Matt Birney

In an era where major resource developments can take decades to get into production, Pilbara Minerals are defying all odds at their world-class Pilgangoora Lithium project near Port Hedland. The company announced this week they had cleared a key environmental hurdle and were now awaiting just one more bureaucratic sign-off before full-scale construction begins.

Sky and Space Global’s proposed cutting edge miniature satellite network has received further commercial validation with the company’s wholesale partner securing customers interested in accessing bandwidth from the first three units when they are launched into space. Sky and Space estimates potential initial revenues from the new contracts at circa US$500,000 per year.

They say if you want to go hunting for giants you need to go to the land of the giants. Auroch Minerals appear to have done just that after securing a farm in agreement to earn up to 75% of the Alcoutim Copper, Zinc, Lead, Gold and Silver Project in Portugal. It is just 20km from the massive Neves Corvo mine that has proved up 8mt of copper and zinc concentrates over time. 

Blackham Resources are off to a flying start with their latest round of drilling at the Wiluna gold project, boosting confidence in the potential to expand their production outlook from 100,000 ounces a year to 200,000 ounces a year. The latest drilling has confirmed significant new mineralized zones. 

Connected IO has secured a AUD$270,000 purchase order for its wireless “internet of things” devices from a US security firm. The latest order further bolsters its customer base that includes Coca-Cola, US telcos Verizon and AT&T, Vodafone, The Red Cross, Cisco, and some US Police departments. The company recently posted 126% revenue growth for the December quarter. 

Northern Minerals will raise another $10m for their Browns Range heavy rare earths pilot project in a fully underwritten equity placement. It is the second time the George Bauk-led company has raised funds at above-market levels, highlighting the strong level of investor interest in Australia’s first heavy rare earths project.

The Mt Marion Lithium mine has proved it is settling into production with the second shipment of concentrates setting sail for China this week. Neometals and their partners in the project also reported that a third, larger shipment is due to leave Kwinana in early April, which represents a further increase in the pace of production.

After encouraging results from early exploration, Auroch Minerals have exercised their option on highly prospective Lithium ground in Namibia and will hit the ground running later this month. Early grab samples have returned up to 2.73% Lithium Oxide, a result that would have most Australian explorers sitting up and paying attention. 

Sky and Space Global continues to forge ahead with its narrow-band communications network based on nano-satellites with the Perth company signing an MOU with a leading South American telco. The parties will undertake a joint demonstration of Sky and Space’s first three miniature satellites after they have been launched into space in the second quarter of this year.