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BHP (ASX: BHP) has produced first ore at its $4.7b South Flank iron ore operation today, making the mining giant’s Pilbara operations the largest iron ore hub globally. This echoes BHP chief executive Mike Henry’s speech at the Bank of America Metals, Mining and Steel Conference recently where he said the company would announce first production soon. “In the next few days we will announce first production at the 80mtpa South Flank iron ore project, with its higher grade and lump fraction,” he said. “All brought in on time and on budget in spite of COVID-19.” Long-term, Mr Henry expects the demand for copper to double and that of nickel to quadruple over the next 30 years. “Demand for steel...

EXCEPTIONAL women in leadership positions have today been recognised in the NSW Women in Mining Awards 2020. The yearly awards, run by the NSW Minerals Council, recognises and celebrates the contributions and achievements of women and gender diversity champions in the NSW mining industry. NSW Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor said the awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the outstanding women in the mining industry. “ are a shining light for women and girls interested in joining this important industry,” she said. NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said the awards showcase some of the highly skilled women who are helping to keep the world-class mining industry in NSW operating during the...

Atlas Iron’s future is looking brighter, having accelerated its debt repayments and exploration programs. Image: Atlas Iron. BY CAMERON DRUMMOND ONCE-BELEAGURED iron ore junior Atlas Iron will pay back a further $20 million of debt on the back of surging iron ore prices. Atlas’ lenders have also agreed to ease loan covenants, including reducing the minimum cash balance requirement at the end of each month from $35m to $15m. Atlas managing director Cliff Lawrenson said the decision to reduce debt was in line with the company’s strategy to re-position the business, and the strong Australian dollar made the timing opportune. “Following this $20m, we will have reduced our debt from more than $180m in June 2016 to less than $85...