PLS Group, formerly Pilbara Minerals, has signed a two-year offtake agreement with Chinese firm Canmax Technologies for spodumene concentrate supply from the Pilgangoora operation in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Under the deal’s terms, PLS will supply 150,000 metric tons annually for two years, with an option to supply additional volumes each year, and the agreement can additionally be expanded for…
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Unlock power of skilled migration to reverse mining’s talent crunch
The following is an op-ed from Minerals Council of Australia chief executive officer Tania Constable. It has been edited only for clarity and style. The power of Australia’s skilled migration system must be unlocked to give skilled migrants a bigger part in reducing a looming talent crunch in the nation’s minerals industry. The Minerals Council of Australia has outlined a…
Read MoreNRW wins Rio Tinto bulk earthworks contract
NRW Civil & Mining secured a bulk earthworks contract by Rio Tinto for its West Angelas Sustaining Project (WASP) in Western Australia, marking another important milestone in NRW’s long-standing partnership with the miner. The contract, valued at A$175 million, encompasses the bulk earthworks to provide access to five new mining satellite pits at the West Angelas operation, which includes haul…
Read MoreAustralian government launches Critical Minerals Prospectus
The Australian government has launched the new Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus, including 49 mines and 29 midstream critical minerals processing projects ready for investment. The Prospectus is an important tool for drawing in investment from around the world, to create jobs and new supply chains of critical minerals with partner nations. “Australia’s abundant deposits of critical minerals, alongside the expertise…
Read MoreCiDi, Zoomlion collaborate on fleet
Recently, 40 Zoomlion ZT160HEV hybrid mining trucks equipped with CiDi’s autonomous driving system were successfully delivered to an unnamed coal mine in Xinjiang, China, reported Zhitong Finance. To date, CiDi has deployed over 120 unmanned trucks to the operation. The delivery of these 40 autonomous trucks represents the outcome of deep collaboration and joint efforts between CiDi and Zoomlion. The…
Read MoreBoonray secures BYD investment
Autonomous truck supplier Boonray recently nailed down a RMB 100 million ($14.4 million) investment from BYD that will allow the pair to jointly advance new energy and intelligent technologies across heavy industries. According to CnEVPost, Shanghai-based Boonray Technology and the global new energy vehicle (NEV) and battery technology leader will conduct research and development together to fast-track domestic and international…
Read MoreBougainville rejects Chinese partner for Panguna mine
The Pacific island of Bougainville has rejected a partnership with Chinese miner CMOC to reopen the Panguna gold-copper mine, instead opting to deal with Indian company Lloyds Metals & Energy, reported Reuters. Panguna, formerly operated by Rio Tinto, was once a major export earner for Papua New Guinea but closed in 1989 due to civil war. According to the news…
Read MoreNMR ups ante with Blackjack record gold pour
Australian miner Native Mineral Resources has confirmed a winning start to 2026 with a record gold pour at its Blackjack gold complex in northern Queensland, Australia. NMR said its smelt produced six gold doré bars totalling 1,474.9 ounces on 28 January. It is now counting down to its next gold pour by mid-February. “A 1,475 oz doré pour to start…
Read MoreSandvik wins Australian underground order
Sandvik has received an order for underground equipment from global mining contractor The Redpath Group for deployment at Evolution Mining’s Cowal gold operations in New South Wales, Australia. The order, valued at around SEK 420 million (US$47.6 million), was booked in the fourth quarter of 2025. It consists of underground trucks, loaders and drill rigs. Deliveries are expected to begin…
Read MoreGold Mountain offloads PNG licenses
Gold Mountain has entered into a binding agreement with Golden Crane Mining to sell its exploration licences in Papua New Guinea for A$2 million. Golden Crane will pay a $300,000 deposit, of which $100,000 is only refundable in the event of breach of certain information warranties given prior to the agreement being signed. It will pay a further $1,100,000 following…
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