. As majority owner, First Quantum will operate La Granja with initial work focused on completing the feasibility study. First Quantum chief executive Tristan Pascall commented…

In a game changer for heavy industry, CSIRO and corporate advisor RFC Ambrian have co-founded Hadean Energy to commercialise technology that can significantly reduce hydrogen production costs and industry emissions. While the International Energy Agency estimates hydrogen demand to increase 138% by 2030, high production costs and energy inputs remain at this stage key challenges for producing green hydrogen. CSIRO’s tubular solid oxide electrolysis (SOE) technology produces hydrogen efficiently by electrolysing water using a combination of heat and electricity. CSIRO lead scientist on hydrogen research Dr Sarb Giddey says this SOE technology “has the potential to produce hydrogen at a higher efficiency and lower cost for integration with industrial processes”. “It allows industrial waste heat to be integrated back into…

The Dolphin tungsten mine on King Island in Tasmania has officially re-opened after being closed for 30 years. Tasmania Minister for Resources Felix Ellis said he was proud to be on King Island to support the event which is one of the most significant projects seen in the region in recent years. “14 years in the making, it is tremendous to see this economic gamechanger get going,” he said. “The Dolphin mine is known for hosting the highest-grade tungsten deposit of significant size in the western world. “Essential to steelmaking, electronics and defence manufacturing, tungsten is a critical mineral the world cannot do without. It is commonly used in light bulbs filaments, jewellery, electronics, metallic tools, aviation, space and defence…

WA is one step closer to the creation of a large-scale green hydrogen hub with bp completing its concept development phase study into its energy hub H2Kwinana. The study identified two potential base case scenarios, with the hub producing either 44tpd of green hydrogen or 143tpd. The potential growth target of 429tpd was selected as the third and final case. The H2Kwinana hub will be able to provide a renewable hydrogen supply for domestic and export markets as well as support the creation of new green industries. To create green hydrogen, the required electrical power is derived from renewable energy sources or by procuring renewable electricity certificates. The green hydrogen produced will be used by bp, other industrial customers, tube…

An update to the mineral ore reserve estimate confirms Renascor Resources’ (ASX:RNU) Siviour graphite project as the second largest reported proven reserve of graphite in the world. Further, it confirms Siviour as the largest reported total ore reserve of graphite outside of Africa. This update includes a 13% increase in total reserves and an 8% increase in proven reserves and provides additional confidence in the size and quality of Siviour as a consistent source of high-quality graphite. The updated ore reserve includes proven reserves of 16.8Mt at 8.2% total graphitic carbon (TGC) for 1.4Mt of contained graphite, probable reserves of 45Mt at 6.6% TGC for 3Mt of contained graphite and total reserves of 61.8Mt at 7% TGC for 4.3Mt of…

The annual Queensland Mining Industry Health and Safety Conference (QMIHSC) has wrapped up, following four days of discussions about the need to improve safety across Queensland’s resources sector. Over 1100 delegates attended the conference, which is the biggest annual event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Keynote speakers from mining and other industries shared their knowledge and experience with different initiatives and technologies dedicated to improving the physical and mental health of workers. QMIHSC chair Larnie Mackay said delegates will have plenty of new safety information to take back to their workplaces. “The conference has again confirmed our industry’s commitment to safety being our number one priority and to ensure we have the systems and tools in place to…

Works approval has been received from the WA Government to install new graphite micronising equipment at International Graphite’s (ASX:IG6) research and development facility in Collie. The equipment is currently in transit from North America and is expected to arrive at Fremantle Port in September 2023. This custom-built qualification-scale plant is a significant advancement on International Graphite’s pilot processing plant which was commissioned in September 2022. The new qualification plant is designed to process graphite concentrates to produce a commercial graphite product for quality and performance evaluation by potential customers. Capable of producing 100tpa to 200tpa of micronised graphite, the plant will also be used to develop graphite operating and materials handling expertise. International Graphite managing director and chief executive Andrew…

A new research and development laboratory facility has opened in Bentley, marking another milestone being met in WA’s path to becoming a global battery materials manufacturing hub. Through its Investment Attraction Fund, the WA State Government has allocated $3m to local company AustVolt, which is working towards developing and producing battery precursor cathode active material (pCAM). pCAM is a vital component for manufacturing lithium battery cells which have a range of uses including in electric vehicles. This new Bentley facility will allow AustVolt to produce samples of its pCAM product, which can be used in battery manufacturing trials within the electric vehicle industry. It marks an important step towards AustVolt’s full-scale manufacturing facility, which, when built, will be able to…

Lefroy Exploration Limited (ASX: LEX) has today announced that independent global consultancy, CSA Global, completed a review of the mineral resource estimate (MRE) in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) for its Goodyear nickel deposit in WA. Goodyear now reports as 392,000t @ 3.78% Ni for 14,780t of contained nickel sulphide at a 1% nickel cut- off grade. The review confirms the original mineral resource, reported in 2008 by Australian Mines Limited, in accordance with the JORC Code 2004 Edition. Lefroy managing director Wade Johnson says the seamless conversion of the Goodyear nickel deposit to JORC Code 2012 standards is an exciting development for Lefroy and its nickel-focused subsidiary, Hampton Metals Ltd. “The Goodyear mineral resource presents a unique opportunity,…

IMDEX (ASX: IMD) has become the first major industry partner of the new 51ha Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct (AARP) in Neerabup, 40km north of the Perth CBD in WA. Signing on for an initial two-years to build and maintain a common user drill pad as part of the 22ha mine test and development site called “Dirt Lab”, IMDEX aims to accelerate testing and demonstration of technology including its award-winning BLAST DOGTM at a site close to its Balcatta headquarters. IMDEX BLAST DOGTM is a commodity agnostic blast hole sensing and physical measurement technology that provides near real-time blast hole physicals and orebody knowledge and a 3D view into the bench. IMDEX chief executive Paul House says having a purpose-built,…