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AMEC calls for action amid exploration decline The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released its Q1 CY25 mineral and exploration statistics which has highlighted a decline in exploration activity across the country. The data shows an 18.4% decrease in total exploration from the Q4 CY24, representing $181m decline in exploration expenditure. Year-on-year this shows an 11.5% drop or $105m decrease. There was a 21.9% drop in new exploration drilling and there was a 11.6% decline in total metres drilled. Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) chief executive Warren Pearce says the data demonstrates what the association has...

Rio signs historic co-management agreement Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (PKKP) Aboriginal Corporation have signed a co-management agreement to support a partnership built on genuine equity. The agreement is the overarching framework for Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations on PKKP Country and regulates how both parties will collaborate on proposals affecting heritage and social surroundings throughout the mine lifecycle. It is designed to provide certainty to the PKKP for the protection and management of...

Everest advances Australian-first rubidium project Everest Metals Corporation (ASX: EMC) has partnered with Edith Cowan University (ECU) to deliver an engineering scoping study for rubidium extraction at its Mt Edon critical minerals project in the southern part of the Paynes Find Greenstone Belt in WA. Rubidium is a valuable substitute amid global declining caesium supplies, and the company is leveraging this increasing demand with its innovative direct rubidium extraction (DRE) technology, developed in collaboration with ECU, that has achieved more than 97% rubidium recovery. Rubidium is considered a critical mineral for its use in communication technologies,...

WA Government reviewing Native Title The WA Government has announced it will undertake a targeted review into Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in WA’s mining and exploration sector, focusing on improving outcomes for both Traditional Owners and industry. The process will strictly focus on the processes that pertain to mining and exploration under current legislation and will be conducted in partnership with the National Native Title Tribunal. The review aims to identify options to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of WA’s Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes. "Native Title is...

RareX revolutionising Australian gallium 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...

Primero awarded $157m contract 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...

Meeka Metals closer to first gold 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...

MRIWA unearths new frontiers for mineral exploration 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...

Glencore to supply Kwinana refinery 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...

MinRes is committed to reconciliation 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...

Dolphins at Dawson mine 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...