Archived News for Industry Professionals - March, 2011
BHP Billiton has signed off on a US$400 million investment to expand Hunter Valley Energy Coal in New South Wales.
The expansion, known as the RX1 Project (RX1), will enable Mt Arthur Coal’s run-of-mine thermal coal production to increase by 4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), to approximately 24 mtpa.
RX1 is substantially a mine only expansion without an associated increase in coal preparation plant capacity.
Coal projects in Central Queensland to go ahead
BHP Billiton has approved three key metallurgical coal projects located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland.
Government accepts resource tax recommendations
The Federal Government has announced its acceptance of advice and recommendations provided by the Policy Transition Group (PTG) that was formed following the announcement of new resource taxation arrangements.
Federal Government gives go-ahead to Wandoan coal mine
The Federal Government has given conditional environmental approval to the Xstrata Coal's proposed mine at Wandoan on Queensland's Western Darling Downs.
Mining to cease on North Stradbroke Island by 2025
The Queensland Government will appoint an economic transition taskforce for North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane, after announcing that all mining on the island will be banned from 2025, two years earlier than planned.
Galaxy looks to establish first renewable powered mine
A WA lithium miner plans to establish the first mine site in Australia completely powered by renewable energy within the next three years.
BHP invests billions into WA iron ore operations
BHP Billiton has approved a $US7.4 billion ($7.2bn) capital investment to continue production growth at its Western Australia iron ore operations.
Queensland sets stronger mining safety standards
Stronger safety standards have been set for the Queensland mining industry following recent changes to legislation.
WA ranked in top 20 for mining investment
The Canadian public policy research organization, The Fraser Institute, has released its 2010-11 survey, ranking Western Australia in the top 20 mining jurisdictions of the world for attracting investment.
Shree Minerals' Tasmanian mine proposal to face EPBC assessment
A proposal by Shree Minerals to develop a magnetite and hematite mine adjacent to the Nelson Bay River in north-western Tasmania will go through a high level of assessment under national environmental law.
Doubts grow over Oakajee project as costs blow out
A blow-out in the cost of the Oakajee port and rail project in Western Australia is threatening to derail progress to meet the deadlines imposed by the WA Government, according to a report published today in The Australian.
2011 Energy Report Released by ABARES
The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences has released its annual report into energy use and consumption throughout the country.
Minerals exports up by 25%
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) latest report on Australian mineral statistics has found that Australia’s export earnings from energy and mineral commodities increased by 25% last year, to $165 billion.
Western Australian EPA rejects Margaret River coal mine
The Environmental Protection Authority has recommended against a controversial coal mine being established near Margaret River in Western Australia's south west.
GE to build $80m skills centre in Perth
General Electric (GE) has announced plans to open an $80 million custom-built state-of-the-art resources technology and learning complex at Jandakot Airport in Western Australia.
Government releases resources sector skill shortages package
An 18 month apprenticeship training program for 1,000 workers and $200 million to fund targeted training projects for skills in critical demand are among a range of initiatives to address skills shortages in Australia’s resources sector.
Lhere Artepe takes over CDE
An Aboriginal organisation, the Lhere Artepe Group, has bought a controlling interest in civil engineering company, CDE.
EPA gives green light to Oakajee development
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority has given the green light to the $A6 billion Oakajee port and 570-kilometre rail development.
Surat Basin Engagement Committee appointed to advise on coal seam gas future
The Queensland Government has announced the membership of a new Surat Basin Engagement Committee that will consider the range of issues surrounding the development of coal seam gas in the state.
Keneally bows to farmers on Hunter coal seam gas
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally has announced that a future Labor government would prohibit exploration for coal seam gas near national parks and ban the use of toxic BTEX chemicals in extracting gas.
Coal mine blasting suspended after toxic gas exposures
Blasting at BMA’s Saraji and Peak Downs coal mines in Queensland has been put on hold by the Queensland Mines Inspectorate following two incidents on March 6 when miners were exposed to nitrogen oxide gas as a result of blasting.