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Australian Mining Review

Northern Territory progresses towards carbon capture and storage hub, enabling low-emission industries

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is drawing closer to reality in the Northern Territory (NT) as the government collaborates with industry leaders to establish a common-user hub at Middle Arm. This initiative aims to utilise emissions from current and future natural gas processing operations to support the development of low emissions industries that utilise carbon dioxide (CO2) and clean hydrogen as feedstocks. A recent report by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, underscores the potential of CO2 utilisation to drive low-emission manufacturing in the NT. The report explores various CO2 utilisation prospects that can enable low-emission manufacturing and boost the Territory’s economy. It expands on CSIRO’s earlier CO2 Utilisation Roadmap released in 2021. By integrating CO2 utilisation technologies into local hub…

Australian Mining Review

Quantum computing and Australian mining: developments from CSIRO

Quantum computing is a groundbreaking field of science that holds the potential to revolutionise various industries and reshape our world. As Australia positions itself as a global leader in quantum technologies, the country’s scientific research organisation, CSIRO, is at the forefront of developing quantum applications for the mining sector. By leveraging advanced technologies like Superconducting Quantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) and embracing the concept of zero-entry mines powered by digitalisation and automation, Australia is driving significant advancements in the mining industry. Recent developments from CSIRO in quantum computing promise to have a transformative impact on Australian mining. The power of squids in mineral exploration CSIRO’s LandTEM, a portable exploration tool, utilises SQUIDs to revolutionise mineral exploration. SQUIDs are quantum sensors that…

(Image source - Mincor Resources). Mincor awards haulage contract to Kooda Contracting.

Mincor awards haulage contract to Kooda Contracting

Mincor Resources (ASX: MCR) has awarded its haulage contracts for its Kambalda nickel operations in WA to Kooda Contracting. The Kalgoorlie-based contractor will be responsible for carting and blending nickel ore from both of Mincor’s mining operations to the Kambalda nickel concentrator until 31 December 2025. Mincor’s Kambalda nickel operations comprise the flagship Cassini nickel mine (a greenfields discovery by Mincor), the Northern operations (Long and Otter Juan/Durkin North mines) and the Miitel mine. In FY22, underground development continued at both the Cassini and the Northern Operations, with extraction of the first nickel development ore at Cassini in March 2022 marking a significant milestone as the first new Kambalda nickel mine to be developed in over a decade. One year…

New Mineral Potential Maps for Australia Exploring for the Future program

Australian Workers’ Union proposes critical minerals export tax to foster domestic value-addition

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) intends to propose a tax on unprocessed exports of critical minerals at the upcoming ALP National Conference. This resolution aims to promote domestic refining, processing and manufacturing of these valuable resources. The AWU argues that Australia’s current strategy of exporting raw critical minerals to China compromises national interests and highlights the need to develop a robust domestic capacity for transforming these minerals into high-value products. The AWU is advocating for a significant tax on the export of raw critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt and rare earths. The union believes that the current unrestricted export approach undermines Australia’s strategic advantage and economic potential. By imposing a tax, the AWU aims to discourage the export of unprocessed…

Rio grande Salar - Australian Mining Review

Pursuit Minerals receives approval for large Mito tenement at Rio Grande Sur lithium project

Pursuit Minerals Limited (ASX: PUR), a mineral exploration and project development company, has recently announced a significant development in its Rio Grande Sur project. The company has received formal approval and granting of the Mito tenement from the Salta Mining Secretary. This approval marks a crucial milestone for Pursuit Minerals as it paves the way for further exploration and drilling activities in the highly prospective Rio Grande Salar region of Argentina. The Mito tenement, located in the north-western area of the Rio Grande Salar, holds immense strategic importance for Pursuit Minerals. The tenement is situated adjacent to a site where recent exploration drilling has yielded positive results, indicating the presence of lithium brine. With the formal approval obtained, Pursuit Minerals…

EGA chief executive Abdulnasser Bin Kalban (centre) greets Alcoa’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer Kelly Thomas (second from left) and Alcoa vice president of sales for bauxite and alumina Ben Lindsey at Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi. At far right is EGA chief supply chain and business development dfficer Simon Storesund. (Photo: Business Wire).

Alcoa multi-year agreement with Emirates Global Aluminium

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) will soon be the largest third-party supplier of alumina to Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside of oil and gas, after signing a new eight-year agreement to provide as much as 15.6mt of smelter grade alumina from WA. EGA operates smelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi and a bauxite mine in the Republic of Guineaits. Al Taweelah met 47% of EGA’s total alumina needs in 2022. Alcoa president and chief executive Roy Harvey says the company operates the world’s largest third-party alumina business with low-carbon processes. “We’re proud to be recognised with this significant additional volume from EGA as a leading…

Australian Mining Review

Newmont’s acquisition of Newcrest moves forward, creating an industry-leading gold producer

Newmont (NYSE: NEM), a prominent US gold company, has secured its acquisition of Newcrest (ASX:NCM), an Australian mining firm, following a three-month battle. The deal, valued at $26.2b, involves Newmont acquiring 100% of the issued shares in Newcrest through a scheme of arrangement. Shareholders of Newcrest will receive 0.400 Newmont shares for each Newcrest share held, translating to a value of $29.27 per Newcrest share or an equity value of $26.2b. The Newcrest board has unanimously recommended that shareholders vote in favour of the Newmont takeover, with a meeting scheduled for September or October. Upon completion, Newcrest shareholders will hold a 30.1% stake in the new combined entity, solidifying its position as an industry leader in gold production. It is…

AngloGold Ashanti to delist from the ASX.

AngloGold Ashanti to voluntarily delist from the ASX

AngloGold Ashanti Limited (ASX: AGG) has received formal approval from the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) to be delisted from the ASX, with the expected date being Tuesday 27 June 2023. The company will continue to trade on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and A2X, on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GhSE). The company cites “ongoing low trading frequency and low volumes of its securities traded on the ASX compared to that of, in particular, the JSE and NYSE”. AngloGold Ashanti wholly-owns the Sunrise Dam operation and has a 70% holding in and manages the Tropicana mine, with Regis Resources holding the remaining 30%, which it acquired from IGO on 31 March 2021.

Rio Tinto Exploration and Trek Metals agreement to explore Jimblebar nickel-copper project.

Rio Tinto Exploration-Trek Metals agreement to explore Jimblebar nickel-copper project

Rio Tinto Exploration (RTX), wholly-owned subsidiary of the mining giant, has entered into an agreement with Trek Metal (ASX: TKM) to explore Trek’s Jimblebar nickel-copper project in the Tier 1 Pilbara mining region of WA. During an initial option period, RTX may elect to farm-in to the project to earn an 80% joint venture (JV) interest by sole funding $5m in exploration expenditure. Upon completion of the 80% earn-in sole funding period, an 80/20 JV will be established whereby RTX will free-carry Trek Metals until the earlier of delivery of an “Order of Magnitude” study or expenditure of a cumulative $40m. Trek Metals chief executive Derek Marshall says the company is delighted to be partnering with Rio Tinto Exploration to…

Australian Mining Review

Core Lithium’s milestones propel Australian lithium industry towards a renewable future

In an increasingly renewable-focused world, Core Lithium’s (ASX: CSO) recent milestones not only solidify its position in the global lithium market but also drive the Australian lithium industry towards a sustainable future. The granting of mining authorisation for the BP33 underground project and the commencement of the maiden shipment of spodumene concentrate underscore Core Lithium’s commitment to meeting the rising global demand for lithium, a crucial resource for renewable energy technologies. Australia is known for its rich lithium deposits, and Core Lithium is at the forefront of unlocking their potential. With the NT Government’s approval of the BP33 mining authorisation and MMP, Core Lithium is taking a significant step forward in expanding its operations. The BP33 project, strategically located near…

The Australian Mining Review

Mining investment crucial for Australia’s economic growth

Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable has emphasised the pivotal role of mining investment in driving Australia’s economic growth. In a statement, Ms Constable highlighted the significant contribution of the minerals industry to the country’s prosperity and urged the Federal Government to prioritise policies that support and attract investment in the sector. Australia’s minerals industry has been the backbone of the economy, generating substantial export earnings and tax revenue, and laying the foundation for this year’s Federal Budget surplus. Ms Constable stressed that sustaining this economic success requires a renewed focus on mining investment, particularly in light of the challenging economic climate and the urgent need to transition to a net-zero emissions future. “The minerals industry is an…