Latest Mine Construction News

Orion Minerals has made Glencore’s US$40 million Tranche A financing unconditional, clearing the way for development of the Uppers Mine at its Prieska copper-zinc project in South Africa. The larger US$210 million package for the Deeps remains conditional, leaving the project’s full build-out dependent on further funding.

Santana Minerals has moved the Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project closer to development, with a draft Fast-track Approvals decision expected in the December quarter and a competitive project debt process now underway. Strong Rise and Shine drilling and an A$179.7 million quarter-end cash balance provide further support, although construction remains conditional on approvals, financing and a final investment decision.

Antilles Gold’s significantly oversubscribed rights issue has expanded into a $3.45 million capital raising, giving the company additional funding while it seeks to lift US sanctions affecting its Cuban joint venture. The extra $900,000 is earmarked largely for La Demajagua drilling, but only if the sanction is removed.

Hot Chili’s La Verde copper-gold discovery has expanded rapidly enough to become a cornerstone of the Costa Fuego project, while new funding gives the company room to pursue the next studies and permits. The key test now is whether drilling can translate into a maiden resource and a credible development case.

IperionX has moved its Virginia titanium operation into 24/7 production, lifting nameplate powder capacity to about 200 tonnes a year while commissioning equipment aimed at higher-value components. The progress came alongside a US$66.8 million annual loss, US$63.5 million of operating and investing cash outflows, and continued reliance on government support, customer qualification and future capital.

Carnavale Resources has started more than 7,000 metres of aircore drilling at Kookynie while lodging environmental and mine development applications for its proposed Swiftsure and Tiptoe pits. The company says its bankable feasibility study is essentially complete, with an updated financial model and ASX release expected in October.

Critica Limited (ASX:CRI) has delivered stronger technical results across its Jupiter rare earths and Mt Lindsay tin-tungsten projects, but the developer remains dependent on further funding. Two scoping studies targeted for Q3 2026 now carry the burden of translating resource potential and laboratory results into project economics.

Bannerman Energy has launched a fully underwritten A$124 million placement that it expects will fund its share of the Etango uranium project through construction and ramp-up. The raising follows confirmation that CNOL’s strategic investment and joint venture conditions have been satisfied or waived.

Rox Resources reports steady progress at Youanmi Gold Mine with processing plant construction and mining development proceeding on schedule, supporting a mid-2027 gold production target.

Toubani Resources has received the initial US$25 million drawdown under its Gold Stream agreement with Eagle Eye Asset Holdings, marking a crucial step in advancing the Kobada Gold Mine towards production in 2027.

Rox Resources has secured full permits and major contracts to push forward construction at Youanmi, with mining and processing plant works advancing towards a mid-2027 gold pour.

Rio Tinto reported a 3% year-on-year increase in copper equivalent production for H1 2026, driven by Oyu Tolgoi’s 31% growth and record iron ore output in the Pilbara, while maintaining full-year guidance amid geopolitical headwinds.