Latest Water News

Melbana Energy’s Block 9 project remains on care and maintenance after a partner default and US sanctions on CUPET, despite improved geological understanding from Amistad-2. The company ended FY2026 with $472,504 in cash and warned that additional funding is required to continue.

SciDev Limited (ASX:SDV) finished FY26 with a sharp annual earnings decline, but a leaner business and stronger second-half performance offer a potential reset. Revenue fell 17% and underlying EBITDA dropped 49%, while the company exited loss-making international operations and rebuilt net cash to $6.8 million.

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.

TG Metals has outlined a preliminary A$26.8 million pre-tax NPV for a low-capital heap leach operation at its Van Uden Gold Project in Western Australia. The economics are striking, but the study remains an early-stage assessment reliant on further drilling, approvals, financing and technical work.

Ballard Mining has expanded the Mt Ida Gold Project’s global Mineral Resource Estimate by 56% to 1.836 million ounces, while securing the approvals and cash runway needed to advance development studies. The pre-production company is now targeting a maiden Ore Reserve, feasibility study and Final Investment Decision in the first half of calendar 2027.

Alliance Nickel has approved a second phase of vat leach testing after preliminary NiWest results supported continued evaluation of the alternative processing route. The potential prize is substantial, but quantified recoveries and capital savings remain unproven.

QEM Limited (ASX:QEM) has suspended non-essential work at its Julia Creek vanadium project after metallurgical results undermined the 2024 Scoping Study. The loss-making explorer is now relying on newly acquired Idaho projects, fresh capital and further exploration to justify its next chapter.

Zimplats delivered a sharp FY2026 earnings rebound, with revenue up 57% and profit after tax rising to US$276.7 million. The result was driven mainly by stronger PGM prices, while lower sales volumes, higher unit costs, no dividend and rising sulphur dioxide emissions temper the celebration.

Brazilian Critical Minerals has reported striking economics for its Ema rare earths project, including a US$1.47 billion post-tax NPV, 105% IRR and six-month payback. The company’s A$7.87 million FY2026 loss, December debt maturity, permitting requirements and unresolved Drake dispute leave the development case dependent on execution and further funding.

Rubicon Water’s technology has been selected as part of a joint venture bid for a major Moroccan irrigation upgrade covering 69,600 hectares. The opportunity could become its largest EMEA contract, but formal execution remains subject to a 15-day appeal period and subsequent commissioning.

Element 25 has moved its Butcherbird manganese expansion from feasibility into project delivery, targeting mechanical completion and commissioning in the first quarter of calendar 2027. The company also strengthened funding and commercial support, although construction, financing conditions and the absence of FY2026 revenue leave execution as the central test.

Magnum Mining’s latest 65-hole assay batch strengthens the Plateau Zone at Piracanjuba North, where desorbable rare earth results matter more than headline grade. The company now has assays from 373 of 894 drilled holes and is targeting a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate by the end of November 2026.