Rio Tinto and Glencore have walked away from a merger that would have created the world's largest miner.
The episode begins with a news briefing by Nadia Budihajo covering three key stories. First, Rio Tinto and Glencore have ended merger talks, unable to agree on valuation and executive control, which would have created the world's largest miner. Second, WA Premier Roger Cook revealed plans for a statutory Productivity Commission, named the 2050 Commission, to provide strategic advice on enhancing living standards and economic competitiveness. Third, a property group submitted a $200 million plan for the Henderson Business Hub, featuring a 161-room hotel, offices, and retail spaces to support the defence precinct. The episode then transitions to an interview segment where Ella Lonergan hosts senior journalist Claire Tyrrell. Claire discusses her article on architecture firm MJA Studio, prompted by their increased visibility on development applications and the death of director Mark Chizelski in 2024. She notes the firm grew from 40 to 50 employees since early 2025, with 20 registered architects, and now regularly handles projects worth $100 to $300 million, up from a previous average of $40 million. Claire highlights notable projects like the Grove Blackburn's project, Forbes Residences with Singaporean firm Woiha, and Victoria House, an adaptive reuse of the old infectious diseases hospital. The conversation explores how MJA Studio navigates a difficult market constrained by construction viability and fewer builders. Claire explains that unlike firms like Hassell, which faced layoffs after losing a major hospital bid, MJA focuses on slow, sustainable growth and project diversity. Creative director Jimmy Thompson and director Wes Barrett emphasize saying no to certain projects to maintain stability. The firm also prioritizes succession planning and employee retention. Claire mentions MJA Studio sold its studio to Perth Construction Hire and is moving to a larger office at 85 Rockeby Road. Future focuses include apartments, student accommodation projects with partners like Urban and ADC, and adapting to market shifts, such as the pivot at Perth Girls' School to purpose-built student accommodation.
