Archived News for Industry Professionals
Mining company LD Operations has urged the Western Australian Government to conduct further extensive studies into the environmental impact of the group’s proposed Margaret River coal mining site.
The appeal to WA Environment Minister Bill Marmion comes as the Environmental Protection Authority recommended against LD Operation’s proposed underground mine in March. The mine would involve excavation of tunnels under around 1200 hectares of land.
The mine is expected to yield up to 1.5 million tonnes of coal per annum over 20 years. Mine infrastructure would include road voids, a network of conveyors to the surface, surge bin, two water dams, mine pump-out water facility, enclosed conveyors, land bridges workshop and truck loops.
Major upgrades to Mount Isa freight hauling
The Queensland Government has announced major upgrades to rail services following a deal struck between Queensland Rail, Pacific National and Xstrata to deliver increasing quantities of magnetite concentrate.
WorleyParsons wins $250 million port expansion contract with Fortescue Metals
WorleyParsons has been awarded an engineer, procure and construction management services contract for the expansion of Fortescue Metal Group’s Anderson Point port facilities in Port Hedland Western Australia.
Rio Tinto Iron Ore project to generate 550 jobs
The NRW Holdings Ltd/Eastern Guruma joint venture has been awarded the Rio Tinto Iron Ore contract for the Western Turner Brockman Project Earthworks and Primary Civil Works, worth around $160 million over 12 months.
Olympic Dam expansion project supplementary EIS ready to be assessed
The proposed Olympic Dam expansion project passed another milestone after the Commonwealth announced that BHP Billiton’s Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was ready to be assessed by Federal, State and Territory Governments.
Call for bids for offshore exploration
The Federal Government has released the largest ever acreage for offshore oil and gas exploration in its 2011 round, announced earlier this month.
Interest grows in WA onshore exploration
The Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has announced that that for the first time all onshore areas in the most recent acreage exploration release have received work program bids, indicating further development of a potentially lucrative onshore sector.
Queensland LNG deal signed with Chinese petrochemicals giant
Australia Pacific LNG has signed a contract with Chinese petroleum and chemical company, Sinopec Corporation, for the supply of up to 4.3 million tonnes of LNG per annum for 20 years.
Call for Papers - 2011 Australian Mining Technology Conference
The Centre is issuing a call for papers for the 2011 Australian Mining Technology Conference.
Study to assess Western Australian renewable energy potential
The Australian Government has awarded a contract for work to begin on a detailed assessment of the renewable energy potential of the Mid-West and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.
New Director for CSIRO Minerals Down Under Flagship
CSIRO has appointed a new director from within the organisation for its Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship.
ECU in research collaboration with Rio Tinto Dampier Salt
The Edith Cowan University has entered a new research collaboration agreement with Dampier Salt Ltd (DSL), part of the Rio Tinto group, which will pave the way for a series of research opportunities in Australia’s north west.
Study finds Queensland North East Minerals province could reap $1.2 billion in economic benefits
A study published by James Cook University (JCU) has found major opportunities in Queensland's North East Minerals province.
LNG issues addressed in Perth
Federal Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has addressed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project issues, including overseas demand, taxation reform and skills shortages, at the APPEA 2011 Conference and Exhibition in Perth.
Offshore gas and petroleum production regulator gets support
The Federal Government's plans for a national regulator of offshore gas and petroleum production has been supported by a leading academic at the oil and gas sector's annual meeting.
Bandanna Energy looks to $1.4 billion sale deal
Australian coal explorer Bandanna Energy is attracting interest from Chinese, Indian and other potential suitors as it prepares to short-list bidders for the company in a potential $1.4 billion deal.
Dart Energy to raise $100 million for accelerated drilling program
Dart Energy has launched a fully underwritten $100 million share issue to fund an accelerated drilling program.
BHP Billiton releases Port Hedland expansion environmental review
BHP Billiton has moved to get government approval of its plan to expand its Port Hedland operations, with the release of its public environmental review and draft environmental impact statement on the development.
Natural disasters cost Queensland resources sector $5 billion
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says flooding and cyclones have cost the industry $5 billion in lost production and that figure could rise with many mines still waterlogged.
Approval for Gooburrum sand mine
Plans for a sand mine at Gooburrum, north of Bundaberg in southern Queensland, have been given the go-ahead by council.
Seismic survey reveals new geological structures in NT
A deep seismic survey undertaken as part of the Australian Government's Energy Security Initiative has revealed major new geological structures in the Northern Territory which will have important implications for energy and mineral resource exploration.