The proponents of North-West Queensland’s Eva copper mine project are encouraging expressions of interest from local businesses across 13 works packages.

They include site facilities establishment; labour hire; guard rail, signage and guidepost installation; and hydromulching – all closing November 20.

EOIs close on November 22 for supply of hired temporary offices, ablution blocks and crib rooms as well as a package for site access control and security.

Other work package up for grabs include plant and equipment hire with qualified and experienced operators (EOIs closing November 23); quarry materials supply; geotechnical testing services; plant and equipment – dry hire; drainage installation; light vehicle/bus hire (all closing November 24); and drainage materials supply (closing November 25).

Interested businesses can visit the supplier portal HERE.

29Metals has provided an update on the progress of the insurance claim for loss and damage suffered as a result of the extreme weather event at Capricorn Copper in March 2023.

The company said insurers had recently agreed to make a further unallocated progress payment totalling $21 million. This is in addition to $40 million in unallocated progress payments paid to date, bringing the total insurance proceeds to $61 million paid.

’29Metals is in advanced discussions with insurers regarding a full and final settlement of the surface component of the claim, including further proceeds,’ the company said in an update to the ASX this week.

’29Metals and its insurers are engaged constructively in relation to the underground component of the claim, which remains unresolved.’

The Advanced Materials and Battery Council (AMBC) has appointed Shannon Willoughby, UQ executive director strategic partnerships – government and industry, and Dr Melissa Nikolic, QUT chancellery division senior manager, industry engagement (energy transition), to its board.

Dr Lynette Molyneaux, one of the founding directors of the AMBC, has retired from the board.

However she will continue to lead the delivery of the AMBC signature event Australia Battery Day, November 21, and the AMBC State of the Sector Report 2024 ahead of reducing her contribution in 2025.

The AMBC also welcomes Rio Tinto as a partner member. Rio Tinto recently opened an end-to-end battery laboratory at its technical development centre in Bundoora, enabling the company to build and test its own batteries and assess the performance of its minerals and products in real-world applications, including electric-vehicle batteries.