Archived News for Industry Professionals

The Northern Territory Government has announced construction has started on the $34 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

Expected to create over 4,000 jobs, the project is the combined effort of Japanese company INPEX and French energy giant Total.

“The first contract awarded by JKC went to locally based companies Macmahon and John Holland - the $340 million site development civil works contract is the biggest contract awarded in the Territory’s history to date,” Northern Territory Chief Minister Paul Henderson said.

Leighton wins Isaac Plains contract extension

John Holland, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leighton, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Isaac Plains Coal Management group to extend its existing mining services contract.

WA approves transmission line

The Western Australian Government approved the construction of a new $443 million transmission line for the state’s Mid-West region.

APPEA to introduce safety system

The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) has announced it will put in place a world-class subsea response solution to mitigate and control any risk of uncontrolled discharges from offshore wells.

Port Bonython hits 1000 milestone

Santos has announced the loading of the 1000^th cargo from its Port Bonython liquids processing plant in South Australia.

Resources sector continues to buoy construction

A report compiled by the Australian Industry Group (AI Group) shows that the resources sector remains the main driver of growth in the non-residential construction sector for 2012 and 2013.

East Timor ups ante in gas dispute

The Government of East Timor has revealed a sector of a new European built gas pipeline that will be used to pump natural gas from the long-disputed Greater Sunrise gas field in the Timor Sea.

Mirabela moves to calm investor revolt

Mirabela Nickel has promised it will review its executive pay packages after its Annual General Meeting saw just over 40 per cent of proxies voted against the company’s proposed remuneration package.

WA announces resources research institute

The Western Australian Government has announced the formation of a new resources research institute aimed at driving innovation.

NOPESMA reports on offshore health and safety

NOPSEMA, Australia’s national independent regulator for offshore petroleum health and safety, well integrity and environmental management, has released the latest health and safety performance report for Australia’s offshore petroleum industry.

Coalworks urges shareholder rejection of takeover bid

The Board of Coalworks has urged the company’s shareholders to reject Whitehaven Coal’s takeover offer, describing the move as ‘inadequate and opportunistic and that it significantly undervalues’ the company.

Geoscience Australia releases gas assessment

Geoscience Australia has released its Australian Gas Resource Assessment 2012, detailing key findings of in the industry and what it anticipates for the industry.

New Non-Executive Director for BHP Billiton

BHP Billiton has announced the appointment of Pat Davies as the company’s new independent Non-Executive Director, effective June.

SA releases gas roadmap

The South Australian Government has released a draft roadmap aimed at maximizing the potential of the state’s unconventional gas resources in an environmentally sustainable way.

Westgold accepts Metals X merger deal

Westgold has announced it has accepted the $92 million merger deal floated by substantial shareholder Metals X. The deal will see Westgold shareholders receive 11 Metals X shares for every 10 Westgold shares held, based on the closing price of Metals X shares on 9 May.

Government opens new acreage for exploration

The Federal Government has announced the 2012 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release, comprising of 27 areas across nine basins in waters off the coast of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Leighton wins LNG contracts

Leighton Contractors have won $800 million worth in gas and water contracts in rural and regional Queensland after winning a tender issued by Australia Pacific.

Strike disables Australian mine

An African uranium mine owned by Australia’s Paladin Energy has stopped work for 22 hours due to strike action from its employees.

Alcoa wins five year extension for WA refinery

The Western Australian government has granted Alcoa a five-year extension to expand its Wagerup Alumina Refinery.

The expansion of the existing refinery to a maximum production capacity of 4.7 million tonnes per annum was approved in September 2006. However, implementation has not substantially commenced due in part to the impact of the global financial crisis.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion asked the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to review Alcoa’s application to extend the time limit.

“The EPA recommended that as the environmental factors of the proposal had not significantly changed and no new factors had emerged since the initial approval, the time limit be extended a further five years,” Mr Marmion said.

Mr Marmion said prior to construction, Alcoa would still require a Works Approval from the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

“Further public consultation will be undertaken by the DEC as part of the assessment process prior to a Works Approval and an amended licence being issued,” he said.

Under regulation 17 of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, the EPA also recommended the Minister approve a variation of the allowable level of noise emissions from the refinery for a two-year period in which Alcoa must use its ‘best endeavours’ to purchase the remaining noise-affected properties.

“This approval sets noise limits at several residential locations surrounding the refinery and is based on Alcoa’s commitment to not increase its noise emissions if the expansion proceeds,” Mr Marmion said.

Refinery closure could affect NSW economy

The potential closure of Caltex's Kurnell refinery would be a body blow to the NSW economy, and would leave Australian motorists exposed to future petrol prices, says the Australian Worker’s Union.

Kellow named President of new BHP Billiton body

Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced it intends to continue the consolidation of its Stainless Steel Materials and Aluminum Customer Sector Groups (CSGs) into a single CSG to be named Aluminum and Nickel.