
Renault Australia reopens orders for exclusive EV with eye-watering price
Orders for the second allocation opened at 5:00pm AEST today (April 28). Renault will produce just 1980 examples in total of the 5 Turbo 3E globally, commemorating the launch year of the original 5 Turbo.
Renault says the first local customer deliveries are due in 2027, subject to homologation in each region.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
While Australian pricing has yet to be announced, on its global press site Renault has published provisional recommended launch pricing of €155,000 (A$275,595), with a reservation fee of €50,000 (A$88,870).
Australian pricing can't be determined with a simple currency conversion, as that doesn't take into account a five per cent import duty, 10 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST), or Luxury Car Tax (LCT) of 33 per cent over the LCT threshold of $91,387.
Taking all this into account, the hot Renault EV is set to wear a price tag north of $300,000.
At that price it will usurp the $108,000 Megane R.S. Trophy-R Record Version from 2019 as the most expensive new Renault vehicle ever sold Down Under. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
'The interest in the Renault 5 Turbo 3E has been phenomenal and it shows the passion that exists for the Renault brand,' said Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey.
'Once all 1980 vehicles are allocated globally there will be no more. This is an exclusive car, and an exclusive customer vetting process that Renault has never done before.
'The cars are being allocated on a first come, first served basis globally. So buyers in Australia have the same opportunity to secure a car as a buyer in Europe or anywhere else in the world.'
In short, these vehicles are being built to order, so you won't find them sitting on Renault Australia dealer lots.
Revealed in December, the 5 Turbo 3E is a modern take on the classic 1980s Renault 5 Turbo, a homologation special of the mass-market hatchback intended to win in the World Rally Championship. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Unlike most performance variants of electric vehicles (EVs), Renault says the R5 Turbo 3E is built on a completely different platform to the Renault 5 E-Tech, allowing it to use in-wheel electric motors rather than the single front-mounted unit of its lesser sibling.
Renault previously said the 2022 Turbo 3E concept weighed just 980kg, with its 42kWh lithium-ion battery pack weighing 520kg, but it now says the production model won't weigh more than 1450kg. That would make it heavier than the standard electric 5 E-Tech.
Its battery has also expanded in capacity to 70kWh, with Renault targeting a driving range of up to 400km on the WLTP cycle and a DC fast-charging capacity of 350kW.
Powering the R5 Turbo 3E are a pair of electric motors, one housed inside each rear wheel, which Renault claims can produce up to 400kW and 4800Nm – though the latter figure is torque at the wheel, rather than the motor. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The carmaker quotes a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, which is on par with the all-wheel drive Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It will also feature a top speed of 270km/h.
Like the Ioniq 5 N, the 5 Turbo 3E employs an 800-volt electrical architecture.
Renault has made the most of putting the 5 Turbo 3E on a bespoke platform, with its dimensions being dramatically different from the 5 E-Tech.
Measuring 4.08m long, 2.03m wide and 1.38m tall, it's about 16cm longer, 23cm wider and 12cm lower than its sibling, while its wheelbase has also grown by 3cm to 2.57m. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Its more aggressive stance is aided by a more aggressively sloped roof, while the 5 Turbo 3E also does without two of the 5 E-Tech's doors.
Under the wide wheel-arches sit 20-inch wheels, with the focus clearly on performance rather than efficiency.
This approach is evident with the grip-focused bodywork, designed to increase downforce rather than make the electric hatchback win a hypermiling competition.
Inside, a pair of racing-style bucket seats complete with six-point harnesses show the EV's intentions, as does the carbon-fibre trim. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
There's a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, while a vertical rally-style handbrake is arguably the greatest indication that this isn't a regular Renault.
Renault has only shown off the R5 Turbo 3E in its yellow, silver and black livery, but it says the electric hatchback will be available in 'a choice of exterior and interior colours'.
These include the gloss and light red Rouge Grenade finish of the original model, as well as some combinations inspired by previous racing liveries such as the factory-backed colours of the 1982 Tour de Corse.
With its unique platform and heady performance, the 5 Turbo 3E is a much more outlandish take on the revived Renault 5 than the Alpine A290 is.
Not yet confirmed for Australia, the A290 takes the standard Renault 5 and gives it a light restyling as well as up to 162kW of power – good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.4 seconds.
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Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
2025 Toyota Yaris Cross review
The Toyota Yaris Cross was launched in Australia way back in August 2020, and in 2024 it received an overdue upgrade to its interior technology. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert Note: This is a revised version of our most recent review of the Toyota Yaris Cross, as there have been no major changes to the model since it was published. We have updated key details such as pricing and specifications with the most up to date information available. Read our latest price and specs article here for all the details. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert It is the Japanese brand's smallest and most affordable 'SUV', but with flashy, affordable newcomers hitting the local light SUV scene in recent months, is this aging compact crossover still worth a look? Read on, and you'll find out. In 2024, Toyota adjusted the Yaris Cross lineup, from which the pure petrol-powered variants were dumped to make way for a hybrid-only range with some improved technology. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert As you may have predicted, that means the entry price has risen, and across the board this is a more expensive compact SUV than some of the others you might consider. Across most versions there is still the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, which improves its appeal among the front-drive dominant compact crossover segment. The Yaris Cross range is priced in a position where it is competing with newer models like the Chery Tiggo 4 and the latest MG ZS, as well as the refreshed Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross. If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There have certainly been some improvements to the cabin design of the updated Yaris Cross, with a bit more wow-factor courtesy of a larger new 8.0-inch infotainment screen and a now-standard fully-digital 7.0-inch instrument cluster. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert That driver info screen also has a number of themes and information displays on offer, and it's all very easy to get your head around by using the steering wheel controls to adjust what's on show. However, it is flanked by a set of more basic gauges, and while the screen sizes make it feel at least a bit more modern than its predecessor, by class standards it's already out of date. It might officially be a larger (small, rather than light) SUV, but for not that much more money the new MG ZS Hybrid+, for example, has twin 12.3-inch screens across the range. Even so, the useability and controls on offer in the Toyota are good, with a volume dial to make quick adjustments, and there are standard climate controls down below with buttons – far simpler than diving through menus on a screen. And maybe that's the best way to think of the cabin – simple, but effective. There are ample storage options up front, including a tray below the screen, and another in front of the gear selector – neither of which includes a wireless phone charger, unfortunately. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert Beyond that there are cupholders, a covered pocket in the adjustable centre armrest, and good sized bottle holders as well. The finishes are fine, but nothing special. There's cloth seat trim in the GXL, hard plastics across the dash, and a microfibre trim on the front doors, while rear seat occupants just get hard plastic finishes – great if you have grubby kids, but less good for adult elbows. Rear seat space is more generous than you might expect of a sub-4.2m SUV. At 182cm/6'1', I could fit behind my own driving position with my knees just brushing the seat ahead, but with good foot space and enough head and shoulder space to feel comfortable… but there was no-one next to me. Three across will be VERY tight, but you can fit two adults in the back with ease, or two child seats if you need to. There are outboard ISOFIX child seat anchor points and three top-tethers, and while the middle seat doesn't have a flip-down armrest, it does fold down completely to access a ski-port load-through space, and there are cupholders there, too. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert Otherwise, it's a bit bare in the second row, with just one map pocket on the front passenger's seat-back, and bottle holders in the doors. There are no air-vents, and no USB charge ports, either. The biggest annoyance with the second-row, though, is that the doors don't open very far. Lifting a kiddo in is painful, especially if you're an awkward unit, and you almost feel like you're going to rip the door clean off when you try and open it with too much gusto. Boot space is quite good in the Yaris Cross, with 390 litres of cargo capacity in the front-wheel drive versions, but that shrinks to just 314 litres in AWD models, because of the revised rear suspension design. There are a couple of shopping bag hooks and a light in the back, too. In 2WD variants you get a removable flooring system that allows you to get more out of the space, and below that there's still a space-saver spare wheel, as is standard in all versions. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool As mentioned, the Yaris Cross lineup has seen the traditional petrol engines dumped, with all models now running a petrol-electric hybrid system, which is now branded and badged HEV by Toyota. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool This is a good little SUV to drive, provided that you're okay with things being a little loud. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert There's a lot more engine noise in this car than in many rivals, with the three-cylinder engine offering a hearty warble in a mix of situations. It's probably exacerbated by the fact it's a hybrid, and the electric motor can take care of momentum at times – meaning that, in essence, it can be close to silent before the petrol engine makes quite the racket when it gets up and running. And it'll be even more vocal if you drive in B mode, rather than D. That mode is designed to maximise battery regeneration, and it will make the engine more actively work as a generator to fill up the battery to make EV driving more doable. The downside, yes, is that it vibrates notably and may also make you think there's something wrong with the car, if you're not familiar with how it all works. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert But it's not just the engine that's loud – it's generally a very noisy experience, with loads of road noise entering on rougher surfaces, and noticeable intrusion from outside elements like other cars, trucks, buses and even cicadas. Drive it in the rain, and you might be surprised how clearly you can hear the weather inside the cabin. But noisy stuff aside, it's a bloody good thing to drive. The steering is accurate and has some liveliness to it, with predictable responses at parking pace or when you're threading through traffic on the freeway. Ride comfort and body control are also very good. It has a slightly sharp edge to the suspension at times, but it feels assured and confident – bigger than its diminutive dimensions suggest, in fact. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert And the braking response is also excellent. It doesn't suffer from a lack of feel despite the regenerative braking system, and pulls up quickly and confidently. There is also a big plus in terms of safety technology integration. Unlike some of the other models in this class, it doesn't get on your nerves in terms of the tech. There is a speed sign recognition system, but it doesn't chime at you, and the lane-keeping technology is pretty well measured, too. While the powertrain is a vocal one, it's pretty smooth in the way it switches between EV and petrol modes, and if you really need to get on the move, it hustles along quicker than you'd expect. Really, it'll come down to whether you can handle the noise, vibration and harshness of the drive experience or not. If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool On test here is the GXL variant, which is one trim level up from base. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross GX Hybrid equipment highlights: Halogen headlights Automatic high-beam LED tail-lights Electronic parking brake 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/65R16 tyres Space-saver spare (tyre repair kit with AWD) Power-folding exterior mirrors Toyota Connected Services 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Cloud-based satellite navigation Six-speaker sound system 2 x USB-C outlets Cloth upholstery 40/20/40 split fold rear seats 3 x rear ISOFIX and 2 x top tether child seat anchor points Leather-accented steering wheel Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment Illuminated vanity mirrors 2 x rear grab handles Centre console with soft armrest 2 x front and 2 x rear cupholders Automatic climate control Keyless entry and start Heated exterior mirrors The GXL adds: LED headlights LED reversing lights Rear privacy glass 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert The Urban gains: 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/50R18 tyres Leatherette upholstery Power driver's seat Heated front seats Hands-free power tailgate Head-up display Over the GXL, the GR Sport gains: 18-inch alloy wheels with Falken Azenis FK510 tyres GR Sport front and rear bumpers Black mirror caps Red brake calipers with GR logo GR Sport suspension Leatherette and suede front sports seats GR-emblazoned steering wheel and headrests Aluminium pedals If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The Toyota Yaris Cross has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2021. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: Autonomous emergency braking Emergency steering assist Low-speed acceleration suppression Adaptive cruise control Lane trace assist (lane centring) Traffic sign recognition Reversing camera Blind-spot monitoring Safe exit assist Parking support brake Low-speed acoustic alert system Front and rear parking sensors GXL adds: All Yaris Cross variants come with eight airbags – dual front, driver's knee, front centre, front side, and full-length curtains. If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool As with all Toyota models, the Yaris Cross is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert If you service on time you'll eligible for seven years of powertrain warranty as well. Plus, if you service with Toyota, they'll check the battery and hybrid system, with those annual health-checks ensuring a 10-year warranty cover on the battery bits. Toyota offers capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000km, whichever comes first. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, with each visit costing $250. Cheap! You'll need to budget an extra hundred bucks a year for roadside assistance, though. Many other brands include that in the purchase price, but charge a little more for maintenance. If you want to see how the Toyota Yaris Cross lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool You could do worse than to get into a Toyota Yaris Cross. This is an efficient and interesting little SUV, with some clever interior packaging and an improved cabin design. 2025 Toyota Yaris Cross Credit: CarExpert But you'll have to be okay with a noisy drive experience, and it lacks some bling compared to newer rivals. Even so, we'd suggest you give it a go if you're in the market for a city-friendly hybrid SUV. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Toyota Yaris Cross. Click here to get a great deal MORE: Explore the Toyota Yaris Cross showroom Amazingly fuel-efficient Clever interior space Fun and easy to drive Not as plush feeling as many rivals Very noisy inside when driving Still hasn't received a styling update Power: 67kW Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol/Electric Economy: 3.8L/100km CO2 Emissions: 86g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: 5


Man of Many
4 hours ago
- Man of Many
The Inaugural Morris Single Barrel Whisky: A Historic Moment for Australian Malts
By Rob Edwards - Sponsored Published: 4 Aug 2025 Share Copy Link 0 Readtime: 4 min Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here. It's not unusual for makers of whisky and wine to allude to a certain level of heritage and history when it comes to the drams and drops they produce. However, few come even remotely close to the extraordinary provenance of MORRIS, which has an astounding 166 years of unmatched family craftsmanship emanating from the northeastern Victorian town of Rutherglen. In fact, it would be fair to say that every bottle MORRIS has ever produced is a small piece of Australian history. Established in 1859, MORRIS started as a vineyard producing some of Australia's finest wines before expanding its offering to include remarkably premium whiskies. Many of these have drawn much of their unique flavour from a finishing process that uses the very barrels that once held their sibling wines. In this way, producing both wines and whisky has enabled MORRIS to offer a sense of terroir that others can only dream of. Rutherglen Morris Durif Single Barrel | Image: Morris of Rutherglen Now, MORRIS is celebrating the rich legacy that has led to it becoming Australia's most-awarded wine and whisky brand via the release of its inaugural Single Barrel. The MORRIS Family Durif Single Barrel is a newly revealed Australian Single Malt Whisky – a category within which MORRIS has long been considered exceptional. This incredible new release demonstrates how MORRIS simply never stops honing the approach that has seen it become so widely renowned. At the same time, it pays tribute to Australian whisky craftsmanship and captures the structure and complexity of the Durif grape alongside the rich Rutherglen soils surrounding the distillery. Let's take a closer look at this hand-bottled marvel, limited to just 258 bottles. Rutherglen Morris Durif Single Barrel | Image: Morris of Rutherglen Rutherglen Morris Durif Single Barrel (58.5%) Sometimes, we all deserve to indulge in a touch of decadence, and we can think of no better way to do so than via the MORRIS Durif Single Barrel, a burnished gold liquid containing rich, malted layers that are sure to delight. Proceedings commence with a superb nose of malted biscuits and dark chocolate crème, followed by a palate of creamy chocolate fondant and dark cocoa. Each sip concludes decadently courtesy of a layered finish of chocolate orange, vanilla, and dried fruits. It's nothing short of a triumph worthy of MORRIS' 166-year legacy. Plus, deep and complex flavours from the iconic MORRIS Durif barrel enhance rather than overpower the spirit. This difficult-to-achieve harmony stands as a testament to both meticulous barrel preparation and exceptional craftsmanship. Rutherglen Morris Durif Single Barrel | Image: Morris of Rutherglen Where Luxury and History Meet As we've already mentioned, this extraordinary expression is hand-bottled, enveloped in premium labelling containing details about its origin, including the barrel number, bottle number, and the signature of the MORRIS Head Distiller. Further, each bottle comes packaged in a luxury gift box, making for the perfect present for someone special (or a welcome addition to your own whisky collection). Even in light of the 166 years of expertise and passion that go into every bottle produced, Australia's finest whisky and wine makers have somehow outdone themselves with this MORRIS Family Durif Single Barrel. It makes us pause and wonder about what other liquid miracles they might materialise over the coming months and years. Given the limited nature of this release, we encourage whisky collectors and enthusiasts to express their interest early – we'd hate for you to miss out. Here's to a further 166 years of tantalising drams and drops!


The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Rivers of gold pour into Kalgoorlie for mining forum
Mining has always been an industry of boom and bust. The fickle fortunes of Australia's biggest export sector were clear to see on opening day of the annual Diggers and Dealers conference on Monday. With bullion prices sitting at record highs, goldminers Evolution and Ramelius Resources could scarcely conceal their glee as they boasted to investors, analysts and rivals of the rivers of cash flowing their way. Just a few years ago, Ramelius was targeting an ore grade of two grams per tonne and making good money, chief executive Mark Zeptner said. Today, following its merger with Simon Lawson-founded Spartan Resources, it's hitting an average grade of three grams of gold per tonne of ore mined. "So it's fair to say at a three gram per tonne head grade and the current gold price, we are killing it," Mr Zeptner said, grinning. After "sparring" with Mr Lawson in the past year or so, the pair find themselves at the helm of one of the ASX's largest goldminers following a $2.5 billion merger. Mr Zeptner said he would handle the "boring" financial operations of the new joint entity - "that is if you find ridiculous cash flows boring" - while Mr Lawson, who has stayed on as deputy chairman, said he was content to focus on exploration. "Mark and I, after stopping sparring, agreed that it would be a great combination to bring that skill set together, that operational excellence and that exploration upside … hopefully, that sizzle," he said. Mr Lawson is a rockstar in the WA Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie, which is hosting the mining forum for a 34th time. The price of gold has almost doubled in less than three years to nearly $5200 an ounce, flooding the coffers of miners. Following the Ramelius-Spartan tie-up and Northern Star's $5 billion takeover of De Grey Mining, there is still plenty of M&A appetite in the sector. Miners attending the forum are sitting on astronomical cash and bullion reserves, with five companies - Northern Star, Ramelius, Evolution, Vault and Regis - on more than $500 million each, according to gold mining consultants Surbiton Associates. "Perhaps they could be used for further acquisitions, although prices now paid to obtain such new assets are very high," director Sandra Close said. "The concern is that the larger the cash reserves become, the more the company may become a tempting takeover target." But things were less rosy for uranium miners Paladin and Boss Energy. The short seller targets were the first miners to present on Monday and had a tough story to sell. Falling uranium prices have smashed share valuations, while Paladin and Boss have suffered output downgrades at their Langer Heinrich and Honeymoon mines, respectively. Additionally, hopes for an Australian nuclear power industry to boost demand for the radioactive ore were dashed when the Peter Dutton-led coalition, which championed the policy, was trounced at the May election. But governments globally were looking increasingly favourably at uranium to power their energy needs; a promising prospect for the industry, outgoing Boss Energy chief executive Duncan Craib said. "Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute in achieving net zero and capitalise on the inevitable surge of global uranium demand that will accompany it," he said. Despite his bullish comments, Mr Craib shied away from the media pack, avoiding the customary question-and-answer with journalists following his presentation. There was plenty of support for nuclear energy in the event's curtain-raiser, a panel discussion between Canadian nuclear advocate Chris Keefer, Centre for Independent Studies energy expert Aidan Morrison and the right-wing think tank's executive director Tom Switzer. Australia's best shot at reducing carbon emissions in electricity generation remained nuclear power, but even then it would not be possible to achieve net zero by 2050, Mr Morrison said. Mining has always been an industry of boom and bust. The fickle fortunes of Australia's biggest export sector were clear to see on opening day of the annual Diggers and Dealers conference on Monday. With bullion prices sitting at record highs, goldminers Evolution and Ramelius Resources could scarcely conceal their glee as they boasted to investors, analysts and rivals of the rivers of cash flowing their way. Just a few years ago, Ramelius was targeting an ore grade of two grams per tonne and making good money, chief executive Mark Zeptner said. Today, following its merger with Simon Lawson-founded Spartan Resources, it's hitting an average grade of three grams of gold per tonne of ore mined. "So it's fair to say at a three gram per tonne head grade and the current gold price, we are killing it," Mr Zeptner said, grinning. After "sparring" with Mr Lawson in the past year or so, the pair find themselves at the helm of one of the ASX's largest goldminers following a $2.5 billion merger. Mr Zeptner said he would handle the "boring" financial operations of the new joint entity - "that is if you find ridiculous cash flows boring" - while Mr Lawson, who has stayed on as deputy chairman, said he was content to focus on exploration. "Mark and I, after stopping sparring, agreed that it would be a great combination to bring that skill set together, that operational excellence and that exploration upside … hopefully, that sizzle," he said. Mr Lawson is a rockstar in the WA Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie, which is hosting the mining forum for a 34th time. The price of gold has almost doubled in less than three years to nearly $5200 an ounce, flooding the coffers of miners. Following the Ramelius-Spartan tie-up and Northern Star's $5 billion takeover of De Grey Mining, there is still plenty of M&A appetite in the sector. Miners attending the forum are sitting on astronomical cash and bullion reserves, with five companies - Northern Star, Ramelius, Evolution, Vault and Regis - on more than $500 million each, according to gold mining consultants Surbiton Associates. "Perhaps they could be used for further acquisitions, although prices now paid to obtain such new assets are very high," director Sandra Close said. "The concern is that the larger the cash reserves become, the more the company may become a tempting takeover target." But things were less rosy for uranium miners Paladin and Boss Energy. The short seller targets were the first miners to present on Monday and had a tough story to sell. Falling uranium prices have smashed share valuations, while Paladin and Boss have suffered output downgrades at their Langer Heinrich and Honeymoon mines, respectively. Additionally, hopes for an Australian nuclear power industry to boost demand for the radioactive ore were dashed when the Peter Dutton-led coalition, which championed the policy, was trounced at the May election. But governments globally were looking increasingly favourably at uranium to power their energy needs; a promising prospect for the industry, outgoing Boss Energy chief executive Duncan Craib said. "Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute in achieving net zero and capitalise on the inevitable surge of global uranium demand that will accompany it," he said. Despite his bullish comments, Mr Craib shied away from the media pack, avoiding the customary question-and-answer with journalists following his presentation. There was plenty of support for nuclear energy in the event's curtain-raiser, a panel discussion between Canadian nuclear advocate Chris Keefer, Centre for Independent Studies energy expert Aidan Morrison and the right-wing think tank's executive director Tom Switzer. Australia's best shot at reducing carbon emissions in electricity generation remained nuclear power, but even then it would not be possible to achieve net zero by 2050, Mr Morrison said. Mining has always been an industry of boom and bust. The fickle fortunes of Australia's biggest export sector were clear to see on opening day of the annual Diggers and Dealers conference on Monday. With bullion prices sitting at record highs, goldminers Evolution and Ramelius Resources could scarcely conceal their glee as they boasted to investors, analysts and rivals of the rivers of cash flowing their way. Just a few years ago, Ramelius was targeting an ore grade of two grams per tonne and making good money, chief executive Mark Zeptner said. Today, following its merger with Simon Lawson-founded Spartan Resources, it's hitting an average grade of three grams of gold per tonne of ore mined. "So it's fair to say at a three gram per tonne head grade and the current gold price, we are killing it," Mr Zeptner said, grinning. After "sparring" with Mr Lawson in the past year or so, the pair find themselves at the helm of one of the ASX's largest goldminers following a $2.5 billion merger. Mr Zeptner said he would handle the "boring" financial operations of the new joint entity - "that is if you find ridiculous cash flows boring" - while Mr Lawson, who has stayed on as deputy chairman, said he was content to focus on exploration. "Mark and I, after stopping sparring, agreed that it would be a great combination to bring that skill set together, that operational excellence and that exploration upside … hopefully, that sizzle," he said. Mr Lawson is a rockstar in the WA Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie, which is hosting the mining forum for a 34th time. The price of gold has almost doubled in less than three years to nearly $5200 an ounce, flooding the coffers of miners. Following the Ramelius-Spartan tie-up and Northern Star's $5 billion takeover of De Grey Mining, there is still plenty of M&A appetite in the sector. Miners attending the forum are sitting on astronomical cash and bullion reserves, with five companies - Northern Star, Ramelius, Evolution, Vault and Regis - on more than $500 million each, according to gold mining consultants Surbiton Associates. "Perhaps they could be used for further acquisitions, although prices now paid to obtain such new assets are very high," director Sandra Close said. "The concern is that the larger the cash reserves become, the more the company may become a tempting takeover target." But things were less rosy for uranium miners Paladin and Boss Energy. The short seller targets were the first miners to present on Monday and had a tough story to sell. Falling uranium prices have smashed share valuations, while Paladin and Boss have suffered output downgrades at their Langer Heinrich and Honeymoon mines, respectively. Additionally, hopes for an Australian nuclear power industry to boost demand for the radioactive ore were dashed when the Peter Dutton-led coalition, which championed the policy, was trounced at the May election. But governments globally were looking increasingly favourably at uranium to power their energy needs; a promising prospect for the industry, outgoing Boss Energy chief executive Duncan Craib said. "Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute in achieving net zero and capitalise on the inevitable surge of global uranium demand that will accompany it," he said. Despite his bullish comments, Mr Craib shied away from the media pack, avoiding the customary question-and-answer with journalists following his presentation. There was plenty of support for nuclear energy in the event's curtain-raiser, a panel discussion between Canadian nuclear advocate Chris Keefer, Centre for Independent Studies energy expert Aidan Morrison and the right-wing think tank's executive director Tom Switzer. Australia's best shot at reducing carbon emissions in electricity generation remained nuclear power, but even then it would not be possible to achieve net zero by 2050, Mr Morrison said. Mining has always been an industry of boom and bust. The fickle fortunes of Australia's biggest export sector were clear to see on opening day of the annual Diggers and Dealers conference on Monday. With bullion prices sitting at record highs, goldminers Evolution and Ramelius Resources could scarcely conceal their glee as they boasted to investors, analysts and rivals of the rivers of cash flowing their way. Just a few years ago, Ramelius was targeting an ore grade of two grams per tonne and making good money, chief executive Mark Zeptner said. Today, following its merger with Simon Lawson-founded Spartan Resources, it's hitting an average grade of three grams of gold per tonne of ore mined. "So it's fair to say at a three gram per tonne head grade and the current gold price, we are killing it," Mr Zeptner said, grinning. After "sparring" with Mr Lawson in the past year or so, the pair find themselves at the helm of one of the ASX's largest goldminers following a $2.5 billion merger. Mr Zeptner said he would handle the "boring" financial operations of the new joint entity - "that is if you find ridiculous cash flows boring" - while Mr Lawson, who has stayed on as deputy chairman, said he was content to focus on exploration. "Mark and I, after stopping sparring, agreed that it would be a great combination to bring that skill set together, that operational excellence and that exploration upside … hopefully, that sizzle," he said. Mr Lawson is a rockstar in the WA Goldfields town of Kalgoorlie, which is hosting the mining forum for a 34th time. The price of gold has almost doubled in less than three years to nearly $5200 an ounce, flooding the coffers of miners. Following the Ramelius-Spartan tie-up and Northern Star's $5 billion takeover of De Grey Mining, there is still plenty of M&A appetite in the sector. Miners attending the forum are sitting on astronomical cash and bullion reserves, with five companies - Northern Star, Ramelius, Evolution, Vault and Regis - on more than $500 million each, according to gold mining consultants Surbiton Associates. "Perhaps they could be used for further acquisitions, although prices now paid to obtain such new assets are very high," director Sandra Close said. "The concern is that the larger the cash reserves become, the more the company may become a tempting takeover target." But things were less rosy for uranium miners Paladin and Boss Energy. The short seller targets were the first miners to present on Monday and had a tough story to sell. Falling uranium prices have smashed share valuations, while Paladin and Boss have suffered output downgrades at their Langer Heinrich and Honeymoon mines, respectively. Additionally, hopes for an Australian nuclear power industry to boost demand for the radioactive ore were dashed when the Peter Dutton-led coalition, which championed the policy, was trounced at the May election. But governments globally were looking increasingly favourably at uranium to power their energy needs; a promising prospect for the industry, outgoing Boss Energy chief executive Duncan Craib said. "Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to contribute in achieving net zero and capitalise on the inevitable surge of global uranium demand that will accompany it," he said. Despite his bullish comments, Mr Craib shied away from the media pack, avoiding the customary question-and-answer with journalists following his presentation. There was plenty of support for nuclear energy in the event's curtain-raiser, a panel discussion between Canadian nuclear advocate Chris Keefer, Centre for Independent Studies energy expert Aidan Morrison and the right-wing think tank's executive director Tom Switzer. Australia's best shot at reducing carbon emissions in electricity generation remained nuclear power, but even then it would not be possible to achieve net zero by 2050, Mr Morrison said.