Australia’s energy transition is increasingly being shaped not just by new infrastructure, but by how effectively it can be integrated. Synertec Corporation Ltd (ASX:SOP)’s latest move — a strategic collaboration with Hitachi Energy — reflects that shift, bringing together global power conversion technology with local engineering and system integration capability at a time of rising demand for scalable energy storage solutions.
The engineering and technology group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hitachi to jointly pursue battery energy storage system (BESS) and microgrid opportunities across Australia, bringing together global power conversion technology with Synertec’s in-house “Powerhouse” platform.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lifted the cash rate by 25 basis points to 4.35%, marking its third increase this year as policymakers respond to persistent inflationary pressures and rising global risks.
In its statement, the RBA pointed to escalating geopolitical tensions as a key driver behind its decision.
Carnavale Resources Ltd (ASX:CAV, FRA:YBB) has appointed long-time chief executive Humphrey Hale as managing director, a move that keeps leadership continuity in place as the company advances its Kookynie Gold Project towards production.
The appointment takes effect immediately and comes at a pivotal stage for Carnavale, with a bankable feasibility study (BFS) under way and targeted for completion in early Q3 2026.
Resource Minerals International Ltd (ASX:RMI) has secured $3.5 million in fresh capital to fund an upcoming drill campaign in Tanzania and advance exploration across its Saudi Arabian projects, as the company moves into an active second half of 2026.
The placement, supported by existing shareholders and new sophisticated investors, was priced at $0.04 per share, representing a 6.98% discount to the last traded price before the company entered a trading halt.
Astral Resources NL (ASX:AAR) has pointed to growing upside at its flagship Mandilla Gold Project in Western Australia, with early diamond drilling indicating the system may extend well beyond current resource limits, while new high-grade results from nearby Spargoville add to the broader development picture.
The update combines early-stage visual results from deep drilling at the Theia deposit, ongoing work to support a definitive feasibility study (DFS) and fresh assays from the 5B deposit at Spargoville — all feeding into the company’s push to advance Mandilla towards development.
Australian household spending rose 1.6% in March, accelerating from modest gains of 0.3% in February and 0.2% in January, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The latest data points to a 6.3% year-on-year increase in nominal spending compared to March 2025, highlighting continued pressure on household budgets despite only gradual growth earlier in the year.
Solis Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:SLMN, ASX:SLM, OTCQB:SLMFF, FRA:08WA) has moved its exploration team onto site at its newly acquired Brazil Lithium Project, with work under way to refine targets and prepare for an initial drilling campaign at the Mandacaru and Campo Grande prospects.
The company said field activities are now focused on finalising land access, advancing surface mapping and positioning drill collars ahead of a planned June start for diamond drilling, marking the next phase of its push into the Araçuaí–Salinas Lithium Valley in Minas Gerais.
St George Mining Ltd (ASX:SGQ, FRA:S0G, OTC:SGQMF) has returned further thick, high-grade rare earths and niobium assays from ongoing diamond drilling at its 100%-owned Araxá Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
St George has completed 13,700 metres of drilling in the current Araxá campaign, excluding East Araxá, with drilling continuing around the clock.
Alkane Resources Ltd (ASX:ALK, OTC:ALKEF) has confirmed it will release its Q3 FY2026 operating and financial results on May 15, with management set to host a webcast and conference call to walk investors through the update.
Managing director and CEO Nic Earner and CFO James Carter will present the results and take questions following the release, with investors able to participate via the following: