Australian Mining
About the Publisher
-----
Contact Information
Email Address-----
Company Phone-----
Address-----
Socials
Facebook-----
Instagram-----
LinkedIn-----
Filters
By Country
186
articles found
View by
Australian Mining
‘World-Class’ Rare Earths Project Boosts ResourceVictory Metals has updated the mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its North Stanmore heavy rare earth elements (HREE) project in Western Australia.
North Stanmore’s MRE now stands at 247.5 million tonnes (Mt) at 520 parts per million (ppm) of total rare earths oxide (TREO), using an economic cut-off grade of 330ppm TREO and scandium oxide, inclusive of high-grade domain of 53Mt at 1012ppm TREO and scandium oxide.
A total of 176.5Mt at 503ppm of TREO falls under the indicated category, representing 71 per cent of the total resource.
The MRE upgrade follows an 5000m infill drilling program that commenced in September 2024. The program focused on areas of the North Stanmore tenure adjacent to the existing MRE, which sat at 235Mt at the time, and up to 9km north.
“This updated MRE reinforces North Stanmore’s status as a globally significant rare earth resource,” Victory chief executive officer and executive director Brendan Clark said.
“With mineralisation remaining open in all directions, the project’s growth potential is significant.
“The expansion of the high-grade zone and an overall mineral resource that has increased to over 247 million tonnes, coupled with a 13.5km strike and consistent high heavy rare earth to total rare earth ratios demonstrates the North Stanmore project’s potential of becoming one of the largest contiguous clay hosted heavy rare earth enriched deposits in the world.”
North Stanmore is rich in HREE, which are essential to produce critical technologies required to support a clean energy transition. It also holds substantial scandium resources, which will be crucial in developing lightweight and durable aluminium alloys used in automotive, aerospace, defence and other high-tech industries.
It is these qualities that made the Geological Survey of Western Australia declare North Stanmore a ‘world-class’ discovery in August 2024.
“This (MRE) update strengthens our strategic position and highlights our ability to deliver sustainable, ethically sourced high-value critical minerals for the global clean energy and defence sectors,” Clark said.
The new MRE will be implemented into Victory’s advanced scoping study, which is expected to be released sometime in the first quarter of 2025.
Victory anticipates the study will “provide insights into the economic and technical feasibility of North Stanmore”.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Golden Quarter For Genesis And Ora BandaGenesis Minerals has achieved a record-breaking December 2024 quarter, producing 57,055 ounces (oz) of gold at an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $2202/oz.
The company has accelerated its ‘ASPIRE 400’ growth strategy with the early restart of the Laverton mill, which is set to enhance Genesis’ production outlook and enables the company to remain debt-free while funding growth initiatives.
“We are meeting or exceeding all our key production and financial targets and we are well-placed to achieve our 325,000oz (per annum) goal ahead of the FY29 (2028–29 financial year) schedule,” Genesis managing director Raleigh Finlayson said.
Genesis restarted the Laverton mill in October 2024, six months ahead of schedule under its five-year plan.
With the mill already operating at its three-million-tonnes-per-annum (Mtpa) nameplate capacity, Genesis has upgraded its FY25 production guidance from 162,000–188,000oz to 190,000–210,000oz.
To achieve ASPIRE 400, Genesis is ramping up underground mining at the Ulysses mine, progressing approvals and stakeholder agreements at the Tower Hill project, and initiating high-grade open pit mining at the Hub deposit.
Genesis invested $31.9 million into growth and exploration during the quarter and has $130 million in undrawn financing facilities to maintain financial flexibility. Gold price protection mechanisms covering 151,500oz ensure stability amid market fluctuations.
Genesis closed the quarter with $237.5 million in cash and equivalents, representing a cash build of $96 million.
Ora Banda
Ora Banda Mining also released its December quarterly report, marking an increase in cashflow and operational resilience.
The company produced 22,973oz during the period, bringing its first-half of FY25 output to 47,300oz.
Gold sales of 22,288oz helped Ora Banda lift its cash balance to $57.8 million, a $9.1 million increase from the prior quarter. This is despite $30.8 million being invested into growth projects and exploration.
Ora Banda managing director Luke Creagh highlighted the milestone success of the Riverina underground operation, which delivered full payback within just 18 months of commencing production.
“It is a testament to the quality of Riverina underground that it has paid itself back in just 18 months and is now delivering strong cashflows, which will self-fund Ora Banda’s production outlook towards 150,000 ounces in the 2026 financial year,” Creagh said.
“With Sand King underground progressing on schedule, we have also reached an inflection point whereby the higher-grade feed from Sand King will progressively fill the Davyhurst mill, paving the way for production and cashflow to increase and costs to reduce.
“As the business strengthens and the results start to come through on our exploration programs, we will be in a position to rapidly advance any additional opportunities that exist in our portfolio.”
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Northern Minerals: A Dazzler Of Rare EarthsThe Western Australian Government will pay for up to 50 per cent of an exploration drilling program to be conducted by Northern Minerals, a rare earths explorer, as per the Exploration Incentive Scheme.
The Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) is an initiative that was created by the WA Government in April 2009 that aims to encourage exploration in the state for the long-term sustainability of its resources sector.
EIS will pay up to $180,000 to co-fund Northern Minerals’ drilling program, which will take place at the Browns Range rare earths project in the east Kimberley region of WA.
The program is designed to test for structurally controlled hydrothermal feeder systems with associated heavy rare earth mineralisation below the Dazzler deposit, located 15km south of Browns Range’s Wolverine deposit.
Dazzler was previously drilled between 2018 and 2020 to define its current inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE), which is 0.21 million tonnes (Mt) at 2.33 per cent total rare earth oxide (TREO) for 5000 tonnes (t) TREO reported above a cut-off grade of 0.15 per cent TREO.
“The new drill program includes five holes, each of between 200m and 250m depth for an overall total of 1150 metres of diamond drilling,” Northern Minerals said.
“All required approvals were received, with drilling having now commenced.”
Browns Range is poised to become a major producer of dysprosium and terbium, two highly sought-after magnet materials used for the momentum of electric vehicles, wind turbines and specialist defence applications.
Northern Minerals is finalising a refreshed definitive feasibility study for Browns Range.
The company has also increased the MRE for Wolverine, which has increased by 13 per cent in tonnes to 7.3 Mt at 0.96 per cent TREO for 70,500t of contained metal tonnes. A total of 5Mt at 1.13 per cent TREO for 55,400t of TREO falls under the measured and indicated categories.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Supagas’ Competitive Edge: Balancing Compliance, Quality And AgilityCompliance is the backbone of the energy industry, and ensuring businesses adhere to stringent safety and legislative standards is more vital than ever.
Supagas national compliance manager Paul Gordon has been a key figure in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector for over two decades. His extensive experience, coupled with a deep understanding of industry standards and legislation, has enabled him to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s approach to compliance, safety, and advocacy.
“I’m the conduit between the legislation and standards and our business,” Gordon said, highlighting his role in ensuring Supagas complies with federal and state legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes.
His work also involves serving on Standards Australia and other industry committees to keep LPG at the forefront of energy policy discussions.
Supagas’ commitment to quality is a core value. Gordon emphasises that the company’s Dandenong site adheres to ISO 9001 standards, ensuring their products and services consistently meet customer needs.
“We continuously review our quality management systems to ensure they are effective and up to date,” he said.
This focus on quality allows Supagas to maintain the highest safety standards while delivering reliable energy solutions.
In addition to overseeing compliance, Gordon plays an active role in Supagas’ advocacy efforts. The company collaborates with industry bodies like Gas Energy Australia (GEA) to address regulatory challenges and shape government policies, ensuring LPG remains a viable energy solution in an evolving landscape. This advocacy is crucial for addressing concerns about the future of LPG and ensuring its benefits are recognised in policy discussions.
Supagas’ success is not just a result of meeting regulatory standards but also its agility in the marketplace.
“Our agility is one of our top strengths,” Gordon said. “Supagas can respond swiftly to customer needs, offering flexible options in pricing and services.
“We pride ourselves on our ‘Yes we can’ approach. If you have an order that needs to get done in a hurry, we will make that happen.
“With Supagas, customers will get what they need without unnecessary delay.”
Gordon also highlights Supagas’s commitment to continuous improvement.
“We regularly measure and monitor our performance to identify areas for innovation and improvement,” he said.
These reviews help Supagas stay competitive and responsive to the changing needs of its customers.
As the energy landscape evolves, Supagas remains committed to maintaining its leadership in the LPG industry. Through Paul Gordon’s leadership in compliance, advocacy, and quality assurance, the company is well-positioned to continue providing reliable and efficient energy solutions, ensuring LPG retains its place in Australia’s energy future.
For more information on how Supagas can support energy needs with flexible, reliable LPG solutions, readers can visit their website.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Bhp Potash Academy Welcomes First CohortBHP and Carlton Trail College showed off its first cohort of trainees as part of the new BHP Potash Academy.
Thirteen trainees undertook an on-site orientation at the Jansen potash mine site in Canada this week and will be commencing classes at the BHP Potash Academy, located in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, on January 20.
The paid traineeship runs for eight months and equips those new to the mining industry with essential capabilities required at Jansen, including skills needed for production and maintenance technician roles.
The college program comprises classroom, theory learning, and practical workshop training to provide students with real hands-on experience.
Trainees will earn a certificate at the completion of the program, ‘Mining Essentials, an Applied Certificate in Industrial Mechanics’, and will earn a permanent full-time role at Jansen.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Carlton Trail and are thrilled to welcome the Potash Academy’s first cohort,” BHP general manager of operations Graham Reynolds said.
“The launch of Potash Academy is an important milestone that will support the long-term success of Jansen and economic growth and participation in the region.
“We look forward to working with this great group of trainees who bring diverse experience that they can apply to BHP and the mining industry.”
Carlton Trail College president and chief executive officer Amy Yeager said the launch of this new partnership between the college and BHP is bridging the gap between workforce needs, classroom learning and the real-world application of skills.
“We look forward to delivering this unique initiative that will shape the future of both training and industry,” she said.
Minister of advanced education Ken Cheveldayoff said BHP is a strong partner that supports Carlton Trail College and other post-secondary institutions in developing a skilled and representative workforce.
“This partnership is a clear demonstration of the success that comes from Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions working with key industry partners to create training opportunities that meet the needs of students and employers in the region,” he said.
BHP anticipates there will be around 5500 jobs created during the construction of the Jansen mine and 900 long-term jobs once operational.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Bhp And Lundin Mining Finalise Key Copper AcquisitionsBHP and Lundin Mining have completed their joint $CAD4 billion ($4.48 billion) acquisition of Filo Corp., a Toronto Stock Exchange-listed mining company.
The acquisition’s completion means BHP and Lundin Mining now hold a 50 per cent stake in Filo Corp. and its Filo del Sol (FDS) copper project located in the Atacama region of Chile.
Before the acquisition was completed, Lundin Mining owned 100 per cent of the Josemaria copper project in the Vicuña district of Argentina. BHP has now acquired a 50 per cent interest in Josemaria from Lundin Mining.
The companies will now form a 50:50 joint venture (JV) encompassing the FDS and Josemaria, Vicuña Corp. It will act independently from BHP and Lundin Mining and will be responsible for the management of the projects.
“BHP is pleased to be partnering with Lundin Mining in the Vicuña joint venture, an exciting new copper growth opportunity for both companies,” BHP chief executive officer Mike Henry said.
“Leveraging the complementary capabilities of Lundin Mining and BHP, the development of Vicuña’s projects aims to deliver substantial value to shareholders, as well as to other stakeholders. The projects will be developed and will operate in line with international industry standards.
“BHP is one of the world’s leading producers of copper, a metal essential to global economic growth, the energy transition and to the rapidly growing demand for data centres to support the harnessing of artificial intelligence.”
The acquisition was first announced in July 2024. BHP paid $CAD2 billion ($2.24 billion) in cash for the Filo acquisition, or $CAD33 ($37) per Filo Corp. share, and Lundin Mining paid $CAD877.8 million ($983 million) in cash and 94.1 million Lundin Mining shares.
BHP paid Lundin Mining $US690 million ($1.1 billion) for its interest in Josemaria.
BHP owns and operates many prominent copper mines around the world, chief among them the Escondida mine in Chile, which is the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes.
BHP owns and operates many prominent copper mines around the world, chief among them the Escondida mine in Chile, which is the world’s largest producer of copper concentrates and cathodes.
Escondida helped increase BHP’s copper production by four per cent in the September 2024 quarter.
Adding FDS to its Chilean portfolio will allow BHP to grow its presence in the region and further increase its copper production, which it sees as a kingmaker commodity as nations turn to net-zero technology and a green economy.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Rio Tinto Rides Copper WaveRio Tinto enjoyed a significant boost to copper production in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024 due to strong progress made at the Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine in Mongolia.
Q4 2024 saw 202,000 tonnes (t) of copper produced across Rio’s operations, up 26 per cent from Q4 2023.
This increase can be attributed to Oyu Tolgoi’s continued ramp up and higher grades at Escondida, where grades improved from 0.83 per cent copper in 2023 to 0.99 per cent copper in 2024.
Q4 Pilbara iron ore production was down one per cent compared with Q4 2023 as Rio faces depletion across its Western Australian operations, particularly at Yandicoogina and Paraburdoo.
The company did enjoy iron ore productivity improvements of 10 million tonnes in 2023, but this wasn’t enough to offset depleting mines.
Q4 bauxite production was up by two per cent, driven by the implementation of the Safe Production System, delivering record annual production at Amrun and Gove.
“Our operating performance in 2024 was good, consistent with our ongoing commitment to strengthen the business as we execute our strategy to deliver profitable growth,” Rio Tinto chief executive Jakob Stausholm said.
“The implementation of our Safe Production System has again contributed to greater consistency across key operations, including our iron ore assets in the Pilbara and our bauxite operations in Australia, where Amrun and Gove achieved record annual production.
“We are making strong progress in delivering organic growth from our major projects. The Oyu Tolgoi underground copper mine in Mongolia continues to successfully ramp up, while the Simandou high-grade iron ore project in Guinea and our Western Range mine in the Pilbara are on schedule for first production this year.”
At Simandou, once the Simfer mine, with which Rio is a part owner, commences production this year, it will ramp up to a production profile of 60 million tonnes per annum across two-and-a-half years.
As for lithium, Rio’s Rincon project in Argentina achieved significant milestones during the fourth quarter, with first lithium delivered and an expansion greenlit by the Rio board. This will see a 57,000-tonne expansion plant built to accompany Rincon’s 3000-tonne starter plant.
First Rincon production is slated for 2028.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 16, 2025
Australian Mining
Arafura Locks In Another $200M For NolansArafura Rare Earths has signed a $200 million binding term sheet with the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) for its flagship Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory.
The NRFC was established by the Federal Government and has $15 billion to invest in seven priority areas, with value-add in resources being one of them.
Value-add in resources refers to investing more in Australia’s mining industry to ensure the country can meet the growing demand for critical minerals such as rare earths.
“Rare earth minerals are strategically important resources that are crucial to modern economies and the global transition to net-zero,” NRFC chairman Martijn Wilder said.
“Arafura’s Nolans project demonstrates the enormous contribution that Australia can make to the global supply of rare earth minerals and the considerable opportunities for Australia to add value to the raw materials that it mines.”
Funds from the NRFC will be issued through unsecured convertible notes, which will have a seven-year conversion period and a two-year non-convertible period.
The convertible notes will convert into fully paid Arafura ordinary shares at a fixed conversion price, which will represent a 40 per cent premium to the reference price.
This will be determined by the future equity raising required to fully fund and develop Nolans, which is expected to be announced close to the project’s final investment decision. If the convertible notes don’t convert to shares, the margin on the coupon will increase by three per cent.
Arafura managing director Darryl Cuzzubbo welcomed NRFC’s backing, saying it de-risks the equity funding required for Nolan’s development.
“I am immensely proud to confirm a $200 million commitment from the NRFC, which demonstrates the strategic and economic importance of Nolans to the Northern Territory, and Australia more broadly,” Arafura managing director Darryl Cuzzubbo said.
“On behalf of the board and management of Arafura, I would like to thank both the NRFC and the Commonwealth Government for their continued support and look forward to the next steps of achieving a final investment decision on Nolans project in the first half of this year.”
Arafura has also secured almost $900 million from Euler Hermes Aktiengesellschaft, $840 million from the Federal Government, up to $US300 million ($484 million) from Export Development Canada, up to $US150 million ($242 million) from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, and $US775 million ($1.25 billion) from commercial lenders and export credit agencies – all of which will go towards developing Nolans.
Nolan will include a mine, process plant and related infrastructure. The project is aimed at mining the rare earth elements neodymium and praseodymium, two highly sought-after magnet materials.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 15, 2025
Australian Mining
Od6 Acquires One Of Australia’S Highest-Grade Copper MinesThe historic Gulf Creek copper project in New South Wales has a new owner, with OD6 Metals acquiring the asset for cash and shares.
After reviewing over 40 potential new projects, OD6 entered binding documentation in October 2024 to acquire the license over the copper mine and its surrounding area near the town of Barraba.
OD6 managing director Brett Hazeldon said the project was last mined over 100 years ago, between 1896 and 1912, with very high grades averaging between 2 to 6.5 per cent within the three main lodes.
“Exploration prospectivity is immense as there has been no modern exploration of substance since the mine closed, with only two drill holes completed more than 60 years ago,” he said.
“We intend to apply modern exploration technologies and have identified the linkage between copper and magnetite in the shallow historic workings.
“Based on a review of a recent 2021 drone magnetic survey there is potential for over 10km of untested magnetic VMS (volcanogenic massive sulphide) target horizon.”
Hazeldon said copper is rapidly becoming a critical mineral in Australia, with NSW recently announcing a royalty deferral program for developing critical minerals projects.
“OD6 is committed to rapidly advancing this early-stage prospect and the opportunity to build a larger copper-focused portfolio,” he said.
To test the area in and around the historical workings, a phase one exploration program has been designed and is fully permitted to commence during early 2025.
A 14-hole, 1500–3000m diamond or reverse circulation drill program is set to take place, along with the investigation of downhole geophysics within 100m of drill holes.
The company will also consider re-processing induced polarisation and drone magnetics with the latest modelling techniques, and conduct a new drone geophysical survey across the whole tenement.
The Gulf Creek acquisition involved a $50,000 cash deposit, a $150,000 payment upon completion, and the issuance of six million shares in OD6.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 15, 2025
Australian Mining
Boorara Becomes Australia’S Latest Gold ProducerHorizon Minerals has achieved its first gold pour at the Boorara project near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
The gold was poured on January 14, marking Horizon’s transition into gold production.
An ore sale agreement with Norton Gold Fields’ Paddington mill will see the processing of 1.24 million tonnes of Boorara ore from four open pits grading 1.24 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold. Horizon will target 49,500 ounces of gold production over an 18-month period.
Boorara was approved for development in July 2024 and has seen approximately 56,654 wet metric tonnes at 0.8g/t gold delivered to the Paddington mill last December and this month.
Open-pit mining continues safely across the project, though operations experienced delays due to water truck repairs required for dust suppression.
These issues have since been resolved, enabling uninterrupted progress at the Boorara pits as further stockpiles are prepared for haulage.
Horizon managing director and chief executive officer Grant Haywood expressed excitement at the company’s entry into gold production.
“We are delighted to become Australia’s newest gold producing company in 2025, we have a mineral resource of 1.8 million ounces across our projects and (are) developing a sustainable gold production pipeline which includes numerous projects that are ready for a final investment decision, such as Penny’s Find and the Cannon projects,” he said.
“With the cashflow we expect to generate from Boorara and our other advanced projects, we will seek to use this production pipeline to feed a refurbished Black Swan mill after completion of our proposed merger with Poseidon Nickel.”
Payments from the first stockpile of gold production are expected to commence around January 21, supporting the development of Horizon’s wider project portfolio.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 15, 2025Australian Mining
Pilbara Minerals Among $34 Million In Wa GrantsThe Western Australian Government has allocated $34 million to three clean energy projects through its Investment Attraction Fund (IAF).
Pilbara Minerals, POSCO, Port Hedland Iron and International Graphite are among the IAF recipients, with forms part of the WA Government’s clean energy plan to diversify the economy and set the state up for the future.
“WA is on track to become a global clean energy powerhouse, to keep our economy for the long term and create the jobs of the future,” Premier Roger Cook said.
“These projects are at the cutting-edge of the global energy transition – whether it’s reducing emissions from steel or producing the batteries the world needs for a clean energy future.”
The Port Hedland Iron project, from POSCO and Port Hedland Iron, has been awarded $15 million as it aims to decarbonise the steel manufacturing supply chain through the production of low-carbon hot briquetted iron for export to the Asian market.
Pilbara Minerals has been granted $15 million for its demonstration-scale plant that incorporates an industrial-scale electric spodumene calciner to convert critical mineral concentrates into high-value battery precursors.
International Graphite has been awarded $4 million as it advances its mine-to-market strategy through its Springdale graphite resource and Collie downstream processing facilities. The grant will help develop the next stages of technology and processes required to produce graphite products for the energy transition.
The funding is part of the WA Government’s IAF New Energies Industries funding stream, which also granted $26 million to two carbon capture and storage projects in November.
The IAF was initially established to support new investment in WA, creating more local jobs and contributing to a more diversified economy.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 15, 2025Australian Mining
Envirostream To Recycle Batteries From WooloogaEnvirostream has signed an exclusive battery recycling agreement with Hithium, a global energy storage solutions provider.
The agreement officially commenced on January 1 and is for an initial three-year term with a two-year optional term.
It will see Livium, Envirostream’s parent company, recycle lithium-ion batteries supplied by Hithium to Lightsource bp’s Woolooga solar farm in Queensland.
As per the agreement, Livium will receive a fee for discharging, dismantling and processing Hithium batteries and for supplementary services such as battery transport services, condition assessments and tailored services.
Livium managing director and chief executive officer Simon Linge welcomed the agreement, describing it as Livium’s first step in supporting renewable project clients in Australia and diversifying its sources of recyclable lithium-ion batteries.
“This agreement with Hithium, further demonstrates our ability to partner with leading global lithium-ion battery manufacturers,” Linge said.
“The Woolooga project is a great representation of the scope of renewable energy projects which are being developed nationally, and we see further scope for our recycling services for other projects. We thank Hithium for their partnership and look forward to providing quality services for them.”
Hithium provides Woolooga with 128 units of five-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system, also known as Bess, containers based on its specialised prismatic 314 ampere hour cells.
“The Woolooga project represents a significant step for Hithium in establishing a foundation for future energy storage initiatives in Australia,” Hithium president of global business Mizhi Zhang said.
“Sustainable disposal of our BESS products is key to our sustainability objectives, and we are delighted to partner with Livium, who have a proven track record of safe battery disposal.”
Envirostream locked in several exclusive recycling agreements throughout 2024, including deals with Infinitev, Hyundai Glovis, LG Energy Solution, Volvo Group Australia and Industrea Mining Equipment.
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.mining
Jan 15, 2025