Hermosa moves closer to federal land expansion

South32 (ASX: S32) is continuing its partnership with the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence (PGCNV), a WA organisation dedicated to supporting women and children affected by domestic and family violence. Research by UN Women has found that almost one in three women experience violence in their lifetime — and in 2023 a woman was killed by partners or family members every 10 minutes. South32 chief legal and external affairs officer Kelly O’Rourke says the crisis of gender-based violence is urgent. “There is no excuse for violence against women and girls,” she said. South32 is proud to support organisations which are working to address the causes and impacts of domestic and family violence, such as PGCNV. For more than 30 years,…

Liontown goes fully underground as lithium prices rally Liontown (ASX: LTR) has completed mining at the Kathleen’s Corner open pit, positioning Kathleen Valley as a fully underground mining operation.The annualised underground run-rate of 1mtpa was achieved on schedule, with Liontown now targeting 1.5mtpa by the end of Q3 FY26 and 2.8mtpa steady-state by the end of FY27.Liontown managing director and chief executive Tony Ottaviano comments on the company’s Q2 performance.“The December quarter represented a major operational and financial inflection point for Liontown, with open pit mining completed on schedule and the operation now 100% underground,” he said.“Underground ore production increased by 37% during the quarter, supported by strong development progress and improving operational leverage, resulting in cashflow-neutral operations.“Our US$900/dmt realised price for the quarter, on an SC6 equivalent basis, reflects the timing of offtake pricing, which was largely set prior to the strong rally in spodumene prices late in the quarter.“Pricing strength has continued into 2026, with market conditions now the most favourable experienced since the commencement of production.“With underground production continuing to scale, costs trending lower and higher pricing expected to flow through in coming quarters, Liontown is well positioned to deliver a strong financial performance in the second half of FY26.”Q2 unit operating costs and AISC decreased by 17% and 22% respectively from Q1. Liontown says it remains on track to meet FY26 guidance.Spodumene prices rallied late in the quarter and have remained firm into 2026, improving sentiment across the lithium sector. Now, LG Energy Solution has elected to convert its entire US$250m convertible note holding into an estimated 239 million fully paid ordinary shares in Liontown.“LG Energy Solution's decision to convert their entire holding to equity is a strong endorsement of Kathleen Valley's tier-one quality and our operational execution,” Mr Ottaviano said.“This conversion delivers immediate benefits to shareholders. It simplifies our capital structure, eliminates future interest obligations on the notes, and strengthens our balance sheet — giving us real financial firepower as we scale production, while remaining focused on shareholder returns and disciplined capital allocation.“Importantly, it deepens an already important strategic partnership with LG Energy Solution. LG Energy Solution was instrumental in supporting our transition to producer, and their decision to become a significant equity holder further aligns our interests.“We now have one of the world's leading battery manufacturers as both a cornerstone shareholder and a long-term offtake customer — a powerful combination as we execute on Liontown’s full potential.”Upon completion, LG Energy Solution will hold about 8% of Liontown’s issued share capital, with the shares to be issued within five business days.

Asra Minerals (ASX: ASR) has accelerated preparations for drilling at Kookynie East in WA. This follows documentation from Bullseye Mining and Kalgoorlie Mining Associates, detailing agreement to dismiss all Applications for Forfeiture over the tenements. The tenements are being acquired by Asra to add to its expanding gold portfolio in the Leonora-Kookynie region of WA. Asra executive chairman Paul Summers says this development provides certainty for progressing drilling preparations. “This legal matter, which was unrelated to Asra and largely outside of the Company’s control, has not affected our ongoing planning and preparation for drilling at Kookynie in the very near future,” he said. “The rapid and successful resolution between the two Parties means we can now push forward with our…

Alcoa Australia (ASX: AAI) has opened 18 vacancies across 12 disciplines to university graduates looking to build long?term careers in the mining, refining and smelting sectors.