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Mineral Resources (MinRes) (ASX: MIN) is constructing a 3.8MW solar array, featuring more than 6,600 solar panels, at the Ken’s Bore mine site at its Onslow Iron project. It is set to displace about 95TJ of natural gas per year and predicted to reduce emissions by about 4,990tpa of carbon dioxide. MinRes general manager operations and development energy Rowan Hill says the technology, together with a battery energy storage system, is planned to become operational by January 2025 to supplement the mine’s power generation system. “Together with natural gas, renewables play an important role in our energy transition – especially solar power to support our remote locations,” he said. “At Onslow Iron, a range of renewable energy solutions is being…

Alcoa Corporation (ASX: AAI) has joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) First Suppliers Hub, a global repository of innovative suppliers providing materials needed to support the ambition of industrial decarbonisation in the world by 2050. First Suppliers Hub is a database of global final product and value chain suppliers created by the First Movers Coalition. Members of FMC set a target that at least 10% of their annual primary aluminium procurement volumes meet or exceed the Coalition’s definition for low-carbon primary aluminium. FMC defines low-carbon as below three tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne of primary aluminium on a cradle-to-gate basis. First Suppliers Hub simplifies First Movers Coalition members’ aim to leverage their purchasing power by sharing emerging decarbonisation…

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has a three-year partnership with Pride WA to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in WA. The partnership comprises PrideFEST, which is Pride WA’s flagship annual event and the State’s largest celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. It also supports Perth’s bid to bring the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sports and culture event, the Gay Games, to the State. Pride WA chief executive Dr Lauren Butterly says the organisation is excited to partner with the mining giant. “We know how important it is for our community to be able to celebrate PrideFEST with their colleagues, and to know they are supported and celebrated at work. “We look forward to working with Fortescue over the next three years as PrideFEST…

Ford is set to launch the new Ranger Super Duty mid-sized ute in 2026, promising to tow more, carry more and do more for the mining industry. There are a variety of vehicles on the market today but all have compromises. Some can tow 4.5t but are compromised on off-road capability – or they may have a low gross vehicle mass (GVM), meaning low payload. Others may be able to carry large loads but have limited towing. The highly-anticipated Ford Ranger Super Duty can tow 4.5t, has a GVM of 4.5t and a gross combined mass (GCM) of 8t, with the heavy-duty off-road capability required by the mining industry. Ford Motor Company general manager for global trucks Sondra Sutton Phung…

Following the Federal Government’s addition of nickel to the Critical Minerals List earlier this year, the Wingellina nickel cobalt project has been granted Major Project Status by the Federal Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic. Part of Nico Resources’ (ASX: NC1) Central Musgrave project in WA, Wingellina hosts one of the world’s largest undeveloped oxide-type nickel-cobalt reserves at the triple junction point between the Northern Territory, WA and the South Australian borders (Surveyor Generals Corner) about 450km southwest of Uluru. Nico Resources managing director Jonathan Shellabear says the company welcomes this recognition of the project’s significance to economic growth, employment opportunities and regional development for the country. “Wingellina is one of the largest undeveloped nickel-cobalt projects globally and one of…

Komatsu Australia’s second annual industry supplier forum addressed ESG, safety and generational diversity across the equipment business’ supply chain. Insights on the chain of responsibility with freight and logistics, as well as ongoing vigilance to ensure roads are safe when transporting heavy equipment, were “hotly discussed” at the forum, according to company in a recent statement. Komatsu Australia EGM for supply chain Russell Hodson comments on this. “Particularly of interest was how we all need to be prepared for the upcoming ESG reporting requirements as we look towards 2026, particularly around scope 3, and what it means for not only Komatsu but our supply chain partners,” he said. “We were excited to share our update on our journey to ISO…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) announced its compulsory acquisition of all remaining Energy Resources Australia (ERA) (ASX: ERA) shares that it does not currently own. This follows a ruling by the Takeovers Panel that Rio would assume control over rehabilitation activities at Jabiluka. As a result of Rio Tinto taking up its pro rata entitlements in the entitlement offer and the level of participation by other ERA shareholders, Rio Tinto will hold over 98% of ERA’s shares. Rio intends to proceed with the compulsory acquisition at $0.002 per ERA share, being the same price as the entitlement offer. Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker says the company remains committed to the successful rehabilitation of the Ranger project area to a…

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has published the findings of an independent, external progress review on its work to deliver sustained workplace cultural change across its global operations. Two years into a long-term cultural change program, the review found that progress is being made with promising signs of improved culture, innovation and performance. The progress review was conducted by former Australian sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, who undertook the Everyday Respect review of workplace culture that Rio Tinto publicly released in 2022. It found that Rio Tinto’s response to the Everyday Respect Report is gaining momentum throughout the company and has established a solid foundation for building a more diverse workforce and inclusive culture. Elizabeth Broderick comments on the findings. “I…

The WA Government has provided the independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) with its first ever Statement of Expectation to help drive new housing and clean energy projects across the State. The document — created as part of recently legislated changes to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 — was a key recommendation of the Vogel-McFerran Review and is intended to help the WA EPA better understand the WA Government’s priorities. The statement highlights several strategic priorities, which the WA EPA will consider when managing its priorities, including critical minerals, hydrogen and downstream processing projects that will diversify the State’s economy and transmission infrastructure and other projects that will drive WA’s renewable energy transition and Collie’s Just Transition. WA Premier Roger Cook…

A momentous milestone took place last week with the turning of first soil for Atlas Iron’s McPhee Creek iron ore mine, about 100km north of the Roy Hill mine in WA’s northeast Pilbara region. After multiple environmental and regulatory delays, the Federal Government finally gave the green light in September this year for the mine to proceed, with first ore expected in FY26 at an expected production rate of 10mtpa. Hancock Prospecting executive chairman Gina Rinehart, Hanroy chief executive Sanjiv Manchanda and staff from Roy Hill, HanRoy and Atlas Iron attended this important ground-breaking event. Mrs Rinehart says the McPhee mine, which has a 15-year mine life, will use existing infrastructure, such as preparation plant, rail, road and port. “Not…

Curtin University has announced a new $3m research collaboration with Mining Process Solutions (MPS), a division of Draslovka to commercialise a safer more sustainable mineral extraction technology in the resources sector. The project, one of 47 research initiatives supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer to date, will focus on advancing glycine leaching technology through a new Innovative Leaching Research Project Team led by Curtin University Associate Professor Elsayed Oraby. “The non-toxic amino acid has the potential to replace hazardous chemicals like cyanide in mineral extraction processes,” Prof Oraby said. “The safer and more sustainable process is particularly suited for extracting valuable metals including gold, copper, cobalt and nickel from ore, making it a critical innovation in the…