Archived News for Industry Professionals

Infrastructure giant Downer EDI has announced it has been awarded a rolling stock contract to supply Downer Electro-Motive Diesel services to BHP Billiton’s Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara for the next five years.

The contract will deliver the new model of Downer’s Model sD70Ace/LCi locomotives starting from the second quarter of 2012. The contract has a core value of $292 million with options that could see it expanded to over $400 million.

The Chief Executive Officer of Downer, Grant Fenn, said: “The ability of Downer and Electro-Motive Diesel to provide support at the front line has been second to none and underpins this deal. Integral with this contact is the further build up of Downer support for customers in Western Australia.”

CSIRO Organic Geochemistry of Mineral Systems Cluster launched

The CSIRO Organic Geochemistry of Mineral Systems Cluster has been officially launched at Curtin University’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

Fraser Institute releases mining survey

Canada’s Fraser Institute has released its findings for the 2011/12 survey of mining companies, finding that both the Northern Territory and Western Australia have made significant improvements in their attractiveness to potential mining investors.

SA passes Arkaroola mining ban

The South Australian Government has passed legislation that will ban mining in the state’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary after the bill was successfully passed by the Upper House.

Energy in Australia 2012 report released

The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has released its latest report, Energy in Australia 2012, providing a detailed overview of energy in Australia, including resources, production, consumption, trade and prices.

DVD's advise on safety in SA mining and quarrying industries

The South Australian Minister for Industrial Relations, Russell Wortley, has launched a series of DVDs that promote safety in South Australia’s mining and quarrying industries.

New chair appointed to NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council

The NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher announced the appointment of John Hannaford as Chairman of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).

Mr Hannaford has held senior roles in State Government including;

Qube logistics to acquire Giacci

Qube Logistics has announced it has reached a binding agreement to acquire resources logistics specialist Giacci holdings in a bid to expand the company's reach to Western Australia.

Oil price drives Caltex profit down

Oil refiner Caltex has posted a $714 million loss in its annual operating revenue, recording a drop by 325 per cent on the last year.

Apache's Devil Creek plant to supply gas to WA domestic market

Apache Energy’s Devil Creek Gas Plant has been officially opened by the Premier of Western Australia and Minister for State Development, Colin Barnett.

The Devil Creek development, located in the northwest of Western Australia, represents an investment of approximately AUS$1.1 billion by Apache and its joint venture partner, Santos (Apache 55%/Santos 45%).

It includes the Reindeer gas field, wellhead platform and raw gas pipeline, the Devil Creek Gas Plant and the Devil Creek Sales Gas Export Pipeline that ties into the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.

The Devil Creek Gas Plant is a two-train facility designed to process 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (220 Terajoules of gas per day) and 1,000 barrels per day of condensate. There is sufficient land within the existing plant for expansion of gas processing facilities.

"Devil Creek and the Reindeer Field demonstrate Apache's commitment to Western Australia as a key element in our global portfolio," G. Steven Farris, Apache Corporation's chairman and chief executive officer, said. "The Carnarvon Basin has significant resources yet to be discovered, and it will be a focus of Apache's exploration activities for many years."

Rio Tinto ramps up innovation effort

Rio Tinto is pushing ahead with its Mine of the Future innovation program, with plans for the development and testing of new technologies in underground tunnelling and mineral recovery.

Theiss wins Wheatstone contract

A joint venture (JV) between construction giant Theiss and EV LNG Australia (EVT) has been awarded the $500 million contract to construct LNG storage and condensate tanks for the Chevron-operated Wheatstone LNG project in Western Australia.

CSIRO launches new minerals magazine

The CSIRO has announced the release of its new minerals and resources magazine, Resourceful, to replace its previous sector magazine, Process.

OneSteel mining profits drowned out by steel losses

Mining and materials group, OneSteel Limited has announced a statutory net loss after tax of $74 million for the six months ended 31 December 2011, compared to the statutory net profit after tax for the prior corresponding half of $116 million.

Rio Tinto to introduce driverless trains to the Pilbara

Rio Tinto has announced it will run the world's first automated long-distance heavy-haul rail network, with a US$518 million investment (Rio Tinto share US$478 million) in driverless trains.

Coffey announces appointments

Consultancy giant Coffey has announced the appointments of Leeane Bond and Guy Cowan as the company’s new Non-executive Directors, taking effect from 27 February. The announcement comes as Charles Jamieson and Stephen Williams plan to step down from their positions.