Archived News for Industry Professionals
Three major Chinese companies have joined The University of Western Australia and 15 other Chinese and Australian science and industry partners to develop new international collaborative approaches to energy and mining research.
The partnership will include four leading Chinese universities, two Chinese Academy of Sciences' institutes, major Chinese coal miner and power generator Huainan Mining Corporation, coal and construction giant Yancon Group Co., Ltd., and Shenhua Corporation - the world's biggest coal producer.
They plan to work with UWA, six other Australian universities, CSIRO division, BHP Billiton Iron Ore Pty Ltd, low-emission energy developer Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd, thermal processing and biomass technology company Ansac Pty Ltd, and Umwelt (Australia) Pty Limited, a highly regarded environmental consulting firm providing services to Australian and international mining industries.
SKM appoints new leader of mining business
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has appointed a new general manager to head the company’s mining and metals business, following the appointment of the former general manager, Santo Rizzuto, to the role of CEO.
Ichthys LNG Project signed off
Japanese oil and gas company, INPEX Corporation and the French giant TOTAL S.A. have confirmed the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the US$34 billion Ichthys LNG Project. The agreement was announced at a ceremony in Darwin, the site of the onshore gas processing facilities which will be built to produce 8.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum.
Resources drives construction sector
A December surge in resource-related engineering projects has helped stem the decline in the nation's construction sector, according to figures released by the Australian Industry Group (AI Group).
Offshore regulators begin operations
Two new bodies responsible for consistency and efficiency in offshore petroleum regulation in Commonwealth waters have begun operations.
QR National and Rio Tinto sign haulage agreement
QR National and resources giant Rio Tinto have signed a 10 year performance based contract that will see 3 million tonnes of coal per annum moved from Rio Tinto's Blair Athol/ Clermont operations to the Abbot Point Coal Terminal (APCT).
John Holland wins Wheatstone contracts
John Holland, a fully owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings, has secured a $240 million contract with Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd on the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project near Onslow on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.
Productivity Commission releases carbon policy assistance schemes discussion paper
The Productivity Commission has released a consultation paper on the reviews of carbon policy assistance schemes foremissions-intensive trade-exposed activities, the coal mining sector and the steel industry that it has been commissioned to undertake.
WA Government widens its options on Oakajee Port and Rail project
The Western Australian Government will continue to work with the Oakajee Port and Rail (OPR) partners, despite the exclusive arrangement expiring on December 31, 2011.
NSW to develop coal and gas strategy
The NSW Government is inviting feedback on the directions and issues to be addressed in a coal and gas strategy for NSW.
Whitehaven coal mine closed due to poor safety and bullying
NSW Trade and Investment has ordered an indefinite suspension of production at the Werris Creek Open Cut Coal Mine, operated by Whitehaven Coal Ltd, near Tamworth.
New chief executive for NSW Minerals Council
Stephen Galilee has taken up his position as the new Chief Executive of the NSW Minerals Council.
New offshore regulatory bodies established
Two new regulatory bodies, the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) and the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA) commenced operations on 1 January 2012, following recommendations by the Productivity Commission and the Montara Inquiry.
Proposed Margaret River coal mine knocked back
“In making my determination, I’ve decided it’s likely there would be significant impacts or risks from the proposed mine on the Leederville and Sue aquifers and on significant environmental values which these aquifers support,” Mr Marmion said.
In May, the EPA reported the proposal would be environmentally unacceptable, due to serious risks to important environmental values in the Margaret River region. Five appeals were received in objection to the EPA’s report, including one from the proponent.
After considering the appeals and a report from an independent Appeals Committee, the Minister formed a view that the conclusions of the EPA were justified, particularly noting the uncertainty of risks to surface and groundwater in the Margaret River area.
In coming to his decision, Mr Marmion concluded that further assessment was unlikely to significantly alter the level of uncertainty.
“Margaret River is a unique region with important environmental values which should be protected. From an environmental perspective, this project is too risky,” he said.
Having formed the view that the project is environmentally unacceptable, the Minister is required under section 45(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to now consult with relevant decision making authorities on whether or not the proposal may be implemented based on broader social and economic factors. This process will commence as soon as possible to provide the proponent and local community with certainty regarding the proposal.
CSIRO and Chile collaborate on mining and mineral processing
A new CSIRO Chile International Centre of Excellence in Mining and Mineral Processing has been launched that will develop technologies that will reduce the environmental impact of mining and increase its productivity.
Government announces CSG framework
The Federal Government has announced intentions to develop a harmonised coal seam gas (CSG) framework after a meeting of energy and resources ministers from across Australia.
Wheatstone construction starts
The construction of the $29 billion Wheatstone natural gas project has begun after a groundbreaking ceremony was held at Onslow on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.
Aston and Whitehaven in $5.1 billion merger
Coal miners Whitehaven and Aston Resources have announced a $5.1 billion merger of equals, with Aston shareholders set to receive 1.89 Whitehaven shares for each Aston share, following distribution of a fully franked special dividend of $0.50 per share to existing Whitehaven shareholder
Chevron and UWA extend partnership in gas processing research
Chevron has invested more than $5.7 million to establish an endowment capable of supporting a Professorial Chair in Gas Process Engineering in perpetuity at The University of Western Australia.
UQ collaborative centre to boost coal seam gas research
The University of Queensland has created a $20 million partnership between industry, government and researchers to initiate and operate the new Centre for Coal Seam Gas (CCSG). The funding of up to $20 million has been committed by Queensland, QGC, Santos and Arrow Energy to operate the centre for the first five years.
The CCSG will harness capability from UQ and other academic collaborators and be hosted by UQ's Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).
New CEO for Bandanna Energy
Bandanna Energy has announced the appointment of highly experienced mining executive Michael Gray as the company’s new CEO, effective from January next year as he joings the company as Managing Director.