Fortescue partnership lifts STEM in Pilbara schools

In his first major strategy update, Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) chief executive Simon Trott shared his plans to cut costs while targeting up to $15b (US$10b) in asset sales.

The Federal Government has opened round 1 of its First Nations Clean Energy Program grants, with the government investing $39.455m over 3 years to support First Nations organisations and groups to build skills, confidence and knowledge in clean energy.These funds are for Advice Grants which will be delivered in two rounds.Round 1 has a total of $8.6m available. Grants of $5,000 to $80,000 are available and funding can be used for training, planning and professional advice.The Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water says the grants support community leadership, meaning First Nations peoples decide what advice is needed.The grants are aimed at supporting goals set out in the First Nations Clean Energy Strategy (FNCES) and the Closing the Gap agreement.The FNCES has three main goals: power First Nations communities with clean energy, enable equitable partnerships and achieve economic benefits with First Nations peoples.Round 1 of the Advice Grants will be open for six months or until funds are exhausted.

Electrical workers across BHP’s (ASX: BHP) Pilbara operations have voted to continue their industrial action, with bans on overtime and on-call work extended indefinitely.The action began on April 16 and marked the first strike in the Pilbara this century.Electrical Trades Union (ETU) WA secretary Adam Woodage says electrical workers want BHP to negotiate honestly and fairly to reach an agreement.“For more than a year we have been urging BHP to meaningfully negotiate with us,” Mr Woodage said.According to the ETU, WA Premier Roger Cook has made observations that negotiation is the path to a fairer, safer and more productive industry.“The message for BHP is this: It’s time to make a deal,” Mr Woodage said.The Australian Mining Review has reached out to Premier Cook and BHP for comment.

Industry mourns the passing of Tim Picton The family of Tim Picton has confirmed his death, after he spent more than three weeks in hospital following an alleged assault in Perth.Mr Picton served as Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) strategy director after joining the company in 2022 following a distinguished career in senior political and government roles across Australia.MinRes says Mr Picton made an immediate impact working alongside senior leaders, current and prospective partners as well as government, industry and community stakeholders.His extensive industry knowledge and acumen helped drive significant MinRes projects, partnerships and transactions, which strengthened the company and delivered positive outcomes for its people, partners and communities.MinRes managing director Chris Ellison expressed profound sadness at Mr Picton’s passing and extended heartfelt condolences to his family on behalf of everyone at the company.“Tim was an exceptionally talented and dedicated leader whose enthusiasm, drive and brilliant mind will leave a lasting legacy at MinRes,” Mr Ellison said.“He inspired those around him and his loss will be devastating for colleagues across our business.“Tim was a trusted colleague and a friend whose insight and advice I valued greatly. His loss is deeply felt and I will miss him enormously.”CME chief executive Aaron Morey says Mr Picton was remembered foremost for the way he treated people — with integrity, generosity and genuine care for others.“Tim brought warmth, honesty and thoughtfulness to everything he did, and those qualities were felt well beyond the boardroom,” he said.“During his time on the CME Board, Tim made a significant contribution to the organisation and to the WA resources sector, always guided by a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.”South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas extended heartfelt condolences to Mr Picton’s brother, South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton.“At this incredibly difficult time, our Government and our Parliamentary team will wrap our arms around Chris and his loved ones and offer every support we can,” he said.“Tim was highly respected across the Labor movement nationally. He served with distinction in Federal, South Australian and Victorian Labor Governments, and later as Western Australian State Secretary and Campaign Director during the 2021 WA State Election and the 2022 Federal Election campaigns.“Tim will be remembered with great warmth, respect and affection by those who had the privilege of knowing him.”