Rebuilding the land, restoring the future

Black Cat Syndicate receives $60m funding package for gold projects Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8) has received a $60m funding package to advance work across its three Australian gold projects. Subject to completion, Black Cat will use the funding to restart operations at the Paulsens and Coyote gold operations and develop the Kal East project. Black Cat will receive the funding from technology and investment group Mingjin and supply chain management group Southeast Mingqing. Of the $60m, $45m will be provided by the way of an equity placement with both companies to contribute equal amounts. The placements will involve the issue of around 200m full paid ordinary share at 22.5 cents per share. On...

The Federal Government has called on China to resolve a standoff involving an Indian ship carrying Australian coal, one of more than 50 currently stranded off the Chinese coast. Trade minister Simon Birmingham raised concerns about the welfare of the Indian seafarers who remained on board, while making a broader appeal to the Chinese government to cease “what seems to be a recurring targeting of some Australian industries”. The Indian-flagged vessel carrying coal from Australia arrived at the port of Jingtang in mid-June but has been waiting five months to be allowed to berth. Mr Birmingham said crew on board the vessel were in need of urgent relief and are mentally and physically exhausted due to unprecedented prolonged stay on board....

Aluminium, alumina & bauxite must be “critical minerals” to avoid nickel fate: AAC The Australian Aluminium Council (AAC) has renewed its calls for the inclusion of bauxite, alumina and aluminium to Australia’s Critical Minerals List to avoid the same fate as the nickel industry. This comes as a new report, Vulnerabilities & Opportunities in Australia’s Upstream Aluminium Sectors, highlights growing risks to the sector’s supply chain due to heightened geopolitical risk, rising costs and prolonged regulatory approvals. AAC chief executive Marghanita Johnson says the current inclusion of aluminium on Australia’s Strategic Mineral List acknowledges the metal’s importance in the transition to net zero but it also lacks policy support....

Queensland Resources Council welcomes State’s new Mines Minister The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed the State’s new Natural Resources, Mines, Regional and Rural Development Minister and Burdekin member Dale Last. QRC chief executive Janette Hewson congratulated Mr Last on his appointment to the Queensland Cabinet. “The QRC looks forward to working constructively with Minister Last, whose own electorate includes one of Queensland’s major resources regions,” she said. “In the 2022-23 financial year our coal, gas, metals and critical minerals generated close to $117b for...