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Mineral scanning technology company Orexplore Technologies (ASX:OXT) has signed a $1.55m agreement with BHP (ASX:BHP). The agreement will see the deployment of Orexplore’s mobile field scanning installation and technology platform to BHP’s Carrapateena mine in South Australia. Under the agreement, Orexplore will deliver site-based drill core and sample digitisation services for BHP. The work will focus on unlocking new rock mass characterisation and geometallurgical information to advance the short and medium-term mining and operational planning and decision processes. Orexplore’s “Smart Domaining” solution will additionally enable improved orebody knowledge across the deposit to drive improved modelling, with drivers for downstream mining, processing and reconciliation outcomes. The agreement includes the delivery of site-based drill core and sample scanning and analysis services of…

A collaborative drilling initiative is set to address WA’s declining mineral discovery rates by mapping and defining potential mineral systems to remote underexplored regions. The Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) is working with the MinEx Cooperative Research Centre as part of the National Drilling Initiative (NDI), an ongoing pre-competitive geoscience program. While it’s not an exploration program, the initiative aims to reduce the financial and technical risks of exploration and increase the level of industry investment by providing high-quality precompetitive geoscience data. Phase one is underway at the Nifty copper operation, which is currently under care and maintenance, in the Paterson region of WA’s northwest. This phase of work will see multiple holes be drilled to depths of up…

Newly listed Lithium Universe (ASX:LU7) has begun using artificial intelligence (AI) for exploration at the Apollo lithium project. Working with KorrAI Technologies in Canada, the AI will help guide LU7 field teams to focus on specific locations with high potential. KorrAI’s technology uses satellite data and AI to enhance field exploration practices, optimise time spent in the field, optimise cost and improve exploration outcomes. Their approach involves using AI to process and analyse satellite data and images, and by using advanced algorithms, KorrAI has created maps that show different geological features such as outcrops, pegmatites and vein formations. The successful use of the AI technology would enable Lithium Universe to potentially fast-track exploration activities that may have only occurred 12…

Two WA gold mining companies have poured their first gold bars, marking a significant milestone for both. Classic Minerals Classic Minerals (ASX:CLZ) has cemented itself as a producer with the inaugural gold bar poured from the Kat Gap gold project in WA. Classic’s Gekko Systems advanced gravity separation circuit played an instrumental role in the production of the inaugural gold bar. The gravity circuit is a predecessor to the planned carbon-in-leach (CIL) process which is currently under construction and installation. On completion, the CIL process is projected to further enhance Classic’s gold recovery rates to 98%. Achieving first gold bar pour is a monumental testament to a gold project’s lifecycle and encapsulates the success of Kat Gap from exploration to…

Newmont has received clearance from the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) to proceed with its proposed acquisition of Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM). Earlier this month, Papua New Guinea’s Independent Consumer and Competition Commission cleared the proposed acquisition while the Canadian Competition Bureau issued a “no action” letter in July clearing the transaction. Other regulatory approvals to be secured include the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australia Foreign Investment Review Board, the Japan Fair Trade Commission and the Philippine Competition Commission. Additionally, Newmont and Newcrest are continuing engaging with the Papua New Guinea Government and regulators regarding other approvals and clearances for the transaction. The companies expect to complete the transaction in the fourth quarter of this year. In mid-May 2023,…

Essential marine cargo has arrived at Mineral Resources’ (ASX:MIN) Onslow iron project in WA. The Happy Dover heavy transport vehicle from BigLift recently sailed into the Port of Ashburton, with cargo including 20m-high berthing dolphins, the loading wharf that was transported in two modules and landside port infrastructure including conveyors and transfer stations. BigLift specialises in heavy lift and project cargos, with there being a limited number of these vessels in the world. Happy Dover is equipped with two 450t cranes to lift and place the cargo directly onto the piles, with the wharf modules weighing 150t each and the largest dolphins weighing 270t each. Once Happy Dover departs, the smaller mooring dolphins will be transhipped to the marine installation…

The WA State Government will establish a hub in Canberra to represent its resources sector on a national scale. While there is widespread acceptance within WA of the significant economic contribution of the state’s mining and resources sector, there is limited awareness or appreciation beyond the borders. The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA (CME) chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson said the hub will increase the effectiveness of the advocacy efforts of CME and other industry groups in the eastern states. “We discussed with the State Government the benefits of establishing a shared space in Canberra to enable the Government and WA’s peak body industries to collaborate and work together to ensure the best strategic outcomes are delivered for…

The University of Adelaide (UoA) is set to receive $5m in funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) for the establishment of a new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Battery Recycling. Southern Gold’s (ASX:SAU) battery technology company IonDrive Technologies (IDT) is the key partner organisation for the training centre. Led by Professor Shizhang Qiao at The University of Adelaide, the centre aims to revolutionise Australia’s battery and resources industry by establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities for recycling mixed battery materials, promoting second life re-use and fostering a battery circular economy. IonDrive Technologies will contribute $200k cash per year for five years which will be a catalyst for advancements in battery recycling technology and practices. Additionally, it will offer in-kind contributions…

Decmil (ASX:DCG) has received an $84m earthworks contract at Perdaman Industries’ Ceres Urea plant project in WA. Under the contract, Decmil will complete bulk earthworks including drilling and blasting, construction of a causeway, supply and installation of culverts, establishing portable water lines and general site clearing activities. The contract was received from the Saipem Clough joint venture (SCJV) between engineering consultant Saipem Australia and construction engineering company Clough Projects Australia. Work has begun and is expected to be completed by July 2024. Decmil chief executive Rod Heale is pleased to have received the contract. “We are delighted to have been awarded this package of works by SCJV, which falls right in our project value sweet spot of between $50m and…

Construction of Australian Vanadium’s (ASX:AVL) vanadium electrolyte manufacturing facility in WA has begun. Australian Vanadium has appointed engineering group Primero Group, a subsidiary of NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH), to construct the facility with most long lead items now received. Further, experienced operations professional Simon Rough has been appointed to safely manage the facility through construction and into production. His extensive experience in vanadium processing and sulphuric acid production makes him a perfect fit to lead the team to successful production of high-quality electrolyte. The facility is designed to produce up to 33MWh per year of vanadium flow battery (VFB) high purity electrolyte. Australian Vanadium holds the exclusive licence of US Vanadium’s LLC (USV) process technology for manufacturing vanadium electrolyte for Australia…

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston has announced an independent review of the Mining Rehabilitation Fund (MRF) to ensure it continues to meet its objectives and sufficient financial reserves are available. The MRF is used by the state government if a mine operator is unable to meet their rehabilitation obligations and the site is declared abandoned. Economic consultants Marsden Jacob Associates will undertake the review and consult with a wide range of stakeholders that completed an MRF evaluation in 2018. The Mining Rehabilitation Fund Act 2012 (MRF Act) was created to ensure the mining industry is financially responsible for restoring existing and abandoned mine sites — not WA taxpayers. WA tenement holders, except those under state agreements, are required to…