Archived News for Industry Professionals
Two miners have been awarded top honours at the 2011 Queensland Resources Council Resources Awards for Women.
Moranbah woman Simone Forbes was named top tradeswoman while Sharon Ward, of Nebo, shared first place in the top operator's award.
Ms Forbes is a mine technician/electrician at Anglo American's Moranbah North Mine.
Victorian Energy for the Regions initiatives announced
The expansion of the natural gas network to regional communities across Victoria is a step closer as the government progresses the delivery of its $100 million Energy for the Regions program.
WA releases strategic energy discussion paper
WA energy minister Peter Collier has launched the latest initiative in planning for the State’s future energy needs.
Wallarah 2 coal mine rejected
The Wallarah 2 coal mine has been rejected by the NSW Department of Planning.
Queensland coal exports down by a third
Latest coal export data confirm that the Queensland industry is operating at around two-thirds of its capacity compared with 12 months ago.
Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive Michael Roche said that in February 2011, Queensland exported 8 million tonnes of coal compared with 12 million tonnes in February 2010.
‘This is only one month’s worth of exports, but the numbers are consistent with company reports and the QRC’s own estimates of a 30 million tonne downturn in coal production in 2010-11 caused by wet season floods,’ Mr Roche said.
‘Three out of four coal mines are still working to remove water from their properties under special environmental discharge approvals from the state government.
‘These special discharge approvals are of limited benefit without the right rainfall pattern, and there is now growing concern over the outlook for continuing rain in the coal regions and possible formation of another tropical cyclone.
‘What can be pumped off a site can be replaced just as quickly by such rainfall, and your flooded coal pit is then right back to square one of the business recovery phase.’
Mr Roche said it was pleasing to note that Queensland’s new Minister for Employment, Skills and Mining, Stirling Hinchliffe, had wasted no time in personally inspecting some of the Bowen Basin’s flood-affected mines.
The QRC and independent consultants have forecast coal production losses of at least $5 billion this financial year, with resulting lost royalties of $400 million.
Consultation paper on CSG and coal resources released
The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) is undertaking a review of the tenure framework that regulates exploration for, and development of, Queensland’s coal seam gas (CSG) and coal resources.
Gladstone Ports Corporation announces dredging project
A $1.3 billion dredging project will see Gladstone Port become one of the world’s major Liquid Natural Gas exporter.
Oakajee Port and Rail Project deadline extended
WA Premier Colin Barnett has confirmed an extension to the deadline for a final decision on the future of the Oakajee Port and Rail project (OPR), after considerable deliberation.
Byerwen coal mine declared a significant project
The proposed Byerwen coal mine in Queensland has been declared a “significant project” by the Queensland Coordinator-General, paving the way for the developers JFE Steel and QCoal to start the Environmental Impact Statement.
Mining royalties strengthen WA economy
Mining royalties have continued to strengthen Western Australia’s economy, with the government sector recording a $1.1 billion surplus for the first half of the financial year.
Commodities boom gathers pace
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) is predicting a positive outlook for the global steel industry in 2010-11, which will drive iron ore and metallurgical coal exports up to $35.1 billion and $30.5 billion respectively.
Great South Land Minerals takes Tasmanian Government to court
Great South Land Minerals is taking the Tasmanian Government to court for withdrawing its exploration leases in the Central Highlands.
New head of ANSTO appointed
Esteemed academic Professor Paul Greenfield AO has been appointed to head the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) board.
Minemakers signs agreement with traditional land owners for phosphate mine
Traditional land holders in Tennant Creek have signed an agreement to mine Australia’s largest phosphate deposit.
Coroner releases mining fatigue report
A central Queensland coroner has made 24 recommendations to address fatigue on roads and in the mining industry.
Minerals Council calls for economic reform agenda
The mining boom is highlighting capacity constraints and masking underlying structural weaknesses in Australia’s economy, according to the Minerals Council of Australia’s Pre-Budget submission to the Federal Government.
Carbon price mechanism plan announced
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has outlined the Government’s carbon price mechanism, which it plans to establish mid next year.
Draft strategy on national freight network released
The Federal Minister for Transport, Anthony Albanese, has released a draft strategy on developing a national freight network to integrate road, rail, ports and airports.
Federal Government approves Australia Pacific LNG Project
Tony Burke, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, has approved, with strict environmental conditions, the Australia Pacific LNG project at Gladstone proposed by Origin Energy and ConocoPhillips.
Report finds safety and health improvements in Queensland’s mining industry
The Queensland Government has released its annual Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report, which shows improvements across most key measures of safety and health during 2009–10.
Location changes approved for Caval Ridge mine accommodation villages
The Queensland Government’s Coordinator-General (CG) has approved changes to the size and location of accommodation villages servicing the $4 billion Caval Ridge Mine project.