Latest Environmental Protection News

Buru Energy has formally referred its 100%-owned Rafael Conventional Gas Project to Western Australia’s environmental regulator, with a decision on whether the project requires assessment expected by late 2026. The referral keeps the company’s targets of a final investment decision in the second half of 2027 and first gas in early 2029 in view, subject to approvals.

Yancoal Australia has secured NSW approval to continue mining at Hunter Valley Operations until the end of 2045, clearing a major regulatory hurdle after a six-year process. Federal environmental approval remains outstanding, with a deadline of 31 December 2026.

Iron Bear Resources says a new federal-provincial assessment framework, major Labrador clean-energy investment and strategic-project coordination could improve the development pathway for its Canadian iron ore project. The initiatives are supportive, but they do not yet represent project approvals, secured power or construction funding.

Bathurst Resources must provide further information before its fast-track application for the Buller Plateaux Continuation Project can proceed. The two outstanding issues concern a wildlife approval and consent from a reserve manager.

Caravel Minerals has delayed the Caravel Copper Project’s Definitive Feasibility Study from September to the fourth quarter of 2026. The extra time will fund further metallurgical testing, groundwater modelling, environmental updates and a detailed review of the process plant capital estimate.

FireFly Metals has turned a year of aggressive drilling into a substantially larger, higher-confidence Green Bay resource, backed by an August PEA and fresh funding. The next test is execution: feasibility, permits, construction decisions and the capital required to build a mine.

Chalice Mining secures independent endorsement of its Gonneville Project environmental approvals plan, reinforcing its timeline for a Final Investment Decision in the first half of 2028.

American Tungsten & Antimony Ltd (ASX: AT4) has kicked off critical wet table trials at its Del Sol Refinery in Nevada, moving closer to producing ammonium paratungstate and antimony flake from domestic sources. Engineering proposals for expanding the plant’s tungsten processing capacity are under review, while the company pursues US government funding and regulatory approvals.

OceanaGold is set to acquire Ausgold and its Katanning Gold Project for A$776 million, adding a promising low-capital open-pit development in Western Australia with production expected in 2029.

Caravel Minerals has significantly advanced its Caravel Copper Project with a near-complete Definitive Feasibility Study, marked by a 48% increase in Proven Ore Reserves and strengthened funding arrangements.

American Tungsten & Antimony plans to restart and expand the Del Sol Refinery and White Spar Mine in the US, contingent on completing their acquisition. The company is preparing for increased processing capacity and new product lines while engaging with regulators and engineering firms.

VBX Limited has secured crucial environmental approvals to optimise its Wuudagu bauxite project and signed a $10 million indicative prepayment and offtake facility, alongside a framework agreement with a major Chinese aluminium group, amid robust market demand.