Archived News for Industry Professionals
BHP Billiton has become the latest mining giant to warn of an impending decline of coal production after the horror months in Queensland wiped 2% off the state’s economy.
After a finalized damage bill of just under $6 billion, BHP is warning that the spate of disasters in Queensland has caused considerable damage to the country’s coal export capacity.
Although iron ore, BHP's largest sector, remained relatively unscathed by the flooding and cyclones, the company has cautioned its investors to expect the worst, despite an increase in average iron ore output by 7%.
Royalty hike causes state/federal spat
A proposed resource royalty hike in Western Australia has sparked a spat between state and commonwealth governments, with Treasurer Wayne Swan threatening to withhold over $2 billion in Federal infrastructure investment.
Royal Dutch Shell announces $10 billion LNG site
Global gas and oil giant Royal Dutch Shell (RDS) has announced its decision to proceed with construction of its $10 billion Prelude floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) site off the coast of Western Australia.
MCA proposes new carbon pricing scheme
The Minerals Council of Australia has outlined its proposal for a new carbon-pricing scheme to be rolled out in Australia, labeling the current Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) as ‘flawed’ and ‘the wrong approach’.
MCA responds positively to Federal Budget
The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) has responded to the Federal Budget, saying that it "correctly recognises the importance of a strong and growing minerals sector to Australia’s economy and to Commonwealth revenues".
Resourcehouse to float on the Hong Kong Exchange
$3.4 billion is expected to be raised after Clive Parker floats the iron and coal export giant Resourcehouse on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the company’s initial public offering.
Fremantle Port iron ore export plan sinks
Cazaly Resources’ plan to export iron ore through the Port of Fremantle is in tatters after the Western Australian Transport Minister Tony Buswell and Fremantle MP Adele Carles moved to block the plan.
IMX to start African expedition
IMX Resources is due to start operations in Tanzania after acquiring its final drilling equipment.
Inquiry into impact of coal seam gas mining on the Murray Darling Basin
The Senate Rural Affairs and Transport References Committee has called for submissions to its inquiry into the impact of mining of coal seam gas on the management of the Murray Darling Basin.
Gloucester stakes out coal acquisitions
New South Wales mining company Gloucester Coal Ltd has entered an agreement with its largest shareholder, Noble, to acquire Noble’s wholly-owned coal mining company, Donaldson Coal Holdings Ltd.
Port Bonython inches closer to fruition
The planned port facilities at South Australia’s Port Bonython are a step closer to realization after an agreement between the South Australian State Government and ports consortium Spencer Gulf Ports Links (SGPL) was struck.
Jobs and skilling the focus of resources budget
The Federal Government has announced a budget dependant on the mining and resources industries and especially its involvement in the “Asian century.”
Mining tax revenue expected to decrease
Freedom of Information documents released by the Government show a decline in expected revenue to be generated by the Government’s proposed Mineral and Resources Rent Tax.
Review of Geoscience Australia released
A review of Geoscience Australia by the Department of Finance and Deregulation has found that much of the agency’s work “amounts to a national prospectus for some of Australia's most lucrative natural resources.”
Universities unite to publish mining vision
Five Australian universities, together with the CSIRO, have co-published the new Vision 2040: Innovation in Mining and Minerals paper, looking at the future of mining in Australia with a particular concentration on sustainability in the industry.
Innovation and Investment Fund opens
The $12 million South-East South Australia Innovation and Investment Fund (SESAIIF) has been launched by the Federal Government.
Victorian Government to fund exploration
The Victorian State Government has announced a $625,000 injection package for Geoscience Victoria to conduct exploration for the ‘development of Victoria’s minerals and energy resources’ in the State’s budget.
Internet streamline a boost to WA mining
The use of a new online mining approval system has ‘significantly increased’ the turnaround in approvals across Western Australia following the release of new quarterly figures.
Woomera declared open for mining
The Woomera Protected Area (WPA) has been opened to mining following discussions between the South Australian and Federal Governments.
Geological information database developed
A new public, open-access information database containing information on Australia’s geology is being co-developed by CSIRO, AuScope and a number of research agencies.
Oil and gas industries aim to improve safety record
The third month-long ‘Stand Together for Safety’ event has been launched by Australia’s oil and gas industries.