Saturn Metals has reported new high-grade gold intercepts at its Apollo Hill project in Western Australia and appointed Ausenco to complete a scoping study for a standalone gold operation. The work will assess processing options for the large, low-grade Apollo Hill resource using Ausenco’s gold plant design expertise, including trade-offs around throughput, recoveries and capital intensity. For mine planners and geotechs, the study outcome will shape pit shell optimisation, cut-off grade strategy and geotechnical design parameters for a potential new open pit development in the Eastern Goldfields.

Wildcat Resources has extended the Bolt Cutter Central lithium system in the Pilbara, with new reverse circulation and diamond drilling stepping out from the discovery holes to grow the mineralised footprint. Recent holes have intersected additional spodumene-bearing pegmatites at shallow depths, confirming continuity of the lithium-bearing corridor along strike and down dip. The results point to a larger-scale hard-rock lithium target, with implications for future resource definition drilling, pit shell optimisation and potential integration with regional Pilbara lithium infrastructure.

Metso has appointed Jonathan Allen as chief growth officer effective 1 May 2026, tasking him with driving expansion across its minerals processing, aggregates and metals refining businesses. The role will sit on Metso’s executive team and focus on scaling solutions such as large SAG/ball mill circuits, high-capacity cone crushers and filtration systems for tailings and concentrate dewatering. For mine operators, the move signals continued investment in OEM-led process optimisation, brownfield throughput upgrades and integrated equipment–service packages.