Archived News for Industry Professionals
The Joint Authority for the Commonwealth-Western Australia Offshore Area has granted a variation to the conditions of the retention leases of the Woodside-operated Browse LNG Project to allow more time to complete necessary studies, approvals and project design.
The Browse Joint Venture is now required to be in a position to apply for a production licence and take a final investment decision during the first half of 2013, instead of mid-2012. The Joint Venture has not sought an extension of the overall term of the retention lease, which remains set to expire in December 2014.
“In granting the variation, Minister Moore and I recognise the complexities of the Browse LNG development and the need to ensure that the Browse Joint Venture has sufficient information to make a sound decision on the commercial viability of the project,” Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson said.
Public consultation begins for Gladstone EIS
The Queensland Government has opened the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed multi-billion dollar Arrow liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Gladstone.
Queensland expedites major projects
Queensland has announced it will expedite the development of three major projects with significant economic benefits for the state.
BAF to see off red tape
The Business Advisory Forum (BAF) has agreed to reform that will expedite environmental approvals and assessments at its inaugural meeting.
BHP alliance to shut Norwich Park Mine closure
The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has announced it will cease production at the Norwich Park Mine indefinitely.
Change to BHP Billiton Iron Ore leadership
BHP Billiton has announced that its Iron Ore President, Ian Ashby, will be lraving the company at the start of July after over 25 years with the company. Jimmy Wilson, currently BHP Billiton Energy Coal President, will succeed Mr Ashby.
Leighton wins $420 million Indonesia contract
Leighton Asia has announced it has won a seven-year, $420 million contract to provide mining services to PT Marunda Grahamineral in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Mining remains king of WA economy
Exports from Western Australia increased from a total value of $83 billion in 2009-10 to $112 billion in 2010-11, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Rio Tinto joins new iron ore trading network
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced it has become a member of the new China Beijing International Mining Exchange (CBMX). The CBMX is an electronic trading platform that will provide participating members with an additional iron ore trading channel in the China market.
Chevron starts Wheatstone recruitment drive
Chevron has launched its first major recruitment drive to find operations personnel for the company’s $29 billion Wheatstone liquefied natural gas project.
ERA announces $120 million exploration
Energy Resources of Australia has announced it will invest $120 million to further explore its Ranger mine site.
Government to open doors to US workers
The Federal Government has announced it will allow skilled workers from the United States, such as electricians, plumbers and other trades, to get their licence to work in Australia on arrival.
WA passes gas services bill
The Western Australian Government has passed the gas services Information Bill, with State Energy Minister Peter Collier saying the legislation will play a key role in securing the state’s gas supply and security.
NZ to launch fracking investigation
The New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, has announced a broad investigation into hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
Australia more addicted to pollutants
A report published by the Climate Institute shows Australia is more dependent on high polluting technology than it was two decades ago, with the country being the only G20 member nation to go backwards on its low-carbon competitiveness since 1995 according to the Global Climate Leadership Review 2012.
Funding for data fusion for geothermal exploration
The Australian Government has awarded a $1.9 million grant to National ICT Australia (NICTA) Ltd's $5 million project to provide enhanced data for targeted geothermal exploration as part of the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) Emerging Renewables Program.
Record energy and resources exports recorded
The value of Australia’s resources and energy exports in 2011 increased by 15 per cent from the previous year to a record $190 billion, according to the Resources and Energy Statistics December quarter 2011 report released today by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
New head of JKMRC appointed
Dr Wayne Stange, the Managing Director of AMIRA International, has been appointed Director of the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) within the University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).
Leak blows lid off anti export boom plans
Leaked documents have revealed plans by a cabal of environmental groups to disrupt key coal export projects.
Leighton wins Rio Tinto contracts
Leighton Contractors has signed five year Framework Agreements with mining giant Rio Tinto for the delivery of a stream of earthworks projects and a stream of structural, mechanical, piping (SMP) projects as part of Rio Tinto’s 353 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) expansion program in the Pilbara.
WA gives the nod for $400 million Pilbara project
The Western Australian Government has given final approval for a rail and power supply project in the Pilbara estimated to be worth more than $400 million, and which is expected to generate 600 jobs in the region.