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A proposed Space Resources Fund could deliver far greater long-term returns than royalties from asteroid mining, says UNSW-led research.

Looking to the stars for new resources

Looking to the stars for new resources Most investors build their portfolios through traditional, but a new investment horizon has emerged that extends beyond Earth's atmosphere. The space economy represents a potential opportunity for forward-thinking investors willing to explore unconventional markets, but questions remain about how best to participate in this sector. The space industry continues its rapid expansion, with estimates suggesting it could grow from about $765b (US$500b) in 2022, to a multi-trillion dollar industry by 2040. While current growth focuses on communications, Earth observation and navigation, experts forecast significant expansion into cislunar (between the Earth...

Roadmap launched for WA maritime decarbonisation

Roadmap launched for WA maritime decarbonisation

Roadmap launched for WA maritime decarbonisation Pilbara Ports has released its Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub strategic roadmap in a move to decarbonise international shipping. The hub would enable the use of alternative marine fuels, such as ammonia and support the resource and maritime sectors energy transition in line with the WA Government’s 2050 emissions targets. The region is uniquely positioned to become a global clean fuel hub due to its high shipping volumes, proximity to emerging ammonia producers and short transit distances to major Asian...

NeoSmelt bolstered by $19.8m

NeoSmelt bolstered by $19.8m

NeoSmelt bolstered by $19.8m Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has committed funding to support NeoSmelt joint venture’s planned pilot plant in Kwinana, WA. The funding will progress a front-end engineering design (FEED) study for the project which aims to prove Pilbara iron ore can be used to produce lower-carbon iron using a direct reduced iron-electric smelting furnace (DRI-ESF) pathway. If successful, this technology has the potential to unlock longer term alternatives to the traditional blast furnace steelmaking route and help ensure the longevity of Australia’s iron ore industry. All five joint venture...

Sandvik wins major order in Mexico

Sandvik wins major order in Mexico

Sandvik wins major order in Mexico La Cantera Desarrollos Mineros, one of the country’s leading underground contractors, is commissioning 64 pieces of underground mining equipment from Sandvik Mining. The order includes 23 Toro® LH410 loaders, 19 Sandvik DD311 single-boom development jumbos, 16 Sandvik DS311 rock bolters, three Toro® LH307 loaders, two Toro® LH514 loaders and one Sandvik DD321 twin-boom development jumbo. As well as equipment supply, the order also includes technical support and training provided by Sandvik technicians. Sandvik Mining president Mats Eriksson says the longstanding partnership shares both company’s dedication to technological...

Caterpillar takes home gold

Caterpillar takes home gold

Caterpillar takes home gold Caterpillar has received a Gold Award at the Eventex Awards for its 5,200m2 MINExpo 2024 booth design that transported delegates to a real-world mine site. Inspired by Caterpillar’s Tinaja Hills demonstration and learning centre in Arizona, US, the exhibit gave attendees of the world’s largest mining trade show an immersive on-site experience. Among 1,239 entries from 59 countries, Caterpillar’s booth — designed, developed and executed in collaboration with creative agencies Spiro and Converse Marketing — stood apart with its compelling visual storytelling and immersive experience. All components of the...

Ecocene

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Ecocene’s Ecological Intelligence Platform Uses AI to Transform Mine Site Rehabilitation

Ecocene’s Ecological Intelligence Platform Uses AI to Transform Mine Site Rehabilitation Ecocene’s Ecoda Platform Combines AI-Powered Analytics, Remote Sensing and Expert Validation to Deliver Stronger and More Sustainable Environmental Outcomes Ecocene, a leading Australian nature tech company, is transforming how mining and energy companies handle environmental data. By harnessing artificial intelligence, Ecocene empowers industry leaders to gather, interpret and apply complex ecological information – driving stronger environmental outcomes and improved project performance. Ecocene partners with some of the world’s largest mining and energy companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Roy Hill, Santos, Woodside and Chevron, who all recognise the importance of accurate, actionable environmental data. “We have continuously improved our Ecoda technology platform over the past decade to collate and interpret...

BHP’s $1.5b deal with Aurizon

BHP’s $1.5b deal with Aurizon

BHP’s $1.5b deal with Aurizon BHP (ASX: BHP) owned Copper SA has partnered with Aurizon to deliver integrated rail, road and port logistics solutions to support its South Australian copper operations. Under the agreement, the transport of copper concentrate and cathode from the Olympic Dam, Carrapateena and Prominent Hill mines will shift to rail between Pimba and Port Adelaide. South Australian based Symons Clark Logistics, already a trusted BHP partner, has been sub-contracted by Aurizon to deliver the road transport component between Pimba and the mine sites. The major shift to an integrated rail, road and port logistics solution...

EQR advances tungsten recovery

EQR advances tungsten recovery

EQR advances tungsten recovery EQ Resources (ASX: EQR) has achieved 86% tungsten recovery from ore and waste stockpiles from its Wolfram Camp project in far north Queensland. The testing program was a collaboration between EQR, TOMRA Sorting Solutions and The University of Queensland. Previously abandoned in 2018, EQR is revitalising the asset to leverage its major deposit of critical minerals including tungsten and bismuth. EQR tested two bulk samples to evaluate the grade and distribution across size fractions for tungsten and molybdenum to assess the...

BHP supports athletes beyond sport

BHP supports athletes beyond sport

BHP supports athletes beyond sport BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), a BHP (ASX: BHP) and Mitsubishi Development joint venture, has partnered with the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) to support athletes in life beyond competition. The Dream Twice athlete employment initiative, QAS’s flagship program, helps athletes transition into industry careers, while still competing or after retirement. This partnership with BMA will now open doors for athletes to enter the resource sector and support Australia’s world-class mining industry. BMA asset president Adam Lancey says the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to...

BHP’s $20m WA Nickel Community Fund was established in late 2024 to support the communities most impacted by the temporary suspension of the WA Nickel operations.

BHP’s first WA Nickel Community Fund investment

BHP’s first WA Nickel Community Fund investment A $10.6m multi-purpose community pavilion is set to be built alongside the Goldfields Art Centre, marking the first investment from BHP’s (ASX: BHP) WA Nickel Community Fund. The pavilion will be co-funded by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder ($6.6m), BHP ($3m) and Lotterywest ($1m), with construction beginning in August/September 2025 and completion set for May 2026. BHP vice president WA nickel Annabelle Blom comments on the investment. “We’re thrilled that the community pavilion is the very first project to receive funding from our WA...

Through six cohorts, BHP has supported 52 innovators in FY25.

BHP announces finalists for Deep Mining Open Call

BHP announces finalists for Deep Mining Open Call Think & Act Differently (TAD), BHP's (ASX: BHP) innovation team, together with Unearthed Solutions, announced eight finalists for its Deep Mining Open Call, chosen from over ninety applications received from around the world. The Deep Mining Open Call, launched in September 2024, aimed to identify innovators with capability that could be applied to deep underground mining. The focus was on addressing challenges such as high temperature, high rock stress and hypersaline conditions in deep mining environments. BHP Innovation Vice President Jessica Farrell comments on the announcement. “Collaborating for innovative solutions is critical to our industry, providing the opportunity...