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BHP Xplor applications open BHP (ASX: BHP) has officially opened applications for the 2026 cohort for its accelerator program aimed at transforming the discovery of critical minerals — BHP Xplor. Launched in 2024, the program is designed to accelerate participants' exploration opportunities while fostering long-term connections with BHP. Ambitious teams and individuals dedicated to uncovering new sources of critical minerals essential for a sustainable future are invited to apply for the 2026 intake. Participants benefit from up to $750,000 in equity-free funding, expert mentorship and...

First pour at Ahafo North Newmont (ASX: NEM) has achieved first gold pour at its Ahafo North project in Ghana, marking a critical milestone towards commercial production. The successful pour confirms both the project’s sound technical design and the disciplined project execution method, positioning Ahafo North as a key asset in the company’s long-term growth strategy, according to Newmont. This achievement follows the completion of key development phases, including ore stockpiling that began in late 2024 and the commissioning of critical infrastructure, such as processing circuits, mining support facilities and...

FMG launches zero-emissions roadmap Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has launched the third iteration of its climate transition plan at the Global Renewables Summit in New York as part of Climate Week NYC. The event was organised by Climate Group and Fortescue, with support from the Global Renewables Alliance, and was attended by heads of state, government leaders, business executives and financiers discussing ways to accelerate the deployment of zero-emissions technologies and unlock the full potential of the renewable energy transition. Fortescue’s updated plane...

Australia’s largest battery park approved Pacific Green, a global battery energy storage company, has secured a planning permit for the development of a grid-scale battery energy park in Portland, Victoria. Once constructed, it will become Australia’s largest battery energy park — providing up to 1GW of firming capacity — and will significantly boost energy storage capacity, securing the state’s energy stability and transition to net-zero emissions. Strategically positioned within an industrial zone, the energy park is near the Portland aluminium smelter and the Portland water treatment plant, enabling the asset to provide energy security to strategic...

Modernising Australia’s largest tin mine Bluestone Mines Tasmanian Joint Venture (BMTJV) has selected ABB to deliver a significant modernisation of the main production hoist at the Renison tin mine. The ABB upgrade will replace a legacy hoist system that was installed at the Tasmanian west coast mine in the 1990s. With the mine currently operating at greater depths, hoist modernisation has become essential to maintaining reliability, maximising productivity and extending the life expectancy of critical machinery. The design of...

Vault Minerals’ three year production growth Vault Minerals (ASX: VAU) has released its three year outlook, targeting FY26 production of 332,000-360,000oz at $2650 to $2850/oz. Higher consolidated gold production is forecast for FY27 and FY28, mainly due to increased plant capacity at the Leonora operations and the production continuation at Sugar Zone in FY28. For Vault Minerals’ Leonora mine, gold production for FY26 is expected to be consistent with FY25, producing 185,000-200,000oz. Over the outlook period, mill throughput is predicted to increase from 5.3mtpa in FY25 to 7.5mtpa in FY28 following completion of the Stage...

Brightstar gets greenlight for Lord Byron Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has received approval from the WA Government to begin production at its Lord Byron open pit gold mine at its Laverton Hub in WA.   The project is on track for development and production in H2 CY26 after receiving approval from the WA Department of Mine, Petroleum and Energy (DPME) for Lord Byron's mining proposal and closure plan.   Brightstar’s managing director Alex Rovira says Lord Byron mine is pivotal to accelerating gold production growth in the company’s Laverton Hub.  “Importantly, the Lord Byron open pit is located less thank 10km from...

Weir launches heavy-duty submersible slurry pump Weir has redesigned its market-leading heavy-duty submersible slurry pump to deliver reliable performance in the harshest slurry environments.   The WARMAN SHW-XTR heavy-duty submersible slurry pump uses a larger shaft than previous designs and heavy-duty bearings to keep everything stable, running smoothly and avoid motor failure from shaft deflection.   Weir dewatering solutions global product manager Ian Ross says the legacy WARMAN SHW pump has been a mainstay in demanding applications in mining operations all over the world.  “ hydraulics are trusted throughout the industry, which...

FMG goes to New York Fortescue’s (ASX: FMG) Green Pioneer, has sailed to New York for the world’s largest annual climate event — Climate Week NYC.  The 75m dual fuel ammonia-powered vessel is docked on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, marking the latest stop on its 2025 global tour to accelerate the adoption of green ammonia as a marine fuel.  The Green Pioneer recently completed operations at the Port of Boston, where the Fortescue team worked closely with the US Coast Guard to secure approval for ammonia bunkering. This was successfully executed at the...

Komatsu Australia’s AHS milestone Komatsu Australia has reached a significant milestone with its 500th automated haulage system (AHS) truck now operating in WA.  Autonomous haulage has become a key part of modern mining, offering both safety and productivity benefits by removing operators from dangerous conditions, greatly lowering the risk of accidents and injuries, with their ability to run continuously drives significant gains in site productivity.  Komatsu mining automation general manager Garry Povah says the shift to AHS shows how quickly the industry has adapted to change.   “Having 500 AHS truck in operation across Australia is a proud achievement...

Powering progress through innovation For more than three decades, AusProof has stood at the forefront of high-voltage coupler system design, manufacturing and supply. With a deep commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation, we have played a pivotal role in shaping the electrical infrastructure of underground mining and heavy industry, both in Australia and internationally. AusProof is more than a manufacturer, it is a team of engineers, designers and problem-solvers committed to delivering safe, robust and future-focused electrical solutions for mining and heavy industry. AusProof is headquartered in Gladstone, Queensland, and is a family-owned OEM specialising in electrical cable couplers for mining, tunnelling, pumping and heavy industry, it has grown into a trusted global supplier, with its reach expanding through our...