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Queensland backs CopperString with $2.4b The Queensland Government has reinforced its commitment to CopperString, announcing it will boost funding for the project in the upcoming state budget. The FY26 state budget will bring the total funding commitment for the project to a record investment of $2.4b — an increase of $1.4b on last year’s budget. The CopperString project is a 1,100km high-voltage electricity transmission line from Townsville to Mount Isa that will connect the state’s North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid. Ahead of handing down the state budget on June 24,...

Australia to fill Nigeria’s skills gap Last week, Murdoch University (MU) welcomed Nigeria Solid Minerals Minister Dr Henry Dele Alake ahead of a two-week technical training program. The program, a collaboration between MU and the Federal Government, marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between both countries and is designed to address Nigeria’s resource sector technical skills gap. Delegates will engage directly with mining industry experts on trends in mining, investment opportunities and sustainability challenges as well as visit...

Indigenous excellence recognised at Blackwater Ochre Australia was announced as a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Resource Council Indigenous Awards in the Exceptional Indigenous Business Award category after being nominated by Whitehaven. Supported by Whitehaven, Ochre has been instrumental in several rehabilitation and environmental projects at Blackwater coal mine, including supply of operators, execution of civil works packages, legacy borehole location and sediment control. The teams worked closely together to build Ochre’s capability to address mine compliance, which has positioned them to grow to where the now are — working autonomously at Blackwater. Ochre...

Australian mining to power 2032 Olympics The Queensland Government is setting a major projects pipeline for the state’s mining industry in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. In a delivery plan for the event, the Queensland Government outlined a $7.1b infrastructure program that includes the construction of new Olympic venues and enhancing transport networks across regional and southeast Queensland as well as expanding essential energy infrastructure. The most notable project is the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium to be built in Brisbane’s Victoria Park, a feat that will require...

Rio debuts newest iron ore mine Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and China Baowu Group have officially opened their joint venture, 54% and 46% owned respectively, the Western Range iron ore mine in the Pilbara region in WA. The $3b project, completed on time and within budget, is anticipated to provide stability for Paraburdoo’s more than 880 residential and FIFO employees. It also supports the ongoing viability of Paraburdoo town and strengthens the WA and national economies through royalties and taxes. The opening of the site follows the completion of construction...

QRC celebrates Indigenous industry excellence The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has announced the finalists for the 2025 Indigenous Awards that celebrate the outstanding talent and contribution of Indigenous people and companies to the state’s resource sector. Across the six award categories, 15 Indigenous people and three Indigenous companies have been named as finalists. Indigenous Advocacy Whitehaven environment and rehabilitation manager Byron Ginty Thiess operator, trainer, assessor and crew safety representative Jemma Kemp South32 (ASX: S32) local sourcing professional supply team members Michelle O’Brien, Jenaya Storey and Kylie Allan Exceptional Indigenous...

South Australia sets aside $650m for Whyalla The South Australia Government has announced its contribution of $650m to support Whyalla steelworks as part of the $2.4b sovereign steel package in partnership with the Federal Government. This comes as part of the state’s FY26 budget and follows the state placing OneSteel Manufacturing, Whyalla steelworks’ owner, into administration in early 2025. The budget provides $192m of stabilisation funding, a further $395m for modernising of the steelworks and $63m in an emergency response package. Industry response to the budget has been mixed, with criticism coming from South Australian Chamber...

Adelaide’s bid to host COP31 The South Australian Government has allocated $8.3m in the FY26 State Budget to support Adelaide’s preparations to host the United Nations COP31 Climate Change Conference in 2026. The state is one of the fastest growing global leaders of decarbonisation, with 75% of its energy coming from renewable sources and a target of 100% renewables by 2027. If Australia’s bid to host the event is successful, the funding from the South Australian Government will support early works for the event, including planning for security, transport and infrastructure. To secure host status ahead of...

PLS supports community with grants program Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has opened applications for its annual Community Grants program, inviting community organisations in Port Hedland and surrounding WA communities to apply for funding of up to $10,000. PLS chief sustainability officer Sandra McInnes says the support of community-driven initiatives in creating lasting positive impact is incredibly important. “Our commitment to shaping tomorrow extends far beyond our role in the clean energy transition — it encompasses our responsibility to the communities where we operate and...

Lincoln advances uranium exploration Lincoln Minerals (ASX: LML) has signed a Native Title mining agreement with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation and Traditional Owners to progress mineral exploration at its Jungle Dam uranium prospect in South Australia. The agreement grants Lincoln access to exploration licence (EL) 5942 and has been formally submitted to the South Australia Energy and Mining Department for registration. Lincoln Minerals chief executive Jonathon Trewartha comments on the signing. “Finalising this agreement marks a major milestone for our exploration efforts at Jungle Dam,” he said. “We are pleased to be working in respectful partnership...

Metso divests its ferrous business Metso has signed an agreement to sell its ferrous business to SMS group, a global company providing technology and services in plant construction and mechanical engineering for the metals industry. Some of the businesses to be divested include travelling grate pelletising and CircoredTM direct reduction process, as well as the related service business. About 180 employees, primarily based in Germany, India and China, are planned to join the SMS group at the closing of the transaction. The closing of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to take place in Q1 CY26. Metso minerals business area president Piia Karhu says SMS group is...