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RareX (ASX: REE) has entered a strategic agreement with materials science innovator Gega Elements to develop Australia’s first integrated gallium supply chain. The collaboration will support the development of vertically integrated gallium extraction and refining capability in Australia by advancing proprietary gallium refining technologies. The agreement, which spans over three years, will see Gega test and continue to refine its technology on RareX samples. With the global supply of gallium heavily concentrated in China, this move aligns with the recent shift in focus to domestic production and developing national critical minerals resilience. Under the agreement, the companies will collaborate to refine RareX’s gallium-bearing samples from its Cummins Range and Khaleesi projects in northern WA using Gega’s advanced refining methods. This…

Primero Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRW Holdings (ASX: NWH), has landed a multimillion-dollar contract with Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) for its Hope Downs 1 operations in the Pilbara region of WA. Under the contract, Primero will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, construction, testing commissioning and handover of non-process infrastructure works at the site. “This award represents the continuation of our long-term relationship with Rio Tinto through the delivery of world-class infrastructure projects,” says Primero managing director Michael Gollschewski. Design and procurement work will begin immediately once all external approvals have been granted. Site works expected to commence in Q4 CY25 and the contract is scheduled for completion in December 2026. This announcement follows a contract awarded…

As processing plant works near completion, Meeka Metals (ASX: MEK) anticipates first gold production in the coming months from its flagship Murchison gold project. Following the successful installation of the power station at the site in May the plant has been energised in advance of full commissioning. Open pit mining operations continue at the St Anne’s North and Turnberry Central sites as ore stockpiles continue to grow. “With power to the plant and ore stocks on the ROM we are on track for commissioning and first gold in the coming weeks,” says Meeka Metals managing director Tim Davidson. Ore drive development is expected mid-year following the underground establishment at the Andy Well mine approaching completion with power and services connected…

New research released this week into ancient sedimentation, deformation and mineralisation could support renewed exploration interest in under-explored areas of WA. The ancient sediments of the Yeneena Basin in WA’s north host proven mineral resources including the Telfer (gold-copper), Nifty (copper) and recently discovered Winu (copper-gold) deposits. However, the wider mineral potential of much of this region, remains largely unknown, with the deformed basin fill and its rich endowment of gold, copper, uranium and other metals largely obscured by generations of later sedimentary rocks and deep weathering. In a new study supported by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) at the University of Western Australia, researchers have combined detailed studies of the rocks of this region with innovative…

Cobalt Blue (ASX: COB) has secured a contract for cobalt hydroxide feedstock supply from Glencore for Australia’s first ever cobalt refinery in WA. Under the terms of the contract, Glencore will supply Cobalt Blue up to 50% of the refinery’s feedstock requirements, a minimum of 3,750t, for a period of three years. Cobalt Blue chief executive Andrew Tong says the company is thrilled to formalise a relationship with Glencore. “Locking in at least 50% of Kwinana cobalt refinery’s feedstock requirements is a significant step in derisking the project that brings us closer to final investment decision,” he said. “Developing a commercial partnership with one of the world’s largest diversified miners helps solidify Cobalt Blue’s position as a participant in the…

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has strengthened its commitment to Indigenous engagement and empowerment by incorporating the value of First Nations cultures and histories throughout its operations. MinRes prioritises education, mutual respect and positive action through on-ground cultural awareness, employment pathways and supporting economic empowerment of Indigenous businesses as part of its approach to reconciliation. The company’s indigenous employment strategy showcases its commitment to providing a culturally supportive and safe work environment, while increasing representation throughout its workforce. Reflecting on the 2025 NRW, MinRes employees shared insights into the way culture and connection can guide reconciliation throughout their career journeys. MinRes apprentice Kenneth Kelly recently started his boilermaker apprenticeship with the company after spending the previous year as a trade assistant…

Early this week, the Dolphins NRL players paid a visit to the iconic Dawson coal mine in Moura, Central Queensland owned by the team’s premium partner Anglo American. The players toured the site before hitching a ride on a 400t Cat797B truck and going up in a dragline, getting a real experience of life on the mines. “It’s good to have the boys come out and to see what one of their key sponsors does and get involved,” says Anglo American dump truck driver Glen Cecil. There are some notable synergies between mining and sport with teamwork being at the core of both operations. “It doesn’t happen with just one person, everyone has a different role,” Mr Cecil said. “Resilience…

Sandvik Mining continues to pioneer autonomous surface drilling with the launch of AutoMine Surface Fleet. The solution delivers unprecedented flexibility, reduces downtime and improves productivity by enabling operators to manage more than 15 Sandvik surface i-series drill rigs from any connected site location. The location-independent capabilities provide the flexibility required to drive continuous improvement and optimisation with both onsite and remote-control operations. “The system is fully compatible with the AutoMine Universal Station, allowing the operation of both boom and rotary drills even in challenging environments, such as rock and weather conditions,” says Sandvik surface automation product line manager Severi Eerola. “This ensures every shift can be run at optimal performance, regardless of the conditions, by providing a fully integrated solution…

South African mining company Harmony Gold has entered a binding agreement to acquire MAC Copper (ASX: MAC) in hopes of adding the CSA copper mine to its portfolio. MAC shareholders, under the terms of the scheme, will receive $19 (US$12.25) per MAC share. MAC acquired the high-grade CSA site from Glencore in 2023 for $1.2b and 20.6% of ordinary shares in MAC, a deal with a value totalled at $1.7b. “The acquisition of the CSA copper mine in Australia is significant as it introduces a high-quality, established underground producing copper asset to the Harmony portfolio,” says Harmony chief executive Beyers Nel. “CSA is one of the highest-grade copper mines in Australia, producing 41kt of copper in CY24.” MAC’s chief executive…

BHP (ASX: BHP) continues to fund more than 30 scholarships for high school students in Year 7 through to Year 12 in rural WA through a partnership with MADALAH. Getting a quality education is one of the many challenges faced by First Nations students living in remote and regional WA. MADALAH, an Indigenous led not-for-profit that offers scholarships for First Nations students that continues to make education more accessible across the region. MADALAH, which stands for ‘Making a Difference and Looking Ahead’, doesn’t just support students financially, it creates opportunities for students both in and outside of the classroom. The organisation partners with schools in Perth and across the greater WA region to help kids from rural areas including Warralong,…

BHP (ASX: BHP) is establishing its first Industry AI Hub in Singapore in partnership with AI Singapore (AISG) and Enterprise Singapore to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption in the resources sector. The hub aims to solve enterprise-wide challenges using AI technologies to improve safety and increase productivity. BHP chose to develop its AI capabilities in Singapore due to the country’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, strong digital infrastructure and alignment with the company’s goals to scale technologies that deliver operational value. BHP chief commercial officer Rag Udd says that Singapore is a clear leader in AI industry partnerships. “It has the talent and ecosystems to support industry-wide solutions in AI adoption with supportive and active government policy and investment in AI…