BHP incoming chief executive Brandon Craig has met Chinalco chair Ao Hong in Beijing, signalling a renewed alignment between the world’s largest diversified miner and China’s biggest state-owned aluminium producer. The talks centre on long-term supply security for iron ore and copper, with BHP’s Pilbara operations and Escondida copper mine likely to feature in any expanded offtake or joint development arrangements. For miners and project developers, the move points to continued Chinese backing for large-scale steel and energy-transition metals demand, supporting new brownfield expansions over greenfield risk.

Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) suppliers are being urged by Austmine to target the US market ahead of the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington DC from 23–26 June 2024. Austmine is promoting opportunities linked to US critical minerals policy, including demand for Australian-developed ore sorting, mine automation and tailings monitoring technologies in states such as Nevada and Arizona. For METS firms, the push signals growing scope for export of drill-and-blast optimisation software, remote asset monitoring systems and specialist consulting on ESG-compliant mine design.

Glencore Technology is promoting its Jameson Cell flotation units and IsaMill fine grinding technology as miners confront declining ore grades and more complex mineralogy. The Jameson Cell, already installed at sites such as Mount Isa Mines, delivers intensive aeration and fine bubble generation in a compact footprint, while IsaMill units provide energy-efficient ultrafine grinding down to the 10–20µm range. Together, these circuits aim to lift recoveries from low-grade, refractory ores and defer cut-off grade increases in existing operations.