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CSIRO has successfully trialled its innovative hydrogen production technology at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks in NSW, proving that affordable and renewable hydrogen can be generated at scale to help decarbonise heavy industry. The trial commenced in October 2024 and features the national science agency’s tubular solid electrolysis (SOE) technology, which has clocked 1000 hours of successful operation turning both waste heat and electricity into hydrogen – with much greater efficiency than traditional methods. Conventional hydrogen electrolysers rely heavily on electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. CSIRO senior principal research scientist and group leader Dr Sarb Giddey says the trial produced hydrogen with an electrical input of less than 36kWh per kilogram of hydrogen, by using the steam produced…

Industry leaders have come out in support of the WA Government’s relief package for the State’s lithium producers. This comes as the Federal Government introduced a bill this week to provide up to $17b in production tax incentives for the critical minerals and rare earths industry as part of its Future Made in Australia agenda. Both the Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME WA) and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King welcomed the announcement, with the peak body’s chief executive Rebecca Tomkinson saying lithium prices are likely to be lower for longer but that the long-term prospects of the commodity remain strong. “Falling lithium prices have forced a growing number of lithium operations to suspend or cease operations over the…

Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) has introduced a new decarbonisation fund to support the company’s interim emissions reduction target and long-term ambition of net zero by 2050. Since July 1, 2024, all projects under MinRes’ operational control — including operational sites, exploration sites, warehouses and corporate offices — are charged for every tonne of emissions they produce. Funds generated from the initiative will be invested in MinRes decarbonisation initiatives spanning power generation and material movement, such as electrification and automation of mining, haulage and transport systems. The fund also supports the purchase of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs), which will be surrendered for regulatory compliance purposes under Australia’s Safeguard Mechanism. MinRes operations are charged the preceding month’s average generic ACCU…

South32 (ASX: S32) is continuing its partnership with the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence (PGCNV), a WA organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Research by UN Women has found that almost one in three women experience violence in their lifetime — and in 2023 a woman was killed by partners or family members every 10 minutes. South32 chief legal and external affairs officer Kelly O’Rourke says the crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. “There is no excuse for violence against women and girls,” she said. South32 is proud to support organisations which are working to address the causes and impacts of domestic and family violence, such as PGCNV. For more than 30 years,…

The WA Government is acting to provide assistance to its critical lithium industry, supporting thousands of local jobs and the State’s push to become a global battery minerals processing hub. WA’s lithium industry has grown rapidly in recent years to be the biggest hard rock industry of its type in the world, supplying approximately 50% of the world’s lithium. However, the industry has experienced a sudden and unexpected plunge in the price of lithium this year, which has prompted some mine and processing plant suspensions, impacting jobs. In response, the WA Government will provide support to lithium miners in the ramp-up phase of production and downstream processing facilities for a period of up to 24 months, after which lithium prices…

Car racing enthusiasts in Collie, WA, will be able to hear all the speedway action loud and clear this 2023/2024 season, from October to April, thanks to a $4,900 donation from Premier Coal. This comes a month after the coal miner opened its gates for employees, managed contractors and their families to get an up-close experience of being on the mine as part of its Family Fun Days. New audio system & technical upgrade The $4,900 funding will enable the installation and purchase of a full-range sound solution including microphones, antennas, amplifier and the cabling and wiring of a new electronic PA system for Collie Speedway. Collie Racing Drivers Association president Greg Avins says he is excited about this new…

Winsome Resources’ (ASX: WR1) recent scoping study for the Adina lithium project in Quebec, Canada, has affirmed the project’s competitive edge. With growing momentum behind clean energy initiatives, lithium remains a top priority for the US, Canada and Australia, as these governments work to reduce reliance on overseas sources and bolster domestic production. Winsome Resources managing director Chris Evans says Adina is forecasted to supply over 20% of the global lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) shortfall at the end of this decade, with an expected annual output of around 40kt LCE. “Commissioning is indicatively scheduled for 2028, strategically aligning with the projected supply gap and underscoring its importance to the global lithium market,” he said. “The approach has been a prudent…

Around 1200 Queensland residents and families turned out to Blackwater’s May Day fairgrounds for Whitehaven Coal’s Community Open Day. The event brought together people from as far as Emerald and Rockhampton to enjoy an exciting day of free activities, kid’s rides, market stalls and entertainment, as well as information stands for the community to learn more about the coal mining industry. Whitehaven Coal’s chief operating officer Ian Humphris says it was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to residents, local businesses and the broader community who have supported the company since it began operations in the region earlier this year. “Whitehaven is incredibly proud to be a part of this community and we recognise the important role we have…

The WA Government has launched the new Resources Online platform to streamline mining and petroleum environmental lodgements. The portal forms part of the State Government’s Fast Tracking Mining Approvals (FTMA) program to help shorten approval timeframes for some smaller and low-risk projects. Administered by the WA Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS), Resources Online will replace the current Environmental Assessment and Regulatory System (EARS). Further initiatives will be introduced in 2025 with the first phase focusing on migrating Programmes of Work (PoW) from EARS to Resources Online. WA Mines and Petroleum David Michael comments on this. “Resources Online represents a major step forward in making Government services easier to access and navigate,” he said. “The …

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has struck a $616m (US$400m) deal with Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer XCMG to purchase over 100 pieces of zero emissions heavy mobile equipment. This is XCMG’s largest contract outside of China for mining equipment and will see battery electric wheel loaders, wheel dozers, water carts, float prime movers and graders delivered to Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations in WA by 2030. First pieces of equipment are expected to be deployed from 2026 with Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto commenting on this. “We’re moving rapidly to decarbonise our Pilbara iron ore operations and eliminate our Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions by 2030,” he said. “To achieve this target, we will need to swap out hundreds of pieces…

Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) will sell its Éléonore operation in Northern Quebec, Canada, to UK-based private mining company Dhilmar Ltd for $1.2b (US$795m) in cash consideration as part of the global miner’s continued divestiture program. The transaction is expected to close in the Q1 CY25, subject to certain conditions being satisfied. Upon closing the announced transactions, Newmont will have delivered up to $3.6b in gross proceeds from non-core asset divestitures and investment sales. Newmont president and chief executive Tom Palmer comments on this. “ is another step forward in Newmont’s journey to create a go-forward portfolio of Tier 1 gold and copper assets, each with the scale and mine life to generate strong free cash flows for several decades,” he…