Editor's letter

Australia is emerging as a significant global player in rare earth mining and processing. But with China continuing to dominate the market, we ask what more needs to be done to bolster REE production across the country and if Australia can compete globally.  

In commodities, we speak to Aussie startup RapidGraphite about the potential to turn biomass feedstock into high-purity graphite. Plus, GlobalData shares its projections for lead production, which surged by more than 10% in Australia last year.  

For our series on women in mining, we profile Dr Patience Mpofu, CEO of Australia-based Insight Mining Experts, discussing her mission to promote sustainability and gender parity within the mining industry. 

We also look at adoption of automation across Australia’s surface mining equipment fleet as well as the challenges of converting these large trucks to battery-electric power.

Caroline Peachey, editor