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CSIRO supporting critical minerals SMEs CSIRO has opened applications to its free eight-week online program, Innovate to Grow: Critical Minerals, for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  The program is designed to help SMEs with innovative ideas investigate new research and development (R&D) opportunities, refine their concepts and better position themselves for growth in Australia's critical minerals sector.   CSIRO critical minerals lead and Australian Critical Minerals R&D Hub Operations Group chair Dr Chris Vernon says the program helps connect businesses with research expertise and industry knowledge.   “We’re at a unique moment where global supply chains are being rewritten and Australia is...

MinRes showcases the power of lithium As part of the three-day Resources Technology Showcase (RTS), held in Perth last week, Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) delivered its Secret World of Lithium installation.   This year’s RTS focused on key minerals that power daily life, the perfect backdrop to highlight lithium’s place at the heart of the world’s energy revolution, enabling rechargeable batteries essential for electric mobility, renewable energy storage and portable electronics.    With demand forecast to grow in the coming decades, MinRes’ ongoing investment in world-class operations and downstream processing is positioning the company at the forefront of the global supply chain.   Through a combination of lighting, sound and...

PLS boosts STEM skills across the Pilbara Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has partnered with the Centre of Resource Excellence (CoRE) Learning Foundation to enhance STEM education for Port Hedland students.  The collaboration will support the delivery of the Powering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Port Hedland STEM Learning Program — a hands-on learning initiative designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and prepare students for future STEM careers.  The funding from PLS will see 300 students from Baler Primary School take part in the program and, through interactive, real-world projects, explore the role of...

BHP backs next generation Goldfields jobs BHP (ASX: BHP) has contributed $5m to the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development to support apprenticeships and traineeships in the Goldfields region.  The funding will support 35 new apprentices and trainees through the Group Training Organisation wage subsidy program, launched in 2022, to help small to medium-sized businesses to take on apprentices and trainees.   BHP WA Vice president Annabelle Blom says the company supports local training and provides opportunities...

Recycling lithium batteries for a sustainable future New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has highlighted that tapping into used batteries as a secondary lithium source not only helps reduce environmental impact but also secures access to this valuable resource. The global lithium-ion battery market size is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 13%, reaching $87.5b by 2027, with lithium consumption forecast to increase from 390kt in 2020 to about 1600kt by 2026, according to ECU PhD student Sadia Afrin. However, only about 20% of a lithium-ion...

Rudd highlights Australia’s critical minerals significance Australia Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd has expressed confidence in Australia’s ability to become a critical minerals and rare earths superpower.   This week in Washington, at a forum hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Dr Rudd highlighted the strengths of the Australian mining industry that position it as a key partner in countering China’s dominance over global supply chains.   Dr Rudd says Australia has the biggest mining industry and the largest mining companies in the world.   “The President recognises the size of these companies and...

Hastings completes acquisition of Whiteheads gold project Hastings Technology Metals (ASX: HAS) has completed the acquisition of 100% of Great Western Gold’s (GWG) shares. The acquisition consists of a cash payment of $370,000 and the issue of 3 million fully paid ordinary HAS shares. The acquisition grants Hastings’ management control of the Whiteheads gold project located 80km north-east of Kalgoorlie in WA’s Eastern Goldfields. This includes a 75% joint venture interest previously held by Great Boulder Resources (ASX: GBR) in key project tenements. Hastings also now holds 100% ownership of additional, non-joint...

Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship applications open The 2026 Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship is open for applications to female STEM or technology-related fields students in WA.  The scholarship will provide financial support, paid industry experience and professional development opportunities to help one outstanding student take the next step towards a rewarding career in the resource sector.   Designed to support, celebrate and inspire the next generation of women in mining, the scholarship is delivered in partnership between AusIMM and Epiroc.  AusIMM and Epiroc are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive...

Whitehaven continues coal expansion  Whitehaven Coal (ASX: WHC) has delivered strong FY25 results, underpinned by the company’s growth and diversification driven by acquisitions across Queensland.  The company has reported an underlying net profit (NPAT) of $319m for FY25 and underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $1.4b, matching the EBITDA reported in FY24.   Revenue for FY25 was 53% higher than FY24 at $5.8b, of which metallurgical coal sales accounted for 64%, underpinned by an average coal price of $215/t.  Whitehaven chief executive and managing director Paul Flynn says FY25 marked the...

WorkSafe investigates mine site death WorkSafe has started an investigation into a work-related death at a mine site near Wiluna in WA’s Goldfields-Esperance region. WorkSafe investigators from Perth and WorkSafe Mines Safety inspectors from Kalgoorlie are attending the site, 900km north-east of Perth. WorkSafe commissioner Sally North extended her sincere condolences to the man’s family, friends and colleagues. WorkSafe was unable to provide further details as its enquiries are ongoing.