Tivan upgrades Speewah estimate

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) and Edify Energy have signed two new solar and battery hybrid services agreements (HSAs) to increase the supply of reliable, competitively priced electricity to Rio Tinto’s Gladstone aluminium operations in Queensland. Under the agreements, Rio Tinto will purchase 90% of the power and battery storage capacity generated by the Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations for 20 years. Edify Energy will build, own and operate the projects, with construction due to begin in late 2025 and targeting completion in 2028. Located in Central Queensland, the adjacent Smoky Creek & Guthrie’s Gap Solar Power Stations, will together feature 600MWac of solar and 600MW / 2,400MWh of battery storage. Rio Tinto Australia chief executive Kellie Parker…

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.

Westgold Resources (ASX: WGX) has received final approval for its acquisition of Karora Resources, following a final order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada. The merger was previously approved by the foreign investment review board (FIRB) on July 17 and Karora shareholders on July 19. The transaction is expected to become effective on August 1, with Karora shareholders receiving 1.524 Westgold shares, $0.67 (C$0.608) in cash and .3 of a share of Culico Metals for every Karora share held at the effective time. Westgold expects Karora shares to cease trading at TSX market close on August 2 with Westgold shares commencing trading at TSX market open on August 6.

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) is extending its partnership with the North Pilbara Football League (NPFL) for a further three years in a $90,000 deal. MinRes continue as the League’s major sponsor — with MinRes’ logo adorning umpire uniforms and ground signage — and all finals matches will also continue to be known as the MinRes Finals Series. MinRes will also continue to support the Mineral Resources Community Spirit Award to be presented at the League’s annual awards night. The company has supported delivery of the NPFL since 2022, including the reserves and women’s seasons, as well as providing benefits to member football clubs. The League is home to five clubs — Dampier Sharks, Karratha Kats, Port Hedland Rovers, South Hedland…