Archived News for Industry Professionals
BHP Billiton has posted a record profit of $22.6 billion, almost twice last year’s result and the biggest profit ever recorded by an Australian company.
The result was recorded on annual revenue of $72 billion, up 36% from the previous year, and a staggering 86 per cent profit increase.
The company’s biggest earner, iron ore posted its 11th consecutive production record with profits up 122% to $13 billion. Base metals were up 50% to $7 billion and profits from oil increased 40% to $6 billion. Negative impacts on the bottom line were driven by increased costs in raw materials and labour and the impact of the Queensland floods.
Greens call for Olympic Dam processing jobs to stay in Australia
In the wake of BHP Billiton’s record profit announcement, South Australian Greens MP Mark Parnell is calling on the South Australian government to insist that BHP process Olympic Dam ore in South Australia, not export it to China to save costs.
Government announces steel support advance
The Federal Government has announced it will introduce a new advance facility into its Steel Transformation Plan (STP) in an attempt to counter the recent troubles in the steel production sector.
BHP to assist BlueScope unemployed
Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced plans to provide support to some of the 1,000 workers who will soon lose their jobs as BlueScope Steel shuts down its Port Kembla Steelworks.
BHP finalises Petrohawk acquisition
Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced the finalisation of its US$12.1 billion acquisition deal to purchase Houston-based Petrohawk Energy Corp.
WPG to sell South Australian iron ore assets to OneSteel
WPG Resources has agreed to sell its iron ore assets in South Australia to OneSteel Limited for about $346 million, crystallising a 400% return on the company's iron ore investment of $70 million.
Greens call for gas rethink
The Federal Greens have warned that billions of dollars worth of coal seam gas investment may become stranded assets within decades.
Arrow awards LNG plant design contract to offshore consortium
Arrow Energy’s plan to construct a multi-billion dollar LNG plant on Curtis Island off Gladstone in Central Queensland has taken a major step forward with the awarding of the front-end engineering design (FEED) contract.
NCVER finds record apprenticeship numbers
A report published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that a record 460,000 apprentices and trainees are currently in training.
Vale to expand coal operations with Aquila
Brazil based mining giant Vale has announced its plans to co-fund and construct a new $US875 million coking coal mine in central Queensland.
Queensland urban areas off limits to mining exploration
No mining exploration will be allowed in and around urban areas of Queensland, including regional centres such as Ipswich, Toowoomba, Beaudesert, Rockhampton, Mackay and St George Queensland, after a new policy was considered by the Queensland Cabinet.
Queensland signs agreement with resources sector
The Queensland State Government has signed an agreement with the resources sector over sourcing new workers for the industry from coastal areas with high unemployment.
Strong carbon action to generate over 100,000 extra mining jobs: Report
A report has found that strong and immediate action against climate change through policy and industry reform would create 102,422 extra mining jobs by 2030.
MCA builds anti-carbon tax war chest
The Minerals Council of Australia has upped its anti-carbon tax campaign after announcing it will invoice its members for contributions to screen a fresh round of television and film advertising campaign.
Grants awarded for NT exploration projects
The Northern Territory Government has announced seven mineral exploration companies as successful recipients of the NT Government’s $600 000 exploration and drilling grants.
Pressure mounts over coal seam gas approvals
Pressure is mounting on state and Federal governments to place stricter controls on the development of coal seam gas fields over agricultural land and townships.
More research needed on coal seam gas exploration
A scientific study that brought data from major coal seam gas companies together for the first time has opened the doors for more research to be undertaken into the exploration and production methods for the Surat Basin in southwest Queensland.
Pacific National opens new coal base
Pacific National’s Coal Division has unveiled its new coal depot and crew barracks in New South Wales’ north east.
Merger consolidates SKM's South American position
Global project management specialist Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has continued to build its South American presence after merging with Chilean water engineering consultancy firm IRH.
Hays launches major projects job website
International recruitment specialist Hays has launched its major project jobs website where jobseekers can view positions in major oil, gas, resources and mining and energy and construction projects in Western Australia.
WA Government to retain 15 per cent domestic gas reservation
The Western Australian Government will retain its 15 per cent domestic gas reservation requirement for all gas projects, and implement measures to improve transparency in the gas market.