Mining

A $285 million merger between local companies Dacian Gold and NTM Gold has been approved by the Supreme Court.

Rebounding economies in Europe and the US are good news for WA in light of China’s ongoing trade hostility.

Local businesses SIMPEC and IronMerge have secured their first contract as a joint venture, providing upgrades to Pilbara Minerals' lithium operations in Western Australia.

Emerging producer Salt Lake Potash has secured new backing for its Lake Way project near Wiluna, as part of a $US138 million syndicated debt facility.

The federal government has released details of a 10-year plan aimed at boosting Australia's resources technology and critical minerals sectors.

Strandline Resources says it has secured more than 90 per cent of the forecast revenue for its Coburn mineral sands project in WA, after signing a new offtake agreement with a UK customer.

The Minerals Council of Australia has announced plans for its members to adopt a new system for reporting on safety, environmental and social indicators, including partnerships with First Nations people.

Victoria’s St Barbara has appointed Macmahon Holdings as the new mining contractor for its Gwalia operations near Leonora under a $500 million agreement.

Hancock Prospecting’s Atlas Iron has taken a major step towards launching its McPhee Creek Iron Ore project, referring the proposal to the EPA this week.

Rio Tinto chairman Simon Thompson will not seek re-election at the company’s AGM next year after taking full responsibility over the destruction of ancient rock caves in the Pilbara.

The Labor Party has vowed to spend more than $37 million overhauling the state’s mining data and information system and halving project approval times.

Five large mining companies have separately launched initiatives this week to accelerate a move toward electrification of their mine sites.

Perth-based 92 Energy is planning to become the first pure-play uranium company to list on the ASX in more than a decade, having launched a $5 million initial public offering.

Local drilling business DDH1 is scheduled to list on the stock exchange next week after raising $150 million through its initial public offering.

Australian Potash has secured $140 million in federal government funding to cover more than two thirds of the development costs associated with its Lake Wells project in WA.

Rio Tinto will chip in $20 million for a new hospital in Tom Price in a deal signed before the caretaker period, but announced today.

Lynas Rare Earths has benefited from a favourable commodity market, having grown its net profit from $3 million to $40.6 million in the year to December 2020.

Mining services business Orica has replaced its managing director after revealing a larger than expected impact from COVID-19 on its global operations.

Shares in Sandfire Resources jumped 11 per cent today after the company reported strong growth in earnings and talked up the copper market outlook.

Goldminer Regis Resources has reported a 9 per cent drop in first-half net profit despite recording higher revenue, while halving its interim dividend.

Uncertainty over land claims and protected areas have contributed to Western Australia losing its title as the world’s most attractive jurisdiction for mining investment, a recent survey showed.

Fortescue Metals Group has apologised to an Aboriginal community after clearing a Western Australian site considered sacred, without representatives present.

Bill Beament has thrown his support behind Perth-based copper play Venturex Resources, in a move that involves the Northern Star chairman stepping down from the board in July.

ASX-listed Macmahon Holdings has reported higher annual earnings, attributing the growth to contracted work in its underground mining division.

Perenti’s underlying profitability took a $16 million hit in the six months to December, as COVID-19 and the strong Australian dollar weighed on the mining services business.

BHP and traditional owners are investigating a rockfall at a heritage site near Mining Area C, although the cause is unclear.

Monadelphous has reported a rise in both its first-half revenue and profit but has expressed concern about skilled labour shortages.

Australian exports dropped 9 per cent in January, led by a fall in iron ore shipments after a strong result the previous month.

Hastings Technology Metals is seeking another $44 million to advance its Yangibana project, just days after receiving $57 million for the same purpose.

Four former executives at Rio Tinto were paid a total of $57 million last year, with Sam Walsh and JS Jacques getting the biggest payouts.

Mining contractor MACA has reported revenue of $467.2 million in the first half of the financial year, most of which can be attributed to work in the gold sector.

Perth-based Deep Yellow has secured $40.8 million from investors to progress the development of a uranium project in Namibia.