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UQ start-up unlocks copper Inaccessible supplies of an element crucial to powering a clean-energy future are set to be unlocked with technology developed by The University of Queensland (UQ). The technology, commercialised through new start-up company Banksia Minerals Processing (BMP), is a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly way to extract copper from previously unviable low-quality resources. UQ’s School of Chemical Engineering metallurgy major lead and Hydrometallurgy Research Group head, Associate Professor James Vaughan says the technology reveals cleaner more efficient methods for processing copper concentrate....

Critical minerals in Tasmania’s crosshairs The Tasmanian Government has opened a new round of Exploration Drilling Grant Initiative (EDGI). Tasmanian Business, Industry and Resources Minister Eric Abetz says the state has what the world wants. “Critical minerals are a sought-after commodity as governments, businesses and organisations across the globe look to a more sustainable future,” he said. “There is a global shift to find these minerals and Tasmania can continue to further cement itself as a leader in this space. “This funding will allow mineral explorers to test greenfield locations...

Half-year results glitter for Westgold Westgold (ASX: WGX) is positioning itself as an Australian gold titan, with promising half-year results including gold production of 158,255oz with all-in sustaining costs of $2,562poz. These results follow the company’s merger with Karora and subsequent inclusion in the ASX200 and dual listing on the ASX and TSX. Westgold says its 29.4% increase in gold production from H1FY24 was a result of the Karora acquisition. Combined with higher achieved gold prices, this increased production contributed to a record half year revenue of $624m. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says the post-merger results solidify the company’s...

South32’s Worsley receives key approval Worsley Alumina in WA has received federal environmental approval for the Worsley Mine Development Project under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). This follows South32’s (ASX: S32) appeal of the WA EPA’s recommendations for the Worsley mine expansion in July 2024. The federal approval is subject to conditions which are substantively consistent with the state environmental approval received on December 20, 2024. The development project will enable access to bauxite to sustain production at Worsley Alumina, with mining of bauxite areas located near existing operations expected to...

Upcycle helps drive sustainability at Onslow Iron Indigenous-led business Upcycle Tyre Services (Upcycle) has been awarded a $5m contract to recycle haulage tyres from Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) (MinRes) Onslow Iron project in WA, turning them into materials used to build infrastructure and playgrounds. A joint venture between King Kira Group (KKG) and Carroll Engineering Services, Upcycle is spearheaded by KKG founder and managing director and Nyiyaparli/Paylku woman Tammy O'Connor. Ms O’Connor says Upcycle aims to limit landfill waste and create solutions that benefit mining companies, communities and the environment. “I’ve spent 10 years understanding waste — what’s being buried onsite and what...

Anglo American’s mines of the future Through a decade-long commitment to improving safety and efficiency in underground mining, Anglo American’s steelmaking coal operations in Australia have reached a significant milestone. The company’s 10-year vision for a ‘mine of the future’ became reality when all its underground coal mines in the Bowen Basin began operating simultaneously from Remote Operation Centres (ROCs). The Central Queensland underground operations have also hit another remarkable milestone, notching up 10,000 longwall mining shears from those ROCs. Anglo American Australia automation superintendent Matthew Wakeford says the rapid pace of technological innovation — especially in areas like data analytics, automation and digitalisation — have...

Trump’s tariffs: Australia talks exemption Australian industry and the Federal Government are responding to the US Government's consideration of a uniform 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports. In a call this morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald discussed Australia’s bid for an exemption from the sweeping tariffs. Prime Minister Albanese says the US President agreed that an exemption is under consideration in the interest of both countries. “What I’m concerned about is securing an exemption,” Prime Minister Albanese said in a press...

Fortescue and BHP shaping youth safety in WA Fortescue (ASX: FMG) and BHP (ASX: BHP) have provided funding through the Resources Community Investment Initiative (RCII) to support the Hedland and Newman Safe Spaces programs led by government and codesigned with locally based Aboriginal Community Control Organisations. The Safe Spaces program is to provide essential support and safety for at-risk children and young people in the Pilbara region. The partnership has committed up to $22m over the next five...

Rio Tinto donates to LA Wildfires Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) U.S. Borax has donated about $955,855 (US$600,000) to three organisations to support relief efforts for communities directly impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region. The Kern County Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank will each receive a donation of about $318,618 (US$200,000). The funds will help support immediate disaster response services, including providing emergency food and supplies, as well as helping with long-term recovery efforts such as essential fire...

Pilbara Minerals acquires Latin Resources Pilbara Minerals, now known as PLS (ASX: PLS), has completed its acquisition of Latin Resources and its flagship Salinas project in Brazil. The acquisition is consistent with PLS’ strategy to grow and diversify revenues beyond Pilgangoora. According to PLS, the Salinas project has the potential to become a leading hard rock lithium operation by production globally, with development flexibility to supply new markets. With the acquisition complete, the Salinas project will be renamed the Colina project. PLS managing director and chief executive Dale Henderson comments on the acquisition....

Growing critical minerals processing power in WA The Federal and WA Governments are teaming up to bolster Australia's critical minerals processing power with a joint $3m investment to support a feasibility study for a common user Critical Minerals Advanced Processing (CMAP) facility in WA. Federal Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King says the funding under the $10.2m Critical Minerals National Productivity Initiative will investigate a facility to be built in the Perth region. "The CMAP facility will be home to pilot plant equipment for small and medium sized businesses to undertake downstream processing of critical minerals and strategic materials at demonstration...