Australia-based Cardinal Resources recently announced that it had entered into a bid implementation agreement with the Chinese miner Shandong Gold Mining. As Australia sets out to become a rival rare earths hub to the Asian goliath, we investigate China’s stake in the Australian mining sector.

We also delve into mining's impact on Aboriginal communities, profile Australian Potash's $665m project, and paint a picture of tin mining in Australia today.

Lastly, we examine BHP and Mitsubishi's investment in the Queensland Resources Centre of Excellence, talk to Universal Field Robotics about their autonomous drillbit replacement, round up the best universities in the country for mining, and find out whether a new audit could improve mental health in the mining sector.

Callum Tyndall, editor