Archived News for Industry Professionals

Arrow Energy’s plan to construct a multi-billion dollar LNG plant on Curtis Island off Gladstone in Central Queensland has taken a major step forward with the awarding of the front-end engineering design (FEED) contract.

The engineering design, which will be undertaken by CJV, an international consortium comprising the Chiyoda Corporation, CB&I (Chicago Bridge and Iron) and Saipem, will commence immediately, and be carried out in Japan, the United States and Australia over the next twelve months.

The Arrow LNG Plant will be designed with two processing units (trains) each producing nominally four million tonnes of LNG per annum for export, with potential to double the size to four trains that could produce up to 16 million tonnes of LNG each year.

NCVER finds record apprenticeship numbers

A report published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that a record 460,000 apprentices and trainees are currently in training.

Vale to expand coal operations with Aquila

Brazil based mining giant Vale has announced its plans to co-fund and construct a new $US875 million coking coal mine in central Queensland.

Queensland urban areas off limits to mining exploration

No mining exploration will be allowed in and around urban areas of Queensland, including regional centres such as Ipswich, Toowoomba, Beaudesert, Rockhampton, Mackay and St George Queensland, after a new policy was considered by the Queensland Cabinet.

Queensland signs agreement with resources sector

The Queensland State Government has signed an agreement with the resources sector over sourcing new workers for the industry from coastal areas with high unemployment.

Strong carbon action to generate over 100,000 extra mining jobs: Report

A report has found that strong and immediate action against climate change through policy and industry reform would create 102,422 extra mining jobs by 2030.

MCA builds anti-carbon tax war chest

The Minerals Council of Australia has upped its anti-carbon tax campaign after announcing it will invoice its members for contributions to screen a fresh round of television and film advertising campaign.

Grants awarded for NT exploration projects

The Northern Territory Government has announced seven mineral exploration companies as successful recipients of the NT Government’s $600 000 exploration and drilling grants.

Pressure mounts over coal seam gas approvals

Pressure is mounting on state and Federal governments to place stricter controls on the development of coal seam gas fields over agricultural land and townships.

More research needed on coal seam gas exploration

A scientific study that brought data from major coal seam gas companies together for the first time has opened the doors for more research to be undertaken into the exploration and production methods for the Surat Basin in southwest Queensland.

Pacific National opens new coal base

Pacific National’s Coal Division has unveiled its new coal depot and crew barracks in New South Wales’ north east.

Merger consolidates SKM's South American position

Global project management specialist Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has continued to build its South American presence after merging with Chilean water engineering consultancy firm IRH.

Hays launches major projects job website

International recruitment specialist Hays has launched its major project jobs website where jobseekers can view positions in major oil, gas, resources and mining and energy and construction projects in Western Australia.

WA Government to retain 15 per cent domestic gas reservation

The Western Australian Government will retain its 15 per cent domestic gas reservation requirement for all gas projects, and implement measures to improve transparency in the gas market.

Chinese demand not endless, miners told

One of the keynote speakers at the country’s largest mining conference, American economist Todd Buchholtz, has raised concerns over the industry’s dependence on continued Chinese growth.

Fortescue boss 'deeply disappointed' by market results

New Fortescue chief executive Nev Power has announced that the company was “deeply disappointed” by its recent market performance despite consistently strong share price growth.

Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi bid for Coal & Allied takeover

Rio Tinto and Mitsubishi have made an informal bid of $122 per share to take full ownership of Coal & Allied Industries. The bid values the company at $10.6 billion, a 34% increase on the closing price last week.

BHP to acquire HWE Mining

BHP Billiton has signed a Heads of Agreement with Leighton Holdings to acquire HWE Mining subsidiaries for $705 million.

GHD wins BHP Pilbara expansion contract

GHD has been contracted by BHP Billiton Iron Ore to provide engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) services for non-process infrastructure projects to support their US$7.4 billion capacity expansion in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Drop in GDP as coal struggles to recover

The substantial decline in coal output has prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to slash its gross domestic product forecast for the 2011-12 financial year by one percentage point.