Mines & Minerals
20 October 2024
New green iron consortium launches in South Australia
A new consortium, Green Iron SA, has been launched to accelerate South Australia's green iron industry. The consortium, comprising Magnetite Mines, GHD, Aurizon, and Flinders Port, aims to harness the state's Braemar iron region and renewable energy capacity. The project involves fast-tracking the Razorback iron ore project to create a secure supply of high-purity magnetite, followed by the production of direct reduction grade pellets and direct reduced iron for export from Port Pirie by the early 2030s. The consortium is seeking partnership with the government to enable critical infrastructure for the new green iron industry.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/new-green-iron-consortium-launches-in-south-australia/
SA’s Hillgrove gets a golden boost
Hillgrove Resources has reported a 138% increase in contained gold and a 96% increase in contained copper at its Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia. The mineral resource estimate (MRE) for Kanmantoo now sits at 19.3 million tonnes grading at 0.77% copper and 0.14 g/t gold, containing 150,000 tonnes of copper and 82,000 ounces of gold. Hillgrove also released its maiden ore reserve for 2024, which amounted to 2.8Mt grading at 0.91% copper and 0.15g/t gold, including 1.1Mt proved at 1.01% copper and 0.04g/t gold.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/hillgrove-gets-a-golden-boost/
6 October 2024
Australian Rare Earths granted approval
Australian Rare Earths (AR3) has secured approval for its second Exploration Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (EPEPR) at the Overland uranium project in South Australia, expanding the exploration area by 773 km². The company has awarded a drilling contract to Wallis Drilling and plans to begin its first phase of drilling in mid-October 2024, targeting high-priority uranium prospects. Additionally, AR3 reported a significant 27% increase in the mineral resource estimate at its Koppamurra rare earths project, with the updated resource now standing at 236 million tonnes at 748 ppm total rare earth oxide.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/australian-rare-earths-granted-approval/
World-class Titanium discovery in South Australia
A new high-grade titanium discovery has been made in South Australia. Emerging explorer Petratherm made the discovery at its Muckanippie project near Coober Pedy, confirming the presence of titanium ore minerals in historic drill core. Samples returned grades ranging between 10 and 50 per cent titanium dioxide less than 10m from the surface. Drilling will continue to expand the discovery, which has the potential to be transformational for the company. Titanium is a critical mineral with growing global demand.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/world-class-titanium-discovery-in-south-australia/
8 Sept 2024
Honeymoon uranium ramp-up hits key milestone
In July and August 2024, a total of 72,516 pounds (lbs) of uranium were produced at Boss’ Honeymoon project in South Australia. The commissioning of a second NIMCIX column is currently underway at the project, which Boss managing director Duncan Craib believes will help the mine reach its production target of 850,000lbs for the 2024–25 financial year (FY25).
https://www.australianmining.com.au/honeymoon-uranium-ramp-up-hits-key-milestone/
BHP details plans for SA copper expansion
BHP is making progress in its copper production efforts in South Australia, following a recent announcement by the South Australian Government. The State Government has disclosed that it has initiated the application and assessment process for BHP's proposed smelter and refinery expansion at Olympic Dam, which aligns with BHP's strategy to potentially double copper production in the region over the next decade.
https://www.australianmining.com.au/bhp-advances-smelter-and-refinery-expansion-in-sa/
Marmota has initiated gold drilling activities at Campfire Bore in South Australia.
Marmota has initiated its inaugural drilling campaign at the Campfire Bore project, located approximately 30km west/north-west of its flagship Aurora Tank gold discovery in South Australia’s Gawler Craton. The company has scheduled 165 reverse circulation (RC) drillholes, covering a total of 16,500m, to investigate extensive gold anomalies in calcrete within a trend measuring about 1.4 km by 250m. It is noteworthy that the ground has not been drilled since 2018.
3/09/2024
Turning point:” Share of coal in Australia’s main grid falls below 50 pct for first time
The share of coal power, which has traditionally been the largest source of generation in Australia's main grid, has fallen below 50% over a whole week for the first time. Industry observers are hailing this as a "turning point." Although the share of coal has remained stubbornly high over the past decade, it still remains at more than 56% over the last 12 months, down from its peaks of nearly 90% in the early 2000s.
23/08/2024
South Australia's strategy for sustainable iron and steel production
South Australia's Green Iron and Steel Strategy, a part of the government's State Prosperity Project, outlines the vision to position South Australia as the preferred partner for decarbonized steelmaking. The objectives of the strategy include enhancing South Australia's comparative advantage, establishing local green steel industry foundations, and ensuring a sustainable, long-term industry with shared prosperity.
https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/industry/green-iron-and-steel
South Australian company has made a fresh uranium discovery at Big Lake.
The announcement caused a 13.5% increase in share prices, reaching an intra-day peak of $0.042. By 2pm AEST, over 7.8 million shares had been traded. CEO Greg Hall stated that this marks the first major uranium discovery in South Australia since UraniumSA's Samphire Uranium Project in 2007.
https://mining.com.au/alligator-captures-fresh-uranium-discovery-at-big-lake/
24/06/2024
South Australia backs in its green iron credentials on the world stage
Representatives from some of the world’s largest companies in sectors such as mining, steel, and energy are gathering in Adelaide for a major forum focused on investing in South Australia’s green iron and steel future. The South Australian government has introduced a Green Iron and Steel Strategy aimed at positioning the state as a leader in the global decarbonization of iron and steel. The strategy outlines three objectives and nine key actions that the government will undertake to establish a world-leading green iron industry and supply chain in South Australia. This includes the ambition to facilitate the development of a new hydrogen-based green iron plant in South Australia by 2030 or earlier.
11 June 2024
The first shipment of copper concentrate from Kanmantoo, South Australia has been dispatched
Hillgrove Resources has successfully loaded its initial shipment from the Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia. The first shipment consisted of 10,099 wet metric tonnes of copper concentrate, representing the accumulation of copper production since processing began in February 2024. "Witnessing the inaugural shipment of copper concentrate from the Kanmantoo underground heading to Lianyungang, China, marked a significant milestone for the company," stated Hillgrove's chief executive officer and managing director, Lachlan Wallace. "Achieving the first shipment in less than 12 months since operations commenced at Kanmantoo is a testament to the teams' dedication and demonstrates their ability to achieve the mine's key objectives. As production at Kanmantoo continues to increase to the planned rate, the frequency of shipments will also rise
https://www.australianmining.com.au/first-shipment-off-the-ground-at-kanmantoo/
27 May 2024
SA's big cost advantage to green-light green iron
South Australia is well-positioned to lead the global effort to decarbonize steel production, particularly known as the most challenging sector to reduce carbon emissions. A new study by the Port of Rotterdam and Monash University reveals the economic advantages of exporting South Australian green iron worldwide. Compared to shipping raw materials to Europe, South Australian green iron offers a 21% cost advantage. The Green Iron Supply Chain study emphasizes a significant opportunity for South Australia, showcasing the potential for a local green iron industry to leverage the state's abundant magnetite resources for increased economic benefits.
https://www.energymining.sa.gov.au/home/news/latest/sas-big-cost-advantage-to-green-light-green-iron
20th May 2024
South Australia and California sign historic agreement for clean energy future
South Australia and the State of California (USA) have entered into a letter of cooperation, to advance their joint leadership in renewable energy and clean hydrogen technology. Premier Peter Malinauskas signed the letter with California in the presence of Acting Governor Eleni Kounalakis in Sacramento during his visit to the United States. Both States have agreed to collaborate on developing cutting-edge clean renewable hydrogen projects for green hydrogen production and other low and zero carbon fuels. They also aim to scale hydrogen production for domestic use and export, with cooperation between Hydrogen Power SA and the California Natural Resources Agency and California Energy Commission.
7th May 2024
South Australians to benefit from smart and flexible homes
ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) has announced a $6.2 million contribution towards a $13.8 million pilot project called Energy Masters. The project aims to demonstrate the benefits of demand flexibility, smart appliances, and smart energy management systems in homes. It will trial smart, flexible energy management in 500 South Australian households and aims to strengthen South Australia's position in the global energy transition. SA Power Networks is leading the Energy Masters project, which involves collaboration with the Government of South Australia, retailers, and technology innovators.
23 April 2023
South Australia's critical minerals projects are set to receive $585 million in government loans
South Australia has been actively investing in new 'innovation precincts' to foster the development of new ideas and promote local economic growth. The State Government has a clear vision of establishing South Australia as a leader in innovation within Australia. However, Lachlan Hoy, Managing Director of Innovative Eye Care, believes that the potential extends beyond this goal. He envisions South Australia becoming one of the premier innovation hubs in the world.
Australia's abundant reserves of lithium could play a significant role in fueling the worldwide shift towards electric vehicles.
Miners and environmentalists in Australia have come to a tentative agreement on the need for increased lithium mining, a crucial component in renewable energy batteries. James Brown, the Managing Director, resources firm Altura Mining, humorously remarks on the rarity of experienced lithium miners, drawing from his own background in coal mining. Despite not being particularly concerned about the climate crisis, Brown finds himself applying his expertise to the extraction of a key element for a low-carbon economy. This unexpected convergence reflects an uneasy truce between the opposing factions in Australia's climate debate.
South Australians to benefit from smart and flexible homes
ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) has announced a $6.2 million contribution towards a $13.8 million pilot project called Energy Masters. The project aims to demonstrate the benefits of demand flexibility, smart appliances, and smart energy management systems in homes. It will trial smart, flexible energy management in 500 South Australian households and aims to strengthen South Australia's position in the global energy transition. SA Power Networks is leading the Energy Masters project, which involves collaboration with the Government of South Australia, retailers, and technology innovators.
