It is the same mine where an explosion in May 2020 critically injured five workers.

The question of where the M&A spotlight is next going to fall has a sector newly buzzing with intrigue.

Outlook is reshaping the industry landscape, presenting opportunities and challenges for major producers and junior developers.

Gold miner Ramelius Resources has bought 98.5m shares for an 8.9% stake in Spartan, which is developing the Dalgaranga gold project.

Oversupply from China and a softening of aggressive EV adoption rates has dragged lithium prices down more than 80% in the last year.

Australian-listed Lake is developing Kachi in Argentina's mountainous Catamarca province with tech startup Lilac Solutions.

The rare earths producer said it is also progressing pre-construction activities for its planned US rare earths processing facility.

Pathway to net zero will not be linear and it requires significant effort to overcome organic growth and technology challenges, the company's vice president for climate said.