Applications have opened for Queensland’s 2026 mine rehabilitation scholarships, targeting emerging researchers working on post-mining land use, tailings management and progressive rehabilitation of open-cut and underground sites across the state. The programme is expected to support projects on issues such as acid mine drainage control, cover system design for waste rock and tailings, and long-term stability of backfilled pits under Queensland’s tightening rehabilitation and financial assurance regime. For consultants and operators, the scheme signals future regulatory and technical priorities for closure planning and geotechnical design.

Sunrise Energy Metals has completed the feasibility study for its Syerston scandium project in New South Wales, outlining Phase 1 production of 60 tonnes per year of scandium oxide (Sc2O3) over a 32‑year mine life at a capital cost of $120 million and C1 cash operating costs of $534/kg. The laterite deposit, about 450 km west of Sydney, contains nearly 46 million measured and indicated tonnes grading 414 ppm scandium, positioning it as one of the largest high‑grade scandium resources outside China. With China supplying 80–85% of global scandium and tightening exports, Syerston is being framed as a key non‑Chinese source for aerospace aluminium alloys, solid oxide fuel cells for AI data centres, and advanced electronics.

Mineral Resources’ mining services division posted a record first-half result, with volumes and revenue boosted by strong external demand and ramp-up activity at the Onslow Iron project in Western Australia. The business expanded crushing and processing contracts across multiple iron ore hubs, while deploying additional mobile crushing plants and higher-capacity haulage fleets to lift throughput. For contractors and mine operators, the performance signals continued appetite for outsourced crushing, screening and haulage, particularly on large-scale Pilbara-style iron ore developments.