WA confidence plunges as BHP, Rio and Fortescue feel iron ore squeeze 

BlackRock stakes a $3b claim in WAIO BHP (ASX: BHP) has entered a binding agreement with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), in relation to the miner’s share of WA Iron Ore’s (WAIO) inland power network. Currently, BHP holds an 85% interest in WAIO. Under the agreement, an entity will be formed to split this interest with BHP controlling 51% and GIP holding the remaining 49%. BHP will pay the entity a tariff linked to its share of WAIO’s inland power across a 25-year period. BHP retains full operational control of WAIO including its inland power structure. BHP chief...

Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has marked the shipment of 8bt of iron ore to global markets from the Pilbara region, 60 years after the company’s first shipment set sail from WA to Japan.

Core Lithium (ASX: CXO) has marked a major milestone in the staged restart of its Finniss lithium operations in the Northern Territory, producing first spodumene concentrate since the restart from its recommissioned processing plant.

Black Cat Syndicate’s (ASX: BC8) Lakewood processing facility has begun processing ore from its Fingals open pit and Majestic underground mines in WA.