Mining

The union spearheading looming strikes at BHP’s iron ore mines warns they will be ‘the first of many’ to sweep through WA’s resources heartland.

Unions have officially stormed the gates of WA’s mining industry after workers voted to go on strike for the first time this century, putting an end to nearly four decades of industrial peace in the Pilbara.

Australia would never have produced athletes like Ash Barty or Cathy Freeman if the nation’s sporting prowess matched its mediocre economic productivity, according to BHP’s Geraldine Slattery.

The Pilbara’s status as Australia’s economic powerhouse is under threat from rising union activity that ‘doesn’t help productivity’, the head of mining’s peak lobby group says.

Rio Tinto and BHP have emerged victorious from a lengthy US court battle against what President Donald Trump had branded ‘radical left’ opposition to the mining majors’ unrelenting copper hunt.

Investors have lost confidence in BHP’s ability to emerge from its iron ore trade tussle with China unscathed.

Northern Star Resources shares have been hammered and its vulnerability to a takeover called into question, as the gold miner’s 37-year old Super Pit mill buckles again while holding out for a replacement.

There’s only one broad labour market group that can afford the typical $1 million house. Here’s why the housing crisis could spark something else underground.

Andrew and Nicola Forrest will bank about $690m after Fortescue boosted its interim dividend on the back of increased Pilbara iron ore earnings.

Australia’s biggest oil and gas group on Tuesday reported a 24 per cent fall in full-year earnings to $US2.72 billion, bettering market expectations.

Share market investors are buying miners to profit from rising commodity prices and escape selling in technology stocks linked to AI disruption.

Steady iron ore prices, a lithium revival and a few favourable tax events have come in clutch for Mineral Resources as the Chris Ellison-helmed miner tries to nurse its balance sheet, and image, to full health.

Rio Tinto is throwing the kitchen sink at securing more copper, with 85 per cent of its exploration budget now geared towards the coveted red metal.

Copper is now ahead of iron ore as the biggest contributor to BHP’s profit and its chief executive suggests it’s great news for shareholder returns.

WA iron ore no longer makes up the lion’s share of BHP’s earnings and boss Mike Henry ‘fears’ an ‘explosion’ of union activity will stifle long-term investment in the business unit.