Rio backs Lifeline WA with $1.8m boost

Lynas Rare Earths CEO to retire after 12 years Amanda Lacaze will step down from her role as chief executive of Lynas (ASX: LYC), having led the company’s shift from a “troubled startup” to the largest rare earths producer outside China.Lynas’ market value has grown about $14.6b since 2014, according to Lynas board chair John Humphrey.“Under leadership, the company’s production and operating footprint has grown and our market value has increased from around $400m in 2014 to $15b,” Mr Humphrey said.“The company was in a very difficult position when took on the role of chief executive.“It is thanks to hard work, drive and tenacity that Lynas is today a leading rare earths producer and critical supplier to global manufacturing chains.”Ms Lacaze will remain with the company until the end of FY25 to enable a smooth transition as the board begins its search process for a new chief executive, considering both internal and external candidates.“It has been a great privilege to lead the company from a troubled startup to an ASX50 company,” Ms Lacaze said.“Having successfully concluded the Lynas 2025 capital investments program and launched the Towards 2030 growth strategy, it is the right time to make this transition.”The announcement comes as Australia refocuses on its previously announced $1.2b Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, with Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers briefing G7 members on new details this week.Antimony, gallium and rare earth elements will be the first minerals targeted by the reserve.Lynas stands as an example of Australia’s potential as a refiner, a crucial component of critical minerals value chains that are significantly concentrated in China.“We are refining right now. Lynas Rare Earths in Kalgoorlie is doing an important stage of this,” Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said.“Lynas Rare Earths from the deposit at Mount Weld is the only Western supplier of rare earths processing at the moment.”In 2025, Lynas emerged as the only commercial producer of separated dysprosium and terbium ex-China after achieving first production at Lynas Malaysia.

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.

A fatal accident involving a contractor has occurred at Nickel Industries’ (ASX: NIC) Hengjaya mine in Indonesia.All operations have since been suspended at the mine pending an investigation by the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources which is expected to commence on March 27.The contractor, engaged by PT Fajar Metal Industry, was working on the construction of transmission lines for the slurry plant and dry stacked tailings facility infrastructure when the fatal accident occurred, according to Nickel Industries.The company said it is cooperating with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and will provide further updates as they become available.Nickel Industries extended its condolences to the contractor’s family, friends and fellow workers and said support is being provided.