Highlights from Day 2 of the 2025 Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum: Pilbara Minerals, Lynas Rare Earths, Liontown, and WA1 Resources

Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2025: Key Insights from Day 2 Presentations

The Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum, one of Australia’s largest and most influential mining conferences, returned in 2025, providing a premier platform for industry leaders to discuss projects and opportunities in the mining sector. This year, a diverse range of companies showcased their progress, challenges, and future plans. Below is a summary of the most notable presentations from Day 2, organised by market capitalisation.

Mid-Large Cap Companies (Market Cap >$500 million)

1. Deep Yellow (ASX: DYL)

   • Focus: Transition to a leading global uranium producer, with plans for over 10Mlb production annually by 2034.
   • Highlights: Positive DFS for the Tumas project; focus on developing Mulga Rock to enhance uranium production and critical minerals, aiming for low-cost uranium extraction.

2. Greatland Resources (ASX: GGP)

   • Transformation: Evolved into a cash-generating gold miner through the acquisition of Telfer and Havieron projects.
   • Outlook: Predicted production of 260,000 to 310,000 ounces for FY26; Telfer exploration represents the largest campaign in 50 years.

3. Liontown Resources (ASX: LTR)

   • Strategy: Focus on maximising the Kathleen Valley Project’s potential.
   • Achievements: Notable production statistics and substantial ESG initiatives; aims for full underground operations in FY27.

4. Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC)

   • Development: Completing a $1.5 billion transformation strategy; expanding production capabilities at Mount Weld in alignment with global demand for rare earth elements.
   • Strategic Role: The only producer of separated heavy rare earths outside China, enhancing its market position.

5. Northern Star Resources (ASX: NST)

   • Current Position: Acknowledged for its continuous operations at Kanowna Belle, achieving significant gold production.
   • Future Plans: Major expansions in operations, focusing on higher-grade ore recovery and lower-cost generation.

6. Ora Banda Mining (ASX: OBM)

   • Evolution: Shifted strategy to underground mining for sustainability.
   • Financials: Strong cash position of $84.2 million with expected production ramp-up to 100,000oz for FY25.

7. Pilbara Minerals (ASX: PLS)

   • Key Highlights: Transitioned into a phase of sustained cash generation amidst challenging lithium pricing. The resource upgrade at Pilgangoora positions the company well for future opportunities.
8. WA1 Resources (ASX: WA1)
   • Discovery: Exceptional niobium deposit at the Luni project, promising significant market potential due to China’s lack of domestic supply.

Small Cap Companies (Market Cap <$500 million)

1. Antipa Minerals (ASX: AZY)

   • Growth Narrative: Focus on the Minyari Dome project, projecting significant cash flows with a fully funded pre-feasibility study underway.

2. Arafura Rare Earths (ASX: ARU)

   • Project Overview: The Nolans project is ready for construction, addressing the rare earth supply chain issues, aiming to diminish Western reliance on Chinese imports.

3. Gorilla Gold Mines (ASX: GG8)

   • Exploration Focus: Aggressive drilling programs leading to maiden resource definitions; committed to rapid development with nearby processing capacities.
4. Larvotto Resources (ASX: LRV)
   • Project Status: Hillgrove Antimony-Gold Project, recognised as Australia’s largest antimony deposit, showing exceptional financial viability and community commitment.

This year’s Diggers & Dealers showcased a robust line-up of mining talent, emphasising strategic growth, sustainability, and technological innovations in a rapidly evolving market. The discussions set a promising tone for the future of the Australian mining industry amid global challenges and opportunities.