Deep sea mining talks deadlocked

By Samantha Bawden

Monday, 23 March 2026

NewsPolitics & Regulation

International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council negotiations have concluded without the adoption of an agreed upon mining code and without any mining approvals being granted.

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.

Victory Minerals put on notice for second time this year

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Victory Minerals put on notice for second time this year

The Victorian Government has issued Victory Minerals an infringement notice for failing to report a fire for more than two days at its Ballarat gold mine located in Mount Clear.

Australia prioritises military minerals in strategic reserve

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Australia prioritises military minerals in strategic reserve

Australia prioritises military minerals in strategic reserve New details of the $1.2b Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve (CMSR) are emerging with the Federal Government confirming antimony, gallium and rare earth elements as early priorities. The announcement comes as Treasurer Jim Chalmers is scheduled to join a G7 meeting focused on critical minerals in Washington DC this Friday. In recent years, China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector has been a focal point of ongoing geopolitical tensions — particularly affecting G7 countries including the US and Japan. With the development of the CMSR, the Federal Government is looking to leverage its abundant critical mineral reserves to diversify supply chains and shift China’s dominance. “The world needs critical minerals — Australia has plenty of them and our critical minerals reserve will help us weather global economic uncertainty and help to boost trade and investment,” Treasurer Chalmers said. "Ensuring we have a reliable reserve of these critical resources will strengthen supply chains and help to stabilise critical minerals markets.” The CMSR will secure rights to minerals produced in Australia and on-selling those rights to meet demand, giving an added boost to the critical minerals sector and strengthening reliable supply chains for trading partners Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV), the developer of Australia’s largest antimony deposit, has voiced its support of the Federal Government’s plan. Larvotto managing director Ron Heeks says the Federal Government’s prioritisation of antimony validates the strategic importance of the company’s Hillgrove project in NSW. “Australia benefits from having a rich supply of critical minerals with the resources and expertise to produce these minerals responsibly,” he said. “The strategic reserve supports the strong investment into the Hillgrove project and reinforces the importance of progressing final approvals efficiently as we move towards production in mid-2026.” Despite the urgency for diversification, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King says Australia faces a long road to revenue with government seeking support for the industry which faces weak pricing and high startup capital. “ the investment the Government is making in supporting the industry itself will be job-creating, both in the extraction side of the sector, but also in advanced processing and advanced manufacturing into the future,” she said. "There’ll be many upsides, it won’t be revenue upside in the immediate term. “ the outcome is yet to be determined, what we would hope for and have always advocated for is greater cooperation and collaboration with our international partners.” With a similar reliance on antimony, gallium and rare earths, the US has emerged as a major investor in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector following the signing of a $13b critical minerals agreement between the countries in October last year. Minister King says that Australia as a nation is always dependent on international investments to build its industries and, despite the US’ recent interest in pursuing deposits in Greenland, Australia remains the superior choice for US investment. “Australia is recognised around the world as a globally important initiative into mineral exploration,” she said. “In the immediate, short to medium term, Australia is a much more desirable location for extracting and processing minerals.”

Alcoa modernises approvals with Federal Government

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Alcoa modernises approvals with Federal Government

Alcoa (ASX: AAI) will further modernise approvals frameworks for its WA mining activities as the Federal Government reforms its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.Alcoa will undertake a strategic assessment of current and potential future mining areas through to 2045, to provide a holistic view of potential impacts to significant flora and fauna over a broad geographic area and provide stakeholders with greater clarity around the long-term future of mining operations.Operations at the Huntly and Willowdale bauxite mines, both located in WA, will continue while the assessment takes place under a national interest exemption (NIE) granted by the Federal Government.The assessment does not impact the ongoing accredited environmental assessment of the future Myara North and Holyoake mine regions of the Huntly mine under both WA and Federal Government environmental legislation.Alcoa will continue to limit annual clearing to 800ha, increase annual rates of new rehabilitation to 1000ha by 2027 and deliver environmental offsets in accordance with the EPBC Act.Late last year, the Federal Government passed the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025 to streamline decision making and overhaul existing environmental policy.While Alcoa maintains it has operated in accordance with the EPBC Act as it currently stands, it has agreed to pay $55m (US$36) through enforceable undertakings that acknowledge historical clearing. The funding supports the health of the Northern Jarrah Forest, including programs and research that improve habitat for threatened species and control invasive flora and fauna.Alcoa president and chief executive William F Oplinger says Alcoa appreciates the Federal Government’s recognition of the important contributions of its operations to the Australian economy.“We are committed to responsible operations and welcome this important step in transitioning our approvals to a contemporary assessment process that provides increased certainty for our operations and our people into the future,” he said.“We’re proud of our more than 60 years as a leading Australian aluminium producer and the role we are now playing in support of critical minerals production.”Ministerial decisions are expected by the end of 2026 and Alcoa anticipates that mining in these new major regions will commence no earlier than 2029.The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has called for rapid finalisation of workable national environmental standards and bilateral assessment and approval accreditation agreements.According to the MCA, finalisation of national environmental standards, accreditation of all states for both assessments and approvals would be a major step forward for Australian mining companies.MCA chief executive Tania Constable says Alcoa’s decision is a strong example of government working together with industry to arrive at an outcome that is pragmatic and economically sensible while still being focused on improving environmental performance.“This outcome will allow Alcoa to undergo a more rigorous method of assessment while guaranteeing operations and thousands of jobs in the local WA community,” she said.“The recent changes to Australia’s environmental laws will have a significant impact on our sector, and many are still working to understand the impact on their operations.“Faster approvals for mines mean we can deliver the critical minerals and other commodities the world needs quicker, responsibly and more efficiently.”

The class action is being funded by Aristata Impact Litigation Fund. Senior representatives of Aristata have travelled to the Cadia region to meet with impacted locals and hear their stories.

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Newmont hit with class action over ‘toxic trifecta’ claims at Cadia

Newmont hit with class action over ‘toxic trifecta’ claims at Cadia Landowners in NSW have filed an environmental class action against Cadia Holdings, a subsidiary of Newmont, alleging they have been exposed to pollution from the Cadia mine.Filed by William Roberts Lawyers, the claim alleges pollutants detected on private properties include arsenic, heavy metals and the “forever chemical” PFAS.The lawyers say residents have reported visible contamination in waterways around the mine since around 2024, including the Belubula River, with laboratory testing allegedly showing heavy metals, PFAS and hydrocarbons accumulating in “highly toxic foam”.The claim alleges the chemicals are linked to Cadia’s ore processing and tailings deposited in an open cut pit after the 2018 tailings dam wall collapse.The plaintiffs are seeking compensation, including damages for alleged reductions in property values, and an injunction to restrain further pollution.This isn’t the first time environmental concerns at Cadia have been raised.Community members have previously reported clouds of white dust blowing from tailings facilities, while mining dust from crushing operations at the Cadia East underground mine has also been raised as a concern.Cadia Holdings was ordered to pay more than $400,000 after being prosecuted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for three dust emission offences that occurred between November 2021 and May 2023.William Roberts principal lawyer Oliver Gayner, who previously worked on the $212.5m Federal Court settlement of PFAS-contaminated communities including Williamtown, is acting for the plaintiffs.“For several years the Cadia residents have repeatedly raised their concerns about the detrimental environmental impact caused by this mine,” Mr Gayner said.“They have provided scientific evidence to Newmont and the EPA, but their concerns have not been addressed.“That is why the community are now taking this class action as a last resort. They do not want to close the mine – instead they seek what they were promised, which is a safe and sustainable mine which acts as a good neighbour.”Newmont Cadia confirmed that it had been served with proceedings in the Supreme Court of NSW.“Cadia will respond through the appropriate legal processes. As the matter is before Court, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time,” Newmont said in a statement.“Newmont takes its legal and regulatory obligations seriously and is committed to environmental stewardship.”While Cadia is currently approved to continue operations until 2031, Newmont is seeking approval from the NSW and Federal governments to extend its mining operations for about 25 years.Extending mining beyond 2031 will provide ongoing employment for more than 1500 people, 80% who live locally in Orange, Blayney and Cabonne, according to Newmont.

Fortescue advances WA’s largest solar farm

Industry FocusNews

Fortescue advances WA’s largest solar farm

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has commenced construction at its largest solar development at the 440MW Solomon Airport solar farm in the Pilbara. Anticipated to be completed during 2028, the project is set to become the largest solar development in WA, with about 671,000 solar panels to be installed during the build and will supply about a third of Fortescue’s solar capacity required to achieve its net zero goals. Fortescue metals and operations chief executive Dino Otranto says across the Pilbara, Fortescue is using the region’s sun and wind to generate green power for our sites. “We’re building the solar and wind farms, connecting them through our high-voltage transmission network and backing them with battery storage to provide 24/7 firm power,” he said. “Importantly, each successive solar project is being delivered more efficiently than the last. As technology improves and we gain scale, our installed capital intensity continues to come down — strengthening the economics of replacing diesel and gas with renewable energy.” A proposed 644MW solar farm at Turner River is also anticipated to commence construction later this year. Together with the existing 100MW North Star Junction solar farm, the Solomon, Cloudbreak and Turner River projects will deliver about 1.3GW of solar capacity — equivalent to powering about half a million Australian homes each year. Construction is also underway at Fortescue’s 133MW Nullagine wind farm. Through Pilbara Energy Connect, Fortescue has already constructed more than 480km of high-voltage transmission lines across the Pilbara. Once complete, the network will extend to more than 620km, physically linking Fortescue’s energy assets to its operations and rail network.

Fortescue signs $350m electric drill deal

Fortescue signs $350m electric drill deal

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has confirmed it has signed a $350m major contract with mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc to acquire more than 50 electric drills. This decision is part of Fortescue’s progress towards operating at net-zero emissions. The company has committed to purchasing a fleet consisting of both autonomous electric platform drills and autonomous electric contour drills. The fleet is anticipated to be operational by 2030, aligning with Fortescue’s goal of replacing ageing diesel-powered equipment. The autonomous electric fleet will be operated from Fortescue’s Integrated Operations Centre in Perth, WA and is expected to cut diesel consumption annually by more than 35ML. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says that the company is thrilled to be collaborating with Epiroc to integrate…

BHP backs next wave of exploration and technology talent

Industry FocusNews

BHP backs next wave of exploration and technology talent

BHP backs next wave of exploration and technology talent BHP (ASX: BHP) has selected 10 junior exploration and technology companies for its 2026 Xplor program, marking the largest cohort since the program began.Now in its fourth year of operation, the Xplor program reflects a more connected approach to early-stage exploration, where geological insight, data and emerging technologies increasingly intersect — with collaboration across disciplines central to how discovery evolves.As exploration moves into more remote and geologically complex environments, this intersection of expertise is opening up new possibilities for how mineral systems are understood, tested, and advanced at the earliest stages.BHP Group exploration officer Tim O’Connor says exploration is evolving quickly.“New tools, better data and different ways of working are changing how early-stage ideas are tested and refined,” he said.“This cohort reflects that shift, bringing together explorers and technology developers who are approaching discovery in thoughtful and practical ways. Xplor gives us a valuable opportunity to learn alongside them and explore what discovery could look like in the future.”The cohort was selected based on the strength of their ideas, technical capability and potential to contribute to the long-term supply of future-facing commodities.Each company will receive an equity-free grant of about $717,000 , along with structured learning, mentoring and access to BHP specialists across exploration, technology and commercial functions.BHP Xplor head Marley Palin says the 2026 cohort reflects how broad and dynamic early-stage discovery has become.“We’re seeing exciting ideas emerge across exploration, data and technology, often at the same time and in the same places,” she said.“Bringing these teams together through Xplor creates a unique environment for collaboration, learning and experimentation — we’re looking forward to what this group will explore over the coming months.”Xplor 2026’s successful applicants FrontierX FrontierX is an early-stage uranium exploration company in Canada, formed by two BHP Xplor Year One alumni, Fabian Baker and Andrew Tunningley. Through Xplor, the company is undertaking a preliminary uranium project, focused on testing early geological concepts and building an initial understanding of exploration potential. Litchfield MineralsLitchfield Minerals (ASX: LMS) is an Australian exploration company advancing copper, zinc, lead, silver and gold opportunities in the Northern Territory. Through Xplor, the company is focusing on its Oonagalabi project in the Arunta region, applying modern geophysics and targeted fieldwork to build a clearer picture of a large, underexplored mineral system.Orion MineralsOrion Minerals (ASX: ORN) is an exploration and development company advancing a portfolio of copper and zinc assets in South Africa’s Northern Cape. Through Xplor, Orion is applying modern data analytics and mineral systems thinking across its large tenement package to identify new discovery opportunities beyond known deposits.Otrera ResourcesOtrera Resources is an early-stage exploration company focused on sediment-hosted copper systems. Its Xplor project is centred on advancing new copper targets drawing on the team’s deep regional experience and modern geochemical and geological approaches.PT GeoFixPT GeoFix Indonesia is a multidisciplinary geoscience consultancy supporting mineral exploration across Southeast Asia. Through Xplor, GeoFix is applying its proprietary prospectivity tools and regional expertise to test new porphyry copper-gold exploration concepts in underexplored parts of the Sunda-Banda Arc.Utah Geological SurveyBased in the US, Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is Utah’s primary geoscience organisation, providing authoritative geological data and scientific insight to support resource management and exploration. Through Xplor, UGS is leading a regional mineral systems analysis across the eastern Great Basin, integrating new datasets and targeted fieldwork to improve understanding of mineral potential and make high-quality geoscience data publicly available.RadiXploreRadiXplore is an Australian technology company using artificial intelligence to analyse historical exploration records alongside modern geological and corporate data. Through Xplor, RadiXplore is applying its AI platform to copper exploration, testing how legacy data can be re-interpreted to surface overlooked opportunities and support earlier, more informed discovery decisions.MineuralMineural is a Canadian deep-tech company using artificial intelligence to help exploration teams identify and prioritise mineral targets more efficiently. Through Xplor, Mineural is applying its AI platform, IRIS, to copper exploration, combining machine learning with BHP’s geological expertise to test how AI can support earlier, more responsible discovery decisions.VectOres ScienceVectOres Science is a US-based mining technology company developing non-invasive hydrogeochemical and isotopic tools to support mineral exploration. Through Xplor, the company is applying its water and isotope chemistry platform to test how real-time primary data can help identify and prioritise mineral systems earlier, without reliance on initial drilling.Discovery GenomicsDiscovery Genomics is a Canadian technology company developing DNA sequencing as a new tool for mineral exploration. Through Xplor, the company is advancing its genomics platform for copper exploration, testing how microbial DNA signatures can help identify buried mineral systems in covered and complex terrains.

PLS boosts STEM skills across the Pilbara

PLS boosts STEM skills across the Pilbara

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has partnered with the Centre of Resource Excellence (CoRE) Learning Foundation to enhance STEM education for Port Hedland students. The collaboration will support the delivery of the Powering Tomorrow’s Innovators: Port Hedland STEM Learning Program — a hands-on learning initiative designed to inspire the next generation of innovators and prepare students for future STEM careers. The funding from PLS will see 300 students from Baler Primary School take part in the program and, through interactive, real-world projects, explore the role of lithium and the resources sector in shaping a sustainable energy future. PLS chief people and sustainability officer Sandra McInnes says the landmark three-year partnership represents a meaningful step forward to STEM education in the…