Azure, which is developing the Andover lithium and nickel-copper-cobalt project in Western Australia, continues to attract investment.

Tietto said the offer was been "opportunistically timed" by Zhaojin.

A basket of prices for lithium tracked by Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has dropped more than 60% this year.

ExoSphere also awarded a Demonstrator Program contract by the Australian Space Agency to develop geophysical devices for locating water deposits on the Moon.

The iron ore-lithium miner has raised its stake in Wildcat Resources to 19.85%.

Hancock joins BHP and Rio Tinto in flagging red tape around mining projects as hurting Australia's drive to secure major investment.

The 3 year pilot program, administered by Indigenous Management Group, will support  Pilbara Indigenous businesses via training and advice on all aspects of business development.