February
Whyalla deal shows the rising price of a future made in Australia
Australia is offering subsidies not just to keep old industries alive but for the future-facing minerals processing that would supply batteries and electric vehicles.
Trump halts law banning bribery of foreign officials
The US president said removing the longstanding anti-corruption law will mean “a lot more business for America”.
Expect more big global mining deals, says former Anglo American chief
Mark Cutifani says the world’s biggest miners are fighting for the attention of investors from less capital-intensive sectors such as technology.
January
$260b mega-deal ignores Australia; Faster US entry; $15m Bangalow record
Read everything that’s happened in the news so far today.
$260b Rio Tinto, Glencore mega-deal would sideline Australia
Follow the money, and it’s hard to see how this mining merger would say much good about Australia’s future.
Rio Tinto-Glencore merger would surpass BHP in size
Combining the two businesses would form the world’s second-largest copper producer, in a land grab for the most in-demand metal of the electrification era.
December 2024
Harsher penalties urged for PwC-style false privilege claims
The changing nature of law firms is making privilege claims more difficult to determine, a federal government discussion paper says.
November 2024
Ex Glencore traders outmanoeuvre Swiss juggernaut at True North Copper
Stockbrokers Canaccord Genuity and Morgans have underwritten the deal which will see True North sell shares at a whopping 83.3 per cent discount to raise $50 million to $60 million.
Glencore, BHP & Co’s $9.4b wealth transfer now just part of life
Miners running up to Queensland is a good example of how business is playing Australian politics, where state premiers are the ones in high demand.
Coal miners halt climate fund donations citing lack of projects
Australia’s cashed-up coal miners have put the brakes on contributions to an industry decarbonisation fund and the decision will be reviewed “periodically”.
Billionaire pays $1.6b for Anglo’s stake in Qld mines
The tycoon already owns a share of the company behind the Jellinbah and Lake Vermont coal projects. He says the deal reflected his confidence in the industry.
October 2024
Rio Tinto makes $9.9b bet on lithium comeback
Takeover target Arcadium Lithium says Rio Tinto’s offer to pay a 90 per cent premium reflects “full and fair” value amid a lithium bear market.
September 2024
Record fine over ‘scab’ abuse at Oaky North coal mine picket
The mining union and officials have been ordered to pay more than $650,000 in fines for verbally abusing strike-breaking workers during a seven-month lockout.
Anglo American’s Australian coal auction has six credible bidders
It’s down from 30-plus tyre kickers for the five mines which produce about 15 million tonnes of coal annually – and some $1 billion in profits annually.
New Hope mounts bid for Anglo American coal mines
New Hope has warned the UK-listed miner that its asking price will need to be lower due to a devastating fire at one of the flagship mines.
August 2024
Miners forced to the table for industry’s first multi-employer deal
The Fair Work Commission has sided with mining unions in a precedent ruling for Labor’s multi-employer bargaining laws, raising the prospect of mass mine shutdowns.
Glencore says ESG mood has ‘evolved’ and it will keep coal mining
The Swiss-based commodities giant had proposed spinning off the fossil fuel into a separate company but has decided to retain the division.
Investors are developing a ‘dirty’ little secret
Glencore’s decision to keep its energy coal business is part of a broader push back against climate-related strategy shifts by big emitters.
July 2024
Big Glencore shareholders want to keep coal
An influential group of Glencore shareholders want the company to abandon a plan to spin-off its coal division, and allocate those earnings to new avenues of growth.
Glencore warns of nickel job losses unless labour costs controlled
BHP’s decision to shut its nickel mines, smelter and refinery is already being felt across families, communities and other mining companies and businesses.