Modec Connect Solution

In 2024, Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) became the first resources company in WA to deploy a team of in-house mental health clinicians to its mine sites across the state. Known as Mind Matters, the team includes seven highly qualified clinicians who work on a rotating 4:3 roster on site and in Perth, alongside two Perth-based clinicians. This ensures support is accessible to employees in remote locations as well as those based in the city. The investment encourages open, honest conversations about mental health and enables employees to access professional support at the earliest opportunity. Importantly, the service is provided free of charge for employees and their immediate family members. Now in its second year, Mind Matters is led by head of…

The WA Environmental Protection Agency (WA EPA) has given its endorsement and recommendations for BHP’s (ASX: BHP) proposed Jimblebar Hub expansion.  The Jimblebar Hub combined proposal covers plans to develop mining deposits both above and below the water table surrounding the Pilbara mine.   To facilitate this, BHP plans to build new overburden storage areas, a new beneficiation plant, an overland conveyor, roads and pipelines.  EPA chair Darren Walsh says the independent authority’s report included recommended conditions to mitigate impacts to conservation-significant flora and fauna and to ensure the protection of the area’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.  “Conditioning limits of disturbance to fauna habitat, including mining exclusion zones for the ghost bat, would support the continued presence of the species within…

Engineers at Monash University have developed a new catalyst that could drive zinc-air batteries from hearing aids and watches to EVs and large-scale industrial applications. While zinc-air batteries are currently used in small devices, this opens the door to rechargeable, high-power applications, moving the technology closer to real-world, grid-scale and transport uses. Using microscopic heat treatment, the researchers have developed carbon sheets from 3D materials, adding a framework of individual cobalt and iron atoms to greatly increase reactivity and efficiency within the battery. Saeed Askari and Dr Parama Banerjee, lead authors from Monash University’s chemical and biological engineering department, say the breakthrough catalyst outperformed standard commercial catalysts made from expensive metals like platinum and ruthenium. “By engineering cobalt and iron…

The Minerals Research Institute of WA’s (MRIWA) 2026 scholarships are now open to WA students undertaking postgraduate minerals research. These will be awarded to four exceptional WA students to support research endeavours into current gaps or innovations in mining that will directly benefit WA, help students to access and collaborate with the mining industry and continue the development of the minerals research workforce in WA. WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says the WA Government is committed to supporting the growth and the diversity of the state’s research workforce. “MRIWA scholarships provide a unique opportunity for researchers to connect with industry, academia and government,” he said. “Successful applicants will join the current 22 MRIWA PhD scholarship recipients in this…