Mining

Auteco Minerals is set to ramp-up exploration activities at its flagship Pickle Crow gold project in Canada using funds raised from a $30.4 million share placement.

The state’s iron ore producers could face a long-term threat to their dominance if nascent reserves in West Africa are brought to market.

Bernie Ridgeway led Imdex out of tough circumstances two decades ago and has undertaken more than 20 acquisitions since.

Torian Resources, Avenira and Element 25 have each launched capital raisings today, with the proceeds to go towards gold and manganese projects in Western Australia.

Gold developer Ora Banda Mining has launched a $55 million equity raising following the completion of a definitive feasibility study (DFS) at its flagship Davyhurst project in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields.

Adbri subsidiary Cockburn Cement is expected to cut up to 50 jobs after Alcoa of Australia did not renew its contract to purchase about $70 million of lime each year.

Civmec has secured its second major contract with Fortescue Metals Group, this time to complete the earthworks and concrete package for Iron Bridge.

Metals X is planning to sell its entire copper assets portfolio, including its Nifty operation in Western Australia, following issues with a major shareholder.

Shares in Accelerate Resources were up by as much as 51 per cent today after the aspiring producer announced an exploration review of its Comet gold project.

Salt Lake Potash has secured further project funding with a $10 million strategic investment from Perth-based Equatorial Resources, as part of a broader $15 million raising.

Mining contractor MACA has secured further work with Atlas Iron under a new $230 million contract for services at the Corunna Downs project in the Pilbara.

Sandfire Resources has made changes to its management team and board, including appointing Sally Langer, and refined its strategic focus.

BCI Minerals has completed a definitive feasibility study of its Mardie Salt and Potash project, establishing a positive case for the prospective Pilbara coast mine.

Mining contractor Dynamic Drill and Blast says it will use funds raised from a $5 million initial public offering to tackle a strong tendering pipeline and potentially grow the business in Western Australia’s civil sector.

Paladin Energy has estimated the cost of restarting its Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia to be $US81 million, but says a restart in operations would depend on “the right uranium price”.

GR Engineering Services has signed its third contract this month after securing $29 million in work with Saracen Mineral Holdings for the Thunderbox and Carosue Dam operations in Western Australia.

Australia’s largest mining conference Diggers & Dealers will now be held in October at the Goldfields Arts Centre in Kalgoorlie, as the state relaxes its coronavirus restrictions.

Calidus Resources says it will begin construction for its Pilbara gold project in six months, while Kin Mining and Moho Resources have moved ahead with drill programs for other projects in Western Australia.

Indigenous contractors such as Warrikal, Carey Mining, and Brida illustrate the increasing maturity of the sector.

Mining agreements in the Pilbara have delivered large financial returns to selected Aboriginal groups.

Mining companies and Aboriginal groups face a very different future after the Juukan Gorge controversy and planned legislative changes.

The creditors of Gascoyne Resources have approved a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) recommended by its administrators, ahead of two competing late proposals.

Mineral sands producer Iluka Resources is likely to face lower sales of synthetic rutile in 2020, after disclosing that two customers had failed to take up their agreed volumes.

Contractor NRW Holdings has decided to back a proposed deed of company arrangement by the administrators to Gascoyne Resources after negotiating an increased upfront debt repayment of $7 million in cash.

Perth-based Resource Development Group has won contracts for work on Fortescue Metals Group's Cloudbreak mine and Tianye SXO Gold Mining's Minjar Gold mine worth $26 million.

IGO has backed a $60 million capital raising by nickel producer Mincor Resources, which is planning to restart its Western Australian operations later in the year.

The administrators of Gascoyne Resources have recommended creditors support the planned deed of company arrangement for the gold miner rather than an 11th hour alternative from China’s Hanking Gold Mining.

Calidus Resources is one step closer to commencing its Warrawoona gold project, with the EPA today recommending conditional approval for the prospective Pilbara mine.

Shares in Red 5 tumbled by 34 per cent today after the goldminer cut its production guidance for the current year and revised its future development plans.

Pacific Energy has announced it will partner with Capricorn Metals to develop a gas-fuelled power station for its Karlawinda gold project in the Pilbara region.

Genesis Minerals has bolstered its Ulysses gold project with the acquisition of the nearby Kookynie project for $13.5 million, enhancing its prospects of joining the ranks of mid-tier gold producers.

Engineering consultancy AIE is one of 273 Western Australian small business suppliers to have benefitted from BHP’s local buying program since 2017, with the mining giant spending $38 million in WA through the initiative.