Archived News for Industry Professionals
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.
Barnett says the extension was granted following agreement from OPR proponents to abide by new “rigorous” requirements for project reporting and finalisation.
“The extension is the best way to secure infrastructure vital for the future both of the Mid-West and Western Australia,” the Premier says.
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.
Queensland CSG industry watchdog operational
Queensland’s new LNG Enforcement Unit, established by the Queensland Government to monitor the emerging CSG-LNG industry, is up and running, headed by Andrew Brier.
NSW Coal and Gas Strategy under development
The NSW Government has released a scoping paper seeking input from the public and key stakeholder groups to guide the preparation of a NSW Coal and Gas Strategy.
Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics to be established
The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (DRET) has announce the decision to create a new professionally independent unit, to be known as the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
Rio Tinto Gove leases renewed
The Northern Territory Government has renewed leases held by Rio Tinto Alcan on the Gove Peninsula, extending most leases for a further 42 years..
Ferguson supports uranium exports to India
The Labor Party needs to modernise its policy and allow uranium to be exported to India, federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says.
WA plea for boom-time jobs
Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett has held a meeting with the leaders of the state’s resources industry to try to convince them to award more work to local manufacturers and contractors.
SA funds mining industry training
The South Australian Government is providing $3.6 million over the next four years to boost training in the State’s mining industry.