Bowen Basin gas proponent Blue Energy is raising $3.2 million in a share placement to back drilling plans and a multi-user pipeline proposal.

The company said it was aiming to secure the funding to undertake preparations, planning and approvals for the drilling of a pilot well in its Sapphire block in the northern Bowen Basin.

It is also hoped to help progress the multi-user large diameter pipeline proposal to connect the undeveloped gas province to the east coast gas grid.

“These funds will enable Blue Energy to progress its work at the company’s 100 per cent-held Sapphire block and to work with other acreage holders and the Queensland Government to expedite the large, certified resources available in the North Bowen Basin,” chairman John Ellice-Flint said.

Related: Blue Energy awarded two Bowen Basin PCAs

The State Government has announced new board appointments for bulk water supply organisations Sunwater and Seqwater.   

New appointments include: 

• Sunwater: Jeff Seeney (chair), John Cotter (director), John Davis (director), Katy Steele (director), Dr Kayleen Walsh (director)
• Seqwater: John McEvoy (existing member appointed as chair), Amanda Cooper (member), Mark Girard (member), Amanda Kenafake (member), Antonia Mercorella (member), Pauline Thomson (member)  

Rio Tinto has announced a new operating model, simplifying its product group structure to three businesses: iron ore; aluminium and lithium; and copper.

The aluminium product group, under the leadership of Jérôme Pécresse, will consist of three businesses: Atlantic Operations Aluminium, Pacific Operations Aluminium and Lithium.

“A simplified business structure, grounded in our fundamental commitment to safety and with sharper focus on the most compelling opportunities we have, will enable us to deliver new standards of operational excellence and value creation,” Rio Tinto chief executive Simon Trott said. “It will bring greater accountability and focus to our teams, underpinned by a more disciplined approach to operational performance and capital investment.”

Below: Rio Tinto’s Yarwun alumina refinery at Gladstone.

Innovative, inclusive, and people-focused businesses and individuals in the resources sector have been celebrated with the 2025 AREEA Industry Awards this week. 

The Future Leader Award was presented to Sodexo HR projects officer Francesca Marlow (pictured left). She created the SoBelong program, breaking down barriers for women, Indigenous Australians, and those facing long-term unemployment to access FIFO careers.

Mineral Resources received the inaugural New Frontier Award for its groundbreaking Mungala Resort, a reimagined FIFO village designed to enhance safety, comfort, and inclusivity.

Santos was recognised for its “Real Thrives Here (RTH)” initiative, co-created with employees to embed transparency, recognition, wellbeing, and career pathways under the pillars of Real Meaning, Real Impact, and Real Progress.