Archived News for Industry Professionals
Leighton Contractors has been awarded a three-year contract worth $604 million for the provision of mining services at the Peak Downs Mine in Central Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
The contract, awarded by BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA), extends the services provided at Peak Downs Mine and includes project management, fleet maintenance and operational services for overburden mining at the project.
Greg Fokes, General Manager, Leighton Contractors’ Mining Division, said “This demonstrates our ability to work closely with our clients and add value to their operations, and recognises the hard work the mining team has put into the project over the years at Peak Downs.
NSW Minerals Council claims $20b cost of land use policy
The NSW Minerals Council has released a research report undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Monash University which claims that NSW will lose billions of dollars in mining revenue and thousands of jobs if the current draft Strategic Regional Land Use Policy goes ahead.
Offshore petroleum exploration permits awarded
Twelve new offshore petroleum exploration permits have been awarded in waters off Western Australia and Victoria, and will see $303 million in new investment over the next three years.
Queensland calls for input on GasFields Commission
The Queensland Government has called for community input on the role and membership of the new GasFields Commission.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the Government was establishing the GasFields Commission to better manage the coexistence between landholders, regional communities and the coal seam gas industry in Queensland.
“Industry and community groups and members of the public have a real opportunity to provide input into who should be represented on the Commission and what powers it should consider,” Mr Seeney said.
Mr Seeney appointed Mr John Cotter as Chairman last month and submissions from the public can be made directly to the Chairman.
He said the Commission would be based in Toowoomba with a statewide focus.
“The Commission will be formed as a statutory body under legislation to make sure we get the right balance in place between landholders, local governments and the industry itself,” Mr Seeney said.
“It will give local communities a more direct voice into government and ensure programs and services match the priorities in those areas affected by CSG operations.
“A number of skills-based commissioners will be appointed to advise and assist the Commission in carrying out its work with government, industry and communities affected.
Rio Tinto in partnership with University of Western Australia
Global miner Rio Tinto and The University of Western Australia have signed a multi-million dollar partnership that will focus on creating a sustainable supply of graduates and expertise for the mining industry.
NSW Senate publishes inquiry into CSG
The New South Wales Senate’s General Purpose Standing Committee No. 5 has published a report into the environmental, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas (CSG) mining in NSW, delivering 35 recommendations for Government action.
Work on Ranger mine begins
Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) marked the start of underground construction works on the Ranger 3 Deeps exploration decline at Ranger mine.
ERA has engaged Macmahon Holdings Limited to construct the 2.2 km decline to a depth of ~400 metres.
ERA will invest an estimated $120 million in the Ranger 3 Deeps Exploration Decline Project to conduct close spaced underground exploration drilling to further define the Ranger 3 Deeps ore body, and to explore areas adjacent to the resource. The mine lies within the boundaries of Kakadu National Park.
In addition to the Ranger 3 Deeps exploration decline Project, ERA is conducting an extensive surface drilling programme on prospective and under explored areas of the Ranger Project Area over the period of 2012 to 2014 at an estimated cost of $40 million.
Chief Executive Rob Atkinson said that "the construction of the exploration decline marked the start of a challenging and exciting transition for the company."
Australian miners identify Latin American opportunities
The Australian Government and a contingent of Australian mining companies have identified over $45 million in future business opportunities throughout Latin America.
Mindarie mineral mining resumes
The South Australian Government has announced that mining of mineral sands is set to resume at Mindarie in South Australia’s Murray Mallee.
Pluto LNG Project starts production
Woodside’s $14.9 billion Pluto Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project has produced its first LNG.
Reed Resources secure Barclay's funding
Australian gold producer reed Resources has secured a debt financing facility of up to $23 million for the working capital requirements of the Meekatharra Gold Project Joint Venture in Western Australia.
Work begins on Marine Supply Base
Construction of the $110 million offshore gas Marine Supply Base has begun in the Northern Territory.
Miners suffering mental health challenges
A research paper published by the NSW Minerals Council has found that addressing growing mental illness issues is a crucial priority for the sector.
QR investigates Pilbara line
Rail giant QR National has announced it is evaluating an independent, multi-party railway to connect major iron ore mines in the East Pilbara to Port Hedland.
SA uranium deal inches closer
The development of South Australia’s next major uranium mining development has inched closer after the signing of a 10-year least for the Four Mile site.
BHP secures more Olympic plots
BHP has secured additional exploration plots at its Olympic Dam site in South Australia after partnering with Minotaur Exploration.
Hays Quarterly Report: Oil and Gas
Professional services specialist Hays has published its Quarterly report into recruitment trends for the April-June quarter for this year.
Government seeks comment on IAA for Woomera area
The Federal Government has announced it is seeking comment after the release of a standardised Deed of Access for exploration in the Woomera Prohibited Area (WPA).
Resources push WA economy to new heights
CommSec has released this quarters State of the States report, providing an in depth analyses of the country’s states using eight key indicators: economic growth retail spending requipment investment unemployment construction work done population growth housing finance and dwelling commencements.
Rio Tinto pulls out from Abbot Point project
Rio Tinto has announced it has pulled out from the Abbot Point additional port capacity process, citing changes to the economic climate.
Wongai project declared significant
The Queensland Government has announced a proposed $500 million coking coal mine has been declared a ‘Significant Project’ by the state’s Coordinator-General.