Australian scientists lead quantum battery breakthrough

By Samantha Bawden

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

NewsTechnology & Innovation

Australian scientists have made a significant leap forward in energy storage technology with the world’s first proof-of-concept quantum battery.

The MOU supports Metallium’s plan to develop a national network of e-waste processing facilities, strategically located near major e-waste collection hubs, rapidly expanding U.S. data centre industrial parks and regional industrial corridors with strong logistics and waste generation.

Peering beneath the surface

CompaniesFeaturesProjectsTechnology & Innovation

Peering beneath the surface

AS Australia’s greenfield outcropping and sub-cropping deposits become increasingly scarce, miners are digging deeper than ever before, exploring new options on green and brownfields tenements. To do this, they must be able to look further underground to map the subterranean deposits before expensive exploratory drilling programs can take place. Geophysical technology allows explorers to do just that – giving explorers high resolution 3D models of up to 3km below the surface. According to Independence Group (IGO) chief geophysicist, Andrew Fitzpatrick, “the new frontier is exploring undercover”. Mr Fitzpatrick spoke with the Australian Mining Review about the way IGO has been using geophysical methods and technologies on the company’s Nova deposit, and its satellite Albany Fraser copper-nickel project in WA. The…

Unearthing a gold mine through UX

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Unearthing a gold mine through UX

Whether competing for investors, jockeying for recruitment or finding communications cut through, websites are an increasingly important touchpoint for Australian resource companies looking to make good first impressions. Digital marketing expert and PWD Managing Director Oli Woods says user experience is king for mining businesses trying to stand out from the crowd. Having recently worked with ASX-listed mining contractors NRW, Tiger Tasman Minerals and EV Metals Group to name a few, Mr Wood understands the niche of the industry and the challenges companies are facing. And with a reduction in the number of IPOs in Australia and markets tightening, Mr Wood recommended telling the most compelling messages early — especially investor audiences. “It’s a matter of telling target audiences what…

Collective way to help farmers, miners co-exist

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Collective way to help farmers, miners co-exist

A SYDNEY Law School energy and natural resources expert says a collective bargaining agreement for farmers will help them co-exist with miners and their operations. In her new book, Agricultural land use and natural gas extraction conflicts, Dr Madeline Taylor said the move towards renewables, in particular the expansion of the Liquified Natural Gas market, has brought about tensions between miners and producers whose land and livelihoods can be irreparably damaged by such activities. Dr Taylor posits a State-centric model, rather than the somewhat ad hoc adaptive management approach, as a way to level the playing field and ensure the best interest of all parties involved. “Instead of having this linear relationship between State, landholder and unconventional gas licence holder,…

A Skills Revolution

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A Skills Revolution

BY ELIZABETH FABRI GROWTH has returned to mining, with demand for workers once again rising as new or mothballed operations are given the green light, and existing mines expand. But how will the industry cope as labour demand exceeds supply? Ten years ago, getting a job in the resources sector looked a little different. Dump truck tickets and other driver-operator skills were in high demand; the work was tough, but for those lucky enough to land a gig, a lucrative wage would await them. Then came the downturn – everybody felt the sting – with many skilled workers leaving the industry for good during a jobs drain. But commodity prices have now recovered, and a construction boom has returned, meaning…

Brightstar delivers golden DFS

Brightstar delivers golden DFS

Brightstar (ASX: BTR) has delivered a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Menzies and Laverton gold projects in WA, outlining up to $461m in pre-tax cash flow. The initial production target spans 6.4mt at 1.81g/t of gold for 338,528oz over a five-year mine life, underpinned by the declaration of 4mt at 1.63g/t of gold for 210,500oz of open pit ore reserves. Main activities considered in the DFS include open pit mining operations at the Lady Shenton deposit in Menzies and the Lord Byron and Corkwell Tree deposits at Laverton. Also included is the upgrade of the company’s Laverton Gold Plant to a nameplate throughput of 1mtpa capacity. Outlined in the DFS is a defined, low-risk route to production that generates…

Hancock Prospecting remains the most successful private company ever in Australia, and one of the most successful private mining companies in the world.

Rinehart unveils mega-miner merger

Hancock Prospecting is uniting two of WA’s iron ore giants, Roy Hill and Atlas Iron, under a new banner as part of a major operational reform. The rebrand, effective as of July 1, will see the companies combine strengths and experience as Hancock Iron Ore. Roy Hill is one of Australia’s leading iron ore miners, shipping more than 64mt annually to overseas steelmaking markets and employing more than 2,800 workers. Atlas Iron was acquired by Hancock in 2018 and has since accelerated its growth, now mining and exporting more than 10mt of iron ore annually. Together, Roy Hill and Atlas have delivered more than $11.5b in royalties and taxes to the WA Government, supporting many local businesses and communities. Hancock…

Centurion coal backed by Queensland Government

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Centurion coal backed by Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has declared a $662m extension proposal of Peabody Energy’s Centurion coal mine as a coordinated project.

US closer to unlocking critical minerals cache

US closer to unlocking critical minerals cache

The US Government has expedited permitting for several proposed mining projects across the country as the nation strives to gain independence in the critical mineral circuit. One of the world’s most significant undeveloped copper deposits, the Resolution copper project, is getting a green light for fast-tracking. The joint venture between Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and BHP (ASX: BHP), 45% and 55% owned respectively, is anticipated to be the largest copper mine in North America. The proposed underground mine has the potential to meet up to 25% of the US copper annual demand once operational, producing nearly 20Mt of copper over its anticipated 40-year life. Rio and BHP have been in the process of permitting the mine since 2013 and continue…