Archived News for Industry Professionals
Researchers from Cornell University in the United States have found a connection between hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and the release of substantial amounts of stored methane gas.
“Far from being a 'solution' to climate change, natural gas extracted from shale is a huge contributor of greenhouse gases when both methane and carbon dioxide are considered,” the researchers said in a statement.
Rio's Cape York bauxite mine proposal challenged
Rio Tinto’s $1.4 billion bauxite mine expansion on Cape York could be subject to reconsideration by the Federal Government following pressure from environmental groups for Rio Tinto to be prosecuted for failing to identify threats to the Great Barrier Reef resulting from the passage up to 700 ships annually between Cape York and the Gladstone alumina refinery.
Hays quarterly report: Resources and mining professionals
Recruitment specialist Hays has released its January to March quarterly report into labour and skills demand, examining the ‘current hotspots of recruitment activity and trends’.
Australia-Pacific LNG signs deal with Sinopec
Australia-Pacific LNG (APLNG) has signed a binding agreement with the Sinopec Group of China that will see Sinopec take a total of 7.6 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum from the APLNG Project in Gladstone in Queensland. It is the largest LNG supply agreement in Australian history.
RBA releases mining industry research paper
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released a report into the state of the mining industry in Australia, detailing the ‘remarkable turnaround' of the sector during the 2000s.
WA commits to Esperance Port
The Western Australian Government has announced its formal support of the expansion of Esperance Port, with State Transport Minister Troy Buswell announcing plans to increase capacity by up to 20 million tonnes per annum in a staged plan.
Mount Isa master plan to be released
A master plan that is set to coordinate the development of freight infrastructure in north west Queensland over the next 50 years is set for release by the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ).
Collaborative energy and mining research planned with Chinese partners
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.
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.