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Lynas become world first outside of China Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) has commercially produced separated heavy rare earths following its successful production of dysprosium oxide at its Malaysia plant. This makes the company the only global producer of the products outside of China. Dysprosium is critical to the production of high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Production of the strategic mineral has been affected by China’s recent export restrictions. Lynas, based in Perth, WA, confirmed the successful production of its first batch of the mineral on Friday. The company currently sources the ore for its...

Pit to ship progress for Onslow Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) has marked a new milestone at its Onslow iron project, in the west Pilbara region of WA, with more than 10mt of iron ore shipped out of the Port of Ashburton. The project is expected to increase production to more than 35mt annually over its 30-year life span. After achieving first ore on ship ahead of schedule in May last year, development across all aspects of the pit to ship supply chain has continued to increase. At the Port of Ashburton, the project’s marine and port infrastructure continues to be a crucial part of the supply chain. Innovative 20,000t shallow transhippers are being used to ferry the ore to larger...

BMA scholars graduate from CQ University Three BMA-funded scholars celebrated their successes at the CQ University graduation ceremony in Mackay, Queensland. Bachelor of Nursing graduate Michelle Erikson and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate Julieanne Bergmann joined hundreds of fellow graduates who received their official certification with the help of their BMA scholarships. Michelle is a mum of four children with no extended family support in Mackay. She relied on both her husband and the CQUniCares BMA Community Scholarship funding to help get her through her studies....

Barminco inks $500m contract Perenti’s (ASX: PRN) underground mining subsidiary, Barminco, has signed a new contract to continue underground mining operations at the Agnew gold mine for Gold Fields. Agnew is near Leinster, WA and includes multiple underground operations. As part of the renewal, development and production undertaken by Barminco has been agreed for another 3-years plus a 1-year extension option. Perenti managing director and chief executive Mark Norwell says the company is pleased to be extending its relationship with Gold Fields at the Agnew gold mine. “Gold Fields is one of our most longstanding and...

Rio Tinto’s largest hydroelectric investment in over 70 years Rio Tinto is investing $1.8b (US$1.2b) to modernise its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant in Quebec, Canada, marking the miner’s largest single investment in its hydroelectric assets since the 1950s. The power plant modernisation is essential to secure the future of low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, supporting the jobs of employees across the region. This allows Rio Tinto to protect its assets for the long term, ensure a more efficient, safe and reliable power supply of renewable energy to smelters, casting houses and other facilities and maintain safe operations for its employees and the community. The...

Decmil awarded $80m in contracts Macmahon Holdings’ (ASX: MAH) wholly owned subsidiary, Decmil, has been awarded two new contracts from Eva Copper Mine and Arrow Energy. Decmil will deliver the new operations permanent village at the Eva Copper Mine in Queensland, adding about $70m to Macmahon’s secured orderbook. The project involves the design and construction of a 454-person accommodation village, including accommodation units, central facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, internal roads, drainage, bulk earthworks, services installation and associated infrastructure. Works are set to commence in mid-2025, with completion expected in 2026. In WA, Decmil will...

Scholarships strengthen Australia’s critical minerals leadership The WA Government has announced a scholarship program for advance critical minerals research projects with funding from the state’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources. The critical minerals sector is pivotal to the global transition to clean energy, advanced manufacturing and sustainable technologies. The international scholarship program encourages eligible Australian researchers, postgraduate students and professionals to collaborate with global experts and contribute to Australia’s strategic priorities in the critical minerals sector. Successful applicants can receive up to $10,000 per month over a six-month period to cover airfares, accommodation, transportation and related expenses. The funding supports research...

Major players launch autonomy trials Thiess has partnered with Norton Gold Fields (ASX: NGF) and EACON Mining Technology to launch a groundbreaking tripartite partnership to deploy autonomous haulage technology in Australia. A formal agreement was signed during a ceremony held in Melbourne witnessed by senior executives from all three companies. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Australian mining sector and advances the deployment of OEM-agnostic haulage systems through retrofit technology. By integrating EACON’s autonomy solution into Norton Gold Fields and Thiess mining trucks, the project reflects a shared ambition to enhance safety, productivity and...

Exploration drives 100% resources bump for Northern Star The future is bright for Northern Star (ASX: NST), with the miner lifting its mineral resources to 70.7moz and ore reserves to 22.3moz. The results, part of the company’s mineral resources and ore reserves update, are fuelled by exploration efforts driving further value creation. At the Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines operation (KCGM), mineral resources are up 100% and ore reserves are up 50% since acquisition five years ago at average discovery success of $13/oz. KCGM mineral resources increased to 38.9moz, up 7.2moz, and ore reserves increased to 14.4moz, up 1.2moz, predominately driven by growth at Fimiston Underground. At...

Whitehaven celebrates Mother’s Day at Kurrumbede Homestead Over in NSW, Gunnedah’s historic Kurrumbede property was transformed to its historic roots over the weekend, as families from across the region gathered for a Mother’s Day inspired Open Day. Hosted by Whitehaven (ASX: WHC) in partnership with the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society and sponsored by Strikeforce Services, the day offered something for everyone. Visitors enjoyed free family fun, heritage displays, delicious food, market stalls and live entertainment. Whitehaven community engagement general manager Darren Swain highlights the significance of the event. “Kurrumbede...

Whitehaven supports Aboriginal Elders Olympics Whitehaven (ASX: WHC) was one of the major sponsors of the 2025 Aboriginal Elders Olympics which saw more than 400 Elders from across NSW participate in a series of games and social activities. The event offers participants the opportunity to engage in social interaction, physical activity and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of unity and pride amongst Indigenous communities. 27 teams competed in a round-robin format with points tallied across a range of activities to determine the winners. Hosted by the 2024 champion, the Inverell Bear Eaters,...