Reverse circulation drilling has started at Pacgold’s Alice River gold project, while the ongoing aircore program is consistently averaging 200-250m of drilling per day.

Pacgold managing director Matthew Boyes said the aircore team, which has completed 280 drillholes, was on course to complete the program by late November.

“The main objective of this program of drilling is to give our team the targeting data they require to continue drilling through next year. The scale of Alice River is immense and the structural corridor is proven to be mineralised along the entire known strike,” he said.

The Alice River gold project is located about 300km north-west of Cairns.

Related earlier story: Pacgold launches 800-hole drill program at Alice River

EQ Resources has locked in a supply agreement with leading US-owned manufacturer Elmet Technologies for a five-year tungsten concentrate offtake arrangement valued around $30 million.

The Mount Carbine tungsten miner is working with Elmet on US Government funding opportunities linked to the US Defence Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) to enhance critical materials supply and progress further downstream integration of EQR’s tungsten concentrate into the US tungsten supply chain.

“Formalising arrangements with US-owned Elmet Technologies is a key strategic pillar in the path forward for EQR as we continue to build our reputation as a reliable western producer of tungsten concentrate to the world,” chief executive officer Kevin MacNeill said.

Related earlier story: EQ Resources secures major US offtake deal

Elixir Energy has received a cash refund of $7.9 million from the Australian Tax Office under the Research Development Tax Incentive Scheme.

The company said the refund was related to eligible R&D activities in FY 2024 incurred on Daydream-2. A further refund is expected next year in connection with expenditure incurred this year.

The company stands alongside operators including Shell and Omega Oil and Gas in conducting exploration and appraisal campaigns within the Taroom Trough, located in the southern Bowen Basin.

Related: Daydream-2 gas well delivers for Elixir Energy

Perenti managing director and chief executive officer Mark Norwell (pictured) has joined the Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association (AREEA) board of directors.

Mr Norwell has worked for more than 25 years in the mining industry throughout Australia, New Zealand, Africa and the Americas.

He has held his current role since joining global mining services company Perenti in 2018 after executive experience at Thiess and Leighton Contractors.

“With his wealth of experience and strategic and business growth acumen, Mark will provide a valuable contribution to the ongoing strength and productivity of the resources and energy industry in challenging times,” AREEA chief executive officer Steve Knott said.