Boyne smelter secured to 2040

By Chloe Coutinho

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

NewsProjects & Operations

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and the Federal and Queensland Governments will invest $2b to secure the future of the Boyne aluminium smelter in Gladstone.

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.

Through the new joint venture, PSOCO will hold an indirect 15% stake in each of the mines.

Economics & Commodity PricesNewsProjects & Operations

MinRes sheds its stake in lithium business

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) will sell a 30% stake in its operational lithium business to POSCO Holdings for $1.2b (US$765m).

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC works smelter in Kitimat, Canada as part of a CA$135m investment to improve operational reliability at the site.

NewsProjects & Operations

Rio Tinto commissions new conveyor at Canadian smelter

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has commissioned a new alumina conveyor at its BC Works smelter in Kitimat, Canada as part of a CA$135m investment to improve operational reliability at the site.The 1.1-kilometre system is designed to transport about 800,000tpa of alumina, providing a consistent supply of raw material for aluminium production.The infrastructure is designed with a 50-year operational life replacing current equipment dating back to the 1960s.Rio Tinto says the new system also delivers environmental benefits, with a sealed pipe design reducing particulate emissions by around 40% through improved material containment and fewer transfer points. The recovered alumina can be reintroduced into the production process, allowing for more efficient material handling.Rio Tinto BC Works general manager Simon Pascoe says the project strengthens a critical component of the smelter’s operations.“This project is a key milestone for Kitimat and a strong signal of our confidence in the future of our operations,” he said.Rio Tinto has operated in Kitimat for more than 70 years and continues to invest in its aluminium operations in British Columbia.

The Rhodes Ridge Joint venture partners include Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) 50%, Mitsui 40% and AMB Holdings 10%, who intend to invest a further $225m (US$146m) in exploration between 2026 and 2028 as part of ongoing study phases.

NewsProjects & Operations

Rio-led JV greenlights $294m study

The Rhodes Ridge Joint Venture has approved a $294m (US$191m) feasibility study to progress the first stage of the Rhodes Ridge project.

Sunrise raises $46m for world’s largest scandium mine

NewsProjects & Operations

Sunrise raises $46m for world’s largest scandium mine

Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX: SRL) has successfully raised major capital with its latest share placement to fund pre-construction activities at the Syerston scandium project in NSW.

Westgold says this will establish a top five Australian gold producer.

Westgold and Karora complete merger

Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) and Karora Resources have completed their merger to create a leading mid-tier gold producer and international gold company. This follows Westgold’s acquisition of 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Karora. Westgold managing director and chief executive Wayne Bramwell says this marks the next phase of Westgold’s evolution into a larger, unhedged and well-funded Australian gold producer. “Our value proposition is significantly enhanced with an expanded team, quality operating assets and an enviable pipeline of exploration prospects across two of Australia’s most productive gold fields,” he said. “The merger with Karora upsizes our WA operating platform — an extensive and established asset base that can be increasingly leveraged for free cash generation and growth. “Westgold…

(Image source: PLS) Seizures are one of the leading causes of avoidable hospital visits in the Pilbara, and access to support and education can make a lasting difference for individuals and families managing the condition.

PLS partnering for better health in the Pilbara

With over 800 people affected by epilepsy in the Pilbara region of WA, PLS has invested to help extend Epilepsy Action Australia’s ‘Equip’ program to where it is needed most. In 2024, PLS awarded a community grant to Epilepsy Action Australia (EAA) to help improve access to epilepsy education, resources and support services in the Pilbara region. With support from the company’s community grants program, Epilepsy Action Australia rolled out the Equip program across the region, reaching more than 40 community members and included: One-on-one support for seven local families including seizure management planning, safety advice and home environment recommendations Delivery of four editions of the e360 newsletter to Pilbara residents Epilepsy training for 25 people, covering first aid and…

Operator Tim Lamb from Edgeworth has become NSW’s best Cat® machinery operator following the thrilling State Final of the Caterpillar® Global Operator Challenge, held at WesTrac’s dig pit in Tomago.

NSW Global Operator Challenge winner announced

Operator Tim Lamb from Edgeworth has become NSW’s best Cat® machinery operator following the thrilling State Final of the Caterpillar® Global Operator Challenge, held at WesTrac’s dig pit in Tomago. The 34-year-old, who works with Daracon Group, outperformed nine other finalists in the challenges, designed to test the skill, accuracy and agility of competitors. Tim was crowned state champion and will join WA’s champion Max Harris on an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where they will compete against international operators at the Asia-Pacific Regional Finals in October. WesTrac NSW construction general manager Ryan Boslem says operators competing in the NSW final had to put their skills to the ultimate test across three challenges using three different Cat machines. “This year’s challenge…

Mr Palmer joined in 2019 and was the 10th chief executive in Newmont’s 104-year history. He joined Newmont in 2014 as senior vice president, Indonesia and by 2016, was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Newmont’s Tom Palmer retires

Newmont (ASX: NEM) chief executive Tom Palmer will step down from his role as chief executive on December 31, 2025. Natascha Viljoen, president and chief operating officer, will succeed Mr Palmer as president and chief executive and will also join the board of directors on January 1, 2026. Mr Palmer will serve as a strategic advisor until his retirement on March 31, 2026, to support a seamless leadership transition. Mr Palmer comments on his resignation. “After 12 years with Newmont and almost 40 years in the mining industry, it is time for me to retire and hand over to to lead our company through the next chapter in its storied history,” he said. “It has been a privilege…