All articles by Heidi Vella

Heidi Vella

Peak coal: are we witnessing coal’s last hurrah?

Peak coal could be considered akin to that of mythical folklore – a narrative widely told but never experienced in…
NiWest: the Australian mine looking to defy the nickel downturn

Last year nickel was the worst performing metal on the London Stock Exchange, with prices remaining persistently depressed due to…
Why are miners diversifying into metals and minerals recycling?

South African-based mining company Sibanye-Stillwater is one of the world’s largest primary producers of platinum, palladium and rhodium, as well…
France looks to lithium – but can projects get off the ground?

"Let’s use France’s strengths,” Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said last year as he announced plans to expedite lithium, geothermal…
Queensland’s Mines Minister promises to restore confidence in the mining sector

For the first time in 12 years, the Australian region of Queensland has a new government. In a win that…

Can Australia capitalise on its cobalt potential?

Located approximately 25km south-west of Broken Hill in far western NSW, Australia, the Broken Hill cobalt project was primed to…
Greenbushes: the first Australian mine to adopt IRMA

Perth-based Talison Lithium’s mining and processing operation, Greenbushes, is located south of a small mining town in WA, with which…
Occupational health: how mining impacts workers’ well-being

In the early-to-mid 20th century, in areas where mining dominated, it was common-place to have hospitals dedicated solely to treating…
Weeding out the weak spots in mining regulations

Through the decades it is fair to say mining has earned itself a chequered reputation. The industry, driven by the…
Natural capital accounting: understanding mining’s impact on nature

Climate change and the global net-zero goal have acutely highlighted the importance of nature; the world and the mining industry…