Turning waste into wealth

(Image source: Bravus Mining & Resources) Details about how the technology was used have been published in the international journal Animal Biotelemetry, which will help conservationists learn more about other less-tracked species.

Bravus black-throated finch project takes flight

A high-tech research project between Bravus Mining and Resources and Queensland scientists has created a new model to uncover the secrets of rare bird species. The joint project with researchers from ecology consultancy E2M has provided new information about the habitat and daily movements of the black-throated finch, using an AI-supported radio tracking program. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the latest findings from the research project are an important part of Bravus’ commitment to the environment. “We are using innovative scientific research that is delivering on our commitment to operate the Carmichael mine according to our detailed environmental plan,” he said. “This research is building an in-depth profile of the black-throated finch through long-term research…

(Image source: Bowen Rail Company) From L-R: Netball Association secretary Michelle Bossen and Cyclones players with Bowen Rail Company health, safety and community manager Marty Trask with Bowen in their refurbished kitchen.

Bowen Netball scores big with Bowen Rail Company’s Community Partnership Program

Bowen’s Cyclones netballers have swapped their bibs for aprons thanks to a Bowen Rail Company (BRC) community grant to refurbish their canteen kitchen and keep their club on track. Bowen Netball Association was one of four grant recipients in the latest round of Bowen Rail Company’s Community Partnership Program, which supports local not-for-profit organisations and community groups with the purchase of small assets that can make a big difference. Bowen Netball secretary Michelle Bosson says modern canteen facilities were vital to the club’s 250 local netballers and its army of volunteers – both in keeping them fed and watered off and on the court. “We don’t make much money from registrations alone and it’s the income from the canteen that…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) A drone taking flight within the study area.

Bravus Mining and Resources takes groundwater monitoring to new heights at the Carmichael mine

Bravus Mining and Resources’ high-tech approach to groundwater research near the Carmichael mine in central Queensland has earned national recognition in a prestigious industry award. The regional Queensland business has been named a finalist in the Excellence in Environmental Management and Sustainability category at the 2024 Australian Mining Prospect Awards for applying military-grade drone technology to discover and protect previously unknown groundwater springs. Bravus Mining and Resources chief operating officer Mick Crowe says the company has partnered with Eco Logical Australia to add multispectral and thermal imaging to its comprehensive scientific programs that help to safeguard the health of the Great Artesian Basin-fed Doongmabulla springs. “Carmichael has some of the strictest environmental conditions of any resources project in Australia’s history,”…

(Image source: Bravus Mining and Resources) Regular fitness classes are among the activities offered to staff at Carmichael mine through the ‘building a happier and healthier Carmichael community’ initiative.

Bravus shortlisted at Queensland Mining Awards

Bravus Mining and Resources has been recognised as an industry leader at the Queensland Mining Awards (QMA). Activities at the Carmichael mine in central Queensland have been shortlisted for the environmental award and the community, staff engagement or equal opportunity award at the QMAs. Bravus chief operating officer Mick Crowe says it was a honour to be up for two awards. “We’re proud to have met our commitments to local employment, local procurement and the environment during construction of the mine and railway, and we’re prouder still to see these benefits continue into operations which are now in their third year,” he said. “So, it’s fitting that Carmichael has earnt recognition as a finalist in award categories that enhance the…

BHP will be required to limit their disturbance to animal habitats and commit to rehabilitating the local environment post-mining.

BHP’s Jimblebar expansion closes in on environmental approval

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…

Mental health matters at mineral resources

Mental health matters at Mineral Resources

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…

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

Neoen and Tesla select UGL to build six-hour Muchea battery

UGL, a member of the CIMIC Group, has been selected to construct a 164MW / 905MWh Muchea Battery north-east of Perth in WA for Neoen in partnership with Tesla. Muchea Battery is Neoen’s first six-hour long-duration storage asset and will be equipped to support the WA’s energy reliability and transition to renewables. UGL has been contracted to help prepare the site for the installation and connection of 252 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and to design and construct a 132kV substation, including the installation of high-voltage infrastructure, control and switchroom facilities, earthworks and footings. ACS Group and HOCHTIEF chief executive and CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan Santamaria says the contract is another milestone in the groups’ commitment to enabling Australia’s energy…

Evolution mining doubles profit

Evolution Mining doubles profit

Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) has seen record high profit in FY25, driven by increased production alongside favourable commodity prices. The miner has reported a statutory net profit of $926m, up by 119% from FY24. Evolution Mining managing director and chief executive Lawrie Conway says the record financial performance was achieved through safely delivering to plan across all of its operations. “Our cost and production performance in the year saw our balance sheet continue to strengthen, with gearing levels falling while successfully delivering several major capital projects,” he said. “We have also been able to increase returns to shareholders with a record final dividend of 13 cents per share. “Evolution remains focused on continuing to generate high cash margins in FY26…