Rio Tinto donates $1.5m for Cyclone Narelle recovery

The Victorian Government has issued Victory Minerals an infringement notice for failing to report a fire for more than two days at its Ballarat gold mine located in Mount Clear.

A contractor working at Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville gold mine in Victoria has died following an underground incident on December 5. An investigation is being conducted in cooperation with local authorities to determine the cause of the incident. Agnico Eagle is working with the contractor to ensure support and assistance is provided to the individual’s family during this difficult time. 

The University of Queensland (UQ) has been ranked 5th in the world in the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject for mineral and mining engineering.The QS rankings assessed subject areas at more than 1,900 institutions worldwide, based on academic and employer reputation, research impact and international research collaboration.UQ’s top five ranking reflects the strength and breadth of its mining education, spanning undergraduate study, postgraduate coursework, higher degree research and professional development.Programs at UQ are designed in close partnership with industry to equip graduates and professionals with the skills needed to support safe, productive and sustainable mining operations.UQ School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering Professor Ross McAree says the ranking recognises the university’s strong commitment to sustainability and industry relevance in education and research.“This result reflects the way we design our mining education and research programs,” he said.“They are informed by industry and focused on delivering more productive and sustainable outcomes across the life of mine.“Our graduates and professionals are equipped to tackle today’s challenges, from decarbonisation and automation to safety, environmental performance and community outcomes.”In total, 17 UQ subjects were ranked in the world’s top 50, reinforcing the university’s role in developing the skilled workforce required to drive growth in priority disciplines for 2032 and beyond.UQ Sustainable Minerals Institute director Professor Rick Valneta says the ranking also reflected the impact of UQ’s research led approach to sustainable mining.“UQ integrates world leading expertise across mining, mineral processing, geology, environment, safety, social responsibility and mineral security to support a responsible supply of minerals,” he said.“This recognition highlights the importance of evidence-based solutions and strong collaboration with industry, governments and civil society as the sector transitions to more sustainable practices.”

A worker has died at a quarry in Sheldon following a fatal forklift incident. Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) has confirmed it is investigating the incident and enquiries are underway. “Our thoughts are with the worker’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” a RSHQ spokesperson said.