Worker dies at Rio Tinto copper mine

By Chloe Coutinho

Friday, 13 March 2026

NewsPeople & Workforce

An employee of a contracting company has died following an incident at Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Kennecott copper mine in Utah.

The MOU supports Metallium’s plan to develop a national network of e-waste processing facilities, strategically located near major e-waste collection hubs, rapidly expanding U.S. data centre industrial parks and regional industrial corridors with strong logistics and waste generation.

(Image source: MinRes) Operating from a dedicated MinRes Air Terminal at Perth Airport, this in-house service enables a smooth and timely transition from arrival to boarding

MinRes Air introduces new routes

MinRes Air introduces new routes Mineral Resources’ (ASX: MIN) in-house airline, MinRes Air, has launched new services from Perth to Kalgoorlie alongside existing services from Perth to Wodgina. The new routes will support transport of employees and contractors to the Mt Marion lithium operation. MinRes Air chief executive Graeme Taylor says the new services are another important step forward in transforming the FIFO experience for employees. “From a dedicated terminal to generous legroom on board, every detail is about ensuring comfort, reliability and efficiency for those who keep MinRes’ operations...

The BHP and POSCO collaboration is focused on research and development, demonstrating performance and evaluating the feasibility of the HyREX technology at scale.

BHP and POSCO partner up on ‘near zero emissions’ tech

BHP and POSCO partner up on ‘near zero emissions’ tech BHP (ASX: BHP) and POSCO have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) advancing POSCO’s hydrogen reduction ironmaking technology (HyREX). The technology eliminates the sintering and coking processes used in conventional integrated steelworks operations. It consists of a hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) production process using fluidised bed reactors (FBR) and an electric smelting furnace (ESF) process for melting the reduced iron. Trials are planned to be undertaken utilising BHP’s Pilbara iron ore at POSCO’s HyREX demonstration plant in Pohang, South Korea — which,...

(Image source: BHP) The contract award follows extensive engagement with BHP’s major projects, procurement, commercial and Copper South Australia teams.

BHP awards major copper contract

BHP awards major copper contract BHP (ASX: BHP) has awarded an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract to a joint venture between Fluor Australia and Hatch, to support the proposed expansion of its copper smelter and refinery facilities in South Australia. The contract will be executed in stages as BHP progresses towards a final investment decision on the smelter and refinery expansion in H1 FY27 and through to subsequent construction. The first stage of EPCM activity represents more than $40m investment to lead overall strategy and planning through the project’s study phases. BHP group procurement...

Before heading to Fortescue’s Pilbara operations, leaders were taken on an On Country Experience which showcased Busselton’s rich First Nations history and culture.

Fortescue brings opportunities to Busselton

Fortescue brings opportunities to Busselton Fortescue (ASX: FMG) has expanded its Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) program to Busselton, WA. The VTEC program provides sustainable career pathways for First Nations people and is a key part of Fortescue’s training and development strategy. The program is delivered throughout WA in Perth, Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland and now Busselton. Fortescue Metals chief executive Dino Otranto says the program is backed by community support. “Fortescue is a leader in its commitment to providing opportunities for First Nations people and the success of the VTEC program...