WA growing critical minerals connections

La Cantera Desarrollos Mineros, one of the country’s leading underground contractors, is commissioning 64 pieces of underground mining equipment from Sandvik Mining. The order includes 23 Toro® LH410 loaders, 19 Sandvik DD311 single-boom development jumbos, 16 Sandvik DS311 rock bolters, three Toro® LH307 loaders, two Toro® LH514 loaders and one Sandvik DD321 twin-boom development jumbo. As well as equipment supply, the order also includes technical support and training provided by Sandvik technicians. Sandvik Mining president Mats Eriksson says the longstanding partnership shares both company’s dedication to technological advancement. “This new equipment order underscores our mutual commitment to safety, reliability and innovation,” he said. La Cantera Desarrollos Mineros specialises in mining development, offering complete mine operation, infrastructure design, analysis, exploration and…

Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR) has officially opened its Kathleen Valley lithium project 680km north-east of Perth, WA. The project is a globally significant, long-life operation and Australia’s first underground lithium mine that is expected to generate jobs and bolster local development. Liontown has already signed offtake agreements with some of the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturers including Tesla, Ford, LG Energy Solution and Beijing Sinomine. With these contracts, the company has secured demand for the project’s initial production and positioned itself as an emerging force in the global lithium supply chain. Boosted by a $15m interest-free loan from the WA Government as part of a broader $150m lithium industry support program, the loan continues to support ongoing…

The Queensland Government has declared the Sugarbag Hill project in north Queensland a prescribed project to fast-track delivery.The $515 million ultra high purity quartz sand project is being developed by High Purity Quartz and is expected to support 600 jobs during construction and 140 ongoing jobs once operational.Ultra high purity quartz is an important material used to make products like semiconductors, specialised glass and equipment needed in advanced manufacturing.Further processing of the critical material is proposed at the Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct south of Townsville, with a pilot facility in Stuart and chemical storage at the Port of Townsville with high-quality quartz sand to also be exported through the port.High Purity Quartz chief executive Stuart Jones says the declaration provides certainty for the project.“This declaration allows us to progress project approvals more efficiently and with greater certainty as we move through the detailed feasibility study and engineering stage,” he said.“It recognises the importance of establishing a Queensland based supply of globally scarce ultrahigh purity quartz sand, which is critical for solar PV silicon wafer manufacturing.”Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last says the project will create hundreds of new jobs in the construction phase and ongoing operational jobs across the value chain.“With the Queensland resources common user facility and Graphinex’s battery anode hub just down the road, we’re committed to building sovereign capacity right across the critical minerals sector,” he said.“We’re serious about cutting red tape, driving faster approvals and delivering certainty to investors so they can get on with creating local jobs.”Subject to approvals, High Purity Quartz is targeting a final investment decision in early 2027 and commencement of construction in early 2028.

The 2026 Epiroc Women in Mining Scholarship is open for applications to female STEM or technology-related fields students in WA.  The scholarship will provide financial support, paid industry experience and professional development opportunities to help one outstanding student take the next step towards a rewarding career in the resource sector.   Designed to support, celebrate and inspire the next generation of women in mining, the scholarship is delivered in partnership between AusIMM and Epiroc.  AusIMM and Epiroc are committed to building a more diverse and inclusive mining industry, investing in emerging talent, creating real opportunities for growth and empowering women to lead with confidence.?  The 2026 scholarship recipient will:?  Represent and inspire others as the 2026 Epiroc Women in Mining Ambassador?  Receive…