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Rare earth elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar elements, including the 15 lanthanides (lanthanum through lutetium) plus scandium and yttrium. They’re critical for modern technologies like smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines, and defense systems due to their unique magnetic, luminescent, and catalytic properties. Despite their name, they’re not particularly rare in the Earth’s crust, but they’re often dispersed and costly to extract in concentrated forms.China dominates global production, accounting for about 60-70% of mined REEs and over 80% of processing, based on recent data. This has raised concerns in the West about supply chain vulnerabilities, especially given export restrictions China has imposed in the past. The U.S., Australia, and Canada are ramping up efforts to develop domestic sources and processing capabilities. For example, the Mountain Pass mine in California is a key U.S. producer, though it still sends much of its output to China for processing.Extraction and refining are environmentally challenging, involving toxic chemicals and significant waste. Recycling rates for REEs are low—less than 5% globally—due to technical and economic hurdles. Prices fluctuate wildly based on supply chain dynamics; for instance, neodymium and dysprosium, critical for magnets, saw price spikes in 2022-2023 due to demand for EV motors.Geopolitically, REEs are a flashpoint. The EU and U.S. have labeled them critical materials, and there’s a push for “friend-shoring” to reduce reliance on China. New projects, like Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths and Canada’s Neo Performance Materials, aim to diversify supply, but scaling takes years.

Mining/Energy/Resources/Culture: Australia and World

August 2025

News

Landman

Oil and Gas Industry: A landman is a professional who negotiates and manages land and mineral rights for oil, gas, or energy companies. They research property titles, negotiate leases with landowners, ensure compliance with regulations, and handle contracts. Landmen can be in-house (working directly for a company) or independent field landmen (contractors who research records and negotiate on behalf of companies).

Certifications like Registered Landman (RL) or Certified Professional Landman (CPL) are offered by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL). Their role is critical in securing rights for exploration and production, often requiring legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and courthouse research.

Cultural References: "Landman" is also the title of a Paramount+ TV series (premiering 2024, with Season 2 set for November 16, 2025), starring Billy Bob Thornton as a West Texas oil worker. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, portrays the oil industry and has gained attention for its authenticity and strong performances.

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

October 29, 2025

Sin City Sydney, Australia
Gold lost more shine!

ASX futures up 11 points or 0.1% to 9049
Wall Street:
S&P 500 +0.3%
Dow Jones +0.3%
Nasdaq +0.8%

Europe:
Stoxx 50 -0.1%
FTSE +0.4%
DAX -0.1%
CAC -0.3%

Australian dollar +0.4% to US65.85 cents

Bitcoin -1.7% to $US112,870

Gold -0.7% to $US3953.27 per ounce
Oil -2.2% to $US59.94 a barrel
Brent crude oil -2.2% to $US64.20 a barrel
Iron ore +0.8% to $US106.00 per ton

10-year yield:
US 3.97%
Australia 4.17%
Germany 2.62%

News Update: (Near Live)

Bitcoin:

New York/Wall St via Mr Wolf!
Oct 28

Cryptos Today: (Near Live)

Moody: Part Corrective! Up Again! Salty. Smiles returning again! Right Chess Move?! Trump Trade Done solid! All That Glitters Not Digital Gold?!

Bitcoin $113,258.08 -0.78%
Ethereum $3,999.09 -3.07%
Tether $1.0002 +0.01%
Binance Coin $1,106.27 -2.66%
XRP $2.6210 +1.07%
Solana $195.14 -1.71%
TRON $0.2957 -0.93%
Dogecoin $0.1945 -3.49%
Cardano $0.6852 -$0.6491 -2.76%

Market part corrective again! Mood: Suspicious! Losing smiles again! Hardcores keep the dream! Never give up! Pivot if required!

Media Man Favs:

(Near Live)
Wall St, New York

TKO Group Holdings Inc $187.45 -0.060 -0.032%
NVIDIA Corp $201.03 +9.54 +4.98%
Formula One Group Series A $87.37 -0.25 -0.29%
Alphabet Inc Class A $267.47 -1.80 -0.67%
News Corp Class A $26.68 -0.070 -0.26%
Netflix Inc $1,102.50 +7.94 +0.73%
Caterpillar Inc $524.47 -2.65 -0.50%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $16.16
+0.13 +0.81%
Tesla Inc $460.55 +8.13 +1.80%
Walt Disney Co $111.65 -0.69 -0.61%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $120.85 -4.59 -3.66%
Meta Platforms Inc $751.44 +0.62 +0.083%
BHP Group Ltd $43.34
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $15.78 +0.14 +0.88%
Elders Ltd $7.23
Rio Tinto Ltd $132.72

News

Oct 28

The crypto market is confused about who to follow

Market Overview

The crypto market cap fell by 1.7% to $3.85 trillion in 24 hours. External conditions are a mixture of new highs in stock indices and a rapid sell-off of gold, confusing cryptocurrency investors. The Trump coin is up about 10% daily, likely fuelled by negotiations in Asia. Zcash, among the day's outsiders, is down 9% but still showing 500% growth over 30 days.

Bitcoin has fallen back to $114K, remaining stuck to the 50-day moving average. At the start of the week, there was an attempt to break out of the range defined by the 50- and 200-day moving averages. The price pullback at the end of Monday does not allow us to declare victory for the bulls. If Bitcoin is still digital gold, this is bad news for buyers.

Ethereum is trading near $4,100. Attempts to break above $4,200 and overcome resistance in the form of the 50-day average on Monday were unsuccessful. Since August, ETHUSD has been on a downward trend with lower local lows and highs. We can only discuss a break in this trend after it consolidates above $4,300.

News Background

According to CoinShares, global investment in crypto funds rose by $921 million last week after an outflow the week before. Investments in Bitcoin increased by $931 million, XRP by $84 million, and Solana by $29 million. Investments in Ethereum decreased by $169 million, and Sui by $9 million.

Bitcoin has returned above the short-term holders' cost basis (STH-Cost Basis), which is a constructive signal for a bull market, according to Checkonchain.

Since mid-October, long-term investors have withdrawn about 62,000 BTC from their wallets. The growth in market supply could hinder Bitcoin's rally in the absence of intense demand, according to Glassnode.

BitMine increased its reserves to 3.3 million ETH, buying 77,055 ETH over the past week. BitMine's total cryptocurrency reserves reached $14.2 billion.
Strategy bought 390 BTC over the past week. The company now has 640,808 BTC on its balance sheet, with a total value of $47.44 billion at an average purchase price of $74,032.

The bankrupt crypto exchange Mt.Gox has postponed the deadline for payments to creditors from 31 October 2025 to 31 October 2026. This is the third postponement of payments, which were initially planned to be completed by 31 October 2023. (FxPro)

News Flashback

Oil prices could fall another 15% by the end of the year

Crude oil prices fell 0.7% on Monday after three consecutive weeks of decline. Global production is growing while global economic growth is slowing, putting pressure on prices. In addition, the risk premium on signing the gas agreement and intensifying efforts to resolve the Ukrainian conflict has begun to decline. At the same time, oil prices are far from oversold, leaving room for further decline in the coming months. Baker Hughes reported on Friday that 418 oil rigs are operating in the US, the same as a week earlier, undermining the recovery trend seen since August. However, America is increasing production efficiency, extracting more oil from each well.

Bloomberg noted that there are now nearly 1.2 billion barrels of oil at sea, a record since the peak in 2020, when US production was at historic highs and Saudi Arabia and Russia were fighting for market share, boasting of their potential.

The current situation strongly resonates with what happened more than five years ago. The latest weekly data showed a record high in daily production in the US, with supplies of 13.64 million barrels per day.

Inventory figures are a stabilising factor. Commercial inventories in the US are at the lower end of the range for the last decade, but they were about the same in January 2020, and six months later, this figure set a new record. However, without a collapse in consumption, such rapid growth should not be expected. The US government may also move to more actively rebuild the strategic petroleum reserve sold off in 2022.

The price of oil has been in a downward channel for just over three years, and at the end of September, it accelerated its decline as it approached the 50-week moving average and the upper limit of the range. The lower limit of this range is now close to $53 per barrel of Brent, with a decline towards the end of the year closer to $50.50 against the current $61.00.

The main scenario for oil is a decline towards $50 in the next 2-4 months. At the same time, the potential for an increase in US inventories is a potential stabilising factor. We assume that the situation with inventories is roughly similar worldwide, excluding the abundance of oil at sea. (FxPro)

News Flashback

Oil Holds Strong Despite Bearish Fundamentals

Weekly data from the EIA noted that the US returned to record oil production rates last week, supplying an average of 13.6 million barrels per day to the market, according to the latest EIA data. The trend towards increased supply began in August, but producers have only now returned to the peak levels recorded at the end of last year. Despite a 5.5-million-barrel increase in US commercial inventories over the past two weeks, inventories stay at the lower end of the range seen over the past decade, leaving considerable room for growth. The same can be said for the strategic reserve, which holds nearly 40% less oil than it did five years ago, before the start of the active sell-off. It is an interesting game in which, on the one hand, the US (the largest oil producer) is increasing supplies, while OPEC+ is increasing quotas on a monthly basis. This extremely bearish combination of factors did not cause oil prices to collapse; it was only because of global trade in currency depreciation that caused precious metals, stock indices, and cryptocurrencies to rise. Oil prices have not peaked in recent weeks .. To be cont .. (FxPro)

News

Gold hits new highs due to political turmoil

Gold is outside the realm of politics.

While currencies and securities depend on the actions of presidents and governments, precious metals do not. Therefore, political turmoil forces investors to use them as safe-haven assets.

The impressive 52% rally in gold started in April with the introduction of tariffs on America's Liberation Day. It continued due to the US government shutdown, the political crisis in France, and the change of leadership in Japan. he rise of gold above 4,000 dollars per ounce is not only the result of the weakness of fiat currencies. There are tectonic shifts in the structure of investment portfolios and fears of financial crises due to government recklessness.

The share of precious metals is growing both in speculators' assets and in the gold and foreign exchange reserves of central banks. The indicator has already exceeded the share of the euro. According to Eurizon Capital, if it equals the share of the US dollar, the price per ounce will soar to 8,500 dollars. The Supreme Court's abolition of tariffs will inflate the US budget deficit. France does not intend to reduce it, and Japan plans to increase bond issuance. All this creates a tailwind for commodity assets. (FxPro)

News

Politics remains the main driver of FX

The US government shutdown did not have a noticeable impact on the dollar's performance last week. However, it did help the stock market to grow slightly by strengthening expectations of monetary policy easing. However, these events pale in comparison to the change in Japan's ruling elite and the resignation of the French prime minister less than a day after the formation of the government in terms of their impact on the currency market. In Japan, Sanae Takaichi was chosen head of the Liberal Democratic Party over the weekend and is on track to become the country's first female prime minister. This event caused the yen to fall 2% to 150.49 from Friday's level before correcting to 149.80 at the time of writing. Takaichi is considered a supporter of aggressive government spending, structural reforms, and soft monetary policy, echoing the basic principles of Shinzo Abe. Overall, she has a more right-wing approach to national policy and is also a supporter of revising Japan's pacifist constitution. The market reaction clearly shows that they are considering Takaichi to be the new prime minister. If she does not change her political views (and she has softened them recently to win the party elections), we should be prepared for a further weakening of the yen, which reached its highest level since 1991 in the EURJPY pair, exceeding 176. However, the single currency is also facing uncertainty today due to a new political crisis in France. Prime Minister Lecornu, who had been trying to form a government for a month, resigned the day after he finally presented his new cabinet. His appointments drew criticism from both left-wing and right-wing allies. The EURUSD fell to 1.1650 at its lowest point on Monday, losing a full cent against Friday's levels. Unlike Japan, where a 2% drop in the JPY was accompanied by a 5% jump in the Nikkei225 index, France's CAC40 lost more than 2% intraday, paring its losses to 1.2% towards the end of the trading day in Europe. The EURUSD stopped its climb in July and has been hovering around 1.1700 all this time, not least because of the political crisis in France. Without it, the single currency would have had a much better chance of exploiting political divisions in the US to its advantage. It would be an exaggeration to call the situation in Japan and France a drama. Still, these events once again emphasise that as soon as the dollar's throne begin.

News

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Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream Match Series; Crack The Code!

Million Dollar Man vs IRS
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Mr Bluey Chipper vs Street Fighter - King Of The Streets Mr Dotcom vs Mr Wiki
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MLW vs everyone
Bulls vs Bears

News

Cryptocurrency Movies
Documentaries

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)
Follows early Bitcoin adopter Daniel Mross, exploring Bitcoin’s origins, its volatile rise, and the community behind it. Great for understanding Bitcoin’s early days and its potential to disrupt finance.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains, and the Future of the Internet (2020)
Directed by Torsten Hoffmann, this documentary dives into blockchain’s broader applications beyond cryptocurrency, addressing scalability and regulatory challenges. Ideal for those interested in blockchain’s transformative potential.

Trust Machine: The Story of Blockchain (2018) Narrated by Rosario Dawson, it explores blockchain’s societal impact, from financial inclusion to voting systems. A comprehensive look at real-world applications.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015)
Traces the history of money and introduces Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative, critiquing centralized financial systems. Features interviews with crypto experts.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Crypto (2019)
A crime thriller starring Beau Knapp, Luke Hemsworth, and Kurt Russell. It follows a young anti-money laundering agent investigating corruption and cryptocurrency in his hometown. Critics note its exaggerated portrayal but praise its entertainment value.

Silk Road (2021)
A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

Feature films often dramatize crypto’s association with crime or scams, sometimes oversimplifying or exaggerating for effect. They prioritize entertainment over accuracy. For a deeper dive, check streaming platforms like Prime Video, Fandango at Home, or YouTube, where many of these are available.

News

Wall Street (Movie)
Wall Street (1987), directed by Oliver Stone, is a drama about ambition and greed in the 1980s financial world. It follows Bud Fox (Charlie Sheen), a young stockbroker desperate to succeed, who gets entangled with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a ruthless corporate raider. Gekko’s mantra, “Greed is good,” drives the story as Bud is lured into insider trading and unethical deals, compromising his morals for wealth and power.

The film explores themes of capitalism, loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own conscience.

Key Details: Cast: Michael Douglas (Gordon Gekko), Charlie Sheen (Bud Fox), Daryl Hannah (Darien Taylor), Martin Sheen (Carl Fox).
Runtime: 2h 6m.
Genre: Drama/Crime.
Rating: R. Box Office: ~$44 million (US).

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess. Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):
Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability).
Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News Flashback

Gold, copper, & silver:

How metals are moving this year

Metal futures have made some pretty dramatic moves lately from safe haven gold to tariff sensitive copper. So let's take a look at the longer term trends. I'm Jared Blikre, host of Stocks in Translation. And I'm going to start by charting some of the moves in Dr. Copper because this is where we have the most zig and zags over the last 25 years. So this goes back to the beginning of the century and we can see right now, we're at $5.51 per pound. That is a record high. But if we go back to the beginning of the century, guess what? Uh we had a little bit of a slump in the wake of the dot com boom and then bust, but starting in 2003, we saw a big rise there. And that was as China actually joined the World Trade Organization or the WTO. That lasted into the global financial crisis. Then we had a pretty big bust in in Dr. Copper, and then we had another rise. And that rise was due to unprecedented stimulus, not only from the Chinese government, but also from the United States government, QE was in force, and then we saw kind of a strong dollar play. That weighed on this metal all the way into the beginning of 2016. The entire world, most of the world indices went through a bear market in 2015, and then 2016, we found the footing. And that was actually the year that Trump won, began his first presidency. And from there, we saw some zig and zags, and then we saw a shock into the pandemic. A couple of, a couple of years of deflation or a semi-deflation, disinflation, that caught up with it in 2022, but then it was off to the races again. And especially with the Trump tariffs now on copper, threatening to be threatening to be 50% on August 1st, we're seeing a lot of front running in this trade. Now, I also want to show you gold futures and I'm going to show you silver as well. And they follow a very similar pattern. We're not seeing the dramatic zig and zags that we did in copper, but we did see the same pattern of China joining the WTO, contributing to that huge rise in price to 1800, almost $2,000 an ounce by the beginning of the global financial crisis. So a little bit of a meltdown there. But in 2016 into 2018, we saw a bit of a rise into the pandemic, a little bit of a whipsaw there, and consolidation over a few years. Again, that 2022 bare market in US stocks that contributed to some deflation and disinflation globally, supply chain chain shocks came into force again, and then we saw this huge rise beginning in late 2023, and we are now at 3353. We've seen a high of as much as $3,500 per ounce. And gold is kind of unique among the precious metals and also the industrial metals, and this is because central banks have been a huge determining force in their buying of it. This is a bar chart that shows central bank buying in tons going back all the way to 2010. And what you notice here is the last three years, 2022, 2023, 2024, all of those had gold being bought by central banks of in the amount of over 1,000 tons. And so that's a pretty big dramatic increase from the prior years. And this has to do with the ongoing dedollarization in China, as well as Russia, but also a host of other countries, even some in western and eastern Europe. So this is a trend that we want to follow. Uh, I want to close out here with silver, and I'm going to just chart the price action. Again, very similar chart to gold and copper in terms of the big movements here. We saw a big price spike into almost $50 per ounce, and that was just as the global financial crisis was getting underway. And then the QE area in 2011, that's when we saw that high. Then we saw a dramatic, dramatic crash into 2016, kind of found its footing, saw a big squeeze in the early pandemic, 2020 was a great year for silver, but then we saw a little bit of a fallout. And again, silver is on the rise here at $38. It's still off of that $50 record high, but it is increasing very quickly. To round out the conversation, I want to just put on a table here. I have all three medals and just kind of grouping them together. I want to display how they are moving with their specific patterns with a trigger, and then to tell you which one of these is featured in these specific criteria. So here, under the pattern, we have acceleration. So that would be an economic acceleration. The trigger would be liquidity. And when that happens, we see all metals benefiting from that. And then when there's a safe haven scare, and that trigger would be a crisis of some sorts, you're going to see gold and silver outperforming the most, kind of leaving Dr. Copper behind. And then here's a bearish one, industrial drags, that affects copper disproportionately here, and the trigger there is typically a stronger US dollar because the US dollar surges when global global industrials tend to drag, and that's because the US is the least dirty shirt in the laundry basket of the world. And then finally here, we have a policy shock. This will affect all three medals, but especially copper and gold here. Um, arguably, the biggest reason is tariffs and debt, and we've seen both of those contribute to silver rising. So we could put all three in that basket as well. But when you put it all together, we have the perfect explosive mix for all three of these metals, including palladium and also platinum, which we didn't get to have time for, but all of these are experiencing huge thrust in 2025. And we'll have to see how these tariffs play out, especially on Dr. Copper with respect to that August 1st deadline. Remember, 50% there. So tune into Stocks in Translation for more jargon busting deep dives, new episodes on Tuesdays and Thursdays on Yahoo Finances website, or wherever you find your podcast. (Transcript from Yahoo! Finance podcast)

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man "Bullish is a mindset"

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

October 2025

October 27, 2025

Monday Money: All That Glitters ...

(Australia to New York, Wall St)

Mining Stocks: (Near Live)

BHP Group Ltd $43.54 +0.30 +0.69%
Fortescue Ltd $20.79 +0.27 +1.32%
Rio Tinto $133.49 +1.67 +1.27%
Northern Star $24.07 +0.37 +1.56%
Evolution Mining Ltd $10.64 +0.14 +1.33%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd $18.37 -0.45 -2.39%
Mineral Resources Ltd $44.93 -0.0100 -0.022%

Gold Price Today: 4,059.70 USD -51.50 (-1.25%)

Recent Trend: Gold has risen approximately 6.42% over the past month but is down 0.79% today.
Year-to-Date Performance: Up about 48.64% in 2025.

The Lead up ...

News Flashback (In Case You Missed It)

Oct 22

Australia

Trump and Albanese Seal $8.5 Billion Critical Minerals Pact Amid Rudd Rebuke

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a framework agreement on October 20, 2025, at the White House, valued at up to $8.5 billion, to enhance supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, including over $3 billion in investments for mining and processing 30 essential metals for defense, technology, and clean energy. The deal aims to reduce reliance on China's dominance in these resources while reinforcing the U.S.-Australia alliance, including AUKUS submarine efforts. During the meeting, Trump publicly confronted Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd over his prior criticisms, stating 'I don't like you either,' prompting varied reactions from Australian officials and widespread social media attention.

News

Albanese hits critical mass

The $US8.5bn ($13bn) critical minerals framework agreement between Australia and the US will result in each country contributing at least US$1bn to critical minerals and rare earths projects over the next six months. They include a gallium project in Western Australia and the Nolans rare earths project in the Northern Territory. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump says the AUKUS alliance will be a "deterrence" to Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. Trump contends that AUKUS will not be needed to defend Taiwan, because he does not think China will invade the self-governed territory. Trump has also ruled out reviewing the current tariffs on Australian imports, stating that the nation "pays among the lowest tariffs"; this includes a baseline tariff of 10 per cent and a 50 per cent levy on steel and aluminium products. (RMS)

News

The Victorian towns poised to benefit from critical minerals deal

Edith Cowan University's Amir Razmjou says Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia will benefit the most from the landmark critical minerals deal with the US, followed by Victoria. Meanwhile, the Victorian government notes that the state has "globally significant" quantities of titanium, zirconium and rare-earth elements, as well as Australia's only operating antimony mine. It adds that growth in critical minerals could "inject billions of dollars of benefits" into regional Victoria; the Gippsland, Wimmera and Mallee regions account for the bulk of the state's critical minerals. However, farmers have warned that developing these deposits must not jeopardise the state's food bowl.

News Flashback

News Lead Up

PM to meet White House mining gurus to help solve crisis

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will attend an event in Washington on Tuesday to mark the 140th anniversary of mining company BHP. US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Security Council adviser David Copley will be present at the event, with both men heavily involved in trying to solve the US's critical minerals crisis. A former executive of US gold, copper and zinc miner Newmont, Copley is viewed as the White House's unofficial mining guru, while Burgum has taken a keen interest in the efforts of BHP and fellow Australian mining firm Rio Tinto to establish a large copper mine in Arizona. (RMS)

News

NuCoal to blight pitch on minerals

There are claims that the cancellation of a coal mining licence by the NSW government in 2014 represents a breach of the Australian-US free trade act. The licence was held by NuCoal, with US investors in NuCoal seeking as much as $500 million in compensation for the cancellation. Nick Farr-Jones, director of Taurus Funds Management, which represents US shareholders in NuCoal, says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should use his trip to Washington and his meeting with US President Donald Trump as an opportunity to compensate the US investors. Farr-Jones says Australia needs to "right this wrong" if the federal government is to have any credibility when it comes to mineral rights. (RMS)

News

Gold Bulls have no choice but to push

Gold's rally to record highs above $4,300 per ounce resulted from a debasement trade. Governments cannot cope with budget deficits, are accumulating debt and demanding that central banks cut interest rates, as in the US, or keep them low, as in Japan. As a result, investors are losing confidence in government bonds and currencies. They are looking for alternatives and turning their attention to precious metals. As a result, gold has been gaining for the last nine weeks, the fifth time in the history of free currency conversion since the 1970s. However, there has never been a 10-week consecutive growth period. The gap from the 200-week moving average also shows the excessiveness of the rally. The spot price at its peak exceeded this line by 90%. There has only been one larger gap once before, in 1980. At the very least, the market needs a technical respite. But historically, its beginning could be the start of a significant multi-year reversal. Now, we are on the side of the bears, but at the same time, we understand that the bulls simply have no choice but to push the price further up, as stopping would ruin the whole game. Each time, gold finds a new driver of growth. In the summer, there were expectations of a resumption of the Fed's easing cycle. To be cont... (FxPro)

News

Rinehart's rare earths shares top $3.5b as Trump needles China

Hancock Prospecting has increased its exposure to the rare earths sector after participating in St George Mining's $72.5m capital raising. The latter had initially sought to raise $40m, but increased this to $50m in response to strong demand from institutional investors. St George subsequently also agreed to issue Hancock with $22.5m worth of shares, lifting the Gina Rinehart-controlled company's stake to around six per cent. St George will use the proceeds of the capital raising to expand its Araxa project in Brazil. Hancock's other investments in the sector include Lynas Rare Earths, Arafura Rare Earths and US-based MP Materials. (RMS)

News Flashback

PM has his work cut out striking rare earths deal with Trump

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is hoping to secure a deal with US President Donald Trump regarding the US getting access to Australia's rare earths, but it may not be as easy as Albanese might hope. The Trump administration is seen as being divided into two camps on the issue, namely the resource nationalists and the economic rationalists, and the first one is currently holding sway. They believe the US should create an end-to-end critical mineral supply chain, and it was probably behind the recent US government investments and equity stakes in US critical minerals mining firms Lithium Americas and MP Materials. The economic rationalists camp believes the US needs the help of its allies to meet its critical mineral needs, at least in the short term, with it being noted it can take more than 20 years to open a new mine in the US. (RMS)

News

Minerals/Politics

Stockpile of critical metals urgent: miners

The federal government aims to establish its $1.2bn critical minerals strategic reserve by late 2026. However, the mining industry has warned the government that it must act more quickly to build the minerals stockpile, contending that another mining nation could potentially trump Australia and become a supplier of choice to defence partners such as the US and Japan. Meanwhile, the industry is believed to have been told that the government may use contracts for difference to set a 'floor price' for critical minerals. The strategic reserve is expected to a priority when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets US President Donald Trump at the White House next week. (RMS)

News

Australian/Asia Pacific News

Rio set to shutter Tomago smelter

The Tomago aluminium smelter's coal-fired power supply contract with AGL Energy is set to expire in 2028, and it faces the prospect of a massive increase in power costs under any new supply agreement. This makes it highly likely that Rio Tinto and its partners in Tomago will permanently shut down the NSW smelter in 2028, unless investment in renewable energy in the state is ramped up significantly in the next few years. The cost of electricity is also a major threat to the future of Rio Tinto's Bell Bay aluminium smelter in Tasmania, with its current supply deal to expire at the end of this year. The Tomago smelter employs more than 1,000 people. (RMS)

News

Ellison loses key ally in MinRes board exodus

Iron ore and lithium producer Mineral Resources has appointed Colin Moorhead and Susan Ferrier as non-executive directors. Their recruitment follows the departure of six members of Mineral Resources' board in recent months; this includes Zimi Meka, whose resignation was announced on Friday. The recent departures mean that only three of the nine MinRes directors who attended its 2024 AGM will front shareholders at this year's meeting; they include embattled MD Chris Ellison, who has previously committed to stepping down by mid-2026. (RMS)

News

Rare earths market splits into light and medium-heavy segments

There are increasing signs that the rare earths market is splitting into two distinct segments, namely light elements such as as neodymium and praseodymium, and medium-heavy elements such as dysprosium and terbium. The Shanghai Metal Market suggests that while demand for light elements remains stable, demand for medium-heavy elements is weak, and procurement teams need to differentiate between these segments when negotiating contracts. US buyers need to cultivate relationships with non-Chinese suppliers, as well as keeping an eye on government equity moves, as Washington's willingness to take direct stakes in projects like Tanbreez suggests future deals are likely.

News

Rio, Japanese in Pilbara mine deal

Rio Tinto has secured state and federal government approvals to develop new iron ore deposits at the West Angelas hub in the Pilbara. Rio Tinto and its Robe River joint venture partners, Mitsui and Nippon Steel, will invest $US733m ($1.1bn) to expand the West Angelas mine, with Rio Tinto to contribute $US389m. The expansion of West Angelas will maintain its annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes. Rio Tinto launched its Western Range iron ore joint venture with China-based Baowu in June, as part of its ongoing commitment to the Pilbara. (RMS)

News

Loophole use in $2.4b gold deal leads to reform calls

Shares in gold miner Predictive Discovery have rallied in the wake of a proposed merger with Toronto-listed Robex. Predictive's shareholders will control 51 per cent of the merged group, although they will not be given a vote on the deal. In contrast, the merger will need to be approved by at least two-thirds of Robex shareholders. The proposed merger has prompted renewed scrutiny of the ASX's listing rules, which allow companies to waive the requirement for a shareholder vote under certain circumstances. Simon Mawhinney from Allan Gray Australia has likened the Predictive deal to James Hardie's merger with Azek earlier this year. (RMS)

News

GoldMining Inc. launches 2025 exploration at São Jorge, Brazil

Comprehensive program targets copper-gold zones; recent drilling hit 2.79 g/t AuEq over 79m, including antimony mineralization. Company also expands land package and updates mineral resource estimates.

News

Nevada Gold Mines deploys autonomous haul trucks

Fleet of 300- and 230-tonne trucks automated using Komatsu's FrontRunner system across U.S. surface operations for efficiency gains.

News

Calls for uranium listing as US goes all out on nuclear power

Shadow energy minister Dan Tehan says White House officials emphasised during his recent visit to the US thart a secure supply of uranium is a priority for the Trump administration. Tehan contends that the federal government should therefore add uranium to its critical minerals list, and include it in any deal with the US for an exemption from its reciprocal tariffs regime. Australia accounts for about one-third of the world's known reserves, although the nation's exports of unenriched uranium comprises just 10 per cent of global supply at present. Tehan recently reiterated that nuclear power will remain part of the Coalition's energy policy. (RMS)

News

BHP salutes Japan 'trust'

BHP's president of its Australian operations, Geraldine Slattery, addressed an Australia-Japan business conference on Monday. She declined to comment on unconfirmed reports that China has banned the resources group's Pilbara iron ore shipments. Instead, she emphasised BHP's "deep" relationship with Japan and the free-trade relations between the two nations. Slattery highlighted the level of trust and transparency in the relationship between Australia and Japan. (RMS)

News

MinRes appoints company secretary

Iron ore and lithium producer Mineral Resources has appointed Sarah Standish as its joint company secretary. Standish will replace CFO Mark Wilson in the role, which she will share with Derek Oelofse. Mineral Resources has released a statement in which it notes that Standish has 20 years of experience in legal, governance, risk and compliance functions at both ASX-listed and international companies in the mining and energy sectors. Her appointment has coincided with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission investigation into corporate governance issues at Mineral Resources. (RMS)

News

Upstart glisters among surging gold miners

The gold price has risen by almost 50 per cent in US dollar terms so far in 2025. This has in turn boosted the share prices of Australian gold producers; Northern Star Resources' market capitalisation has increased by 60 per cent so far in 2025, reaching a record high of $35bn last week. Meanwhile, Westgold Resources' share price rose by 24 per cent last week, lifting its market capitalisation from $4bn to $5.1bn; this followed its announcement of plans to lift gold production by 45 per cent to 470,000 ounces over the next three years. (RMS)

News

Lynas revisited: Can it reclaim its crown in rare earths?

Lynas Rare Earths is one of the few players in the sector outside China with genuine scale, but it is now at a critical juncture. A vertically integrated business model allows Lynas to produce a range of refined products, particularly neodymium and praseodymium. However, its product mix has leaned heavily toward light rare earths, leaving it exposed to pricing volatility. The most notable development in 2025 has been Lynas's breakthrough into heavy rare earths; the company announced its first production of dysprosium oxide in May, followed by terbium oxide at its Malaysian plant in June. This milestone currently makes Lynas the only commercial-scale producer of separated heavy rare earths outside China. Potential risks for Lynas include cost inflation, the ongoing threat of competition from China and uncertainty regarding the future of its licence in Malaysia. (RMS)

News

MinRes scores legal win on port levies

The Supreme Court of Western Australia has ruled that Mineral Resources and its lawyers should be allowed to see details of a controversial agreement between the state government and Chevron. The state-owned Pilbara Ports Authority had sought to block access to the agreement, which requires MinRes to pay a levy for using a cargo wharf and part of a shipping channel that had been dredged by Chevron for its Wheatstone LNG project. Chevron also built the Port of Ashburton, which MinRes now uses to export iron ore from its Onslow Iron project. (RMS)

News

Rare earth magnets have become the new battleground for global power

The unique properties of rare earth magnets have resulted in them becoming strategic assets, and supply chain control is increasingly being viewed as a matter of national security. China dominates the global production and supply of rare earth magnets, and this dependence on China was underlined earlier this year when the nation imposed export controls. Four rare earth magnet factories are currently under construction in the US, but China has been investing in rare earths processing for decades; it also manufactures most of the world's refining equipment and employs most of the specialised technicians, so ending China's dominance is likely to take years. (RMS)

News

BHP Faces Chinese Iron Ore Ban Amid Pricing Dispute:

Reports emerged that China's state-run iron ore buyers have instructed steelmakers to halt purchases of dollar-denominated cargoes from BHP, causing the company's shares to drop 1.8%. This escalates a broader pricing row, with BHP's stock closing at A$41.91 (down 0.73%). Analysts warn of potential supply chain disruptions for Australia's largest exporter.

Rio Tinto Eyes Early Closure of Queensland's Largest Coal Power Station:

The mining giant notified the Australian Energy Market Operator of a potential shutdown of its 1,000 MW coal-fired plant at the Tarong site as early as March 2029—six years ahead of schedule. This aligns with Rio's decarbonization push but raises concerns over energy reliability in coal-dependent Queensland.

Alcoa Permanently Closes Kwinana Alumina Refinery:

The U.S.-based firm confirmed the shutdown of its Western Australian facility after 60 years, citing high energy costs and global oversupply. This impacts 400 jobs and underscores aluminium sector struggles, with WA's government exploring support for affected workers.

Coal Royalty Pressures Lead to Job Cuts:

BHP's closure of the Saraji South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin will eliminate 750 jobs, blamed on royalties eight times higher than 2024 profits.

Anglo American announced further redundancies at its Grosvenor mine and Brisbane office (potentially 1,000+ roles). Queensland's government offers fee relief but resists royalty cuts.

News Flashback

Events

The sector gears up for major gatherings focusing on innovation and investment:

WA Mining Conference & Exhibition: October 8–9, Perth Convention Centre—spotlighting future tech, sustainability, and critical minerals. Expected to draw thousands for networking and demos.

International Mining & Resources Conference (IMARC): October 21–23, Sydney—featuring leaders from 120+ countries, including Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King. Themes include global investment and decarbonization.

Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX):

September 23–25, Adelaide (ongoing as of early October)—showcasing automation and safety, with the Australian Mining Prospect Awards at Adelaide Oval.

News Flashback

Trump seeks equity stakes in critical mineral producers

The US Department of Defense bought $US400m ($607m) worth of shares in rare earths producer MP Materials earlier in 2025. The Trump administration is said to be looking at buying equity-like stakes in other producers of critical minerals, according to executives of Australian mining companies who recently held talks with officials from various US government agencies. Amongst other things, the government is said to be interested in buying stock warrants, which would grant it the right to buy shares in a mining company. The US aims to reduce its reliance on China for minerals that are crucial for defence technology and the energy transition. (RMS)

News

Argonaut tips gold to hit $US4500, lithium revival as supply tightens

The gold price has risen by 45 per cent so far in 2025, and it is currently trading above $US3,800 per ounce. Perth-based stockbroker Argonaut is bullish about the outlook for bullion, lifting its peak price forecast to US$4,500. Argonaut's executive chairman and co-founder Eddie Rigg also anticipates further consolidation in the gold sector. Meanwhile, Rigg expects the lithium price to rebound, arguing that proposed new projects in South America and Africa are unlikely to proceed in the near-term; he notes that they will be capital-intensive, while many are in volatile jurisdictions. (RMS)

News

News Flashback

Profile

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is an Australian-owned mining and agricultural business run by Executive Chairwoman Gina Rinehart and CEO Garry Korte. At various stages of its trading history, the company has been known as Hancock Prospecting Ltd, Hancock Resources Ltd, Hanwright Pty Ltd, Hancock & Wright Ltd, and Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd.

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

The company was founded in 1955 by Rinehart's father, the late Lang Hancock. Hancock Prospecting holds the mineral rights to some of the largest Crown land leases in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Gina Rinehart has disputed accusations that she is an heiress. Through Rinehart's spokesperson and chief financial officer at Hancock Prospecting, Jay Newby, Rinehart has claimed that upon assuming the role of the Executive Chairwoman, she took over a company that was in a perilous financial position with significant debt and major assets mortgages and under threat of seizure.

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Provider Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: X, Google News, Yahoo! Finance

Markets, Cryptos and Culture

October 22, 2025

Sin City Sydney, Australia
Gold losses some shine!

ASX futures down 45 points/0.5% to 9058
Australian dollar at US64.92 cents

Wall Street:
S&P 500 +0.1%
Dow Jones +0.6%
Nasdaq -0.1%

Europe:
Stoxx 50 +0.1%
FTSE +0.3%
DAX +0.3%
CAC +0.6%

Bitcoin +1% to $US111,942

Gold -5.8% to $US4106.32 per ounce
Oil +0.5% to $US57.82 a barrel
Brent crude oil +0.6% to $US61.38 a barrel
Iron ore +0.5% to $US104.00 per ton

10-year yield:
US 3.96%
Australia 4.11%
Germany 2.55%

News Update: (Near Live)

Bitcoin:

New York/Wall St via Mr Wolf!
Oct 21

Cryptos Today:
(Near Live) Moody: Part Corrective! Up Again! Salt Of The Earth In Metals Right Chess Move?! Trump Trade! All That Glitters Not Digital Gold?!

Bitcoin $110,973.53 +0.34%
Ethereum $3,950.73 +0.68%
Tether $1.0004 +0.02%
Binance Coin $1,080.14 -1.40%
XRP $2.4894 -0.12%
Solana $191.27 +1.19%
TRON $0.3237 +0.48%
Dogecoin $0.1995 +0.37%
Cardano $0.6623 -0.35%

Market part corrective again! Mood: Picking up! Suspicious! Regaining smiles! Teeth showing even more now! Hardcores keep the dream! Never give up! Pivot if required!

Media Man Favs:

(Near Live)
Wall St, New York

TKO Group Holdings Inc $186.16 -0.66 -0.35%
NVIDIA Corp $181.16 -1.48 -0.81%
Formula One Group Series C $97.14 -0.88 -0.90%
Alphabet Inc Class A $250.46 -6.09 -2.37%
News Corp Class A $26.38 -0.060 -0.23%
Netflix Inc $1,241.35 +2.79 +0.23%
Caterpillar Inc $524.65 -6.53 -1.23%
Trump Media & Technology Group Corp $15.96 -0.030 -0.19%
Tesla Inc $442.60 -4.83 -1.08%
Walt Disney Co $114.30 +2.29 +2.04%
Wynn Resorts Ltd $121.13 -0.81 -0.66%
Meta Platforms Inc $733.27 +1.10 +0.15%
BHP Group Ltd $44.13 +0.99 +2.29%
Mercedes Benz Group ADR $15.63 -0.040 -0.26%
Elders Ltd $7.54 +0.11 +1.48%
Rio Tinto Ltd $131.89 +1.18 +0.90%

News

Bitcoin: bull market may be in its final stages

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation fell by 3.1% to $3.65 trillion during the day. The bulls failed to push the market above the recent highs of $3.95 trillion, and we are seeing the formation of an active short-term downtrend. This will be confirmed if the next local low is $3.35 trillion. These levels are already below the 200-day average, which will attract the attention of long-term sellers. So, we continue to closely monitor market dynamics near $3.5 trillion, where a meaningful moving average is located.

Bitcoin at $108K has again fallen to its 200-day moving average. It is pointing upwards and is now 30% higher than the levels seen in March-April, when BTC last dipped below it. The spring scenario of prolonged consolidation around a critical line and a further breakout now looks like a hopeful scenario for bulls. However, there are still risks that the first prerequisites for the next prolonged bear market are forming.

News Background

BTC's rebound from its lows is encouraging, but the structure remains fragile. The decline in trading volumes on spot platforms and derivatives markets signals a decline in confidence and demand, according to Glassnode.

According to Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, the recent sharp correction in the crypto market is unrelated to manipulation. According to him, the leading sellers were long-term investors and miners.

Sixty-seven per cent of institutional investors are optimistic about Bitcoin's prospects for the next three to six months, according to a Coinbase Institutional survey of 124 respondents. At the same time, 45% of institutional investors believe the bull market is in its late stages.

Publicly traded companies continue to build up their crypto reserves. Strategy acquired 168 BTC over the past week. BitMine bought 203,826 ETH.

According to Jefferies, in September, the profitability of BTC mining fell by more than 7%, and the daily income per 1 EH/s of hash rate decreased from $56,000 to $52,000. In October, a sharp correction in the asset increased pressure on the economics of its mining. (FxPro)

News

Oil prices could fall another 15% by the end of the year

News

Gold Bulls have no choice but to push

News Flashback

Oil Holds Strong Despite Bearish Fundamentals

News

Gold hits new highs due to political turmoil

Gold is outside the realm of politics.

While currencies and securities depend on the actions of presidents and governments, precious metals do not. Therefore, political turmoil forces investors to use them as safe-haven assets.

News

Politics remains the main driver of FX

News

Pop Culture News

Dream Matches: Fantasy Booking/Sports; Media Man Group Dream Match Series; Crack The Code!

News

Cryptocurrency Movies
Documentaries

Banking on Bitcoin (2016)
Examines Bitcoin’s history, ideological roots, and impact on global financial systems through interviews with pioneers and experts. A solid primer for newcomers.

Deep Web (2015) Narrated by Keanu Reeves, this documentary focuses on the Silk Road marketplace and its creator, Ross Ulbricht, highlighting Bitcoin’s role in dark web transactions.

Bitconned (2024) Explores the Centra Tech crypto scam, detailing how three individuals defrauded investors during the 2010s crypto boom. A cautionary tale about unregulated markets.

Feature Films

Silk Road (2021)
A dramatization of Ross Ulbricht’s creation of the Silk Road, a dark web marketplace using Bitcoin. It explores his rise and fall, blending crime and drama.

Dope (2015) A coming-of-age comedy-drama featuring Bitcoin as a plot device. High schooler Malcolm uses Bitcoin for a dark web transaction, reflecting its early association with illicit activities.

Bonus Mentions

Life on Bitcoin (2014): Follows a couple attempting to live solely on Bitcoin for 100 days, showcasing early adoption challenges.

Bitcoin Heist (2016): A Vietnamese action-comedy about hackers chasing a crypto criminal, blending humor and thrills.

Notes Documentaries are generally more educational, focusing on Bitcoin’s history, blockchain technology, and real-world implications. They’re great for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

News

The film explores themes of capitalism, loyalty, and betrayal, with Bud navigating pressures from Gekko, his father (Martin Sheen), and his own conscience.

Awards: Michael Douglas won the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Notable Aspects:

Gekko’s “Greed is good” speech is iconic, reflecting 1980s excess. Inspired by real-life figures like Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken.

A sequel, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010), continued the story.

Where to Watch (as of 2025):
Streaming: Available on platforms like Peacock or rentable on Amazon, YouTube, or Apple TV (check current availability).
Physical: DVD/Blu-ray via retailers like Amazon.

News Flashback

Gold, copper, & silver:

How metals are moving this year

News

Best Quotes

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin

"Bottoms in the investment world don't end with four-year lows; they end with 10- or 15-year lows." — Jim Rogers

Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful." — Warren Buffett

Media Man "Bullish is a mindset"

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

October 2025

October 8, 2025
(New York, Wall St)

Mining Stocks: (Near Live)

BHP Group Ltd $41.89 -0.070 -0.17%
Fortescue Ltd $19.20 -0.050 -0.26%
Rio Tinto $125.29 +1.11 +0.89%
Northern Star $24.73 -0.060 -0.24%
Evolution Mining Ltd $11.28 +0.030 +0.27%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd $19.55 +0.28 +1.45%
Mineral Resources Ltd $43.63 +1.33 +3.14%

Gold Price: $4,006.68 and set to rise further!

Bonus:

Elders $7.33 -0.070 -0.95%

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6580 USD (down $0.0040 USD)
Iron Ore: $104.10 USD (up $0.35 USD)
Oil Price: $62.04 USD (up $0.24 USD)
Gold: $3,981.26 USD + + + (up $20.48 USD).. and rising!
Copper: $5.0920 USD (up $0.0430 USD)
Bitcoin: $122,184.81 USD (down 2.35%)
Dow Jones: 46,602.98 (down 91.99 point)

News

Rio, Japanese in Pilbara mine deal

News

Iron ore told to clean up its act

BHP is seeking approval for the second major extension of its Jimblebar iron ore hub since it opened in 1989. However, Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority has stated in its assessment of the expansion plans at Jimblebar that BHP and its Pilbara rivals Fortescue and Rio Tinto will find it more difficult to gain approval for future projects if they fail to prove that they can rehabilitate land and waterways after mining has ended. The EPA noted that there is "limited evidence" that big mining companies have successfully rehabilitated any such areas after six decades of mining in the Pilbara. (RMS)

News

Loophole use in $2.4b gold deal leads to reform calls

News

Gold Mining News

Gold prices continue their record-breaking rally, hitting a new high of $3,949.71 per ounce amid central bank buying, geopolitical tensions, and expectations of further U.S. interest rate cuts. This surge is boosting the sector, with miners' stocks outperforming AI-driven chip rallies—gold equities up 135% year-to-date, led by heavyweights like Newmont and Agnico Eagle, whose shares have more than doubled. However, analysts warn of a potential production "cliff" after 2025, with global output peaking at ~3,250 tonnes (105 million oz.) next year before a decline due to dwindling reserves and limited new projects.

News

GoldMining Inc. launches 2025 exploration at São Jorge, Brazil

News

Nevada Gold Mines deploys autonomous haul trucks

Fleet of 300- and 230-tonne trucks automated using Komatsu's FrontRunner system across U.S. surface operations for efficiency gains.

News

Calls for uranium listing as US goes all out on nuclear power

News

BHP salutes Japan 'trust'

News

MinRes appoints company secretary

News

Upstart glisters among surging gold miners

News

Lynas revisited: Can it reclaim its crown in rare earths?

News

October 2025

News Lead Up

October 3

Mining Stocks

BHP Group Ltd $42.12 +0.18 +0.43%
Fortescue Ltd $19.33 +0.13 +0.70%
Rio Tinto $124.88 +0.83 +0.67%
Northern Star $24.41 -0.42 -1.69%
Evolution Mining Ltd $10.98 -0.18 -1.57%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd $18.02 +0.50 +2.88%

Gold Price: $3,856.37 USD (down $9.29 USD)

News

Australia close to minerals carve-out

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April which could allow the US to impose tariffs and other trade restrictions on imports of processed critical minerals. The federal government and executives of some Australian producers of critical minerals are increasingly optimistic that Trump will agree to exempt the nation from a tariff on such minerals. Arafura Rare Earths CEO Darryl Cuzzubbo says it is clear that the US wants multiple sources of rare earths and "they want them now". Details of the critical minerals tariff are expected to be announced later in October, around the time when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House. (RMS)

Biz

News: Australia

Optus rings up no tax as miners and banks support the budget

The Australian Taxation Office's latest corporate tax report shows that the nation's largest private and public companies had combined income of $3.3trn in 2023-24. Tax receipts of $95.7bn were slightly lower than the record high of the previous financial year. The mining and energy sector accounted for $48.7bn of the tax take; Rio Tinto topped the list of corporate taxpayers, contributing $6.3bn to government coffers from total income of $52.8bn. Meanwhile, 28 per cent of large companies did not pay any tax in 2023-24; they include Optus, Netflix, JBS and Tabcorp. (RMS)

News

BHP keeps shipping despite China deadlock

BHP has declined to comment on reports that China has imposed a ban on its iron ore shipments from the Pilbara, citing commercial confidentiality. The fact that BHP has not released an ASX announcement on the issue suggests that the resources giant is not unduly concerned, given that listing rules require it to disclose anything that could have a material impact on its shares. Meanwhile, data from marine tracking websites show that bulk carriers loaded with BHP's iron ore and bound for China have continued to leave Port Hedland since reports of the ban emerged on Tuesday. (RMS)

News

New owner should 'sweat' mothballed BHP assets: opposition

Glencore is said to be among the potential buyers of BHP's nickel assets in Western Australia, while Wyloo Metals is believed to have expressed interest in some of them. Glencore currently owns one of the two nickel mines in WA that are still operating; Wyloo in turn suspended production at its nickel mines near Kambalda in 2024, in response to the downturn in the nickel price that prompted BHP to put its Nickel West mines, smelter and refinery in 'care and maintenance' mode. The federal Coalition contends that selling the assets may be the 'next best option' for BHP, and shadow resources minister Susan McDonald says a potential new owner should be encouraged to make better use of the Nickel West infrastructure. (RMS)

News

MinRes scores legal win on port levies

News

Rare earth magnets have become the new battleground for global power

Newsfeed

October 2

Mining Stocks

BHP Group Ltd $41.47 -1.06 -2.49%
Fortescue Ltd $18.94 +0.26 +1.39%
Rio Tinto $122.58 +0.55 +0.45%

News

BHP Faces Chinese Iron Ore Ban Amid Pricing Dispute:

Rio Tinto Eyes Early Closure of Queensland's Largest Coal Power Station:

Alcoa Permanently Closes Kwinana Alumina Refinery:

Coal Royalty Pressures Lead to Job Cuts:

BHP's closure of the Saraji South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin will eliminate 750 jobs, blamed on royalties eight times higher than 2024 profits.

Anglo American announced further redundancies at its Grosvenor mine and Brisbane office (potentially 1,000+ roles). Queensland's government offers fee relief but resists royalty cuts.

Gold Sector Booms on Bullish Forecasts:

ASX gold stocks rallied after UBS and Citi hiked 2026 price targets to US$3,800–$3,825/oz.

Westgold Resources reported a 24% resource increase to 16.3 million ounces in WA.

Genesis Minerals surged 13%, Northern Star 8%, and Evolution Mining 6%.

Critical Minerals Momentum Builds:

Liontown Resources achieved break-even cash flow in its first lithium production year despite low prices.

Mineral Resources (MinRes) acquired assets from Resource Development Group and is refinancing US$700M in debt.

Impact Minerals partnered with Kuniko on a NSW gold-silver-copper project;

Cloudbreak Discovery optioned the Paterson project near Telfer mine.

Northern Minerals' Browns Range rare earths study forecasts an 11-year life at A$592M capex, targeting premiums over Chinese supply.

Fortescue's Green Energy Push:

Andrew Forrest's firm acquired Spanish wind tech company Nabrawind to advance decarbonization. However, a new report doubts full electric haulage by 2030, with diesel emissions persisting until 2035. Joint CEOs could earn up to A$7.5M each in 2025–26 via performance rights.

Santos Takeover Bid Collapses:

A US$36.4B offer from an ADNOC-led consortium failed due to due diligence issues and FIRB hurdles, potentially pushing Santos toward a demerger or merger with Woodside.

Geopolitical Flashpoint:

Trump Stake Proposal Draws Backlash:

Discussions of granting U.S. President Donald Trump stakes in Australian critical minerals firms have sparked outrage, with critics calling it a "disaster" and potentially illegal under foreign investment rules.

Upcoming Events

The sector gears up for major gatherings focusing on innovation and investment:

WA Mining Conference & Exhibition: October 8–9, Perth Convention Centre—spotlighting future tech, sustainability, and critical minerals. Expected to draw thousands for networking and demos.

Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX):

September 23–25, Adelaide (ongoing as of early October)—showcasing automation and safety, with the Australian Mining Prospect Awards at Adelaide Oval.

October 1

BHP stays silent on China's iron ore ban

State-run iron ore trader China Mineral Resources Group is said to have imposed a temporary ban on BHP's shipments of the steel input due to an ongoing dispute over the renewal of long-term supply contracts. The dispute began in mid-September, when CMRG instructed steel mills not to accept delivery of a BHP product known as Jimblebar blend fines or to buy such shipments on the spot market; the ban has now been extended to all BHP iron ore shipments, according to Bloomberg. CMRG was established in 2022 to improve China's ability to negotiate with iron ore miners, and it now represents more than half of China's steelmakers in contract discussions. BHP has declined to comment on the import ban. (RMS)

News

Trump seeks equity stakes in critical mineral producers

News

Argonaut tips gold to hit $US4500, lithium revival as supply tightens

News

Gold rush to the exit at two top miners

Newmont Corporation has advised that president and chief operating officer Natascha Viljoen will succeed CEO Tom Palmer at the end of 2025. Palmer will become a strategic adviser to Newmont before retiring in March 2026. he says it is time to step down after nearly 40 years in the mining industry, including 12 at Newmont; Palmer has been the gold miner's CEO since 2019. Meanwhile, Mark Bristow has resigned as CEO of rival Barrick Gold; Mark Hill has been appointed as interim president and CEO while the company recruits a permanent successor. (RMS)

News

Beetaloo gas to hit market in 2026 with NT pilot project

Tamboran Resources has advised that it will undertake a five-well pilot program at its Beetaloo Basin gas project in the Northern Territory. Tamboran has secured a $179.8m project finance facility from Alpha Wave Global and Macquarie Group, with the NT government to underwrite $75m of this loan. The government has also agreed to buy 40 terajoules of gas per day from the pilot program from mid-2026; gas from the Beetaloo Basin could also eventually be shipped to the eastern states to address looming supply concerns.

Development of the Beetaloo Basin has been opposed by environmentalists and some traditional owners, due to the need to extract gas via fracking. (RMS)

News

News Flashback

Profile Snapshot:

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Provider Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: X, Google News, Yahoo! Finance

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

October 7, 2025
(New York, Wall St)

Mining Stocks: (Near Live)

BHP Group Ltd $42.00 +0.095 +0.23%
Fortescue Ltd $19.20 -0.27 -1.39%
Rio Tinto $124.65 +1.07 +0.87%
Northern Star $24.63 -0.14 -0.57%
Evolution Mining Ltd $11.19 -0.075 -0.67%
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd $19.32 -0.040 - 0.21%
Mineral Resources Ltd $41.92 +0.96 +2.34%

Gold Price: $3,960.78 USD (up $73.98 USD)

Bonus:

Elders $7.34 -0.040 -0.54%

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6620 USD (up $0.0040 USD) Iron Ore Price (SGX): $103.75 USD (down $0.25 USD) Oil: $61.80 USD (up $0.92 USD) Gold: $3,960.78 USD (up $73.98 USD) Copper: $5.0490 USD (down 0.360 USD) Bitcoin: $125,164.50 USD (up 1.99% in last 24hrs) Dow: 46,694.97 at 4.20pm NY time (down 63.31 points)

News

Gold Mining News

News

GoldMining Inc. launches 2025 exploration at São Jorge, Brazil

News

Nevada Gold Mines deploys autonomous haul trucks

Fleet of 300- and 230-tonne trucks automated using Komatsu's FrontRunner system across U.S. surface operations for efficiency gains.

News

Calls for uranium listing as US goes all out on nuclear power

News

BHP salutes Japan 'trust'

News

MinRes appoints company secretary

News

Upstart glisters among surging gold miners

News

Lynas revisited: Can it reclaim its crown in rare earths?

News

October 2025

News Lead Up

October 3

Mining Stocks

Gold Price: $3,856.37 USD (down $9.29 USD)

News

Australia close to minerals carve-out

Biz

News: Australia

Optus rings up no tax as miners and banks support the budget

News

BHP keeps shipping despite China deadlock

News

New owner should 'sweat' mothballed BHP assets: opposition

News

MinRes scores legal win on port levies

News

Rare earth magnets have become the new battleground for global power

Newsfeed

October 2

Mining Stocks

BHP Group Ltd $41.47 -1.06 -2.49%
Fortescue Ltd $18.94 +0.26 +1.39%
Rio Tinto $122.58 +0.55 +0.45%

News

BHP Faces Chinese Iron Ore Ban Amid Pricing Dispute:

Rio Tinto Eyes Early Closure of Queensland's Largest Coal Power Station:

Alcoa Permanently Closes Kwinana Alumina Refinery:

Coal Royalty Pressures Lead to Job Cuts:

BHP's closure of the Saraji South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin will eliminate 750 jobs, blamed on royalties eight times higher than 2024 profits.

Anglo American announced further redundancies at its Grosvenor mine and Brisbane office (potentially 1,000+ roles). Queensland's government offers fee relief but resists royalty cuts.

Gold Sector Booms on Bullish Forecasts:

ASX gold stocks rallied after UBS and Citi hiked 2026 price targets to US$3,800–$3,825/oz.

Westgold Resources reported a 24% resource increase to 16.3 million ounces in WA.

Genesis Minerals surged 13%, Northern Star 8%, and Evolution Mining 6%.

Critical Minerals Momentum Builds:

Liontown Resources achieved break-even cash flow in its first lithium production year despite low prices.

Mineral Resources (MinRes) acquired assets from Resource Development Group and is refinancing US$700M in debt.

Impact Minerals partnered with Kuniko on a NSW gold-silver-copper project;

Cloudbreak Discovery optioned the Paterson project near Telfer mine.

Northern Minerals' Browns Range rare earths study forecasts an 11-year life at A$592M capex, targeting premiums over Chinese supply.

Fortescue's Green Energy Push:

Santos Takeover Bid Collapses:

A US$36.4B offer from an ADNOC-led consortium failed due to due diligence issues and FIRB hurdles, potentially pushing Santos toward a demerger or merger with Woodside.

Geopolitical Flashpoint:

Trump Stake Proposal Draws Backlash:

Upcoming Events

The sector gears up for major gatherings focusing on innovation and investment:

WA Mining Conference & Exhibition: October 8–9, Perth Convention Centre—spotlighting future tech, sustainability, and critical minerals. Expected to draw thousands for networking and demos.

Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX):

September 23–25, Adelaide (ongoing as of early October)—showcasing automation and safety, with the Australian Mining Prospect Awards at Adelaide Oval.

October 1

BHP stays silent on China's iron ore ban

News

Trump seeks equity stakes in critical mineral producers

News

Argonaut tips gold to hit $US4500, lithium revival as supply tightens

News

Gold rush to the exit at two top miners

News

Beetaloo gas to hit market in 2026 with NT pilot project

Development of the Beetaloo Basin has been opposed by environmentalists and some traditional owners, due to the need to extract gas via fracking. (RMS)

News

News Flashback

Profile Snapshot:

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Media Man

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Provider Of The Month' award; Runner-ups: X, Google News, Yahoo! Finance

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

October 2025

October 3

Mining Stocks

Gold Price: $3,856.37 USD (down $9.29 USD)

News

Australia close to minerals carve-out

Biz

News: Australia

Optus rings up no tax as miners and banks support the budget

News

BHP keeps shipping despite China deadlock

News

New owner should 'sweat' mothballed BHP assets: opposition

News

MinRes scores legal win on port levies

News

Rare earth magnets have become the new battleground for global power

Newsfeed

October 2

Mining Stocks

BHP Group Ltd $41.47 -1.06 -2.49%
Fortescue Ltd $18.94 +0.26 +1.39%
Rio Tinto $122.58 +0.55 +0.45%

News

BHP Faces Chinese Iron Ore Ban Amid Pricing Dispute:

Rio Tinto Eyes Early Closure of Queensland's Largest Coal Power Station:

Alcoa Permanently Closes Kwinana Alumina Refinery:

Coal Royalty Pressures Lead to Job Cuts:

BHP's closure of the Saraji South mine in Queensland's Bowen Basin will eliminate 750 jobs, blamed on royalties eight times higher than 2024 profits.

Anglo American announced further redundancies at its Grosvenor mine and Brisbane office (potentially 1,000+ roles). Queensland's government offers fee relief but resists royalty cuts.

Gold Sector Booms on Bullish Forecasts:

ASX gold stocks rallied after UBS and Citi hiked 2026 price targets to US$3,800–$3,825/oz.

Westgold Resources reported a 24% resource increase to 16.3 million ounces in WA.

Genesis Minerals surged 13%, Northern Star 8%, and Evolution Mining 6%.

Critical Minerals Momentum Builds:

Liontown Resources achieved break-even cash flow in its first lithium production year despite low prices.

Mineral Resources (MinRes) acquired assets from Resource Development Group and is refinancing US$700M in debt.

Impact Minerals partnered with Kuniko on a NSW gold-silver-copper project;

Cloudbreak Discovery optioned the Paterson project near Telfer mine.

Northern Minerals' Browns Range rare earths study forecasts an 11-year life at A$592M capex, targeting premiums over Chinese supply.

Fortescue's Green Energy Push:

Santos Takeover Bid Collapses:

A US$36.4B offer from an ADNOC-led consortium failed due to due diligence issues and FIRB hurdles, potentially pushing Santos toward a demerger or merger with Woodside.

Geopolitical Flashpoint:

Trump Stake Proposal Draws Backlash:

Upcoming Events

The sector gears up for major gatherings focusing on innovation and investment:

WA Mining Conference & Exhibition: October 8–9, Perth Convention Centre—spotlighting future tech, sustainability, and critical minerals. Expected to draw thousands for networking and demos.

Asia-Pacific International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX):

September 23–25, Adelaide (ongoing as of early October)—showcasing automation and safety, with the Australian Mining Prospect Awards at Adelaide Oval.

October 1

BHP stays silent on China's iron ore ban

News

Trump seeks equity stakes in critical mineral producers

News

Argonaut tips gold to hit $US4500, lithium revival as supply tightens

News

Gold rush to the exit at two top miners

News

Beetaloo gas to hit market in 2026 with NT pilot project

Development of the Beetaloo Basin has been opposed by environmentalists and some traditional owners, due to the need to extract gas via fracking. (RMS)

News

News Flashback

Profile Snapshot:

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Mining/Energy/Resources: Australia and World

September 2025

News

September 30, 2025

Mining Stocks: (Near Live)

BHP Group Ltd $41.91 -0.31 -0.73%
Fortescue Ltd $18.73 -0.40 -2.09%
Rio Tinto $121.25 -1.95 -1.58%

News

Australian Mining News

Australia's mining sector continues to navigate a mix of challenges and opportunities in September 2025, with coal operations facing job cuts and royalty pressures, while critical minerals and gold projects show promise amid rising global demand.

Iron ore and lithium markets remain volatile, influenced by Chinese demand and energy transition goals.

BHP Closes Queensland Coal Mine Amid Royalty Backlash:

BHP announced the closure of its Saraji South coal mine in the Bowen Basin, putting 750 jobs at risk. The decision stems from falling coal prices and what BHP calls an unsustainable tax and royalty burden—eight times higher than profits in 2024.

CEO Mike Henry criticized Queensland's regime as a "crisis point" for the industry, prompting urgent talks with Premier David Crisafulli.

Anglo American followed with undisclosed job cuts at its Brisbane office and Grosvenor mine, potentially adding over 1,000 redundancies in the region. Treasurer David Janetzki ruled out royalty changes but hinted at relief via faster approvals and fee reductions.

Fortescue Acquires Spanish Wind Tech Firm: Mining billionaire Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest's Fortescue completed its purchase of Nabrawind, a self-lifting wind tower engineering company, to bolster its green energy pivot. This aligns with Fortescue's decarbonization goals, though a new Climate Change Authority report questions the feasibility of fully electric haulage trucks by 2030, estimating diesel still dominates emissions (14% of sector total) until 2035.

Gold Miners Rally on Bullish Forecasts: ASX gold stocks surged after UBS and Citi raised 2026 price targets to US$3,825–$3,800/oz (around A$6,000/oz). Genesis Minerals jumped 13%, Northern Star 8%, and Evolution Mining 6%. Westgold Resources reported a 24% resource increase to 16.3 million ounces in Western Australia.

Critical Minerals Deals and Funding:

Liontown Resources achieved break-even cash flow in its first lithium production year despite low prices. Mineral Resources (MinRes) signed a binding deal to acquire assets from Resource Development Group and is negotiating a US$700 million debt refinance to extend maturities into the next decade.

Impact Minerals farmed out a gold-silver-copper project in NSW to Kuniko Limited, while Cloudbreak Discovery optioned the Paterson gold-copper-molybdenum project near Greatland Gold's Telfer mine.

Northern Minerals' Browns Range rare earths feasibility study projects an 11-year mine life at A$592 million capex, targeting premiums over Chinese supply (up to US$138/kg for key elements like neodymium).

Santos Takeover Collapses: A US$36.4 billion bid for Santos by an ADNOC-led consortium fell through just before the deadline, citing due diligence issues and a tough letter from Santos demanding FIRB approval upfront. Analysts speculate this could pressure Santos toward a demerger or merger with peers like Woodside.

Other Notable Updates:

Auric Mining wrapped up its Jeffreys Find gold project, netting A$14.5 million in profits.
Brightstar Resources gained approvals for its Lord Byron open-pit gold mine near Laverton, WA, with development slated for 2026.
Ghana's Lands Minister pitched investment opportunities at an Australian mining conference, highlighting global ties.
Unions pushed BHP for a new enterprise agreement covering 400+ Port Hedland workers, amid broader retrenchments.

News

Two top Fortescue executives in quest for $7.5m pay

A resolution to issue 342,254 performance rights shares to each of Fortescue's joint CEOs will be put to investors at its AGM in October. Dino Otranto heads the group's mining arm, while Agustin Pichot is in charge of its growth and energy assets. Their fixed remuneration packages will be $2.08m in 2025-26, but the performance rights could potentially boost their earnings for the financial year to around $7.5m apiece. The number of shares they will ultimately receive will be based on performance targets that are set by Fortescue's board. (RMS)

News

MinRes completes $230 million upgrade of trouble-plagued Pilbara iron ore haul road

Mineral Resources' Onslow Iron project shipped 3.2 million tonnes of iron ore in August, and the company says it remains on track to reach annual nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes. MD Chris Ellison says Onslow Iron is a "cash generative, low-cost asset" that continued to perform strongly during a now-completed upgrade of the 150-kilometre private road that is used to transport ore from the Ken's Bore mine to the port at Ashburton. There have been seven road train accidents on the private road since it opened in October 2024, prompting a $230m repair program and a Worksafe investigation. (RMS)

News

Canberra to shake up gas export rules

Sources have indicated that the federal government may require LNG producers to supply a certain amount of gas to the domestic market before they receive approval to supply overseas buyers. The proposed model is said to be one of the preferred options by the government, and industry insiders have indicated that they expect Labor to make a formal announcement on it before the end of 2025. The scheme would benefit the Australia Pacific LNG and Queensland Curtis LNG ventures, which both produce more gas than their ship overseas. In contrast, the Santos-backed Gladstone LNG project currently purchases gas from third parties to fulfill its export contracts. (RMS)

News

September 30

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6576 USD (up $0.0028 USD) Iron Ore: $103.25 USD (down $0.40 USD) Oil: $63.13 USD (down $2.59 USD) Gold: $3,833.89 USD (up $74.03 USD) Copper: $4.9045 USD (up 0.1400 USD) Bitcoin: $114,376.31 USD (up 3.16%) Dow Jones: 46,316.07 (up 68.78 points)

News

News Flashback

Profile Snapshot:

Hancock Prospecting

Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd is owned by Rinehart (76.6%) and the Hope Margaret Hancock Trust (23.4%).

Projects:

Balfour Downs Station Manganese Operation, northeast of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

Hope Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Rio Tinto

Roy Hill project, south of Port Hedland, a joint venture between Hancock Prospecting (70%), Marubeni (15%), POSCO (12.5%), and China Steel Corporation (2.5%)

Alpha Coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Kevin's Corner coal project, Galilee Basin in Central Queensland

Nicholas Downs mine, northwest of Newman, a joint venture with Mineral Resources

(Developing profile/news). To be cont ...

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Mining/Energy/Resources/Culture/Digital Gold: Australia and World

September 2025

Newsfeed

Sept 9

Gold rallies to new record as US rate cut bets surge

The gold price has risen to a new record high of more than $US3,604 an ounce. The latest spike in the price of the precious metal has been driven by factors such as the latest US payrolls and unemployment data, which have heightened expectations of further interest rate cutsin 2025. The price of gold has more than doubled over the last three years, and Goldman Sachs recently forecast that it could reach $US5,000 an ounce if the Trump administration's move to sack Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook is upheld by a court. (RMS)

News

Sept 8

Guinea pressures Rio to build ore refinery

Guinea's minister of planning and international co-operation, Ismael Nabe, says his nation wants companies that are mining its resources to build refineries to process those resources in his country. These companies include Rio Tinto, which is behind the $US23.2 billion ($35.5 billion) Simandou iron ore project; it includes a 650-kilometre rail network and port infrastructure to service two new mines. Nabe's comments come just two months before Rio and its Simandou partners ship their first ore from the mine in November. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Sept 5

MinRes drivers 'asked to fill out false timesheets'

A former employee of Mineral Resources has told Western Australia's WorkSafe that the iron ore miner is not complying with safety rules on its 148km private haulage road. The ex-employee contends that truck drivers are being asked to work 12-hour shifts in order to meet Mineral Resources' targets for transporting iron ore from the Ken's Bore mine in the Pilbara to its export facility. It has also been alleged that drivers have been "coerced" into falsifying their timesheets. The company has spent more than $200m on repairing the road, while there have been a number of truck crashes and rollovers since the road opened. (RMS)

News

Shell plots exit from North West Shelf

Sources have indicated that energy giant Shell is considering the sale of its 16.67 per cent stake in the North West Shelf LNG project. Shell previously decided to withdraw from the $US30bn ($46bn) Browse LNG project, which is likely to supply gas to the processing plant at Karratha in Western Australia to replace the declining NWS gas fields. Woodside Energy has a 50 per cent stake in the NWS project, and Shell's potential exit would allow it to either increase its own stake or bring new partners into the venture. (RMS)

News

LNG export blow as US, Qatar to flood market

Investment bank Goldman Sachs has forecast that the LNG price willl fall $US7.35 per million British thermal units in calendar 2027. This is 42 per cent lower than in the current quarter. Goldman Sachs notes that global LNG supply is expected to rise by 50 per cent to a record 200 million tonnes by the end of this decade, amid increased production in the US and Qatar. Australia currently exports about 81 million tonnes of LNG a year, but the US appears to be on track to ship about 110 million tonnes in 2025; Qatar is aiming to ramp its LNG output to a similar level. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Bass Strait partners Mitsui, Woodside, ExxonMobil in $300m feud

The Federal Court is to hear a dispute involving Mitsui, Woodside Energy and ExxonMobil. It involves Mitsui being asked for a payment of $156.3 million from ExxonMobil and $141.6 million from Woodside. The latter two companies are of the view that Mitsui should make a greater contribution to the petroleum resource rent tax payable to the federal government for gas extracted from the Kipper gas field in Bass Strait. The dispute is linked to a demand from the Australian Taxation Office for greater payments of the tax for the period between 2013 and 2017. Mitsui, which acquired Santos's 35 per cent stake in the Kipper field in 2016, does not believe it should be liable for those debts. (RMS)

News

Sept 3

High-grade threat to Australian iron ore

Australia exported about $120 billion worth of iron ore from the Pilbara during 2024-25. However, Vale executive Rogerio Nogueira contends that Brazil has a key advantage over Australia because its iron ore is better suited to beneficiation; this process removes contaminants such as silicon or alumina to produce the higher-grade ore that will be needed to make steel using natural gas or hyrogen instead of coal. Australia's iron ore miners are already facing the problem of decline ore grades in the Pilbara. (RMS)

South32 chief in blast over green tape

Diversified miner South32 battled the bureaucracy for more than seven years to secure approval to continue operating its Worley bauxite and alumina business in Western Australia. Meanwhile, difficulty in gaining approval for an extension to the Dendrobium coal mine in the Illawarra region of NSW prompted South32 to sell the asset in 2024. South32 CEO Graham Kerr says the Trump administration has made it much easier to gain environmental approval for US mining projects compared with Australia. The company is on track to gain all approvals for its Hermosa critical minerals project in less than four years; it was the first project to be added to the FAST-41 list. (RMS)

News Flashback

September 3, 2025

Medals/Rare Earths News

Gold may be targeting $4,500, silver $50 Precious metals have returned to active growth, pushing the spot price of gold to $3,490—just $10 below its historic high of 22 April. Meanwhile, silver has decisively moved above $40, its highest level in 14 years.

The news agenda continues to favour metals, with reports that India is now actively selling US government bonds, building up its gold reserves. China did the same before, and Russia even earlier. However, this may turn out to be nothing more than a glimpse into the past, cleverly picked up by the global media. It should also be remembered that years of net sales of gold reserves did not initially prevent gold from rallying. This could also work in the opposite direction: the actions of finance ministers and central banks may not have a very noticeable long-term effect.

The lack of progress on a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine also helps gold. After months of virtually empty promises, hopes are gradually fading.

A more visible but at the same time short-term factor is the growing expectation of a Fed key rate cut in September from 75% on 21 August (before Powell's speech) to 87% now. This leaves room for the rate to rise by another 10-13 percentage points, which is negative for the dollar and positive for commodities.

However, we recommend paying more attention to the technical picture now. The gold market has been in a prolonged sideways trend since reaching highs in April. At the same time, the bullish scenario is supported by sluggish resistance from bears in recent days and a series of higher local lows.

Silver has been under less pressure from local profit-taking, gaining in each of the last four months. Platinum and palladium seem to be ending their corrective decline, having risen sharply in early September. This behaviour of precious metals indicates that traders are serious about this direction, sharply increasing the chances of new historical highs soon.

Nevertheless, we urge caution when joining the gold rally in the coming days. First, reaching historic highs could trigger widespread selling in gold, as we saw in April and as is happening with Bitcoin.

If the breakout above $3,500 does not trigger a sell-off, as was the case earlier this year, the potential target is $4,500, close to which the 161.8% Fibonacci extension level is located.

In silver, it appears that the bulls are targeting the area of historical highs near $50.

Platinum also looks rested and ready to renew its multi-year highs after a corrective pullback. Its technical growth potential suggests a rise above $1,800, to the highs of 2011. However, such ambitious growth will only become the main scenario if the recent highs are exceeded and the price rises above $1,500. (FxPro)

News

Gold News

August 29, 2025

Gold approached the upper limit of the 4-month trading range Gold is trading above $3,400 again at the end of the week. The upper limit of the trading range, within which the price has been fluctuating since April, is close to $3,430. Jerome Powell's signals about a rate cut, unprecedented pressure from the White House on the Fed, and the continuing high level of geopolitical risks have brought the price back to this level.

Washington's introduction of 50% tariffs against India risks further deepening the divide between the West and the East, as well as the associated processes of de-dollarisation and diversification of gold and foreign exchange reserves by central banks in favour of precious metals.

For the first time since 1996, central banks hold more gold (about 25%) than US government bonds (about 20%) in their gold and foreign exchange reserves. For comparison, between 2008 and 2015, this ratio fluctuated between 10% and 30%, respectively.
Gold bulls are drawing strength from the dynamics of the US yield curve. Yields on 2- and 10-year Treasuries are falling. The market is painting a stagflationary backdrop, which is the best food for gold bugs.

Gold's ability to break through the resistance zone above $3,430 will be an important signal of the market's readiness to return to a rally after four months of tug-of-war. But it is worth being cautious with early bullish bets at these levels. Formally, there is now a greater chance of another pullback to the lower end of the range at $3,300-3,315.

At the same time, investors should remember that whichever way the breakout occurs, the subsequent movement could be very strong, given how long the gold market has been gathering strength while remaining in a sideways trend. (FxPro)

News

Australian Mining: Overview

Economic Impact: Mining accounts for around 13.6% of Australia's GDP (2023) and nearly 70% of total export revenue. It generated $356.6 billion in company tax and royalties over the past decade. Iron ore, coal, lithium, gold, and bauxite are among the top exports, with Australia being the world’s largest producer of lithium, iron ore, and bauxite, and a top-five producer of gold, lead, zinc, and nickel.

Key Regions and Resources:

Western Australia (WA): The epicenter of Australian mining, hosting major iron ore, gold, lithium, and nickel projects. It employed 134,871 full-time-equivalent workers in 2023-24, with iron ore (62,950 FTEs), gold (31,884 FTEs), and lithium (11,386 FTEs) leading employment.

Queensland (QLD): Contributes $75 billion annually to the economy and employs over 50,000 people, with high-grade graphite and rhenium deposits.
New South Wales (NSW): Rich in coal, gold, and copper, with the Cowal gold mine as the largest. It provides 40,000 jobs and nearly $2 billion in royalties.

Northern Territory (NT): Home to the world’s largest manganese mine and one-third of Australia’s uranium reserves, valued at over $4 billion.

Victoria (VIC): Known for gold, antimony, and brown coal, with a strong mining equipment and technology sector.

Tasmania (TAS): A century-long mineral producer with diverse geology.

Critical Minerals and Innovation: Australia is a global leader in critical minerals like lithium, rare earths, and manganese, essential for renewable energy and defense. The industry is adopting automation (e.g., driverless trucks), AI, and blue hydrogen to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The government’s $1 billion Value-Adding in Resources Fund aims to enhance domestic processing.

Environmental and Social Challenges: Mining faces scrutiny for environmental impacts, including land destruction, water pollution, and carbon emissions from fossil fuel production. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) concerns and commodity price uncertainty are top risks for 2024. The industry is criticized for low tax contributions relative to profits (6% of federal revenue) and benefits from subsidies like the $3.5 billion Fuel Tax Credit Scheme.

Employment and Ownership: The sector employs about 229,500 people (2% of the workforce), with high median earnings ($2,649/week). However, it’s 86% foreign-owned, with major players like BHP (76% foreign-owned) and Rio Tinto (83% foreign-owned) dominating.

Future Outlook: With 80% of Australia’s mineral potential unexplored, the industry is poised for growth, particularly in critical minerals for electric vehicles and renewable energy. However, regulatory changes, climate goals, and community expectations for fairer taxation and environmental stewardship pose challenges. (Grok)

News Flashback

September 1, 2025

BHP call to voters in coal tax fight

BHP's BMA coking coal joint venture in Queensland paid an effective tax rate of about 67 per cent in 2024-25. BHP CEO Mike Henry has warned that some of the joint venture's mines may need to be shut down due to the impact of low coal prices and the state's coal royalty regime. Meanwhile, BMA's head of operations Mariette Bylsma says Queensland has one of the world's highest coal royalty regimes, which is making the state less competitive and less predictable for investment. Bylsma adds that the "unsustainable" coal tax is having a real impact on regional jobs and communities, and she has urged the general public to raise the issue with their local MP. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

MinRes takeover of miner run by Ellison's brother faces backlash

Resource Development Group's administrator McGrathNicol recently advised that it had received seven non-binding offers to acquire the failed garnet miner. However, the firm decided to recommend the offer from RDG's majority shareholder, Mineral Resources, as it would result in the highest return to shareholders. However, minority investors in RDG claim that they are not being treated fairly, and allege that Mineral Resources is hastening the takeover without allowing time for other bids to emerge. RDG's former MD Andrew Ellison is the brother of Mineral Resources' founder and MD Chris Ellison. (RMS)

News

Sunday truck crash adds to MinRes woes

Mineral Resources is under renewed scrutiny following another incident on the private road that is used to transport iron ore to port facilities at Onslow in Western Australia. There has been a rear-end collision between one of the company's road trains and a truck that was being driven by a contractor; it is believed that nobody was injured in yesterday's incident and both trucks sustained only minor damage. However, there have been a series of incidents on the 150km road since it was opened in 2024, including a road train rollover last week. Mineral Resources has also spent $230m on repairing damage to the road caused by cyclones in early 2025. (RMS)

News

Gas industry frays over future of LNG as lobbying intensifies

Australia's east gas market is facing a supply crisis that could hit NSW and Victoria as early as 2029, with the nation's $90 billion liquefied natural gas sector at odds as to which of its participants should face the burden of addressing the looming crisis. With the federal government having announced a review of the LNG sector earlier in the year, Australia Pacific LNG and Santos, which is the operator of the Gladstone LNG project, are both actively lobbying the federal government as to their views as to how the two ventures believe the sector should be reformed. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Bitcoin Mining News

Industry Challenges and Hashrate Records: Bitcoin mining difficulty recently hit an all-time high of 126.9 trillion on May 31, 2025, before slightly dropping to 126.4 trillion. The network hashrate crossed 1 zetahash per second (ZH/s) in April 2025, reflecting intense competition. Miners face financial pressures from the April 2024 halving, which reduced block rewards, coupled with rising operational costs. Despite this, companies like MARA (mined 950 BTC in May 2025, holding 49,179 BTC) and CleanSpark (mined 694 BTC, holding 12,502 BTC) are expanding and retaining BTC as a treasury asset.

Shift to AI and Energy Competition: Bitcoin miners are increasingly competing with AI data centers for cheap energy, prompting some to pivot into AI infrastructure. For instance, Bitmain plans to open a U.S.-based BTC mining hardware facility by late 2025, and TeraWulf has secured Google as its largest shareholder, validating its AI-integrated strategy. This shift is driven by the need to monetize power, with executives noting that energy, not just hashrate, is now the critical factor.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns: A Harvard study revealed that Bitcoin mining exposes 1.9 million Americans to harmful PM2.5 air pollution, primarily from fossil fuel-powered plants. The study highlights a "cross-state domino effect," urging federal regulation. Meanwhile, rural U.S. communities, like Dresden, NY, report noise pollution from mining operations, sparking local backlash despite support from some pro-crypto policies under the current administration.

Centralization Risks: Posts on X have raised alarms about mining centralization, with two pools controlling over 51% of the network’s hash power, potentially enabling a 51% attack. This has sparked debate about Bitcoin’s decentralization, though these claims remain inconclusive without further evidence.

Innovations and Expansions: Companies like Cipher Mining launched a 150MW Bitcoin mining site in Texas (Black Pearl), aiming for 300MW, and BitFuFu reported a record 34.1 EH/s hashrate, mining 400 BTC in May 2025. Block introduced Proto Rig, a modular, repairable miner, and Proto Fleet, an open-source software to enhance mining efficiency.

Profitability Struggles: Mining a single Bitcoin now costs approximately $137,000 in electricity, exceeding its market value of around $95,000-$104,000, rendering traditional mining unprofitable for many. Miners are adapting by holding BTC or diversifying into other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum.

Song

Welcome To The Blockchain (Song lyrics)

We're now standing on the precipice of a global revolution

Of economics, of politics, and government

Welcome to the blockchain

verse

Power corrupts, money is power

The power to control the money is one that is now

In the hands of those who pretend we can't function without them

So how can we do something about it? (Huh?)

Working hard to get a raise, lifting that wage up

Inflation takes it like a hidden taxation

Manipulated interest rates to give the banks

A way to create money with the loans that they're giving out daily (yup)

That means our money is debt

That we gotta pay back more than a hundred percent

No wonder then why the middle class is going under

When the one's above them gotta cover and come to collect

And many have no access to banking

Making payments, or saving, so more fees are taken

And every day the gatekeepers are trying to stop change

We can not wait, welcome to the blockchain

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

verse

Bitcoin is a decentralized ledger

And the currency is its first enterprise ever

Secured by the worldwide incentivized network

Can't be stolen or controlled by any sized effort

You can send it anywhere and instantly

No one can intervene, no third party in between

There's no counterfeiting

Algorithms control the outer limits of how many coins can get released

Programmable money, no government can seize it

Payments can be customized by sender and receiver

Contracts can be written cementing your agreements

With terms that can't be bent once you consent then it completes it

Autonomous businesses are possible

Where profit is distributed amongst those adopting it

Paradigm shift we must adjust to the ending

With the blockchain, bitcoin is just the beginning

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

bridge

Now that we got control

We're not gonna let it go

My people all around the globe

We gotta keep building, building, building

Now that we got control

We're not gonna let it go

My people all around the globe

We gotta keep building, building, building

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

By di DECAP, Toby / Toby Ganger

News

Working Man: Sony Lyrics

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

At the age of sixteen years Oh, he quarrels with his peers Who vowed they'd never see another one In the dark recess of the mines Where you age before your time And the coal dust lies heavy on your lungs

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

At the age of sixty four Oh, he'll greet you at the door And he'll gently lead you by the arm

Through the dark recess of the mines

Oh, he'll take you back in time And he'll tell you of the hardships that were had

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun

Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

God, I never again will go down under ground

By Rita Macneil

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Mining/Energy/Resources/Culture/Digital Gold: Australia and World

September 2025

Newsfeed

Sept 5

MinRes drivers 'asked to fill out false timesheets'

News

Shell plots exit from North West Shelf

News

LNG export blow as US, Qatar to flood market

News

Bass Strait partners Mitsui, Woodside, ExxonMobil in $300m feud

News

Sept 3

High-grade threat to Australian iron ore

South32 chief in blast over green tape

News Flashback

September 3, 2025

Medals/Rare Earths News

The lack of progress on a peaceful settlement between Russia and Ukraine also helps gold. After months of virtually empty promises, hopes are gradually fading.

If the breakout above $3,500 does not trigger a sell-off, as was the case earlier this year, the potential target is $4,500, close to which the 161.8% Fibonacci extension level is located.

In silver, it appears that the bulls are targeting the area of historical highs near $50.

News

Gold News

August 29, 2025

News

Australian Mining: Overview

Key Regions and Resources:

Northern Territory (NT): Home to the world’s largest manganese mine and one-third of Australia’s uranium reserves, valued at over $4 billion.

Victoria (VIC): Known for gold, antimony, and brown coal, with a strong mining equipment and technology sector.

Tasmania (TAS): A century-long mineral producer with diverse geology.

News Flashback

September 1, 2025

BHP call to voters in coal tax fight

News

MinRes takeover of miner run by Ellison's brother faces backlash

News

Sunday truck crash adds to MinRes woes

News

Gas industry frays over future of LNG as lobbying intensifies

News

Bitcoin Mining News

Song

Welcome To The Blockchain (Song lyrics)

We're now standing on the precipice of a global revolution

Of economics, of politics, and government

Welcome to the blockchain

verse

Power corrupts, money is power

The power to control the money is one that is now

In the hands of those who pretend we can't function without them

So how can we do something about it? (Huh?)

Working hard to get a raise, lifting that wage up

Inflation takes it like a hidden taxation

Manipulated interest rates to give the banks

A way to create money with the loans that they're giving out daily (yup)

That means our money is debt

That we gotta pay back more than a hundred percent

No wonder then why the middle class is going under

When the one's above them gotta cover and come to collect

And many have no access to banking

Making payments, or saving, so more fees are taken

And every day the gatekeepers are trying to stop change

We can not wait, welcome to the blockchain

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

verse

Bitcoin is a decentralized ledger

And the currency is its first enterprise ever

Secured by the worldwide incentivized network

Can't be stolen or controlled by any sized effort

You can send it anywhere and instantly

No one can intervene, no third party in between

There's no counterfeiting

Algorithms control the outer limits of how many coins can get released

Programmable money, no government can seize it

Payments can be customized by sender and receiver

Contracts can be written cementing your agreements

With terms that can't be bent once you consent then it completes it

Autonomous businesses are possible

Where profit is distributed amongst those adopting it

Paradigm shift we must adjust to the ending

With the blockchain, bitcoin is just the beginning

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

bridge

Now that we got control

We're not gonna let it go

My people all around the globe

We gotta keep building, building, building

Now that we got control

We're not gonna let it go

My people all around the globe

We gotta keep building, building, building

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain

Things are about to change

Open up the gates

Systems get replaced

Bitcoin

Decentralize the trust

Security, transparency

The network's run by us

Bitcoin

By di DECAP, Toby / Toby Ganger

News

Working Man: Sony Lyrics

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

At the age of sixty four Oh, he'll greet you at the door And he'll gently lead you by the arm

Through the dark recess of the mines

Oh, he'll take you back in time And he'll tell you of the hardships that were had

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground

And I swear to God if l ever see the sun

Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground

God, I never again will go down under ground

By Rita Macneil

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

August 27, 2025

BHP's mine project delay puts Australian jobs on hold

BHP's recent decision to delay an expansion of its copper and uranium project in South Australia coincided with the productivity roundtable. The federal government's industrial relations reforms were a key factor in the decision; the reforms have empowered unions, which would have targeted BHP in SA in the same way they are seeking a renewed presence in the iron ore-rich Pilbara. BHP would also have faced high energy prices at its SA smelter, which will need to be upgraded if the Olympic Dam expansion proceeds. The federal government's proposed changes to environmental laws would also most likely affect the project. None of these issues were mentioned at the roundtable, even though mining revenue is a major contributor to Australia's high standard of living. (RMS)

News

Unions threaten 'pit to port' supply after pushing into BHP mine

Some 72 per cent of the 180 'fly-in, fly-out' maintence workers at BHP's Yandi iron ore mine in the Pilbara have backed a union push to commence enterprise bargaining. The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Electrical Trade Union have welcomed the Fair Work Commission's decision to give initial recognition to the push for bargaining, and the AMWU's Western Australia secretary Steve McCartney has described it as a "massive win". The unions have warned of the potential for BHP's pit-to-port operations to be disrupted if the resources giant does not agree to start bargaining. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Forrest spruiks green hydrogen

Fortescue has posted a 2024-25 net profit of $US3.4bn ($5.24bn), which is 41 per cent lower than previously. Lower iron ore prices weighed on revenue, which was down 15 per cent year-on-year at $US15.54bn. Fortescue's direct carbon emissions from mining rose by nearly 300,000 tonnes to 2.64 million tonnes; the company has attributed this to the growing power usage of its Iron Bridge magnetite project. However, Fortescue still believes that its mining operations can be decarbonised by 2030 without using offsets. Meanwhile, executive chairman Andrew Forrest contends that 'green' hydrogen is still crucial to Fortescue's future. (RMS)

News

MinRes takeover a family CEO affair

The administrator of Resources Development Group has recommended that creditors endorse a takeover proposal from its biggest shareholder, Mineral Resources. The latter had a 64 per cent stake in EDG prior to its collapse in July, while it is also the garnet miner's largest creditor. RDG's managing director Andrew Ellison is the younger brother of Mineral Resources' founder Chris Ellison, who has been under scrutiny over governance issues and related-party transactions. (RMS)

News

Peabody slams 'out of touch coal royalties

US-based Peabody Energy is the latest company to criticise the Queensland government's coal royalty regime. CFO Mark Spurbeck says there is a "stark difference" between the state's tax and royalty regime and those of other jurisdictions where Peabody has coal assets. He notes that federal coal royalties in the US were recently reduced from 12.5 per cent to just seven per cent, while benchmark coking coal prices are approaching the level that would attract a levy of 40 per cent in Queensland. Spurbeck has urged the state government to make changes to the "untenable" royalties scheme that was introduced by its Labor predecessor. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Digital Gold

Recommendation: If you’re interested in digital gold as a gold investment, research trusted platforms like MMTC-PAMP or SafeGold and understand the terms, fees, and storage policies. For cryptocurrencies, consider your risk tolerance due to their volatility. The term "digital gold" can have different meanings depending on the context. Based on the information available, here are the two primary interpretations:

Digital Gold as a Form of Gold Investment:

Definition: Digital gold refers to an investment in 24-karat, 99.9% pure gold purchased online through digital platforms without the need to physically own or store the metal. The gold is stored in secure, insured vaults by providers on behalf of the investor. Each unit of digital gold is backed by an equivalent amount of physical gold, ensuring its value tracks the market price of gold.

How It Works: Investors can buy, sell, or hold digital gold via apps or websites like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, or Tanishq, often in small denominations starting as low as ?1 or ?100. The gold is stored by trusted providers like MMTC-PAMP, Augmont Goldtech, or SafeGold.

Investors can also convert digital gold into physical gold (e.g., coins, bars, or jewelry) or sell it at real-time market prices, with proceeds credited to their bank accounts.

Benefits: Convenience: Buy, sell, or track gold prices anytime via digital platforms.

No Storage Hassle: Eliminates the need for physical storage, reducing risks of theft or loss and avoiding locker or insurance costs.

Purity and Transparency: Guarantees 24K gold with real-time pricing and no making charges (unlike jewelry).
Liquidity: Easily convertible to cash or physical gold, with high flexibility for small investments.

Accessibility: Low entry points make it affordable for a wide range of investors.

Risks:

Regulatory Gaps: Digital gold is not directly regulated by SEBI or RBI, which introduces some risk.

Platform Dependency: Investors rely on the platform’s security and solvency.

Price Volatility: Value fluctuates with global gold prices.
GST and Fees: A 3% GST applies, and some platforms may charge management or delivery fees.

Where to Buy: In India, digital gold is offered by platforms like Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, Tanishq, and Bajaj Finserv, partnered with providers like MMTC-PAMP, Augmont, or SafeGold.

Digital Gold as Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin):

Definition: In some contexts, "digital gold" refers to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, seen as modern equivalents to gold due to their limited supply, decentralized nature, and potential as a store of value. This analogy emphasizes their role as a hedge against inflation or economic instability, similar to physical gold.

How It Works: These cryptocurrencies operate on blockchain technology, providing a secure, transparent ledger for transactions. Unlike physical gold, they are purely digital and not backed by physical assets unless specifically designed as gold-backed tokens.

Sentiment on X: Posts on X often compare Bitcoin to "digital gold," highlighting its scarcity and independence from traditional financial systems. However, some argue gold’s supply can expand with demand, unlike Bitcoin’s fixed supply, sparking debates about their relative value. Risks: Cryptocurrencies face higher volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and technological risks compared to physical or vaulted digital gold. They also lack universal acceptance and are subject to market speculation.

Digital Gold Currency (DGC):

Definition: A less common meaning, DGC is an electronic currency backed by physical gold reserves held in vaults by private entities. Each unit represents a specific amount of gold (e.g., grams or troy ounces). Examples include historical systems like E-Gold or modern ones like Zimbabwe’s ZiG token.

How It Works: DGCs allow users to transact in gold-backed digital units, with 100% of client funds held as physical gold. They aim to combine gold’s stability with digital convenience but face challenges like limited acceptance and management risks.

Risks: Lack of universal acceptance, potential for fraud, and operational risks (e.g., poor management or security breaches) make DGCs less mainstream. Historical examples like E-Gold failed due to regulatory issues and fraud.

Key Distinctions: Digital Gold (Vaulted) is a direct investment in physical gold stored securely, offering simplicity and low entry points, ideal for traditional gold investors.

Cryptocurrency as Digital Gold is a metaphorical comparison, emphasizing scarcity and decentralization but with higher risk and no physical backing.

DGC is a niche system blending gold’s value with digital transactions, less common due to practical and regulatory challenges.

Why Invest in Digital Gold?

For vaulted digital gold, it’s a convenient, cost-effective way to invest in gold without physical ownership, suitable for portfolio diversification or small-scale investments, especially in markets like India.

For cryptocurrencies, some investors see them as a modern alternative to gold, though with greater volatility and speculative risk. DGCs appeal to those seeking gold-backed digital transactions, but their use is limited.

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

News Bonus

Gold by Spandau Ballet Producers: Steve Jolley & Tony Swain

Music Video: Gold
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today

Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus] Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned

You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you

And love is like a high prison wall And you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return Something I could have learned You're indestructible, always believing

[Bridge]

Love is like a high prison wall
You could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return

Something I could have learned

You're indestructible, always believing (You are, gold) Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
'Cause you are gold (gold)
I'm glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing (gold)

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul

You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago The man with the suit and the face You knew that he was there on the case

Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you And love is like a high prison wall

And you could leave me standing so tall

News

Gold Price News

Current Spot Price: The spot price of gold is approximately USD 3,381.10 per troy ounce, with a recent high of USD 3,389.80 and a low of USD 3,351.10, reflecting a daily increase of about 0.48% (+USD 16.10). Over the past 30 days, gold has risen by USD 41.90 (+1.25%), and over the past year, it has surged by USD 872.90 (+34.80%).

Recent Market Developments:

Federal Reserve Influence: Gold prices have been bolstered by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s dovish comments at the Jackson Hole symposium, signaling potential rate cuts in September. This has fueled bullish sentiment, with both Wall Street and Main Street expecting higher prices in the near term.
Political Uncertainty: Gold has gained traction due to uncertainty surrounding U.S. political developments, including President Trump’s firing of a Federal Reserve official, pushing prices toward USD 3,390/oz.
Economic Indicators: A slight drop in U.S. consumer confidence to 97.4 and a 2.8% decline in durable goods orders in July have supported gold’s safe-haven appeal.
Global Trade and Tariffs: Ongoing tariff uncertainties, particularly U.S.-China trade relations, have contributed to price volatility. While gold dropped earlier due to reports of tariff reductions, it rebounded as trade tensions persisted.

Market Sentiment and Forecasts:Posts on X indicate gold is consolidating around USD 3,333–3,350, with some analysts predicting a potential breakout to USD 3,900 or even higher (USD 9,000–12,000 by some estimates) if quantitative easing (QE) is implemented. Others suggest a possible correction to USD 3,250 before further gains. UBS has raised its Q1 2026 gold price forecast to USD 3,600/oz, anticipating new record highs. Fitch BMI projects USD 3,250/oz for 2025.
Analysts note that gold’s safe-haven demand remains strong amid geopolitical risks and dollar weakness, though inflation risks could complicate the outlook.

Global Trends: In Asia, volatile gold prices have stifled demand in key hubs, while India’s gold market saw strengthened ETF holdings and imports in July.
In Pakistan, gold prices recently hit fresh highs, with a reported increase of PKR 4,100 per tola.
Chinese insurers and the Saudi Central Bank’s USD 40 million investment in silver miners and ETFs highlight growing institutional interest in precious metals, though silver remains below USD 40/oz.

Technical Analysis: Gold is testing resistance around USD 3,350, with some analysts suggesting a mature setup for a breakout, potentially explosive if it surpasses this level. A failure to break out could lead to a test of support at USD 3,250. (Grok)

News Flashback

Gold Price News

As of August 21, 2025, gold prices have experienced a slight decline, with the spot price falling to $3,342.75 per troy ounce, down 0.07% from the previous day, according to Trading Economics.

Over the past month, gold prices have dropped by 2.58%, though they remain 34.38% higher than a year ago. The price movement is influenced by several factors, including a stronger U.S. dollar and reduced expectations for a significant Federal Reserve rate cut in September, prompted by hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data and a drop in jobless claims.

Recent market sentiment, as reflected on X, indicates volatility, with some posts noting a sharp rise in gold prices earlier in August, reaching around $3,500 per ounce, driven by factors like U.S. tariff uncertainties and strong safe-haven demand. However, prices pulled back after clarifications that tariffs would not be imposed on gold bar imports.

In India, gold prices have also softened, with 24-karat gold priced at ?10,074 per gram and 22-karat at ?9,234 per gram as of August 20, 2025. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) reported October gold futures trading at ?99,240 per 10 grams, down 0.16%, amid easing geopolitical tensions and focus on the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium.

News

Best Quotes

"All that glitters is not gold"

News

Gold Price: (Near Live)

$3,381.40 USD -11.00 (-0.32%)

Bitcoin Price (Near Live)

$110,540.66 USD +0.34%

News

Google Finance wins Media Man 'Business Website Of The Month' award
https://www.google.com/finance/

Runner-up:
Yahoo! Finance
https://finance.yahoo.com/

Markets

August 27, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6490 USD (up 0.0013 USD) Iron Ore: $102.55 USD (down $0.70 USD) Oil: $63.31 USD (down $1.43 USD) Gold: $3,393.70 USD (up $27.93 USD) Copper: $4.4720 USD (up $0.0115 USD) Bitcoin: $111,309.05 USD (up 1.55%) Dow Jones: 45,418.07 (up 135.60 points)

News

Crypto/Altcoins

Leading altcoins are once again attempting to pull the crypto market upwards

Market Overview

The crypto market capitalisation has increased by almost 2% to $3.86 trillion over the past 24 hours due to the traction of major altcoins such as Ethereum (+4%), XRP (+3%), Solana (+7.8%), and Dogecoin (+4.9%).

Crypto enthusiasts were expecting a different altcoin season, but it is still worth noting their outperformance relative to the first cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin gained 1% to $111K during the day after spending most of Tuesday forming the basis for a rebound on dips below $110K. This is an important indicator of interest in buying on dips, which probably encouraged more risk-tolerant altcoin buyers. The former is also lagging the stock market, where the S&P500 is on the verge of historic highs, and the Nasdaq100 is 1.8% below its historic high.

News Background

The Bitcoin derivatives market points to pessimistic sentiment, as market participants are actively buying put options.

New investors are selling Bitcoin at a loss. In this way, the market is getting rid of ‘weak hands’ and preparing a support base for future growth, notes analyst Crazzyblockk.

GLJ Research head Gordon Johnson said that BTC is at risk of a 65% collapse due to a reduction in dollar liquidity in the US financial system for the first time since 2022. Only the Fed’s abandonment of quantitative tightening (QT) and a return to new quantitative easing (QE) can remedy the situation.

According to Bitfinex, the altcoin season will not start until new cryptocurrency ETFs are approved. It is only expected to begin at the end of the year. The SEC is currently reviewing more than 70 applications to launch altcoin-based ETFs.

Citi warns that paying interest on stablecoin deposits could cause a massive outflow of deposits from the banking system. A similar situation was observed during the money market fund boom in the United States in the 1980s.

The CRO token, associated with Crypto dotcoms Cronos blockchain project, jumped 25% on Tuesday after the announcement of a major partnership with Trump Media. The parties will create Trump Media Group CRO Strategy, a digital asset management company focused on acquiring CRO. (FxPro)

Mining/Energy/Resources/Mining/Culture: Australia and World

Newsfeed

August 4/5, 2025

August 4

ASX-listed gold miners arrive at Diggers & Dealers with more than $7.5b in cash and bullion

The annual Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum begins in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on Monday, with the price of gold having risen by 38 per cent in Australian dollar terms since last year's event. ASX-listed producers of gold collectively held more than $7.5 billion of cash and bullion as of 30 June, with how they intend to spend that money certain to be a dominant topic of conversation at the three-day event. Surbiton Associates director Sandra Close suggests the money could be spent on further acquisitions, while she is sure shareholders would like it spent on higher dividends. (RMS)

News

Court looms for Anglo, Peabody in $5.8b deal dispute

Peabody Energy is slated to acquire four Queensland coking coal mines from Anglo American in a $US3.78 billion ($5.87 billion) deal. However, it has become complicated by an underground fire at the Moranbah North mine on 31 March. Peabody and Anglo American are at odds over whether the fire represents a "material adverse change" event, which would allow the terms of the deal to be renegotiated, with the companies prepared to go to court over the issue. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

The new Great Game: how China's grip on critical minerals is redrawing the world order

China is the chief player and reigning champion in what has been described as the new Great Game, namely the control of critical mineral supply chains and the mineral resources that power modern technologies such as EVs and mobile phones. China's dominance of critical minerals is something that has developed over decades, and which saw it control 97 per cent of global rare earth element production by 2010. It has taken time for the West to wake up to China's critical minerals dominance, and closing this gap will not be easy; a war-time mindset is needed. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

AVZ 'hell-bent' on getting best deal for Congo project

AVZ Minerals' MD Nigel Ferguson says he is determined to get the best deal for shareholders in any sale of its Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. US-based KoBold Metals is regarded as the leading contender to buy the project, although Ferguson says the company will have to "step up" its offer in order to secure a deal. KoBold's shareholders include US billionaire Marc Andreessen, who is a backer of Vice President JD Vance. Any breakdown in negotiations between AVZ and KoBold could therefore potentially jeopardise a proposed critical mineral pact between the US and the DRC, which could be signed within weeks. (RMS)

Newsfeed

August 5

Fortescue safety jobs relocated to India

A decision by Fortescue to shift safety alert monitoring roles to India is said to be causing confusion at its iron ore mines in Western Australia. It is understood that calls to workers at the mines to alert them of potential problems are displaying as overseas numbers, prompting staff to decline the calls because they believed they are being scammed. The safety alert monitoring roles were moved to India a few weeks ago as part of cost-cutting measures, while it is understood that local workers who were performing the jobs have been redeployed in other roles. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Canberra to follow Trump's lead on rare earths to counter China

Resources Minister Madeleine King says the federal government is looking at national offtake agreements for the sale of Australia's rare earths as part of its Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve policy. King says the government is considering creating a floor price for rare earths as part of its policy, while she stopped short of saying that the government would directly invest in rare earth mining companies. The US Department of Defense recently acquired a 15 per cent stake in MP Materials, which is the biggest rare earth producer in the US. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Santos deal is not in national interest: Beach

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company-led consortium's exclusive due diligence period regarding a proposed takeover bid for Santos will shortly end. Beach Energy is Santos's partner in the Cooper Basin gas venture, which supplies gas for both exports and the domestic markets. Beach CEO Brett Woods contends that it is not in the national interest for the Cooper Basin assets to be sold to foreign operators; he adds that it is not certain that the ADNOC-led consortium would be committed to continuing to supply the domestic market. Meanwhile, Beach has posted a loss of $43.8m for 2024-25, due primarily to a large impairment charge. (RMS)

News

Bitcoin Mining

Bitcoin mining is the process of validating transactions and securing the Bitcoin network by solving complex mathematical problems using specialized hardware. Miners compete to find a hash that meets the network's difficulty target, earning newly minted bitcoins and transaction fees as rewards. Here's a concise overview based on current insights:

How It Works: Miners use powerful computers (ASICs) to solve cryptographic puzzles, adding validated transactions to the blockchain in blocks. The first miner to solve the puzzle broadcasts the block, and if validated by the network, they receive the block reward (currently 3.125 BTC, halved in April 2024) plus fees.

Hardware & Costs: Modern mining requires Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) due to high computational demands. Costs include hardware (e.g., Bitmain Antminer S19, ~$1,500-$3,000), electricity (often $0.04-$0.10/kWh for profitability), cooling, and facility expenses.

Profitability: Depends on electricity costs, hardware efficiency, Bitcoin price (~$60,000-$70,000 recently), and network difficulty (which adjusts every ~2 weeks). Small-scale miners often join pools to share rewards and reduce variance.

Environmental Impact: Mining consumes significant energy (~150 TWh annually, comparable to small countries). Some operations use renewable energy (e.g., hydro in Canada or geothermal in Iceland) to mitigate impact.

Challenges: High upfront costs, regulatory risks (e.g., bans in China), and competition from large-scale operations. The 2024 halving reduced rewards, squeezing margins for inefficient miners.

Trends: Shift toward sustainable energy, adoption of liquid cooling, and geographic diversification (e.g., U.S., Kazakhstan). Some miners pivot to AI computing to offset costs. (Grok)

News

The sector faces a dynamic landscape of high costs, regulatory shifts, and environmental scrutiny, with miners adapting through strategic sales, diversification, or renewable energy adoption

Recent developments in Bitcoin mining highlight a mix of technological advancements, economic challenges, and environmental concerns:
Industry Performance: June 2025 saw mixed results for miners. Australian-based IREN reported record revenues but lower Bitcoin production, while CleanSpark hit a 50 EH/s hashrate milestone, holding 12,608 BTC despite selling 578 BTC for over $61 million.

MARA Holdings mined 950 BTC in May 2025, a 35% increase from April, boosting its reserves to 49,179 BTC without selling any.
Mergers and Acquisitions: CoreWeave acquired Core Scientific for $9 billion in an all-stock deal to enhance AI and high-performance computing capabilities. Meanwhile, Gryphon Digital Mining merged with American Bitcoin Corp, backed by Eric and Donald Trump Jr., aiming to leverage pro-crypto policies under the Trump administration.
Mining Difficulty and Hashrate: Bitcoin’s mining difficulty hit a record 127.6 trillion in early August 2025, increasing operational costs after the April 2024 halving reduced block rewards. A slight 3% difficulty drop is expected around August 9, potentially easing pressure on less efficient miners. The network hashrate crossed 1 zetahash per second in April 2025, reflecting intense competition.
Environmental and Social Impact: Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption, estimated at 2.3% of the U.S. grid, has raised concerns. A Harvard study found that 34 major U.S. mines, primarily fossil-fuel-powered, increased PM2.5 air pollution, affecting 1.9 million Americans. Noise pollution from mining facilities, like one in Dresden, New York, has sparked community backlash, with residents reporting health issues and disrupted peace.
Policy and Regulation: The Trump administration’s push to make the U.S. the “crypto-mining capital” includes plans for a national Bitcoin stockpile, boosting mining stocks like MARA, Core Scientific, and Riot Platforms. However, the IMF blocked Pakistan’s plan for cheap electricity in crypto mining, citing energy market risks. Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis proposed addressing double taxation for miners.
Cloud Mining and Scams: Cloud mining platforms like PAIRMiner and VN Bit Cloud gained traction, driven by pro-crypto policies and Bitcoin’s price surge past $94,000 in January 2025. However, warnings about scams like Tophash and GlobaleCrypto highlight risks of high fees and centralization.
Innovations and Shifts: Some miners, like Bit Digital, are pivoting to Ethereum staking, while others, like HIVE Digital Tech, scaled up to mine 6.5 BTC daily using hydro-cooled facilities. Auradine Inc. announced next-generation mining hardware at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference. (Grok)

News

Welcome To The Blockchain (Song Lyrics)

We're now standing on the precipice of a global revolution
Of economics, of politics, and government
Welcome to the blockchain

verse

Power corrupts, money is power
The power to control the money is one that is now
In the hands of those who pretend we can't function without them
So how can we do something about it? (Huh?)
Working hard to get a raise, lifting that wage up
Inflation takes it like a hidden taxation
Manipulated interest rates to give the banks
A way to create money with the loans that they're giving out daily (yup)
That means our money is debt
That we gotta pay back more than a hundred percent
No wonder then why the middle class is going under
When the one's above them gotta cover and come to collect
And many have no access to banking
Making payments, or saving, so more fees are taken
And every day the gatekeepers are trying to stop change
We can not wait, welcome to the blockchain

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain
Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

verse

Bitcoin is a decentralized ledger
And the currency is its first enterprise ever
Secured by the worldwide incentivized network
Can't be stolen or controlled by any sized effort
You can send it anywhere and instantly
No one can intervene, no third party in between
There's no counterfeiting
Algorithms control the outer limits of how many coins can get released
Programmable money, no government can seize it
Payments can be customized by sender and receiver
Contracts can be written cementing your agreements
With terms that can't be bent once you consent then it completes it
Autonomous businesses are possible
Where profit is distributed amongst those adopting it
Paradigm shift we must adjust to the ending
With the blockchain, bitcoin is just the beginning

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain
Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

bridge

Now that we got control
We're not gonna let it go
My people all around the globe
We gotta keep building, building, building
Now that we got control
We're not gonna let it go
My people all around the globe
We gotta keep building, building, building

chorus

Welcome to the blockchain
Things are about to change
Open up the gates
Systems get replaced
Bitcoin
Decentralize the trust
Security, transparency
The network's run by us
Bitcoin

By di DECAP, Toby / Toby Ganger

News

Working Man: Sony Lyrics

It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground
At the age of sixteen years Oh, he quarrels with his peers Who vowed they'd never see another one In the dark recess of the mines Where you age before your time And the coal dust lies heavy on your lungs
It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground
At the age of sixty four Oh, he'll greet you at the door And he'll gently lead you by the arm Through the dark recess of the mines Oh, he'll take you back in time And he'll tell you of the hardships that were had
It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground
It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground
It's a working man l am And I've been down under ground And I swear to God if l ever see the sun Or for any length of time I can hold it in my mind I never again will go down under ground
God, I never again will go down under ground

By Rita Macneil

News

Markets

August 6, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6467 USD (up $0.0005 USD) Iron Ore: $101.20 USD (up $0.60 USD) Oil: $66.23 USD (down $1.10 USD) Gold: $3,373.82 USD (up $10.81 USD) Copper (CME): $4.4560 USD (up $0.0205 USD) Bitcoin: $114,898.78 USD (up 0.41%) Dow: 44,173.64 (up 585.06 points)

Cryptos: (Near Live)

August 5, 2025
(Sydney, Australia)

Bitcoin $114,226.74 USD -0.23%
Ethereum $3,652.44 USD +3.15%
XRP $3.02 USD +1.36%
Tether $1.00 USD +0.00%
BNB $763.64 USD +1.12%

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

News Bonus

Gold by Spandau Ballet Producers: Steve Jolley & Tony Swain

Music Video: Gold
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today

Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus] Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned

You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you

And love is like a high prison wall And you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

[Bridge]

Love is like a high prison wall
You could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return

Something I could have learned

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul

You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago The man with the suit and the face You knew that he was there on the case

Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you And love is like a high prison wall

And you could leave me standing so tall

July 2025

Recent Developments in Rare Earths (July 2025):North America’s Production Delays:

A rare earth processing plant in Canada, intended to produce 400 metric tons annually to support 500,000 electric vehicles, has delayed its production start due to construction setbacks. This highlights challenges in reducing Western reliance on China, which dominates nearly 70% of global rare earth mining and much of the processing.

U.S. Advancements:

American Rare Earths announced strong leach recovery results at the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, using efficient atmospheric tank leaching. This positions the project to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese imports, with plans for onsite processing facilities. Meanwhile, MP Materials continues large-scale operations at its Mountain Pass mine in California.

India’s Push for Independence:

India is drafting guidelines to boost domestic rare earth production and reduce reliance on China, which controls 90% of the global rare earth magnet market. A Production-Linked Incentive scheme (Rs 3,500–5,000 crore) aims to produce 1,500 tonnes of magnets domestically by late 2025, with companies like Sona Comstar planning local production. India is also exploring coal mine waste for rare earths like scandium and strontium.

China’s Geopolitical Leverage:

China’s dominance in rare earths (61% of mined output, 92% of processing) continues to shape global markets. In April 2025, China tightened export restrictions on seven rare earth elements, impacting industries like EVs and defense. A June 2025 trade agreement with the U.S. eased some curbs, but Beijing’s control remains a strategic tool, as seen in negotiations with the Trump administration.

Global Diversification Efforts: Australia:

Australia is positioning itself as a reliable rare earth supplier to India, with talks ongoing for rare earth and copper blocks

.Japan: Japan plans experimental deep-sea rare earth mining near Minami Torishima starting January 2026 to secure supplies and counter geopolitical risks.

Europe: Efforts are underway to develop local rare earth sources, driven by concerns over China’s export controls and the environmental costs of outsourcing.

Kazakhstan: U.S. companies are partnering with Kazakhstan to explore rare earth projects, aiming to diversify supply chains.Market Dynamics: The rare earth market shows a split, with light rare earths (e.g., praseodymium, neodymium) seeing price surges due to strong demand, while medium-heavy rare earth prices are stabilizing.

Strategic stockpiling and China’s export policies continue to influence prices, with concerns about supply tightness growing.

Myanmar’s Role: The global supply of heavy rare earths faces risks due to conflict in Myanmar, a key supplier to China. A rebel offensive in Kachin could disrupt exports, potentially causing a global deficit by year-end.

Summary: China’s grip on rare earths remains a geopolitical flashpoint, prompting global efforts to diversify supply chains. While countries like the U.S., India, Australia, and Japan are investing in alternative sources, challenges like production delays and environmental concerns persist. Market trends indicate rising prices for light rare earths and potential supply risks for heavy elements, driven by demand for green technologies and defense applications.

Gold News

August 15, 2025

Gold is preparing the ground for a long-term trend
Gold fell to $3,330 this week in response to reports that the White House was unwilling to impose tariffs on metal imports. Prior to that, the US Customs and Border Protection agency had demanded that Switzerland pay a fee for the delivery of 100-ounce and 1-kilogram bars, which pushed spot prices to the upper limit of the medium-term range of $3,250–3,400, futures reached record highs, and premiums between New York and London exceeded $100 per ounce.

Donald Trump personally announced that there would be no tariffs on gold. This deprived gold of an important driver and caused it to retreat. However, the decline is limited by a risk-friendly environment with rising stocks and pressure on the dollar as inflation accelerates. Therefore, the fall in the USD index creates a tailwind for gold. As does the decline in Treasury bond yields.

Precious metals are sensitive to changes in the outlook of the Fed's key rate. If the central bank does indeed cut the federal funds rate three times in 2025, gold will have the opportunity to break out of its consolidation range and return to an uptrend.

August was a turning point for the multi-year bull cycles in 2011 and 2020, but it also proved to be a launch pad for growth in 2007 and 2018. So, this month has the potential to kick off a long-term trend.

The chart now shows more signs of fatigue in gold. The price has been hovering around the 50-day moving average for the last eight weeks, although it has been a reliable support level since the beginning of last year. However, we can only say that gold has chosen a trend after it consolidates outside the $3,250-3,400 range. (FxPro)

News

Gold News

Central banks, including China’s, continue to bolster gold reserves, with China’s stockpile surging in July. Meanwhile, ETF gold inflows hit $3.2 billion in July, signaling strong investor demand. However, high prices have dampened demand in India, though the festive season may revive buyingGold prices have been volatile recently, driven by U.S. tariff policy shifts and economic data. On August 11, 2025, gold fell sharply, with prices dropping below $3,300 as markets reacted to reports that the U.S. would clarify its tariff plan on bullion, easing earlier concerns about a 39% import duty on Swiss gold bars. President Trump confirmed via social media that gold imports would not face tariffs, stabilizing the market but leading to a sell-off after futures hit record highs.

The latest U.S. CPI data showed a 0.2% rise in July, boosting gold prices as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts grew. Weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs data (73K new jobs in July vs. 110K expected) further supported gold’s safe-haven appeal, pushing prices above $3,350 before a consolidation phase. Geopolitical tensions, including U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine, have eased slightly, capping gold’s upside.

Analysts remain bullish, with ING forecasting new highs by year-end due to anticipated Fed rate cuts, while Bloomberg’s McGlone sees a path to $4,000 despite short-term pullbacks. Technical analysis suggests support at $3,300 and resistance near $3,400, with potential to challenge April’s $3,500 peak. (Grok)

News Flashback

Gold attempts to reach new highs, bouncing off the lower boundary

August 8, 2025
Gold quickly recovered and approached the upper limit of the medium-term consolidation range of $3,250-3,400 per ounce, thanks to the return of fears of stagflation in the US, the growing likelihood of a Fed rate cut in September, and frenzied demand in China. The employment sub-index in surveys of purchasing managers in the services sector has fallen for the fifth time in the last six months, while prices are rising rapidly.

Stagflation is good for gold, as low growth prevents the Fed from tightening while inflation is eroding the value of dollar assets. Precious metals are used as a hedge against inflationary risks.

After a long period, the outlook for gold has been looking more bullish. The dramatic reversal in expectations regarding the Fed's interest rate cuts and accelerating inflation creates the ideal background for gold. The decline in demand from central banks and the jewellery industry is offset by a decrease in above-ground stocks outside exchanges due to arbitrage operations.

If the upper boundary is broken and a bullish rally begins in gold, there is potential for a slide down to $3950-4000, where the 161.8% extension levels from the rise from the lows at the end of last year to the resistance area from the end of April near $3420 are concentrated. (FxPro)

News

Gold Price: $USD3335

News

Overnight News

Gold prices held steady on Friday, but were headed for a weekly loss after hot inflation data trimmed rate-cut bets, while the market focus shifted to talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

Spot gold was little changed at $3,336.66 per ounce by 1:40 p.m. EDT (1740 GMT), and was down 1.8% for the week.

News

Gold Quotes

“Gold is the money of kings.”

“He who has the gold makes the rules.”

“Gold is a living god and rules in scorn, all earthly things but virtue.” – Percy Bysshe Shelley

“Gold is a deep and liquid subject.”

“Gold is forever.”

Mining, Energy and Resources: Australia and World

Pop Culture Element News Edition

News

Iron ore sector pins hopes on China

July 7, 2025

Iron ore futures rose to a six-week high of close to $US97 a tonne last week, following a pledge by the Chinese government to address overcapacity in the country's steel sector. It comes after the ASX 200 materials index fell six per cent in the 2024-25 financial year, compared to a 10 per cent rise in the ASX 200, with shares in iron ore miners BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue falling between 10 and 29 per cent. Overcapacity has been a problem for the Chinese steel sector for for nearly a decade, so it is hoped the government's latest pledge results in sustained improvement for it and delivers ongoing benefits for the Australian iron ore mining sector. (RMS)

News

China has paid a high price for its dominance in rare earths

China's dominance in the processing and supply of rare earths has come at a heavy cost in terms of environmental damage, which the Chinese government tolerated for many years. The worst damage has occurred in and around Baotou, a flat, industrial city of two million people in China's Inner Mongolia that dubs itself the world capital of the rare earth industry. It is home to an artificial lake of sludge that was created from the waste from rare earth and iron ore processing, but which was constructed without a liner to prevent its contents from seeping into groundwater; any attempt to remove and store that sludge would be quite a logistical challenge. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

China ramps up race to secure critical minerals

Analysis of data from S&P and Mergermarket shows that Chinese mining companies made 10 overseas acquisitions worth more than $US100m in 2024, the highest volume of such activity since 2013. Richard Horrocks-Taylor from Standard Chartered says Chinese deal-making activity in the mining sector is likely to remain strong in the next several years. Appian Capital Advisory's founder Michael Scherb in turn says Chinese deal-making has ramped up in the last year due to concerns that geopolitical concerns will make some countries more cautious about investments from China. (RMS)

News

Wal King cleared as ASIC loses case against TerraCom

July 5, 2025

Federal Court judge Ian Jackman has ruled against the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in its case against mining company TerraCom. ASIC had alleged that former and current directors of TerraCom, including construction industry legend Wal King, had misled the market about a whistleblower's claims that it was rigging coal quality results, but Jackman rejected all of its case against King and the other current and former directors. ASIC stated that it will consider Jackman's judgement carefully, while noting it has 28 days to appeal his ruling. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

Mining Events and Conferences

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC): January 19–20, Vancouver, Canada. Attracts over 9,000 investors and 300+ mining companies, focusing on investment opportunities and industry trends.

Mines and Money Miami: February 20–21, Miami, USA. Connects 600+ attendees, including mining companies and investors, with a focus on critical minerals and supply chain strategies.

MINEXCHANGE 2025 SME Annual Conference & Expo: February 23–26, Denver, USA. Co-located with the Colorado Mining Association’s 127th National Western Mining Conference and World Gold 2025, expecting 5,000+ attendees. Covers innovative practices and sustainable mining solutions.

BMO Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference: February 23–26, Hollywood, USA. Focuses on metals, mining, and critical minerals with high-level networking for industry executives.

PDAC 2025 Convention: March, Toronto, Canada. The world’s largest mining event, attracting 30,000+ attendees from 135+ countries. Emphasizes mineral exploration, sustainability, and networking.

Life of Mine | Mine Waste and Tailings Conference: July 29–30, Brisbane, Australia. Combines two AusIMM events, offering insights into mine lifecycle management and tailings best practices.

AIMEX 2025: September 23–25, Adelaide, Australia. Features professional development, networking, and showcases mining technologies.

The Digital Mine Conference: September 25, location TBD. Focuses on digital transformation in mining, hosted by Global Mining Review.

International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC): October 21–23, Sydney, Australia. Australia’s largest mining event, connecting global leaders with technology and finance sectors. Features six concurrent conferences and 500+ exhibitors.

African Mining Week (AMW): October 1–3, Cape Town, South Africa. Brings together industry leaders and policymakers to drive innovation and partnerships.

Mining World Congress 2025: December 10–11, London, UK. Focuses on exploration, critical minerals, investments, and AI in mining.

Mining, Resources, Energy, Markets, Gold and Gold Culture, News: Australia and World

July 1, 2025

News

ASX winners and losers for 2025 revealed

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 rose 10.2 per cent in the 2024-25 financial year, posting its biggest annual gain since 2021. Ship builder Austal tops the list of best-performing stocks for 2024-25, rising by 152 per cent; it is followed by gold producers Regis Resources (up 150 per cent) and Genesis Minerals (145 per cent). Meanwhile, IDP Education recorded the biggest loss among the top-200 stocks, shedding 76 per cent; other major underperformers included Mineral Resources (down 60 per cent) and Pilbara Minerals (57 per cent). The ASX 200 ended the financial year at 8,542.3 points, and Shane Oliver from AMP says it could potentially rise to around the 8,700-point level by the end of 2025. (RMS)

News

Vales Point coal plant owner sued by ASIC for market manipulation

The Australian Securities & Investments Commission has filed legal action against Delta Power & Energy in the Federal Court. Delta is the operator of the Vales Point coal-fired power station in NSW; ASIC has accused Delta of market manipulation with regard to energy futures contracts, with the alleged manipulation taking place on 30 occasions between 8 September and 6 October 2022. ASIC claims Delta's conduct that had the potential to undermine public confidence in the ASX 24 market for quarterly futures, along with its integrity. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Mining News: Australia

Trends and Sentiment: Gold projects are gaining traction, with coal losing ground as an export leader. Environmental concerns persist, especially with projects like Wyloo’s wetland exploration. Critical minerals like lithium and nickel are seeing increased focus amid global demand Fenix Resources started mining at its Beebyn-W11 iron ore mine in Western Australia’s Mid-West, marking its third operation in the region. A 17.6km private haul road to connect it to the Iron Ridge mine is nearly complete, facilitating direct transport to Geraldton Port.

Ausgold released a strong definitive feasibility study (DFS) for its Katanning gold project in Western Australia, projecting 140,000 ounces of gold annually for the first four years and 1.14 million ounces over a 10-year mine life, with all-in sustaining costs of $2,180/oz initially.

Benz Mining reported high-grade gold results at its Glenburgh project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne Province, bolstered by a recent capital raise to fund ongoing exploration. A maiden Mineral Resource Estimate is expected soon.

Trade Challenges: Australia’s mining sector faces a projected $27 billion drop in export earnings for iron ore and liquefied gas due to U.S.-China trade tensions and tariffs, particularly impacting demand from China. However, critical minerals like lithium and manganese are expected to see earnings rise from $1.7 billion in 2024–25 to $4.8 billion by 2026–27.

Andrew Forrest’s Wyloo lodged exploration applications for a critical wetland near Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia, shortly after a salt company abandoned similar plans, raising environmental concerns.

Brightstar Resources completed a DFS for its Menzies and Laverton gold projects, targeting 70,000 ounces annually, with plans to scale to 200,000 ounces by 2029, supported by cash flow from its Fish mine.

Rio Tinto and Hancock Prospecting are investing $1.6 billion in the Hope Downs 2 iron ore project in the Pilbara, boosting Australia’s iron ore sector.

Peabody Energy extended a lockout at its Helensburgh coal mine, escalating tensions with the Mining and Energy Union amid strong thermal coal prices.

Larvotto Resources gained approval for its Hillgrove antimony-gold project, aiming for production in 2026.

Chalice Mining is on track to release a pre-feasibility study for its Gonneville multi-element (nickel, copper, PGE) project by year-end, with environmental approvals progressing.

Astron Corporation’s Donald rare earths and mineral sands project in Victoria received final regulatory approval, with $183 million in funding from Energy Fuels for Phase 1.

Westgold Resources awarded a $130 million contract to Barminco for underground mining at its Great Fingall project, targeting over 45,000 ounces annually.

Greatland Resources debuted on the ASX, raising $490 million, with shares jumping 12% after acquiring the Telfer gold mine.

Mount Isa Copper Smelter: Federal and Queensland governments are engaging with Glencore to explore options for keeping the smelter operational, critical for regional jobs. (Grok)

Bitcoin Mining: News

Note: Always conduct your own research before engaging with cloud mining platforms, as some may carry risks. Regulatory and environmental developments could further shape the industry’s trajectory.

Cloud Mining Growth: Cloud mining platforms are gaining traction in 2025 as accessible alternatives to traditional mining.

Topnotch Crypto launched a zero-cost cloud mining platform on June 30, 2025, aiming to make Bitcoin mining universally accessible without hardware or technical expertise. Similarly, BAY Miner expanded AI-driven cloud mining services for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin, offering hardware-free mining with daily returns. Other platforms like BTC Miner, QFSCOIN, MiningCoop, and PS Miner also introduced free or low-cost cloud mining options, emphasizing ease of use and passive income amid market volatility.

Market Volatility and Miner Revenue: Bitcoin miner revenues dropped to a two-month low of $34 million daily on June 22, 2025, due to declining transaction fees and a post-halving block subsidy cut. Despite this, miners are holding onto their coins, with only 150 BTC sold by Satoshi-era miners in 2025 compared to 10,000 BTC in 2024, signaling confidence in a potential market rebound. However, the network hashrate fell 3.5% over the past 10 days, the largest drop since July 2024.

Mining Difficulty Adjustment: Bitcoin mining difficulty is expected to drop by about 9%, the largest decline since China’s 2021 ban, potentially boosting miner revenues. This follows a period of high difficulty squeezing margins, with heatwaves in Texas forcing temporary shutdowns due to energy grid stress.

Environmental and Regulatory Concerns: Environmental scrutiny persists, with a 2023 UN study equating Bitcoin mining’s carbon footprint to burning 84 billion pounds of coal. The Trump administration’s relaxed regulations in the U.S. have spurred mining expansion, but environmental groups criticize fossil fuel reliance. Some miners are shifting to renewables, like hydroelectric power in Canada and wind farms in Texas.

Meanwhile, Norway plans to temporarily halt energy-intensive mining facilities, and Kuwait banned mining due to grid strain, while Iceland incentivizes renewable-powered operations.

Corporate Moves and Infrastructure: Tether aims to become the largest Bitcoin miner by year-end, prioritizing network security over profit.

Core Scientific is in talks with CoreWeave for a potential sale, reflecting the overlap between Bitcoin mining and AI data center infrastructure.

Cipher Mining launched its 150MW Black Pearl site in Texas, with plans to reach 300MW.

Chinese mining giants Bitmain, Canaan, and MicroBT are setting up U.S. production to avoid tariffs.

Profitability and Industry Trends:

Bitcoin mining profitability rose 18.2% in May 2025, driven by a 20% Bitcoin price increase and North American miners capturing 26.3% of the global network.

MARA Holdings mined 950 BTC in May, bolstering its treasury to 49,179 BTC, one of the largest corporate holdings.

The industry is consolidating, with less profitable miners struggling and larger players like Marathon and CleanSpark expanding.

Home Mining Options:

Home mining remains viable in 2025, with lower equipment costs (ASICs at $16 per terahash vs. $80 in 2022). Options include lottery mining (high-risk, low-cost), solo mining with ASICs, or joining mining pools for steady payouts.

The EU’s MiCA regulation has reduced regulatory uncertainty, supporting retail miners. (Grok)

News

MinRes sells troubled Yilgarn iron ore projects

Perth-based Yilgarn Iron Investments has secured a deal to buy the mothballed Yilgarn iron ore projects in Western Australia from Mineral Resources. The Yilgarn mines in the state's Goldfields region were shut down in late 2024, and more than 800 workers were redeployed to the company's other projects. Mineral Resources has advised that the commercial terms of the deal are 'confidential and immaterial'. The deal only comprises the Yilgarn hub's iron ore assets, and Mineral Resources will retain the rights to gold and lithium deposits. (RMS)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyses every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not." "Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

News Bonus

Gold by Spandau Ballet Producers: Steve Jolley & Tony Swain

Music Video: Gold
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today

Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus] Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned

You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you

And love is like a high prison wall And you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

[Bridge]

Love is like a high prison wall
You could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return

Something I could have learned

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home Sorry that the chairs are all worn I left them here I could have sworn

These are my salad days Slowly being eaten away Just another play for today Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you

Nothing left to make me feel small Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul

You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing

You are gold (gold) Glad that you're bound to return

There's something I could have learned You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime

It's only two years ago The man with the suit and the face You knew that he was there on the case

Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you And love is like a high prison wall

And you could leave me standing so tall

Markets

July 1, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6580 USD (up $0.0045 USD)
Iron Ore July Spot Price: $94.20 USD (down $0.55)
Iron Ore Aug Spot Price: $94.20 USD (down $0.08)
Oil: $64.97 USD (down $0.55 USD)
Gold: $3,303.22 USD (up $28.99 USD)
Copper : $5.1075 USD (down $0.0145 USD)
Bitcoin: $107,498.09 (up 0.04% in last 24 hours)
Dow Jones: 44,094.77 (up 275.50 points)

Mining, Resources, Energy, Markets,News: Australia and World

June 30, 2025

War, tariffs, growth slump take $33bn toll on miners

The Department of Industry, Science & Resources has forecast that Australia's resources export earnings will fall to $369bn in 2025-26, compared with an estimated $385bn in the current financial year. The quarterly resources and energy report also forecasts that the sector's export earnings will fall to $352bn in 2026-27. The report notes a number of risks for the sector, including geopolitical tensions, the Trump administration's tariffs regime and slowing global economic growth. The report forecasts that iron ore export earnings will fall by $11bn to $104.8bn in 2025-26; however, gold shipments are expected to rise by $10bn to $56bn, and become the nation's third-biggest resources export in 2025-26. (RMS)

News

Iran could resume uranium enrichment 'in a matter of months', UN nuclear watchdog says

International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi says Iran might be able to resume uranium enrichment 'in a matter of months', despite the US and Israeli attacks on several of its nuclear facilities. There have also been questions as to whether Iran was able to relocate some or all of its estimated 408.6-kilogram (900-pound) stockpile of highly enriched uranium before the attacks, with Grossi admitting to CBS News that "we don't know where this material could be". Iran has decided to suspend co-operation with the IAEA, and has Grossi's request for a visit to the damaged facilities. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Rio Tinto puts hunt for CEO on fast-track

Sources have indicated that Rio Tinto is likely to announce the successor to CEO Jakob Stausholm after its half-year results are released on 30 July. The resources group has commenced the process of interviewing and assessing the shortlisted candidates for the role; the leading internal contenders include chief commercial officer Bold Baatar and the head of iron ore, Simon Trott. Stausholm revealed plans to step down in May, prompting speculation that he had been pushed out. Rival BHP is said to be preparing for the eventual departure of CEO Mike Henry. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Beach touted as Narrabri buyer

Citi has stated that regulators might require Santos to divest its undeveloped Narrabri gas field in NSW in order for them to approve its $30 billion takeover by Abu Dhabi's XRG consortium. It comes as XRG was given an exclusive four-week period of due diligence on Friday to progress its bid for Santos, while the Kerry Stokes-backed Beach Energy is seen as a potential buyer for the Narrabri gas field, which contains an estimated 1,500 petajoules of gas. Potential daily production of 200 terajoules is equivalent to half of NSW's current gas consumption. (RMS)

News

June 26, 2025

Australia sues China-linked rare earths investors

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has lodged Federal Court action against Indian Ocean International Shipping & Service for breaching Australian foreign investment laws; action is also being taken against a former unnamed associate of the firm. The company is one of five foreign investors with links to China that Chalmers ordered in 2024 to divest their shares in rare earth miner Northern Minerals due to national interest concerns, with Chalmers' legal action against Indian Ocean International Shipping & Service said to be the first of its kind. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyzes every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

Gold holds decline as ceasefire saps haven demand

Gold held a decline as a shaky Iran-Israel ceasefire appeared to hold, reducing demand for haven assets. Bullion was near $US3330 an ounce, after closing down 1.3 per cent on Tuesday. The truce between Israel and Iran continued after US President Donald Trump lashed out at both sides for early breaches. Geopolitical uncertainties, along with Trump’s aggressive trade policy and central bank buying, have spurred a 27 per cent advance in gold this year. The rally has lost momentum over the last couple of months, however, with bullion mostly trading between $US3300 and $US3400 an ounce. Spot gold rose 0.2 per cent to $US3330.85 an ounce in Asian trading. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was flat. Silver was steady, while platinum and dipped.

News

Bonus

Gold by Spandau Ballet

Producers: Steve Jolley & Tony Swain

Music Video: Gold
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VQ4qrcHyYj4

[Verse 1]

Thank you for coming home
Sorry that the chairs are all worn
I left them here I could have sworn
These are my salad days
Slowly being eaten away
Just another play for today
Oh, but I'm proud of you, but I'm proud of you
Nothing left to make me feel small
Luck has left me standing so tall

[Chorus] Gold (gold)

Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
There's something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time Remember we were partners in crime
It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you
And love is like a high prison wall
And you could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Bridge]

Love is like a high prison wall
You could leave me standing so tall

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul

You got the power to know You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing (You are, gold)
Always believe in your soul You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing 'Cause you are gold (gold)
I'm glad that you're bound to return
Something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing (gold)

[Verse 1]

[Chorus]

Gold (gold) Always believe in your soul
You've got the power to know
You're indestructible, always believing
You are gold (gold)
Glad that you're bound to return
There's something I could have learned
You're indestructible, always believing

[Verse 2]

After the rush has gone I hope you find a little more time
Remember we were partners in crime
It's only two years ago
The man with the suit and the face
You knew that he was there on the case
Now he's in love with you, he's in love with you
And love is like a high prison wall
And you could leave me standing so tall

News

Markets

June 30, 2025

Australian Dollar: $0.6535 USD (down $0.0009 USD)
Iron Ore July Spot Price (SGX): $94.75 USD (up $1.20)
Oil (WTI): $65.52 (up $0.33)
Gold: $3,274.23 (down $53.78)
Copper (CME): $5.1220 (up $0.0690)
Bitcoin: $107,356.68 (up 0.13%)
Dow Jones: 43,819.27 (up 432.43)

Markets

June 27, 2025

Australian dollar +0.5% to 65.46 US cents

Wall Street:
S&P 500 +0.8%
Dow Jones +0.9%
Nasdaq +1%

Europe:
Stoxx 50 -0.2%
FTSE +2%,
DAX +0.6%
CAC -0.01%

Bitcoin +0.1% to US$107,875

Gold $US3329.90 an ounce at 6.41am AEDT
US oil +0.5% to $US62.26 a barrel at 8.42am AEDT
Brent Crude Oil +0.1% to $US67.78 a barrel
Iron ore -1% at $US94.52 a ton
10-year yield: US 4.24% Australia 4.1% Germany 2.57%

News

Gold once again approaches a cliff edge

The Israel and Iran ceasefire has reduced demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. The precious metal failed to break out of the medium-term consolidation range of $3,100 to $3,400 per troy ounce and resume its upward trend. This signals weakness among bulls and allows Citigroup to predict a fall in prices below $3,000 in 2026. According to the bank, thanks to Donald Trump's ‘big and beautiful’ tax bill, the acceleration of the US economy will push gold prices down. The decrease in geopolitical risks will also contribute to gold's decline.

Goldman Sachs, on the other hand, maintains its forecast for the precious metal to rise to $4,000. It cites the insatiable appetite of central banks, the weakening dollar, and the fall in US Treasury bond yields. Indeed, the White House is keen on lower debt market rates and a weaker currency. A recent survey by the World Gold Council shows that 43% of central banks plan to increase their bullion purchases over the next 12 months, up from just 29% a year ago.

The recent de-escalation has once again tested gold's support at its uptrend, marked by the 50-day moving average. On Friday, sellers pushed the price below this level, which passes through 3324, and are even attempting to stabilise below 3300. In May, a sharp movement managed to push the price back above this line. However, this metric is now turning downward, reflecting over two months of consolidation after reaching recent highs.

All signs indicate a potential repeat of the consolidation seen in November-December last year, which laid the groundwork for the subsequent rally. However, there is also a high probability that the failure to break through the $3500 level over the past two months signals a global trend reversal. We await whether this will mirror 2020, with a 20% correction in the next six months and a two-year sideways movement or resemble the nearly halving in gold prices from 2011 to 2015. (FxPro)

News

ASX dips on tech sell-off; lithium stocks rally

The Australian sharemarket drifted lower on Thursday, with the S&P/ASX 200 easing 0.1 per cent to close at 8,550.8 points. Northern Star Resources fell 2.3 per cent to $18.84, Xero was down 5.3 per cent at $184 and the Commonwealth Bank finished 0.4 per cent lower at $190.71. However, Mineral Resources was up 3.6 per cent at $20.90 and DroneShield added 11.7 per cent to end the session at $2.39. (RMS)

News

'Not the moment' for abandoned rare earths mega-merger, says Lynas boss

A merger of Lynas Rare Earths with MP Materials would create a monopoly of rare earths in the Western world, and the idea that they should merge has been previously flagged. Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze said on Wednesday that she had been of the view that a merger of the two was a good idea, but that for a "variety of reasons, it didn't happen". Speaking on the sidelines of a talk for the Western Australian Mining Club, she said that there were no discussions between Lynas and MP Materials about a merger at present. She said that deals often have their moment, "and now is not the moment, unfortunately", in terms of one between the two companies. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Best Quotes Of The Day

"The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears. To find the gold, think deeply and think better."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig." Broadway Mining

"There's a gold mine in you that must be exploited"

Mining, Energy and Resources: Australia, World

News

June 20, 2025

Rio Tinto to settle class action over Mongolian mine for $214m

Rio Tinto has settled a lawsuit brought against it by Florida hedge fund Pentwater Capital Management and other investors in Canada-based Turquoise Hill Resources. The legal action related to alleged losses that the investors in Turquoise Hill had incurred because of Rio's management of the Oyu Tolgoi copper project in Mongolia, with the investors to receive $US138.7 million ($213.6 million) under the terms of the proposed settlement. Settlement of the action comes a month after the Mongolian government filed a lawsuit against Rio in a British court, with the government accusing Rio of corruption and political bribery. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

PNG in demand to Santos suitor

Wapu Sonk says that the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company must commit to the development of the $US18bn ($28bn) Papua LNG project if its $30bn bid for Santos is successful. Sonk is the MD of Kumul Petroleum, which is Papua New Guinea's national oil company. Santos owns a stake of just under 23 per cent in the Papua LNG project, for which a final investment decision is expected by December. Kumul has a two per cent stake in the project, and has an option to increase this to 22.5 per cent if it goes ahead. (RMS)

News

Woodside, Petronas in LNG supply talks

Woodside Energy has advised that it has secured a non-binding heads of agreement with Petronas to supply Malaysia with one million tonnes of LNG per annum for 15 years from 2028. Woodside indicated that some of the gas could be sourced from its Louisiana LNG project in the US, which received final investment approval in April. The project, which was formerly known as Driftwood, is slated to produce 16.5 million tonnes of LNG annually from 2029. (RMS)

News

Australian Mining News

Iron Ore Market Challenges: Iron ore, Australia’s most valuable export, is facing declining prices due to reduced demand from China and strong production from Pilbara mines. Rio Tinto opened its Western Range mine in Paraburdoo, with a capacity of 25 million tonnes annually, but forecasts suggest export earnings will drop from $117 billion in FY25 to $109 billion in FY26.

Traditional Owners and Mining Talks: Post-Juukan Gorge, some Pilbara traditional owner groups have secured new deals with mining companies, but others, like the Yinhawangka, express dissatisfaction with negotiation outcomes, highlighting ongoing tensions.

Munda Gold Mine Progress: Auric Mining reported the first blast at its Munda Gold Mine in Western Australia on June 17, 2025, with 70,000 BCM mined in the first month, fully funded by gold sales from Jeffreys Find.

Uranium Production Success: Boss Energy’s Honeymoon uranium mine in South Australia met its FY25 production guidance of 850,000 pounds of triuranium octoxide, with plans for a ramp-up in FY26.

Innovation and Sustainability: BHP’s innovation team announced eight finalists for its Deep Mining Open Call, focusing on underground mining advancements. Meanwhile, Viva Energy is supplying renewable diesel to reduce emissions in mining operations, aligning with new Australian fuel standards.

ASX Mining Stock Movements: An unnamed ASX mining stock surged 11% on June 19, 2025, due to positive news, while major miners like BHP and Rio Tinto faced declines amid falling iron ore and copper prices.

New Exploration Tools: CSIRO’s LandScape+ software, part of its eXploration Toolkit, uses machine learning to create landform maps, aiding mineral discovery by analyzing geochemical data in complex landscapes. (Grok)

News

Gold Mining: News

West Red Lake Gold Mines (Ontario, Canada): West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is restarting the Madsen Mine, leveraging smart drilling and new infrastructure. The company has overcome major hurdles like permitting and financing, aiming to resume production in H2 2025. This positions it as a rare single-asset gold company launching production in a tier-one jurisdiction this year.

Cosmo Metals (Australia): Cosmo Metals extended its footprint at the Nundle Goldfield, confirming a 2.5km strike length at the Folly Line gold trend. Shareholder support was secured for acquiring the Bingara and Nundle gold-antimony projects, with further developments expected by April 2025.

Auric Mining Ltd. (Australia): Auric Mining commenced operations at the Munda Gold Mine with a first blast on June 17, 2025. Approximately 70,000 BCM was mined in the first month, with management optimistic about capitalizing on a bullish gold market.

Savannah Goldfields (Australia): Savannah Goldfields is restarting gold production at Georgetown, utilizing stockpiled material and tailings. It began transporting 850 tonnes of crushed Agate Creek ore from Charters Towers for processing.

Horizon Minerals (Australia): Horizon Minerals is generating cash flow from its Phillips Find and Boorara projects, with $20.3 million in revenue to date. An agreement with Norton Gold Fields will process 1.24 million tonnes of Boorara ore at the Paddington Mill, yielding $6.3 million in Q1 2025.

Asante Gold (Ghana): Asante secured $470 million in refinancing to clear debts from its 2022 Chirano acquisition. The company expects to double production to 172,000 oz in 2025, with the Bibiani sulphide plant commissioning in Q3.

Barrick Mining (Mali): Barrick removed its Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex from its 2025 output forecast due to a dispute with Mali’s government, which seized gold stock and blocked exports. Operations have been suspended since January, impacting 11% of Barrick’s expected 2025 EBITDA.

Ghana’s Gold Production: The Ghana Chamber of Mines projects 4.4–5.1 million ounces of gold production in 2025, driven by Newmont’s Ahafo South and Shandong’s Namdini mines. Gold exports earned $11.6 billion in 2024.

Gold Price Trends: Gold prices surged past $5,000/oz in 2025, boosting mining activity in regions like Western Australia. However, Citigroup forecasts a decline to $2,500–$2,700/oz by H2 2026, contrasting Goldman Sachs’ bullish outlook of $3,700 by late 2025.

Other Developments: Pacgold is restarting drilling at Alice River (Australia) in Q4 2025, targeting high-grade gold. Magmatic Resources acquired the Weebo Gold Project in Western Australia, set to close in July 2025. (Grok)

Best Quotes Of The Day

The best and biggest gold mine is in between your ears."

"You are a gold mine of potential power. You have to dig to find it and make it real."

"Your mind is like a gold mine, if you dig deep you will find something golden."

"Don't die without mining the gold in your mind."

"We're like goldfields. Until we dig deep to find what's inside us, our true potentials may be hidden forever."

"If you want to find gold, you've got to love the process of digging."

"Even if you're sitting on a gold mine, you still have to dig."

"Develop men the same way gold is mined"

"Don't go into the mine looking for dirt; instead, go in looking for the gold."

"A prospector's job is to remove dirt as quickly as possible"

"A prospector who analyzes every speck of dirt won't find much gold"

"The world is sitting on a gold mine but knows it not."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"All that is gold does not glitter."

"Gold is forever. It is beautiful, useful, and never wears out"

"Gold is the money of kings"

"Mining is the art of exploiting mineral deposits at a profit. An unprofitable mine is fit only for the sepulcher of a dead mule."

"Anyone can find the dirt in someone. Be the one that finds the gold."

"True gold fears no fire."

"The desire of gold is not for gold. It is for the means of freedom and benefit."

"Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold."

"When taken for granted, gold in one's hand is sometimes considered like cheap copper – so are people."

News

Markets

June 12, 2025

ASX futures down 26 points/0.3% to 8493

Australian dollar -0.4% to 64.81 US cents

Wall Street closed: public holiday

Europe:
Stoxx 50 -1.3%, FTSE -0.6%, DAX -1.1%, CAC -1.3%
Bitcoin -0.2% to $US104,318

Spot gold flat at $US3370.79 per ounce
US oil +0.8% to $US75.00 a barrel
Brent crude oil +2.8% to $US78.85 a barrel
Iron ore +0.5% to $US92.90 per tonne
10-year yield: US 4.39% Australia 4.21% Germany 2.52%

Business News: Mining: Australia, World

News

June 18, 2025

BHP-Rio US copper mine clears environment hurdle

The US Department of Agriculture has granted environmental approval for the Resolution Copper project in Arizona. The publication of the final environmental impact statement for the underground copper mine will allow the transfer of federal land to occur, which is the next step in the long-running battle to develop the Resolution deposit. Joint venture partners BHP and Rio Tinto have yet to make a final investment decision on the project, which has faced strong opposition from environmentalists and Indigenous groups. (RMS)

News

Gold and iron ore prices set to drop, Citi warns

US investment bank Citi is bearish about the price of both gold and iron ore. The gold price has risen by about 30 per cent so far in 2025, and peaked at a record $US3,500 an ounce in April. However, Citi has forecast that it will fall around $US2,5000 to $US2,700 an ounce by the end of 2026, due to factors such as lower investment demand, an improving outlook for the global economy and US interest rate cuts. The iron ore price in turn has shed about five per cent in the year-to-date, and is currently trading at around $US93 per tonne; Citi expects it to fall to around $US90 per tonne over the medium-term. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Rush for uranium stocks to front-run prices

Uranium produers Boss Energy and Paladin Energy are the Australian sharemarket's two most-shorted stocks, while several of their peers also attract strong interest among short sellers. Local uranium stocks have rallied in recent days, while the spot price of uranium rose by nine per cent on Monday. The renewed interest in the uranium sector is at least partly attributable to expectations that Canada-based asset manager Sprott will use the proceeds from the sale of units in its physical uranium trust to buy about 2.6 million pounds of physical uranium. Bell Potter notes that Sprott's previous big foray into the uranium market prompted a surge in the spot price. (RMS)

News

Mining Stocks Today

Key Mining Stocks and Performance

VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX): As shown in the finance card above, GDX is trading at $53.51 USD, slightly down from its previous close of $53.55. Over the past month, it has risen from $47.15 on May 19, 2025, reflecting a strong upward trend (+13.5%). The ETF, which tracks major gold mining companies, benefits from gold prices exceeding $3,200/oz, driven by inflation and geopolitical concerns.

SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD): GLD, representing physical gold, is at $311.94 USD, marginally up from $311.78 yesterday. It has gained 5% over the past month, aligning with gold's safe-haven appeal amid tariff uncertainties and inflation expectations.

Barrick Gold (GOLD): A leading gold miner, Barrick is noted for its focus on Tier One assets, producing steady low-cost gold and copper. Its stock has been resilient despite gold price volatility, supported by a strong balance sheet and a 30% production growth target by 2030.

BHP Group: The largest mining company by market cap, BHP focuses on copper, iron ore, and coal. Its stock has faced volatility due to China's reduced iron ore demand, but its $2 billion investment in a copper joint venture with Lundin Mining signals long-term optimism.

Rio Tinto: Known for iron ore, copper, and lithium, Rio Tinto’s stock has been impacted by weaker Chinese demand but bolstered by its $6.7 billion acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, positioning it as a major lithium producer.

Franco-Nevada: A gold streaming company, it has outperformed gold prices historically due to its debt-free balance sheet and royalty model. It had $1.9 billion in capital for new deals in early 2025, making it a stable pick.

Compass Minerals International (CMP): Rated highly by WallStreetZen, CMP has seen a 79.27% stock return over the past year, though it’s trading 12.76% below its $17.50 target price. It’s a top pick for diversified mining exposure.

Sector Trends and Sentiment

Gold Miners: Gold stocks are performing strongly, with the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index showing robust gains. Posts on X highlight optimism, with miners like Getchell, Lahontan, and Orezone up 4.6–10.9% recently, suggesting speculative interest in junior miners. Gold’s price above $3,200/oz supports miners’ margins, though investor caution persists due to past operational risks.

Copper and Lithium: Copper miners like Southern Copper benefit from prices nearing $10,000/tonne, but momentum slowed in Q3 2024. Lithium stocks, such as Arcadium, are under pressure from oversupply, though Rio Tinto’s acquisition signals confidence in future demand.

Iron Ore and Coal: Iron ore miners like Fortescue face challenges from China’s reduced steel production, with prices down 10% year-over-year. Metallurgical coal remains stable, but thermal coal is shunned by ESG-focused investors.

Uranium and Critical Minerals: Uranium stocks like Cameco and Energy Fuels are gaining traction due to rising nuclear energy demand. Junior miners like Core Nickel and Omai Gold are also attracting attention for high-grade exploration results.

Market Outlook

The mining sector’s performance is tied to commodity price cycles and macroeconomic factors. Gold miners are a strong bet for hedging volatility, with analysts expecting further upside if gold sustains its rally. Copper and uranium offer growth potential, but lithium and iron ore stocks may lag until demand stabilizes. Investors should focus on companies with strong balance sheets and low-cost operations, like Barrick or Franco-Nevada, to mitigate cyclical risks. (Grok)

News

Best Quotes

“He who has the gold makes the rules.” – Unknown

“All that glitters is not gold.” William Shakespeare

"The reality is gas prices should be much more expensive then they are because we're not incorporating the true damage to the environment and the hidden costs of mining oil and transporting it to the U.S. Whenever you have an unpriced externality, you have a bit of a market failure, to the degree that eternality remains unpriced" Elon Musk

Australia-Japan partnership to power critical minerals in NSW

June 10, 2025

Japanese powerhouse JX Advanced Metals Corporation has signed an agreement for a $20 million investment, with an additional contribution option of $5 million and a further $5 million in convertible funding in Australian-owned critical minerals company RZ Resources’ Copi Project in western NSW.

RZ Resources founder David Fraser said the collaboration between the two companies was a testament to their shared vision for the project and Australia’s resilience in critical minerals.

“This is more than a financial investment – it is a deep strategic partnership that strengthens our ability to deliver the Copi Project as a globally significant, geopolitically aligned supply of critical minerals.”

The Copi Project, subject to NSW planning approvals, has the potential to produce titanium feedstocks (rutile, leucoxene, ilmenite), premium zircon products (ceramic-grade and concentrates) and rare earth element concentrate, ready for downstream refining.

News, Markets, Comms and Culture

May 15, 2025

Sydney, Australia

Markets

Australian Dollar: $0.6420 USD (down $0.0050 USD)
Iron Ore June Spot Price (SGX): $101.70 USD (up $2.10 )
Oil Price (WTI): $62.89 USD (down $0.74)
Gold Price: $3,179.41 USD (down $72.13)
Copper Price (CME): $4.6435 USD (down $0.0650)
Bitcoin: $103,541.08 USD (down 0.93%)
Dow Jones: 42,051.06 (down 89.37 points)

News

Australia

Miners, energy help ASX to sixth day of gains

The Australian sharemarket posted a modest gain on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 adding 0.1 per cent to close at 8,279.6 points. Fortescue was up 2.2 per cent at $16.97, Woodside Energy rose 3.4 per cent to $22.31 and the Commonwealth Bank firmed 0.8 per cent to end the session at $167.50. However, Insignia Financial shed 15.8 per cent to finish at $3.37 and Aristocrat Leisure was down 8.9 per cent at $62.10. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Media

CNN and Fox take on their own legacies with new streaming services

Fox Corporation is set to launch its third streaming service in the US. Fox One will feature content from across the media group's operations, including news, sport and entertainment. It will complement Fox Corp's existing Fox Nation streaming news channel and Tubi, a free advertising supported general entertainment streaming platform. Meanwhile, Warner Bros Discovery-owned CNN plans to launch a news streaming service that will be bundled with subscriptions to http://cnn.com. Fox Corp and CNN are both confident that their new streaming products will not cannabilise the customer base for their cable TV services. (RMS)

News

Rio shows we must invest in green iron: Fortescue boss

Rio Tinto recently advised that the iron content of its flagship 'Pilbara Blend Fines' product will be downgraded by nearly one percentage point, to 60.8 per cent; BHP had previously reduced the iron content of two iron ore products in 2024. Fortescue CEO Dino Otranto says the trend underlines the need for Australia to invest in more domestic refining, in order to produce higher-grade iron ore. Otranto has indicated that Fortescue is on track to finish construction of a green iron plant at its Christmas Creek iron ore hub and produce commercial quantities of green iron by the end of 2025. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Beware the rally in iron ore above $US100, it might not last

The iron ore price has peaked at more than $US101 per tonne in Singapore trading on Wednesday, which is its highest level in about six weeks. Factors such as the easing of trade tensions between the US and China have bolstered the price of the steel input, although market watchers say the rebound is unlikely to be sustained. Headwinds include steel production cutbacks in China and a looming increase in global iron ore supply as new projects in Africa start to commence shipments. (RMS)

News

Core Lithium plan to revive mothballed Finniss

Perth-based Core Lithium has advised that it may resume operations at its Finniss mine in the Northern Territory. The mine was placed in 'care and maintenance' mode in 2024, in response to a sharp downturn in the price of lithium. Core hopes a plan to significantly reduce mining and processing costs at Finniss, while also boosting productivity, will enable the mine to reopen. CEO Paul Brown says the quality of the Finniss deposit and its proximity to the Port of Darwin gives it an advantage over rival lithium mines in Western Australia. (RMS)

News

Australian Mining News

WA Mining Conference and Exhibition: Scheduled for October 8–9, 2025, in Perth, this event will focus on critical minerals, mine waste management, and innovative technologies shaping the industry’s future. It aims to be a key platform for networking and industry insights.

Global Resources Innovation Expo (GRX25): Set for May 20–22, 2025, in Brisbane, GRX25 will feature industry leaders like Owen Hegarty, discussing transformation and sustainability in mining.

Carbine Resources: The company secured a 21-year mining lease for its Muchea West silica sand project in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone.

Federal Government Cabinet: Following the re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the new cabinet has been welcomed by mining bodies. The government is pushing the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive (10% refundable tax offset for processing 31 critical minerals) and a Hydrogen Production Tax Incentive ($2/kg for renewable hydrogen).

Prospect Awards 2025: Nominations are open for the Australian Mining Prospect Awards, recognizing excellence in safety, occupational health, and industry leadership.

Legacy Minerals: The company is advancing the Nico Young nickel-cobalt project in New South Wales, leveraging prior work by Jervois Global to reduce costs and accelerate development.

Rio Tinto’s Winu Project: Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining signed final joint venture agreements for the Winu copper-gold project in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert.

Sibanye-Stillwater: The company reported a 92% increase in zinc production (25,000 tonnes) at its Century zinc retreatment operation in Queensland for the March 2025 quarter, with a feasibility study for the Mt Lyell copper mine in Tasmania due by late 2025.

Tivan’s Speewah Fluorite Project: Tivan formed a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation, supported by a $5.3 million investment and government funding, to develop Australia’s first fluorite operation in Western Australia.

Hillgrove Resources: The Kanmantoo copper mine in South Australia produced 811 tonnes of copper in April, with annual guidance set at 12,000–14,000 tonnes for 2025.

Critical Minerals and Sustainability: Australia’s mining sector is poised to lead in the global energy transition, with growing demand for critical minerals and a focus on innovation and sustainable practices.

Queensland Mining Coroner: Wayne Pennell was appointed Queensland’s first mining and resources coroner to investigate fatalities and address a backlog of inquests, enhancing safety accountability.

Social Media Sentiment: Posts on X highlight ongoing exploration (e.g., Verity Resources’ Monument Gold Project) and acquisitions (e.g., Terra Metals’ Dante Project expansion), reflecting active industry momentum. However, a 119% mining rate hike by a Goldfields council has sparked concern among local explorers. (Grok)

News

Pop Culture/Entertainment

Media Movies

Network (1976) - Directed by Sidney Lumet, this satirical drama follows a TV network exploiting a deranged anchor’s rants for profit, highlighting media sensationalism. Stars Faye Dunaway and Peter Finch.

Nightcrawler (2014) - A thriller by Dan Gilroy about a drifter (Jake Gyllenhaal) who becomes a freelance crime journalist, blurring ethical lines for fame. It’s a sharp critique of modern media’s vulture-like tendencies.

Zodiac (2007) - Directed by David Fincher, this film chronicles a cartoonist-turned-detective’s obsession with the Zodiac Killer, exploring media’s role in public fear and fascination.

Citizen Kane (1941) - Orson Welles’ classic traces the life of a newspaper magnate, loosely based on William Randolph Hearst, examining media power and personal ambition.

Sweet Smell of Success (1957) - A biting satire about a ruthless press agent and a powerful columnist, showcasing media manipulation with sharp dialogue.

News

Gold: Movie

Gold (2016) is a crime drama inspired by the 1990s Bre-X mining scandal. Matthew McConaughey stars as Kenny Wells, a prospector who partners with geologist Michael Acosta (Édgar Ramírez) to find gold in Indonesia. After striking it rich, their success unravels amid fraud and betrayal. Directed by Stephen Gaghan, the film explores greed and ambition but received mixed reviews for its uneven tone and pacing. It grossed $14.8 million against a $20 million budget. Available on platforms like Hulu or Amazon Prime (check current listings). (Grok)

News/Profile

Gold (1974)

Gold (1974) is a British thriller directed by Peter R. Hunt, based on Wilbur Smith's novel Gold Mine. Set in South Africa, it follows Rod Slater (Roger Moore), a mining engineer, who uncovers a conspiracy to flood a gold mine to manipulate global gold prices. The plot involves corporate greed, sabotage, and high-stakes action, with Slater racing to stop the scheme.

Cast: Roger Moore, Susannah York, Ray Milland, Bradford Dillman.

Key Details: 120 min, rated PG, released August 1974 (UK). Filmed on location in Johannesburg, featuring intense mining scenes.

Reception: Mixed reviews; praised for action and Moore’s charisma, criticized for pacing and dated elements. IMDb rating: 5.7/10.

Availability: Limited streaming; available for rent/purchase on platforms like Amazon or on DVD.

News

Bitcoin Movies Streaming

Money Electric: The Bitcoin Mystery (2024, HBO)

A documentary by Cullen Hoback exploring Bitcoin’s origins and the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto. It’s a thrilling investigation into Bitcoin’s rise and its potential impact on global finance.

Streaming: Available on HBO’s streaming platform, Max. Check JustWatch for additional services or free options like Apple TV+ trials.

Bitconned (2024, Netflix) A true-crime documentary about three individuals who scammed millions in the unregulated crypto market to fund lavish lifestyles. Streaming: Exclusively on Netflix.

Banking on Bitcoin (2016)

A popular documentary diving into Bitcoin’s impact, its challenge to centralized banking, and its early history. It’s a great pick for understanding Bitcoin’s ethos. Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime Video (free for subscribers), Fandango at Home, and for purchase/rent on Amazon, YouTube Primetime, or Apple TV.

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin (2014)

Follows programmer Daniel Mross and early Bitcoin adopters, offering insights into Bitcoin’s volatile early days. Ideal for beginners.
Streaming: Available on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and for purchase on iTunes or Amazon.

Bitcoin: The End of Money as We Know It (2015)

A concise documentary tracing the history of money and Bitcoin’s potential to disrupt fiat systems. Features experts like Andreas Antonopoulos.

Streaming: Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Fandango at Home. Free on YouTube in some regions (e.g., Ulterior States).

Notes on Streaming with Bitcoin:

Major platforms like Netflix and HBO Max don’t directly accept Bitcoin payments. However, you can use crypto via gift cards purchased from platforms like Bitrefill, Coinsbee, or eGifter, which offer cards for services like Amazon, Fandango, or Rakuten, usable for streaming or movie tickets.

For example, Bitrefill sells Showtime or Rakuten gift cards (for US, Spain, Portugal, Italy) payable with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin.

Crypto debit cards from providers like http://Crypto.com or Coinbase can also convert Bitcoin to fiat for subscriptions or purchases at non-crypto-accepting platforms.

Additional Tips:

Check platforms like JustWatch or IMDb for real-time streaming availability, as services change frequently.

Some older documentaries, like Ulterior States (2014), are freely available on YouTube, offering ideological perspectives on Bitcoin’s early days.

Be cautious with free streaming sites; some, like Openload or Streamango, have been linked to crypto-jacking schemes that mine Monero using your device’s CPU. (Grok)

Rio Tinto increases Australian supplier spend to A$17.7 billion

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto strengthened its spend with Australian businesses to over A$17.7 billion in 2024, supporting both national and local suppliers.

This is an increase of 9.9% from the previous year and was spent with more than 6,000 suppliers across the country. This spend has helped boost local, regional, and national economies, contributing to employment and strengthening Australian owned and managed businesses.

As part of this spend, more than A$926 million was spent with 182 Indigenous businesses across Australia – an increase of about 27% since 2023. Of this, A$671 million was spent with Traditional Owner businesses that we have land use agreements with, contributing directly to the economic strength of the communities where we operate.

Spending with local suppliers across Australia also increased by 14.8%, reaching A$1.3 billion.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said: “From one side of the country to the other, our suppliers - including Indigenous, small, and regional businesses - are at the heart of our success and ability to operate in Australia. Their contributions help keep local communities strong.

“We recognise the important role these Australian businesses play in creating jobs, strengthening local economies and supporting our operations. That’s why we continue to increase our investment with them.

“In 2024, we expanded our spend with Australian Indigenous businesses by 27.5% to A$926 million and with local businesses across Australia by 14.8% to A$1.38 billion. These partnerships drive economic growth and strengthen the communities they serve.”

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250403505411/en/

Mining. Energy and Resources: Australia

February 20, 21, 2025

Hydrogen rethink for Fortescue

Iron ore miner Fortescue released its interim results on Thursday, posting a net profit after tax of $US1.55 billion. This was significantly down on the $US3.3 billion result it posted a year ago, while revenue was down one-fifth at $US7.6 billion and Fortescue's interim dividend was down from $1.08 per share to $0.50. Meanwhile, Fortescue revealed that it is considering pausing almost $1 billion worth of approved hydrogen projects in Australia and the US while it evaluates the stance of the second Trump administration on clean energy. (RMS)

News

Investors dump big miners as iron ore heads for a glut

The iron ore price shed nearly 30 per cent during 2024, which was reflected in the latest financial results of Australia's biggest producers of the steel input. BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue have significantly reduced their interim or full-year dividends, which has in turn weighed on their share prices. Sam Berridge from Perennial expects the outlook for the nation's iron ore miners to remain challenging; he forecasts that the iron ore price will average $US80 per tonne in 2026, compared with around $US106 in Singapore trading at present. Berridge notes that the addition of iron ore from the Simandou project in Guinea will provide an additional headwind for the sector.

News

Japan Inc returns to the Pilbara

Japanese company Mitsui has paid $US5.34 billion ($8.4 billion) to acquire a 40 per cent in the Rio Tinto-led Rhodes Ridge project in Western Australia's Pilbara region, with Mitsui buying the stake from two descendants of noted WA iron ore explorer Peter Wright. Rhodes Ridge is set to produce its first iron ore in 2030, and contains enough ore to operate for 140 years to operate at its initial production rate of 40 million tonnes per year. Rio's CEO Jakob Stausholm says that Mitsui's investment shows that the Pilbara still "has got many, many great – not years – but decades ahead".

News

Lithium producer IGO falls to $782m loss

IGO Limited has posted revenue of $284m for the first half of 2024-25, which is 35 per cent lower than previously. The company has booked an interim net loss of $782m, compared with a $288.3m profit for the previous corresponding period. The result was marred by a $524.6m impairment charge on the lithium hydroxide refinery at Kwinana in Western Australia, which IGO owns in partnership with China's Tianqi Lithium. The impairment charge reflects the fact that the existing production unit at the refinery has never reached full capacity of 24,000 tonnes a year, as well as the partners' recent decision to cancel plans for a second production unit.

News

Boost for rare earths as lithium miners reveal big losses

Lithium producers Pilbara Minerals and IGO reported significant losses on Thursday, due to the ongoing downturn in the price of lithium. Pilbara Mineral announced an interim loss of $69 million, while IGO disclosed a loss of $782.1 million, which includes its share of a $525 million impairment on a lithium hydroxide plant owned in partnership with Chinese firm Tianqi. The announcement of the big losses by Pilbara Minerals and IGO comes as the Andrew Forrest-owned Wyloo announced it will form a joint venture with Hastings Technology Metals to develop the Yangibana rare earths and niobium project in Western Australia, in a deal that also sees Wyloo secure a 19.9 per cent stake in Toronto-listed Neo Performance Materials. (Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Roy Morgan wins Media Man 'News Services Company Of The Month' award

Mining News

Mining industry ‘critical’ to future energy transition

Breton Technology Middle East and Australia Chairman Lance Kawaguchi says the mining industry is “critical” to the future energy transition.

A prominent tech and manufacturing company is pushing the boundaries of sustainable mining globally through the deployment of battery-electric machinery and advanced autonomous technology.

“Our mission is to try to do our part to be sustainable,” Mr Kawaguchi told Sky News Australia.

“What we are trying to do is to find solutions ... to still be able to mine but reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption.”

Media Man: Sky's the limited with the right resources, media and business associates, vision and hard and smart work!

News

Mining via Grok

Mining is an essential industry that involves the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth. Here's an overview based on general knowledge and contemporary information:

Methods of Mining:

Underground Mining: Used for deep mineral deposits. This method involves creating shafts or tunnels to reach the ore. It's more expensive and can be hazardous but is necessary for high-value minerals located deep underground.

Open Surface (Pit) Mining: Best for minerals located near the surface. This method creates an open pit to extract the ore. It's generally safer and less expensive than underground mining when the ore body is near the surface.

Placer Mining: Utilizes water to extract minerals, typically gold, from sediments in river channels or other alluvial deposits.

In-Situ Mining: Involves dissolving the mineral resource in place using chemicals and then processing it at the surface without moving the rock. This method is often used for uranium.

Environmental Impact:

Mining has significant environmental impacts:

Land Disturbance: Open pits, spoil heaps, and tailings change landscapes dramatically, often leading to deforestation and habitat destruction.

Water Pollution: Mining can lead to acid mine drainage, where acids and heavy metals leach into water sources, which is harmful to aquatic life and human health.

Air Pollution: Dust from mining operations can affect air quality, and processing some ores releases harmful gases.

Rehabilitation: Modern mining practices often include plans for land rehabilitation post-mining, though the success of these efforts can vary widely.

Technological and Economic Aspects:

Technology: Modern mining uses advanced technology for exploration (like satellite imagery, geophysical methods), extraction (automated machinery), and processing (bioleaching, for instance).

Economics: Mining can be extremely lucrative, driving economic growth in many regions. However, the volatility in mineral prices can lead to boom-and-bust cycles in mining-dependent communities.

Energy Transition: There's an increasing focus on mining due to the demand for minerals critical for renewable energy technologies (like lithium for batteries).

Social and Political Dynamics:

Labor: Mining often employs significant numbers of workers, but conditions can be tough, leading to labor disputes. Automation in mining aims to reduce human risk but also affects employment.

Community Impact: Mining operations can bring development to remote areas but also social displacement, health issues, and conflicts over land use and water rights.

International Relations: Countries rich in resources can become focal points for international partnerships or competition, as seen with rare earth elements or, historically, with uranium, like the recent interest in Niger's uranium by countries like Turkey.

Bitcoin and Cryptomining:

Unlike traditional mining, cryptocurrency mining involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions on the blockchain, which requires significant computational power and energy. Recent X posts highlight a growing intersection between digital and physical mining worlds through themes like Bitcoin mining games and the environmental debate around the energy consumption of crypto mining.

This overview captures the multifaceted nature of mining, from its methodologies to its broader implications on society, technology, environment, and global politics. (Grok)

News/Profile via Grok

Mining Industry

The mining industry continues to evolve, influenced by various economic, environmental, technological, and regulatory factors:

Technological Advancements: The industry is seeing a push towards automation and the use of advanced machinery, aiming for efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Technologies like autonomous drilling systems, AI for exploration and mine planning, and IoT for real-time monitoring of equipment are becoming more common.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability: There's increasing pressure for the mining industry to adopt more sustainable practices. This includes efforts to reduce water usage, lower emissions, rehabilitate mined lands, and use renewable energy sources in mining operations. The concept of "green mining" is gaining traction, where the focus is on minimizing the environmental footprint throughout the lifecycle of a mine.

Regulatory Changes: Governments around the world are updating mining laws to boost growth while ensuring environmental protection and community rights. For instance, as seen in posts on X, Indonesia has updated its mining regulations to streamline operations but also to ensure compliance and environmental protection.

Demand for Critical Minerals: The rise in demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has shifted focus towards minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. These are crucial for batteries and electronics, leading to what might be described as a new mining boom for these specific resources.

Economic Impact and Market Dynamics: The mining sector's health often serves as a barometer for global economic activity. Recent sentiment, as reflected on platforms like X, indicates optimism with expectations of increased investment in the sector, though there are calls for more favorable conditions like lower power tariffs and stable policies.

Supply Shortfalls: There's growing concern over supply shortfalls for several key metals due to insufficient current mining output to meet the rising demand, especially for those used in high-tech products and green technologies.

Investment and Expansion: The industry is looking at significant expansion, with equipment industries related to mining expected to grow by a substantial margin. This growth is driven not just by traditional mining but also by the need for new mines to meet the demand for metals critical for the tech and green industries.

Global Perspective: While the U.S. remains a significant player, countries like Australia, with its gold rushes in the past, and now regions in Africa and South America, are central to the global supply of various minerals. The strategic importance of mining in national economies and for global supply chains continues to be a focal point in geopolitical discussions.

Social License to Operate: Mining companies are increasingly aware of the need for a social license, meaning gaining community and societal approval, not just regulatory permits. This involves better engagement with local communities, more transparent operations, and contributing positively to the areas they operate in.

Remember, while these insights reflect general trends and sentiments, the mining industry's specifics can vary greatly by region, the mineral in question, and current global economic conditions. Always consider the latest reports and local news for the most current state of affairs in the mining sector. (Grok)

News

Bitcoin Mining Profile And News via Grok

Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are entered into circulation, but it's also a critical component of the maintenance and development of the blockchain ledger. Here's a simplified overview of how it works:

Transaction Verification: Miners collect transactions broadcasted to the network into a block. They verify that these transactions are legitimate according to the rules of the Bitcoin network (e.g., checking for double-spending).

Creating a Block: Once a set of transactions are verified, they are added to a block. Each block contains a reference to the previous block, forming a chain (hence, blockchain).

Proof of Work: Miners must solve a complex mathematical puzzle that requires significant computational power. This puzzle is essentially finding a hash that meets certain criteria (the hash must start with a certain number of zeros). The difficulty of this puzzle adjusts to ensure that a new block is mined approximately every 10 minutes.

Hash: A hash is a function that converts an input of letters and numbers into an encrypted output of a fixed length. In Bitcoin, the SHA-256 hashing function is used.

Finding the Solution: The first miner to solve the puzzle gets to place the next block on the blockchain and claim the rewards. This process involves a lot of trial and error, with miners adjusting a value called the "nonce" in the block header to try to produce a hash that meets the criteria.

Rewards: The successful miner is rewarded with:
Block Reward: A set amount of newly minted bitcoins. This reward halves approximately every four years in what's known as the "halving." As of my last update, the block reward was 6.25 bitcoins, but by 2024, it would have halved again if the schedule continued as planned.
Transaction Fees: All the transaction fees from the transactions included in the block.

Energy Consumption: Bitcoin mining is notorious for its energy consumption due to the computational power required for proof of work. This has led to discussions about the environmental impact of Bitcoin.

Mining Pools: Because the probability of mining a block solo has become very low due to the network's total computational power, many miners join mining pools. Here, miners combine their computational resources and share the block rewards according to the amount of work they contributed to the probability of finding a block.

Equipment: Over time, mining has evolved from using CPUs to GPUs, FPGAs, and now ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), which are designed specifically for mining and offer significant efficiency improvements.

Decentralization and Security: The mining process helps to secure the network by making it economically infeasible to attack or alter the blockchain. For an attacker to change any part of the blockchain, they would need to redo the proof of work for all subsequent blocks and outpace the honest nodes, which is impractical without controlling more than 50% of the network's mining power.

Since we're now in 2024, if there have been significant changes or updates to Bitcoin mining practices, technology, or regulations since my last update, those would be worth checking out for the most current information. Would you like me to search for any recent developments in Bitcoin mining? (Grok)

#Mining #MiningNews #MiningIndustry #MiningStocks #Energy #Resources #Technology #Innovation #Blockchaing #Bitcoin #BTC #newsfeed #newsfeeds #newswire #Grok #MiningPR #PR #News #media #mediaman #mediamanint #XMining

Markets and Commodities

October 10, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6710 USD (down $0.0040 USD)

Iron Ore Nov Spot Price (SGX): $105.15 USD (unchanged - public holiday)

Oil Price (WTI): $73.36 USD (down $0.55 USD)

Gold Price: $2,607.14 USD (down $15.75 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.4080 USD (down 0.0605 USD)

Bitcoin: $60,908.07 USD (down 2.11% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 42,512.00 at 4.20pm NY time (up 431.63 points on yesterday's close)

Gina Rinehart upgrades her airport (and email signature)

By Mark Di Stefano

September 23, 2024

What’s the point of being the country’s wealthiest person if you can’t make unilateral changes to drab office life that give you a cute little thrill?

Take Gina Rinehart, who treats her Hancock Prospecting workforce to all sorts of perks. There’s the high salaries. But also the $100,000 cash gifts she draws out in a random ballot for workers on her birthday each year.

Rinehart recently appears to have hijacked the email signatures of her Hancock underlings (something she does quite regularly).

Under their names and contact now sits a gargantuan goose to announce her National Mining Day, which will be held at Santos’ Moomba plant in November. (AFR)
@FinancialReview

Full article and coverage via subscription to The Australian Financial Review

https://afr.com/rear-window/gina-rinehart-upgrades-her-airport-and-email-signature-20240923-p5kcsp

Energy, Resources And Mining News: Australia

September 30, 2024

Exports shock on ore to hit $39bn

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is set to reveal a final budget surplus of $15.8bn for 2023-24; this is $6.4bn higher than was forecast in the budget on 14 May. Chalmers claims that Labor's second successive surplus is solely due to lower government spending. However, falling commodity prices are set to weigh on the budget bottom-line in coming years. Revised government forecasts show that resources and energy export earnings will fall to $372bn in 2024-25, compared with $415bn in 2023-24; the value of iron ore exports is forecast to fall to $107bn in 2024-25, down from $138bn in 2023-24. Nickel and lithium export earnings are also expected to fall sharply.

(Roy Morgan Australia)

News

Minister told ERA wouldn't sue over lease

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King moved to formally cancel Energy Resources of Australia's long-standing lease on the Jabiluka uranium deposit in late July. The Northern Territory government subsequently rejected ERA's application to renew the lease. It has been revealed that King's advisers had told her that ERA would be unlikely to pursue legal action if the Jabiluka lease was cancelled, given that major shareholder Rio Tinto opposes mining at Jabiluka without the consent of the traditional owners. ERA launched a Federal Court challenge to King's ruling in early August, claiming that it was denied procedural fairness.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Telco turned miner vies for desert gas

Australian-listed Jade Gas Holdings has a market capitalisation of about $70m. However, one broker has suggested that this could potentially rise to around $500m due to its coal-seam gas project in Mongolia. Jade Gas was initially listed on the ASX as a Telstra reseller called Westel Group, before transitioning to a resources group. Meanwhile, Jade Gas is under scrutiny for commissioning Hong Kong-based DWK to undertake a drilling program at its Mongolian tenements; it claimed that DWK had been drilling gas wells for a decade, but documents show that the company had not been registered when Jade announced the contract in June.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Federal police drop foreign bribery investigation into Australian miner

September 28, 2024
The Australian Federal Police launched an investigation into foreign bribery allegations against Sundance Resources in 2016. However, an AFP spokeswoman has advised that the probe has failed to yield sufficient admissable evidence to refer criminal proceedings to the Director of Public Prosecutions. The police investigation centred on allegations that Sundance had bribed government officials in the Republic of Congo between 2006 and 2008 in order to advance its Mbalam-Nabeba iron ore project. The investigation was complicated by the deaths of several Sundance executives in a plane crash in the Congo in 2010.

News

Prospector Mark Creasy wins support for Calidus Resources rescue

September 28, 2024
Creditors of Calidus Resources have backed a proposal from veteran prospector Mark Creasy to rescue the failed gold miner from administration. Creasy's proposal was supported by the majority of Calidus shareholders, and will result in his West Coast Lending assuming full ownership of Calidus. The deal with Creasy was backed after Calidus directors withdrew their support for an alternative proposal from Petra Capital. West Coast Lending, which is controlled by Creasy's Yandal Investments, aims to resume production at Calidus's Warrawoona gold mine in the Pilbara within months.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

De Grey quick to snuff out takeover speculation

September 28, 2024
De Grey Mining has dismissed recent media reports which suggested that the listed gold miner has received a buyout proposal from Canada-based Agnico Eagle. De Grey has advised that the article which appeared in The Australian is 'pure speculation'. De Grey owns the Hemi deposit in the Pilbara, and it aims to commence developing a gold mine at the site before the end of 2024. Agnico Eagle owns the Fosterville mine near Bendigo in Victoria, and there has been speculation in recent months that the company is keen to acquire assets in Western Australia.

News

Victorian gas projects approved

September 28, 2024

The federal government has approved two new gas production licences for Beach Energy near existing projects off the coast of Victoria. Resources Minister Madeleine King says gas produced at the Artisan and La Bella fields will be reserved solely for domestic use and will help to put downward pressure on gas prices in NSW and Victoria. The government's decision to approve the new licences has coincided with the release of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission's latest gas inquiry report, which has warned that the east coast's gas supply surplus for the March 2025 quarter is likely to be significantly lower than was previously forecast.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Mining via Grok

Mining refers to the extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the Earth, which can range from traditional minerals like gold, silver, coal, and iron to more modern interests like lithium for batteries or rare earth elements for technology. Here's a detailed look into the concept of mining:

Traditional Mining

Historical Context: Mining has been pivotal since ancient times, initially for materials like flint, ochre for body painting, and later for metals like copper, tin, and iron which ushered in the Bronze and Iron Ages.

Process: Modern mining involves several steps: Exploration: Identifying potential deposits through geological surveys.
Feasibility Studies: Analyzing the economic viability of mining operations, including costs, market conditions, and environmental impact.
Extraction: Methods vary from open-pit mining for near-surface deposits to underground mining for deeper ores. Techniques include drilling, blasting, and mechanical extraction.
Processing: Ore is usually refined to extract the desired mineral, often involving crushing, grinding, and chemical processes.
Reclamation: After mining, efforts are made to restore the land, though this aspect has historically been controversial due to environmental impacts.

Environmental and Social Impact: Mining can lead to habitat destruction, pollution (e.g., acid mine drainage), and social displacement. However, it's also crucial for economic development in many regions, providing jobs and contributing to national economies.

Cryptocurrency Mining

Concept: In the context of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, mining does not involve physical digging but rather computational work. Here, miners validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, a public ledger of all transactions.

Process:
Transaction Verification: Miners collect transactions into blocks.
Proof of Work: Miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems (hashing), requiring significant computational power.
Block Creation: The first to solve the problem adds the new block to the blockchain, earning newly minted cryptocurrency and transaction fees as a reward.
Security: This process also secures the network against fraudulent transactions.

Energy Consumption: Cryptocurrency mining, especially for Bitcoin, has been criticized for its high energy consumption, leading to discussions on its environmental footprint.

Modern Innovations and Issues

Sustainable Practices: There's a push towards more sustainable mining practices, including the use of renewable energy for operations, better waste management, and rehabilitation of mined lands.

Critical Minerals: The demand for minerals essential for technology like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements has surged, highlighting new challenges in mining ethics, geopolitics of mineral supply, and the environmental impact.

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Often seen in developing countries, ASM provides livelihood but also poses significant health and environmental risks due to methods like mercury use in gold extraction.

Technological Advancements: From autonomous mining vehicles to drones for exploration, technology is transforming mining operations, making them safer, more efficient, and potentially less harmful to the environment.

Mining, in both its traditional and digital forms, remains a cornerstone of human civilization, supporting economic, technological, and societal development, while also presenting ongoing challenges regarding sustainability and ethics. (Grok)

Roy Morgan is a former Media Man 'News Outlet Of The Month' award winner

Mining, Energy and Resources: Australia and Oceania

August 9, 2024

News

Legal fees for BHP class action top $680m

Law firm Pogust Goodhead is representing about 600,000 participants in a class action over Brazil's Samarco iron ore tailings dam collapse in 2015. The firm estimates that its legal fees could be around Stg250m, while total legal fees arising from the case could exceed Stg350m. Documents filed with the UK's High Court show that BHP's share of the legal costs have been forecast at around Stg108m; however, this is just for the first stage of the trial, and BHP will face a further legal bill if the resources group is found liable for the disaster in Brazil. Samarco is a joint venture between BHP and Vale.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Win for Fortescue in private eye battle

Federal Court judge Brigitte Markovic has dismissed an application by Element Zero's founders to access the instructions that Fortescue gave to private investigators who had been hired to put them under surveillance. Fortescue alleges that its former employees Bart Kolodziejczyk, Bjorn Winther-Jensen and Michael Masterman used its intellectual property to develop Element Zero's rival green steel technology. Justice Markovic ruled that the instructions given to the private investigators are likely to be subject to legal professional privilege.

News

Creasy in talks for Macquarie's $148m debt at miner Calidus

Macquarie Bank has a four per cent stake in Calidus Resources, while it holds $148m of the failed gold producer's debt. Sources have indicated that Macquarie has finalised the terms of a deal to sell its Calidus loan at a price that is at or near its carrying value. The buyer of the debt is believed to be Yandal Investments, the private investment vehicle of Western Australian billionaire Mark Creasy. His deal to acquire Macquarie's debt could give Creasy an edge over other potential bidders for Calidus or its assets, which include the Warrawoona gold project and a 40 per cent stake in the Pirra lithium joint venture.

News

Win for Whitehaven, MACH as court rejects climate bid

The High Court has dismissed the Environment Council of Central Queensland's application for special leave to appeal the Federal Court's decision to allow two NSW coal mine extension projects to proceed. The court had ruled in May that federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek had acted lawfully in handling the environmental approvals process for the Whitehaven Coal and MACH Energy projects. The ECCQ had initiated legal action against the proposed mine expansions in 2022.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Mining, Energy and Resources: Australia and Oceania

August 7, 2024

News

Liontown wants lithium breaks as prices teeter

Association of Mining & Exploration Companies CEO Warren Pearce says it is holding talks with the Western Australian government with regard to royalty relief for lithium producers. The price of spodumene has fallen to $US870 ($1,337) per tonne, and Liontown Resources CEO Tony Ottaviano contends that the government should intervene in order to avert a similar crisis to the rout that hit the nation's industry. He has also suggested that the federal government should expand its production tax credit scheme to include the upstream processing of spodumene.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

MinRes job cuts add to thousands lost in WA's mining sector route

A spokesman for Mineral Resources has confirmed that the iron ore and lithium producer will reduce its head count, although the bulk of the job cuts will be at its Perth head office. Mineral Resources has not disclosed the extent of the job losses, although it is believed to be about 100. The move follows the company's recent decision to mothball its high-cost iron ore mines in Western Australia's Yilgarn region and a delay in the expansion of the Wodgina lithium mine. WA's mining sector has already been hit by massive job losses in the nickel industry in 2024.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

News

Iron ore 'must learn from nickel pain'

Dino Otranto, the CEO of Fortescue's mining arm, has warned that Australia risks missing out amid the global shift to 'green' steel'. He has called for increased collaboration between industry and government to ensure that the nation capitalises on the decarbonisation of the steel industry. He adds that the demise of Australia's nickel industry provides a timely warning for iron ore producers.

News

Jilted ERA heads to court over Jabiluka mine axing

Energy Resources of Australia wants the Federal Court to undertake a judicial review of the Northern Territory government's decision to not renew its mining lease for the Jabiluka uranium deposit. ERA contends that it was denied "procedural fairness and natural justice" in the decision to permanently ban mining at Jabiluka. Amongst other things, ERA has questioned the haste with which federal Resources Minister Madeleine King advised the NT government to reject an extension of the mining lease, which is slated to expire on 11 August.

News

Newmont fights $130m 'restructuring' tax bill

The Australian Taxation Office contends that Newmont Corporation owes it some $132.6m in capital gains tax liabilities arising from a restructuring in 2011. The tax dispute is believed to centre on Newmont's decision to consolidate ownership of its local mines under its Newmont Australia subsidiary; this included a transaction in which two of the mining giant's North American subsidiaries sold their holdings in Newmont Australia back to it. Newmont contends that the transfer was an internal restructure rather than a share sale, and it should therefore not attract capital gain taxes

News

Watchdog threatens 'critical' Browse

Woodside Energy's CEO Meg O'Neill has emphasised the importance of the company's Browse LNG project. She contends that Browse is the only gas field of sufficient size to meet the forecast demand for energy over the near-term. The Browse project's future is under scrutiny following a preliminary ruling from Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority that it presents a "unacceptable risk" to marine ecology. The EPA is expected to make a final recommendation on the project in 2025, although it can be overruled by the federal government. O'Neill has also defended Woodside's deal to acquire a low-carbon ammonia project in the US.

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Markets and Commodities

July 18, 2024

Australian Dollar: $0.6730 USD (unchanged)

Iron Ore Aug Spot Price (SGX): $105.05 USD (down $2.10 USD)

Oil Price (WTI): $83.10 USD (up $2.28 USD)

Gold Price: $2,458.69 USD (down $10.15 USD)

Copper Price (CME): $4.4165 USD (down $0.0405 USD)

Bitcoin: $64,196.81 USD (down 0.80% in last 24 hours)

Dow Jones: 41,198.08 at 4.20pm NY time (up 243.60 points on yesterday's close)

(Roy Morgan Summary)

Rio Tinto appoints new Copper Chief Executive

July 17, 2024

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto has appointed Katie Jackson to lead its Copper business, succeeding Bold Baatar, who as previously announced, will become Chief Commercial Officer later this year.

Katie is currently President of National Grid Ventures, responsible for the development and operation of large-scale energy infrastructure assets. She will join Rio Tinto on 1 September 2024 and be based in London.

Katie has strong international experience in the energy sector, across both operational and commercial roles, starting at Shell as a Drilling Engineer and working in Asia, Europe, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the USA. Following stints at Anadarko and Equinor, where she latterly ran Development and Production operations across Europe and Asia, she joined BG Group as Executive Vice President for Global Business Development and Strategy. Having rejoined Shell, she was subsequently promoted to Executive Vice President of Acquisition, Divestment and New Business Development with responsibility across the Shell portfolio.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Katie brings diverse experience from across the energy sector. Her leadership will be invaluable as we shape our copper business for a successful future. As we continue the ramp up of Oyu Tolgoi to become one of the world’s largest copper suppliers, we are also looking to the future with new opportunities across the world. We are very excited that Rio Tinto will benefit from Katie’s global perspective, proven operational and strategic leadership capability and her passion for driving sustainable growth.”

Katie Jackson said: “I am inspired by Rio Tinto's ambition to deliver the materials the world needs. It is an exciting time to lead the copper business when we have such a central role to play in delivering a low carbon future and I believe my current role delivering major infrastructure projects will help me bring a new perspective. I look forward to collaborating with our teams across the globe, in partnership with communities and governments, and lead the business to an even stronger future.”

This announcement is authorised for release to the market by Andy Hodges, Rio Tinto’s Group Company Secretary.

News