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Glencore plc (LSE: GLEN), a leading global diversified natural resources company, announced the publication of its 2022 Sustainability Report, emphasising its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Aligned with the reporting requirements of the Global Reporting Index, the International Council on Mining & Metals (ICMM) Mining Principles, the United Nation's Global Compact principles, and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board's Metals and Mining Sustainability Accounting Standard, Glencore's Sustainability Report outlines its approach, performance, and activities in various areas deemed material to the company, its assets, and its stakeholders. The 2022 report presents comprehensive insights into Glencore's actions and achievements regarding ESG topics. Furthermore, it highlights specific case studies that demonstrate the efforts of Glencore's commodity departments in driving improved...

Queensland has unveiled the Queensland New Industry Development Strategy (QNIDS) to drive the growth of six key industries essential for the state's net-zero future. The strategy, encompassing renewable energy manufacturing, critical minerals processing, battery industry development, green hydrogen, circular economy and resource recovery, and the bioeconomy, aims to create new opportunities, generate employment, and contribute to Queensland's renewable energy targets. The QNIDS emphasises Queensland's unique strengths and resources, positioning the state as a leader in these industries. By supporting renewable energy manufacturing and infrastructure, Queensland seeks to capitalise on the increasing demand for clean energy. Leveraging its abundant critical mineral resources, the state aims to establish processing capabilities and manufacturing facilities in this rapidly growing sector. In line with the...

Record $63b contribution by Australian minerals The contribution made by the Australian minerals industry to the Federal, state and territory governments from company tax and royalty payments in FY22 jumped 50% from the previous financial year before, reaching a record $63b. This is an increase of $21b from the previous year’s $43b, with the total contribution in FY22 equivalent to paying for the entire Medicare scheme or the Childcare subsidy for two years, according to the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA). MCA chief executive Tania Constable says Australia does well when Australian minerals do well. “Minerals have helped propel our economy forward, boosted...

Future Battery Minerals initiates metallurgical test work at Kangaroo Hills lithium project Future Battery Minerals Ltd (ASX: FBM) has appointed Minsol Engineering Pty Ltd as the lead metallurgical and engineering consultant for the Kangaroo Hills Lithium Project (KHLP) in WA. Minsol will oversee the early-stage metallurgical test work on the recently drilled spodumene-bearing diamond core to assess its recovery potential through conventional methods such as dense media separation (DMS) and froth flotation. The decision to commence metallurgical test work follows the discovery of a spodumene-bearing pegmatite at the KHLP in March 2023. The test work aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the mineralised pegmatite's characteristics and processing requirements. Minsol, led by principal and process manager Robert Simmons, brings extensive...

Movement in the Resources Community Investment Initiative The WA Premier's Office announced the appointment of Reg Howard-Smith as the inaugural chair of the Resources Community Investment Initiative RCII Advisory Committee. "I welcome Reg Howard-Smith's appointment as the inaugural chair of the RCCI Advisory Committee - his extensive experience in both the resources industry and working with government will help to ensure this initiative is a success," said WA Premier Mark McGowan, commenting on the appointment. The RCII, which aims to facilitate investment from the resources industry in iconic infrastructure projects and community initiatives across WA, has already received commitments from foundation partners. Premier McGowan says significant commitments have been made by the mining majors. "The foundation partners have already committed...

BHP's strategy for value growth in a decarbonising world BHP's (ASX: BHP) chief executive officer Mike Henry delivered a speech at the Bank of America 2023 Global Metals, Mining & Steel Conference, discussing the company's strategies to drive value growth for shareholders. BHP to drive growth for shareholders Mr Henry emphasised BHP's focus on operational excellence, portfolio optimisation and commitment to social value. He touched upon various aspects, including safety, macroeconomic drivers, long-term growth opportunities, specific growth initiatives, recent acquisitions, reliability, operational excellence and capital projects. Addressing the audience, Mr Henry expressed his gratitude for the conference and acknowledged the tragic fatalities that occurred at Olympic Dam and Port Hedland. "As far as we have come in recent years, we’ve...

Australian critical minerals projects given another $50m The Federal Government has approved nearly $50m in grants to proceed critical minerals projects, including those belonging to Australian Energy Storage Solutions, IGO, International Graphite, Magnium Australia, Australian Strategic Materials and Queensland Pacific Metals. Federal Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King says the projects will speed up and help Australia and its export partners lower emissions and meet net-zero commitments by 2050, along with diversifying supply chains and build domestic downstream processing. “The successful projects will create jobs and opportunities across regional Australia and...

Epiroc purchases RC drilling manufacturer Schramm Australia Epiroc has agreed to purchase the key assets of Schramm Australia, a leading Perth-based mining equipment manufacturer, particularly reverse circulation (RC) drilling products. Schramm Australia has been in voluntary administration since February 2023, with assets including intellectual property, two production facilities near Perth, WA, and two service centres located in Queensland and South Australia. Epiroc president and chief executive Helena Hedblom says Schramm Australia's approximately 80 employees will be offered employment at Epiroc. “The Schramm products and brand are well known as a global leader in reverse circulation technology," she said. "We look forward to welcoming the strong team at Schramm Australia to the Epiroc...

Encounter Resources expands South32 farm-in tenure for Jessica Copper project Encounter Resources Limited (ASX: ENRL) is pleased to announce the significant expansion of the farm-in tenure for the Jessica copper project in the Northern Territory (NT). The expansion comes ahead of the commencement of maiden diamond drilling scheduled for next month. The project is being explored under a farm-in agreement with South32 (ASX: S32), a partnership that aims to unlock the copper potential in the region. Reprocessing of seismic lines has provided further clarity on potential drill targets, and Encounter Resources plans to initiate maiden diamond drilling, covering a distance of 3,500m, in June or July 2023. In addition to the original Jessica tenure, a target generation process has highlighted...

Monadelphous to acquire BMC in Victoria Monadelphous Group Limited (ASX: MND) has entered into an agreement to acquire BMC, a Victorian-based mechanical and electrical services business, as part of the large engineering company’s strategic move into the east coast energy generation, transmission and storage market. BMC provides specialist high voltage and instrumentation installation, calibration and maintenance services across the power, petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas and renewables sectors. It services major industry and key utilities throughout Australia, employs about 180 personnel and generates about $60m in revenue per year. This acquisition will support Monadelphous’ efforts to continue supporting Australia’s transition to clean energy, particularly as a maintenance services provider to the growing offshore oil and gas decommissioning...