Archived News for Industry Professionals - May, 2011
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.
South Australian Transport Minister Patrick Conlon announced the agreement, saying SGPL had been granted exclusive rights to undertake an Environmental Impact Statmenet (EIS) for the proposed deep sea facility, which the Government hopes will ‘greatly improve’ the state’s export capacity and mining capacity.
“The proposed Port Bonython project will deliver an efficient, first-class export facility servicing the iron ore mining industry and its projected boom in the State’s north by significantly boosting existing capabilities,” Minister Conlon said.
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.
International Monetary Fund urges sovereign savings from mining boom
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND URGES SOVEREIGN SAVINGS
South Australia hopeful of mining breakthrough
The South Australian Government is expected to announce today that it has secured Federal Government approval for proposed mining sites in the states Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
LD Operations pushes for Margaret River approval
Mining company LD Operations has urged the Western Australian Government to conduct further extensive studies into the environmental impact of the group’s proposed Margaret River coal mining site.
Major upgrades to Mount Isa freight hauling
The Queensland Government has announced major upgrades to rail services following a deal struck between Queensland Rail, Pacific National and Xstrata to deliver increasing quantities of magnetite concentrate.