Monash research flags overlooked step in battery recycling

Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) is bracing its Mid-West operations in WA for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle and diesel fuel delivery uncertainty linked to global supply constraints.The combined impact of weather disruption and constrained fuel supply could affect mining and haulage activities for Fenix. To manage the situation, the company is scaling back non-essential operations while prioritising processing and haulage.The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the cyclone could impact the Gascoyne Coast before tracking south through the Mid-West, prompting the Mid-West Port Authority to activate cyclone response procedures which will temporarily close all shipping operations at Geraldton Port.Fenix expects to maintain sufficient fuel supplies in the near-term, supported by existing stockpiles, allowing the miner to continue to process and haul iron ore to the port of Geraldton.Despite these current challenges, Fenix has maintained its FY26 guidance of 4.2-4.8mt of iron ore sales at a C1 cash cost of $70-$80/wmt on the expectation the port operations recommence in early April 2026 and diesel fuel supply conditions stabilise.Fenix said it does not intend to revise its guidance at this stage, as the underlying assumptions for its three-year production plan and Weld Range development strategy remain unchanged.

Brightstar Resources (ASX: BTR) has executed a strategic framework agreement with Aquirian (ASX: AQN) for the supply of all drilling and energetics services at its Goldfields Hub in WA, as the company advances towards near-term production.The agreement has an initial term of up to five years. In addition, Brightstar has initiated a three-year agreement with Aquirian subsidiary Drillforce for the Lord Byron open pit mine. Mining activities at Lord Byron are expected to commence in the second half of CY26.Under the arrangement, Drillforce will deliver an integrated drill and blast solution, incorporating its proprietary Collar Keeper® technology on new Epiroc T45 rigs.Brightstar says the technology is designed to improve blast precision by balancing fragmentation with ore preservation to minimise dilution and enhance recovery.The approach is expected to deliver operational benefits including improved dig productivity, lower load and haul costs and reduced processing disruptions alongside safety improvements including reduced operator exposure during blasting activities.Brightstar managing director Alex Rovira says the agreement aligns with the company’s focus on operational discipline and long-term value creation.“We are excited to be partnering with Aquirian for our open pit drill and blast services for the Goldfields Hub,” he said.“Aquirian’s vertically integrated business provides a strong operational focus on ore preservation during the drill and blast sequence, which is anticipated to deliver material benefits to our open pit mining operations.”Brightstar is targeting first gold production from its Goldfields Hub in mid-2027.

Meeka Metals (ASX: MEK) has commenced installation of an ore sorting facility at its Murchison gold project in WA, targeting increased processing capacity and higher gold production. The upgrade is expected to lift mill capacity by 200ktpa to 800kpta, resulting in a corresponding boost in gold production.  Ore sorting will be applied initially to underground material from the Andy Well deposit, separating higher-grade ore for immediate processing while lower-grade material is stockpiled for later treatment. Test work at Steinert’s facility in Bibra Lake found about 85% of contained gold could be sorted into about 50% of the rock mass, effectively doubling the head grade of Andy Well ore entering the mill. Meeka Metals managing director Tim Davidson says the upgrade represents a low-cost solution to increase production. “We expect this high-return, quick-payback investment to be operational in the September 2026 quarter providing additional processing capacity for ore from our open pits and our second underground mine at Turnberry, commencing in 2026,” he said. Civil works for the $6m upgrade have commenced, with equipment delivery and installation due to begin in the June 2026 quarter. According to the company, the installation offers a faster and lower-cost alternative to expanding the existing processing plant, which would require significantly higher capital investment and longer development timelines. The upgrade is expected to reduce processing costs per ounce, lower tailings volumes and reduce wear on plant equipment by removing waste material before milling. Meeka Metals said further test work is underway to assess the application of ore sorting across other deposits within the Murchison project.