Extension approved for Dartbrook mine

Pinnacle Minerals (ASX: PIM) is expanding its global footprint in the technology and defence sectors with the acquisition of eight critical minerals projects in the US. This acquisition marks the company’s entry into the US critical mineral landscape with the aims of positioning the company to benefit from emerging government policy in both the US and Australia. It follows recent developments in international critical minerals policy, including China’s further tightening of export controls on critical minerals on October 9 and the Federal Government’s advancement on a $1.2b critical minerals strategic reserve. The projects encompass highly prospective antimony, gold and silver projects across historical mining jurisdictions, including six claim blocks in Idaho and two claim blocks in Washington state. The Idaho…

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.”

Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS) has opened applications for its annual Community Grants program, inviting community organisations in Port Hedland and surrounding WA communities to apply for funding of up to $10,000. PLS chief sustainability officer Sandra McInnes says the support of community-driven initiatives in creating lasting positive impact is incredibly important. “Our commitment to shaping tomorrow extends far beyond our role in the clean energy transition — it encompasses our responsibility to the communities where we operate and the people who call the Pilbara home,” she said. “Through the Community Grants program, we’re empowering local organisations to drive the initiatives that matter most to their communities, whether that’s enhancing educational opportunities, building community resilience or supporting the energy transition.” Since…

Hancock Prospecting and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) will invest $1.2b each to develop the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in the Pilbara region of WA.