A predicted “mini gold rush” in Western Australia, combined with skyrocketing iron ore prices, is renewing optimism about the state’s long-subdued economy. The price of gold in Australian dollars has reached a record high, hitting $2,000 an ounce for the first time last week. The precious metal also broke through $US1,400 ($2,014) an ounce for the […]
Scott Morrison Pledges to Cut Red Tape for New Mines
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has pushed regulators to improve approval timeframes and reduce regulatory costs instead of ‘making things worse’. “This in a region where iron ore mining has been taking place for decades and is relatively low risk,” Morrison, in a speech at the Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said. “Take […]
Wind, Solar and Battery to Power WA Mine
Second-hand wind turbines, solar and a battery will combine to power a remote mine in Western Australia, in a claimed first-of-its kind project supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. The deal will see ARENA providing $3 million in funding to Port Gregory Wind Farm to build grid-connected wind, solar and lithium-ion battery project in […]
Chalice Moves to Exploit WA Nickel Discoveries
Chalice Gold Mines is set to secure a significant nickel sulphide exploration opportunity in the west Kimberley region of Western Australia after acquiring North West Nickel. The target acquisition is a private nickel explorer that holds a portfolio of exploration projects, including the Ruins project, which is adjacent to the nickel sulphide discoveries recently reported […]
Rio Tinto Launches ‘World’s Biggest Robot’
The mining sector’s robot love affair hit its crescendo on Friday on the Dampier Peninsula as iron ore giant Rio Tinto officially launched its Autohaul driverless train. More than a decade of work and $940 million went into turning 200-odd locomotives into ‘the world’s biggest robots’. From the outside the locomotives are imposing, but some […]
Australia’s First Automation Course Launched at WA TAFE
Australia’s first nationally recognised course in automation was launched in Perth on Wednesday morning. The qualifications have been more than a year in the making and will be taught at Perth’s South Metropolitan TAFE from August and piloted for Year 11 and 12 students at four high schools across the state. The Certificate II was […]
Shell Completes First LNG Shipment from Prelude Facility
Shell has made its first shipment of liquified natural gas from the Prelude floating liquified natural gas (FLNG) facility in offshore Western Australia. Shell, which runs the FLNG operation alongside its joint venture partners INPEX, KOGAS and OPIC, announced the shipment will be delivered by the vessel Valencia Knutsen to customers in Asia. The Prelude […]
Rinehart Seeks Green Light on New Iron Ore Mine
Gina Rinehart’s Atlas Iron is seeking a green light to develop a new iron ore project in Western Australia and looking at the potential of mining other deposits as prices spike in the wake of Vale production woes. Atlas, owned by Mrs Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting, has sought approvals from WA’s Environmental Protection Authority for development of […]
Big Miners Urged to Join FIFO Suicide Prevention Cause
WA’s big mining companies are being urged to join a drive to stop suicide among fly-in, fly-out workers, who are more at risk of mental illness than the rest of the population. FIFO Zero has been created by FIFO worker Blake Wood and personal development expert George Helou, who want to take a program that […]
West Wits Mining Secures Exploration Licence for Mt Cecelia Project in WA’s Pilbara Region
Mt Cecelia project is on the boundary between the world class copper-gold rich Paterson Province and the Pilbara Craton. West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI) has been granted the exploration licence for its Mt Cecelia Project in WA’s Pilbara region, allowing the company to advance the project. The Mt Cecelia project overlies the geological contact between […]