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Sandvik has introduced the Newtrax Control Room Editor, expanding the capabilities of the Newtrax Mining Data Platform (MDP). This technology allows users to create, update and delete data without network connectivity, ensuring continuous and reliable access to crucial information. Newtrax Control Room Editor strengthens data validation by comparing manually entered data with automatically collected telemetry, reducing information gaps and increasing confidence in decision-making. The technology digitises manual workflows and extends read-and-write capabilities underground, making it possible to update and view asset locations on a 3D map, capture machine health data linked to maintenance actions and connect to any data source through active web forms. Sandvik Mining head of mining data platform automation Lior Herman comments on the new feature. “We…

Victory Metals (ASX: VTM) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (LOI) with Sumitomo Corporation to advance offtake and strategic cooperation for the North Stanmore heavy rare earth project. The agreement outlines a pathway for pilot scale product testing and early sales through Sumitomo, to be commenced in 2027 ahead of full commercial production. It also establishes the intention of establishing a long-term offtake relationship once Victory starts production at North Stanmore. Under the LOI, Victory will supply up to 30% of annual production, or 1000tpa of mixed rare earths carbonate (MREC) including up to 50t of dysprosium and terbium product for an initial five-year term. The December 2024 MOU, which expires on October 31, 2025, represented the first…

As the use of solar lighting becomes increasingly ubiquitous across mine sites in Australia, one company has been at the forefront of innovation for over a decade and boasts award winning Australian-made products that are uniquely suited to Australian mining environments. HIGHLUX and its suite of smart solar lighting products has for years been illuminating mine sites across the country providing industry giants such as Fortesque metals, Rio Tinto and BHP with industrial grade solar bollards, overhead solar lighting systems and stand-alone off grid power sources. HIGHLUX director Tristan Downs spent years working at mine sites in the Pilbara and created the company in 2012 with a laser focus on the unique requirements of miners and the conditions its products…

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has today released its Corporate Tax Transparency report for 2023-2024, highlighting the Australian mining industry has paid more tax than any other industry. The report confirms Australia’s mining industry remains the nation’s biggest taxpayer, for the third consecutive year, paying $65b in company tax and royalties for 2023-24, despite weaker commodity prices and challenging geopolitical conditions. ATO assistant commissioner Michelle Sams highlights the industry’s resilience. “Despite a decrease in tax payable reflecting weaker commodity prices which impacted profitability of major producers in the sector, 2023-24 is the third year in a row that the mining sector paid more tax than all other sectors combined,” she said. The report confirms the industry’s crucial role in funding…

Synergy has applied to develop its Tathra wind farm, a 2GW combined solar and wind project, with the WA Government after receiving consent for land usage from nine farm owners. The state-owned company’s proposed project, located 300km north of Perth near Eneabba, includes 140 wind turbines with a generation capacity of up to 1000MW, up to 1,000,000 solar photo-voltaic (PV) panels with 500MW of solar capacity and lithium-ion batteries with a 500MW capacity. Synergy’s planning documents state that by co-locating wind turbines, solar panels and a battery energy storage system (BESS) the project can reduce environmental impact, lower infrastructure costs, balance energy output and store surplus energy. The collaborative project will also support a more resilient energy system and prevent…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) continues to support First Nations girls across regional WA through its partnership with Shooting Stars and the Port Hedland Academy aimed at providing access to life-changing opportunities. Shooting Stars began in Halls Creek as a Netball WA pilot program, now 10 years on, it supports more than 1000 First Nations girls and young women across 21 sites in WA and South Australia. While the program is still part of Netball WA, Shooting Stars has evolved into a holistic social and emotional wellbeing program. By partnering with host schools and providing participants with advocacy, support, opportunities and weekly health and wellbeing sessions, the program focuses on building confidence, engagement at school, celebrating culture and creating pathways for the future. The program is place-based and guided…

The US Government shut down yesterday amid a funding standoff, temporarily shuttering government agencies and leaving about 750,000 workers facing furlough. Immediately following the shutdown, the spot price for gold reached a record high of $5904.61/oz. The spot price for gold has climbed nearly 50% since this time last year. US Government shutdowns occur when there is a funding gap — when Democrats and Republicans cannot pass a bill funding government services into the new fiscal year (beginning October 1 in the US). The shutdown is the first in nearly seven years and the third to occur with US President Donald Trump in office. The last shutdown, spanning December 2018 through January 2019, was the longest in history, lasting 35…

UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been selected to construct a 164MW / 905MWh Muchea Battery north-east of Perth in WA for Neoen in partnership with Tesla. Muchea Battery is Neoen’s first six-hour long-duration storage asset and will be equipped to support the WA’s energy reliability and transition to renewables. UGL has been contracted to help prepare the site for the installation and connection of 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and to design and construct a 132kV substation, including the installation of high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks and footings. ACS Group and HOCHTIEF chief executive and CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan Santamaria says the contract is another milestone in the groups’ commitment to enabling Australia’s energy…

BHP (ASX: BHP) is investing in a series of growth-enabling projects at Olympic Dam in a move to strengthen the foundations of underground mining productivity. According to BHP chief operating officer Edgar Basto, the miner expects to grow its copper base from 1.7mtpa to about 2.5mtpa. “Achieving that scale requires significant copper growth and we are fortunate to have a world-class copper province right here in South Australia to do just that,” Mr Basto said. “The South Australian copper province is already performing strongly, consistently delivering more than 300,000tpa for the past three years. We are progressing a series of strategic projects that will strengthen our base business and help lay the foundations for future growth.” The investment is funding…

Metso has reported repeat orders for its concentrate and tailings filtration technology totalling over $17m (EUR$10m) for Q3 CY25. Most of the orders the Finnish machining giant received were for filter modernisations and upgrades, as well as full-scope replacements of HRT thickeners, including the new ReactorwellTM and Thickener Vane FeedwellTM systems, which are part of the company’s Metso Plus portfolio. Metso vice president, beneficiation and dewatering services, product commercial support Felipe Bañados says proactive maintenance is shaping customer decisions, with reliability fuelling interest in concentrate filtration solutions. “In thickeners, growth is fuelled by sustainability and water management initiatives, with older equipment being retrofitted with advanced technology to enhance reliability and to ensure cost-effective, environmentally responsible operations. We are delighted that…

Westgold (ASX: WGX) has delivered a high confidence plan that lifts annual gold production at its WA projects from 326koz to 470koz by FY28. Underpinned by the company’s ore reserves of 56mt at 1.93g/t gold for 3.5moz of gold, the plan will see increased output from the company’s four existing processing hubs, currently operating at a 6mtpa capacity, fed from its operating mines and ore purchase agreement. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the outlook provides a baseline for a larger, more profitable and sustainable gold producer that is fully funded and organic. “Westgold’s FY25 mineral resource estimate of 16.3moz and ore reserves of 3.5moz underwrites the ,” he said. “With our operations now being optimised on…