Spence and Sierra Gorda SCM copper mines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Exponor 2026 in Antofagasta to identify and evaluate joint technical and commercial initiatives to boost operational efficiency and competitiveness. The MoU links BHP’s Spence operation with Sierra Gorda SCM, owned 55% by KGHM and 45% by South32, creating a formal framework for shared work on items such as processing performance, cost structures and supply contracts. For engineers, the move signals potential alignment on plant benchmarking, technology trials and common service providers across neighbouring large-scale sulphide operations in northern Chile.

Zenith Minerals has agreed a binding takeover implementation deed with Forrestania Resources for an all-scrip, off‑market acquisition valuing Zenith at about $93.5 million. Zenith shareholders will receive one new Forrestania share for every 4.3 Zenith shares, implying $0.132 per Zenith share based on the agreed exchange ratio. The deal consolidates Forrestania’s and Zenith’s gold and battery metals exploration portfolios under a single ASX vehicle, which may affect future drilling priorities, capital allocation and JV negotiations across their Western Australian tenements.

Bellevue Gold’s namesake mine in Western Australia has operated for 155 consecutive hours on 100 per cent renewable power, running engine-off for more than six and a half days in early May. The off-grid hybrid system combines a large-scale solar farm, battery energy storage and a reduced reliance on diesel generation to maintain continuous underground and processing operations. For miners planning remote decarbonised sites, the run provides a real-world reference for renewable penetration, storage sizing and contingency planning in isolated grids.