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BHP has announced a profit of $7.3b, an increase of 29pc, for the half year ending December 31, 2019. Shareholders received a higher interim dividend with a payout of 97c per share, though it was lower than estimated. BHP chief executive Mike Henry said that the company was in good shape, though it was keeping an eye on effects from the coronavirus outbreak, trade policy and global political uncertainties. “We remain convinced by the positive fundamentals of our commodities,” he said. The company reported that with $5.5b in free cashflow, it was on track to meet full-year production guidance. Higher iron ore prices and strong performance across operations has had a positive effect on results. The company expects an increase…

MinEx CRC and CSIRO have partnered to bring Augmented Reality (AR) core logging technology to mineral exploration. Core logging is traditionally considered time-consuming, solitary and subject to human error but this new technology promises to bring about enhanced productivity and decision-making to the resources industry. Geologists often struggle to incorporate multiple data streams into the logging process and they lack tools to efficiently analyse this complex information for fast, informed decision-making. The AR core logging technology is developed by MinEx CRC in collaboration with the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE) at the University of South Australia. Led by Professor Tom Raimondo, Dr. Andrew Cunningham and Jack Fraser, the AR platform is designed to significantly improve the…

Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) has committed an additional $1.7m to the Australia-Japan Innovation Fund (AJIF) to promote research and academic projects between the two countries and further collaboration between industry, educational institutions and governments. The commitment was signed at the 60th Australia-Japan Annual Joint Business Conference which was held in Melbourne from October 8 – 10. Rio has been the sole funder of the initiative since it was established in 2018 and has funded about $5m in operating costs and research grants since then. Rio Tinto chief executive Australia Kellie Parker says the company is pleased to make another commitment. “Science and technology are paramount in tackling today’s global challenges. We are pleased to make a second commitment to the AJIF…

Liontown Resources (ASX:LTR) has executed a $1b contract with Byrnecut Australia for underground mining services at the Kathleen Valley lithium project. In August 2023, a letter of award was issued and the execution of the contract between both companies is the final milestone in the highly competitive and technically comprehensive tender process. Preparatory works are underway at Kathleen Valley ahead of Byrnecut’s mobilisation in the coming weeks, with the development of multiple declines from the Mt Mann box cut estimated to commence on schedule in November 2023. The $1b contract will last four years and comprises operating costs, sustaining capital and capital associated with the operation of the underground mine. Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano is pleased…