Battery recycling could power a $6.9b industry by 2050
The number of depleted batteries is expected to rise dramatically but the trend represents an opportunity for Australian industry and jobs.
metal and mineral
Rice could be key ingredient to cutting steel emissions
Steel producers could cut carbon emissions in half by substituting agricultural waste for coal in its production, a world-first trial has found.
Canada’s call for Australia to exploit ‘rare power’
The Canadian prime minister has made a direct pitch to Australian leaders to help his nation and other "middle powers" counter superpowers' coercive influence.
BHP copper pivot steps up but iron ore headwinds remain
The world's biggest miner has broken operating records across multiple resources in the recent half as it continues to expand its exposure to a key base metal.
Suitors fire up steelmaker takeover with hotter offer
A takeover offer worth $2 billion more than a previous attempt to snare Australia's largest steelmaker is no certainty to be successful.
Glencore, Rio abandon merger talks for the third time
British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto says it has abandoned talks over a potential merger deal with rival Glencore.
Geopolitics an earning gem for Aussie rare earths miner
Global supply constraints and trade tussles are benefiting Australia's largest rare earths miner, helping nearly double the commodities group's price in a year.
National recycling pilot to stop solar energy eclipse
A national trial will recycle solar panels at the end of their working lives to extract valuable metals and boost Australia's circular economy.
ASX-listed miner has front-row seat to Greenland drama
An ASX-listed miner is trying to revive its rare earth mine in Greenland amid Donald Trump's threats to seize the territory "whether they like it or not".
Christmas bonus as Aussie shares soar to six-week high
Hopes of a much-anticipated Santa rally are beginning to crystallise, after the local bourse hit its highest price in six weeks and gold notched a record.
Nukes and carbon capture remain off future energy plan
Wind and solar systems are projected to be the cheapest energy-generating technology in 2050 while small nuclear reactors will cost the most.
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
Australia's largest aluminium smelter has been handed a government lifeline to ensure it keeps running beyond 2028 amid spiralling energy costs.
After review, USA going all the way on AUKUS pact
Penny Wong and Richard Marles have met their US counterparts with both nations labelling the AUKUS deal as "full steam ahead".
Mining giant reveals deal to turn iron and steel green
One of Australia's largest mining companies will pause its plans to produce greener iron and invest $35 million in emerging local technology.
One state could help Australia lead green metals race
Australia could help to reduce carbon emissions around the world using green metals but one state is likely to play a bigger role than others.
Embattled steelworks should become a green iron beacon
Australia should take advantage of its natural resources to lead the world in the green metals race, a report has found, with one facility an obvious choice.
Hydrogen or bust: green iron projects struggle with gas
A study called 'How To Spend a Billion Dollars' says a guaranteed supply of renewable energy will be vital for the success of green iron and steel projects.
Green steel given pride of place in major govt projects
Steel made with green energy will be preferred on major government projects in a move hailed by renewables advocates as a step forward for Australian industry.
Protests and price drops: mining giant faces challenges
Protesters have disrupted a meeting held by one of Australia's largest coal mining companies but bigger challenges could come from global price fluctuations.
Mining boss skewers Trump over moves against renewables
Renewable energy is taking over from oil, coal and gas, an Australian mining magnate has told shareholders, and efforts to hold back the trend are misguided.
Power deal inked to secure smelter’s short-term future
A 12-month power deal has guaranteed the short-term future of a 70-year-old aluminium smelter than employs more than 500 people.
Old batteries could deliver critical mineral shortcuts
Recycling big batteries, solar panels and wind turbines at the end of their lives could create a lucrative export industry if Australia gets its rules right.
Heavy investments needed to secure green metal future
While critical mineral deals are dominating the headlines, green iron and steel partnerships could secure Australia's export future in a low-emission economy.
America first, but not America only: Sinodinos says
Winning the strategic contest in the Pacific requires Canberra to sharpen its focus and broaden its circle of friends, a foreign policy expert says.
Best mates: White House meeting firms PM-Trump ties
The prime minister's long-awaited meeting with the US president has gone off almost without a hitch, a former ambassador says.
Trump vows to reach a ‘fantastic deal’ with China’s Xi
US President Donald Trump says he's aiming for a breakthrough in planned talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Treasurer lays groundwork for ‘golden’ US minerals deal
Australia is pushing for zero US tariffs and is dangling the carrot of a deal for critical minerals ahead of the prime minister's meeting with Donald Trump.
Hands out for handouts: bailouts loom for more smelters
More taxpayer bailouts could be on the horizon for ailing facilities after a $600 million lifeline to one mining giant.
China to halt BHP iron ore cargoes during price talks
China's state-run iron ore buyer has told the country's steelmakers and traders to temporarily halt purchases of all new BHP cargoes.
Green metals or bust: climate experts issue warning
Demand for Australia's biggest fossil fuel exports is expected to drop in the coming years but producing green metals could provide a lifeline.
PM to recognise Palestine at UN, awaits Trump meeting
Anthony Albanese is off on a whirlwind trip during which he will recognise Palestine's statehood at the UN and potentially meet with US President Donald Trump.