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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...

AGR proceeds with WA production facility expansion Australian Gold Reagents’ (AGR) Board has made a final investment decision to proceed with the expansion of its sodium cyanide production facility in Kwinana, WA. According to AGR, this positions the company as one of the world’s largest sodium cyanide producers for the gold mining industry. AGR general manager Barney Jones says the expansion will enable the business to meet the growing global demand for sodium cyanide for gold mining operations, while delivering on its sustainability goals. “The expansion will increase AGR’s annual sodium cyanide production capacity by over 30%, bringing...

Mental health in mining PhD scholarships The Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) program continues to address mental well-being, positive workplace culture and safety in the WA mining industry by supporting exceptional students through PhD scholarships. The PhD scholarships, awarded by the Minerals Research Institute of WA (MRIWA), are championing high quality PhD students who are leading the way in health and psychosocial safety research in the minerals sector. The innovative research underway emphasises the importance of workplace culture and safety in the WA minerals sector. Research activities include: exploring how psychological capital can be leveraged to improve psychological safety in...

BHP awards major copper contract BHP (ASX: BHP) has awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract to a joint venture between Fluor Australia and Hatch, to support the proposed expansion of its copper smelter and refinery facilities in South Australia. The contract will be executed in stages as BHP progresses towards a final investment decision on the smelter and refinery expansion in H1 FY27 and through to subsequent construction. The first stage of EPCM activity represents more than $40m investment to lead overall strategy and planning through the project’s study phases. BHP group procurement...

High-Performance Protective Coatings for Mining Operations Mining is one of the most demanding industries, with equipment and infrastructure constantly subjected to extreme wear and tear. From abrasive materials to harsh chemicals and fluctuating temperatures, the environment poses relentless challenges. Protecting and enhancing the lifespan of these assets is critical to maintaining operational efficiency and controlling costs. That’s where high-performance protective coatings make all the difference. At Rhino Linings Australasia, we’re proud to offer solutions designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the mining industry. Why Protective Coatings Are Essential in Mining Mining operations expose equipment and structures to some of the harshest conditions imaginable. The consequences of neglecting protective measures can include frequent equipment failures, costly downtime, and increased...

Barminco increases contract with Regis Perenti (ASX: PRN) announces Barminco and Regis Resources (ASX: RRL) are extending their current contract for the provision of underground mining services at the Duketon operations, comprising both the Rosemont and Garden Well underground mines in the goldfield’s region in WA. Providing long-term visibility and certainty for both parties, the initial alliance-style agreement of three years will extend to an additional contract term of 12 months until March 30, 2028. The contract’s value is approximately worth $180m for underground development, production...

Downer empowers women in construction Downer Group (ASX: DOW) is partnering with Wodonga TAFE to launch scholarships to support women from Albury-Wodonga in Victoria to pursue a career in the building and construction industry. The Downer Building and Construction Women’s Scholarship sits alongside several other important successfully delivered plans including two defence projects at Benalla Munitions Facility and the Riverina Redevelopment Program across Wagga Wagga and Wodonga, which generated ongoing employment opportunities and brought new capabilities, technologies and training initiatives to the local community. The two scholarships are valued up to $6,000 each and are open to women enrolled...