The company wants to reduce the disposal of such materials in dams or piles following major disasters.

Move will result in the loss of about 1,000 jobs, though it will keep its refinery and smelters open in North Queensland.

Planned maintenance activities at the miner's Cadia, Telfer, Brucejack projects resulted in a lower throughput.

The company generates 70% of its profit through its iron ore operations.

Previous recipients of the award include Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

The lithium triangle of South America accounts for more than half of global resources.

Albemarle has walked away from its $4.2 billion takeover of Liontown Resources after Australia’s richest woman built up a blocking minority.