Job vacancies in the mining and resources sector dipped in April by 1.1 per cent, despite strong commodity prices over the past three months.

National Group managing director Mark Ackroyd says the adoption of a port-to-pit approach has been pivotal to the company’s success.

St Barbara has moved a step closer to its successful acquisition of Atlantic Gold, announcing the completion of the institutional component of its underwritten entitlement offer.

Santos is set to boost its presence in Papua New Guinea by acquiring the P’nyang natural gas field from the existing licence participants for $US187 million ($271 million).

Antipa Minerals’ exploration at its Citadel joint venture (JV) project in Western Australia this year will extend to the vicinity of Rio Tinto’s Winu operation.

Galaxy Resources is set to become the largest shareholder in Alliance Mineral Assets following the joint announcement of a $32.5 million raising.

Lithium expert Joe Lowry has estimated the global market for the commodity needs investment of at least US$12 billion ($17.32 billion) in the next five years for the supply to match its growing demand.

OZ Minerals has awarded a €15 million ($24.3 million) contract to design and deliver a mine paste backfill system at the Prominent Hill copper-gold operation to Outotec.

Queensland Parliament is set to cut red tape for explorers, allowing them to change their work program without seeking extra approvals starting next year.

South Australia’s appetite to meet the rise in demand for copper, electric vehicles and renewable energy has been matched by the vision of its miners.

Newmont Exploration has struck a $14.5 million joint venture agreement with WA-based Prodigy Gold over the Tobruk project in the Northern Territory.

Lucapa Diamond Company has recovered a 130-carat, gem-quality diamond from the Lulo project in Angola, West Africa.

Pantoro has acquired a 50 per cent share in the Central Norseman gold project (CNGP), giving the company assets in two high-grade gold regions in Western Australia.

Ramelius Resources’ proposed expansion of its Greenfinch open pit operation at the Edna May gold mine has been rejected by the Western Australian Environment Minister Stephen Dawson.

Breaker Resources continues to gain momentum with its Bombora gold resource in Western Australia following a $6.3 million raising to fund a pre-feasibility study (PFS).

St Barbara is targeting Canada for growth through a takeover of gold producer Atlantic Gold for C$722 million ($768 million).

Rio Tinto is strengthening a commitment to become a key supplier of materials for battery and electric technologies at the Jadar lithium project in Serbia and at its copper ventures around the world.

Engineering contractor Civmec has recorded a 51 per cent increase to its order book in the March quarter on the back of major contract wins with BHP and Albemarle.