Boart Longyear CEO resigns (0) October 3, 2012 Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has made a surprise resignation following the company’s move slash spending for the rest of 2012.
Miners to pay more for FIFO congestion (0) October 3, 2012 Mining companies will have to pay more to use Perth Airport during peak hours because of the congestion caused by fly-in fly-out workers.
Tough run for world’s top ten gold miners (0) October 3, 2012 Despite being the top ten gold miners in the world during historically high prices, getting on top, and staying there, is difficult.
Dairy company plans to mine coal (0) October 3, 2012 Fonterra, the global dairy company, is planning to develop a major coal mine in New Zealand.
BHP to sue CFMEU for millions (0) October 3, 2012 BHP Billiton subsidiary BMA is suing mining union CFMEU for $2.4 million for unlawful work stoppages.
Ore prices need to rise (0) October 2, 2012 A report released today by a top rating agency said that iron ore prices will need to rise to relieve the ratings pressure facing some of the industry’s top producers.
Caterpillar’s new haul truck [images] (0) October 2, 2012 If you’re interested in Caterpillar’s new haul truck, we’ve put together some pictures of it in action.
BHP to focus on WA gas, Canada potash (0) October 2, 2012 BHP Billiton says it will focus on oil and gas in Western Australia and potash in Canada as it cools off other expansions in Australia.
Newcrest defends against legal action (0) October 2, 2012 Newcrest is gearing up to fight legal claims that threaten its plans to expand its massive Cadia gold mine.
New Zealand tradies flocking to Australia (0) October 2, 2012 A record number of tradespeople are now leaving New Zealand to take up higher paying jobs in Australia, according to new data.
26,000 mining jobs still on offer in Queensland (0) October 2, 2012 Around 26,000 machine operators, graduates, and tradespeople will be needed over the next few years to keep Queensland’s mining industry in full swing, according to skills advisor Kinetic Group.
The Safety Conference is counting down (0) October 2, 2012 There are only a few days left to get face to face with the people who making the laws that control safety on your site.
High Court rules on Forrest’s Chinese deals (0) October 2, 2012 The High Court has handed down its ruling on ASIC’s case against Fortescue Metals, which determined the future of Andrew Forrest’s leadership of the company
Mining boom isn’t over: HSBC chief (0) September 28, 2012 Australia’s mining boom isn’t over yet and the slowdown in China’s economy is likely to be “cyclical rather than structural,” according to HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham.
NASA awards asteroid mining contract (0) September 28, 2012 NASA has awarded a group of United States-based researchers a contract to explore the feasibility of asteroid mining.
MINExpo a success but worries still abound (1) September 28, 2012 While MINExpo in Las Vegas is a huge success, the spectre of short to medium term growth casts a shadow over the event.
Most controversial miners of 2011 (0) September 28, 2012 A new report has labeled BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, and Barrick Gold as some of the most controversial mining companies of 2011.
Anglo American to cut coal production (0) September 28, 2012 Anglo American says it will cut coking coal production over the next few months in response to weakening market demand.
Inquiry to question exploration regulation (0) September 27, 2012 A new inquiry will look into the regulatory barriers faced by minerals and resource exploration companies.
NQ Supply Chain Committee established (0) September 27, 2012 The North Queensland mining industry is set to benefit from a new committee aimed at improving infrastructure, planning and development in the region.
Union adamant: it’s not about pay (0) September 27, 2012 The CFMEU has hit out at the Federal Government over the ongoing enterprise agreement dispute with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, stating the main issues do not centre around pay rise.
Rinehart’s Roy Hill drops senior staff (0) September 27, 2012 Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has cut senior executives from her Roy Hill iron ore project.
CFMEU member sacked for bullying de-unionised coal worker (0) September 27, 2012 Conflict between Hunter Valley unionists and a worker on an individual contract has led to allegations of harassment, foul play, and unfair dismissal.
Incitec Pivot defers building explosives plant (0) September 26, 2012 Incitec Pivot has announced it will defer development of its planned ammonium nitrate plant at Kooragang Island, in Newcastle for two years.
Mining jobs blamed for poor work-life balance (0) September 26, 2012 The new Australian Work and Life Index report suggests those working in the mining industry are doing it tough.
20 dead in latest Chinese coal accident (0) September 26, 2012 Twenty Chinese coal miners are dead and another 14 are injured after a locomotive carrying workers failed and slipped down a mine shaft.
Lynas to face fresh legal challenge (0) September 26, 2012 Whilst Lynas won a temporary operating licence for its rare earths plant in Malaysia earlier this month, the company will soon be back in court fighting to retain its approvals.
Liebherr equipment in action [images] (0) September 26, 2012 Mixing the old with the new, here’s a collection of some massive Liebherr haul trucks and excavators in action.
Unions should temper wage demands: Ferguson (0) September 26, 2012 Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says unions need to tone down their wage demands now that commodity prices have dropped.
New study to open up Yilgarn iron ore province (22) September 26, 2012 Early studies by the Yilgarn Iron Producers Association into opening up the region have found infrastructure upgrades are key to unlocking the province.
Southern Cross win Rio Yandi contract (0) September 26, 2012 Rio Tinto has awarded Southern Cross Electrical Engineering the contract for its Yandi power supply work.
No injuries in Hastings Deering Mackay fire (0) September 25, 2012 Hastings Deering say there were no injuries from a fire at its Caterpillar machinery plant in Mackay yesterday and the clean up effort is now underway.
No more snags and sauce for FMG workers (0) September 25, 2012 Pilbara miner Fortescue Metals Group has resorted to cutting snags and sauce, stationary, coffee, and other staff benefits in order to save money.
Caterpillar cuts earnings forecast (0) September 25, 2012 Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has cut its earnings forecast for 2015 as mining companies scale back expansions and shelve major projects.
Newmont cuts workers (4) September 25, 2012 Newmont has announced that it will begin cutting workers today at its operations around the world, reducing its Australian workforce by 50 positions.
GE launches global mining unit (0) September 25, 2012 GE has announced it will launch a new global mining business unit based in Australia.
“Culture of cover-ups” at deadly WA mines (0) September 24, 2012 Mines in Western Australia are amongst the most unsafe in the country, according to new data from Safe Work Australia.
Mackay Caterpillar plant burns down [image] (0) September 24, 2012 Emergency services are currently struggling to bring a fire under control at the Hastings Deering plant in Mackay.
Prospectors rescued (0) September 24, 2012 Three gold prospectors have been found by an air and land rescue team after failing to return from exploration near Paraburdoo in the Pilbara.
NZ coal miners march on parliament (0) September 24, 2012 Miners facing job cuts at Solid Energy’s Spring Creek and Huntly East coal mines will tomorrow march on New Zealand’s parliament.
9000 jobs canned under mining taxes: NPA MP (0) September 21, 2012 Queensland MP George Christensen has blamed the closure of coal mines, axed projects and job cuts on mining taxes.
Violent protests kill one at Barrick Gold’s Peru mine (0) September 21, 2012 Barrick Gold has halted production on one of its gold mines in Peru following violent protests that have left one protestor dead and another four injured.
FIFO workers prevent oversupply in mining regions (0) September 21, 2012 Temporary fly-in fly-out workers are helping prevent unsustainable growth in mining communities, according to research by the Reserve Bank.
Newcrest reduces production at Lihir (2) September 21, 2012 Newcrest’s Lihir mine has been forced to temporarily reduce production by a quarter due to mechanical issues at its plant.
Chinese iron ore demand still growing (0) September 21, 2012 Despite the current slump in iron ore prices, analysts believe peak prices are still more than a decade away.
WDS wins massive LNG contract (31) September 21, 2012 WDS has won a huge $280 million contract to provide gas gathering works for Australia Pacific LNG.
More setbacks for Rinehart’s Roy Hill as rail contract deferred (0) September 20, 2012 The contract for construction of a new rail line for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine has been deferred, with Macmahon Holdings citing the move as further evidence of a slowdown ...
BHP dumps plans for another 3 coal mines (222) September 20, 2012 BHP Billiton has canned plans to build the massive Red Hill and Saraji East coal developments in Queensland, citing a “challenging external environment” for the cutback.
QRC slam Greenpeace report (3) September 20, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has slammed the latest Greenpeace report on coal, stating that it has ‘zero credibility’.
Budget woes at mining downturn (0) September 19, 2012 Analysts say that a drop in metal prices of up to 16 per cent will affect the Federal Government’s promise of surplus.
Macmahon shares plummet (0) September 19, 2012 Macmahon Holdings shares plummeted 40 per cent this morning after the company cut its earnings estimate in half for 2012-13 and chief executive Nick Bowen resigned.
More QLD coal closures to come (0) September 19, 2012 New Hope managing director Robert Neale has joined Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson in warning there might be more closures to come in Queensland’s coal industry.
Miners see iron ore woes as temporary (0) September 19, 2012 The recent drop in iron ore demand is only temporary and the industry will soon return to full strength, say managers at Fortescue Metals Group, Centrex Metals, and Gindalbie Metals
Driller cuts jobs (0) September 19, 2012 Coretrack has announced it is restructuring its Core Level Recorder System product line, which will result in a reduction of its local workforce.
Esco aims for Bradken in GET legal dispute (0) September 19, 2012 Australian mining equipment manufacturer Bradken has received notice of a patent infringement from former partner Esco regarding its new ground engaging tools.
Glory days are over: BHP (0) September 18, 2012 BHP Billiton has put a freeze on executive salaries and warned that recent highs in some parts of the mining sector are unlikely to be repeated.
Melbourne to host international mining conference (0) September 18, 2012 Victorian premier Ted Baillieu has announced Melbourne will host a new international mining conference which will rival some of the biggest in the world.
Stop Enterprise Migration Agreements: ACTU (0) September 18, 2012 The ACTU is escalating their war on the use of foreign workers and are demanding Labor abandon the use of enterprise migration agreements.
Koala rescued from mineshaft [video] (0) September 18, 2012 A group of university students have managed to rescue a koala from an abandoned mine shaft in Victoria.
Arctic megamine gets enviro greenlight (0) September 18, 2012 The massive iron ore ‘megamine’ planned in the Canadian Arctic has been granted environmental and native title approval.
QR National to change name (12) September 18, 2012 Australian rail coal haulage company QR National has proposed changing its name to Aurizon.
Forge win Rio fuel contract (0) September 18, 2012 Forge has won a $70 million contract to build fuel infrastructure for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mines.
Hughes wins Anglo drilling contracts (5) September 18, 2012 Hughes Drilling has been awarded the contract for blasthole drilling at Anglo American’s Foxleigh coal mine.
Queensland to escape punishment for royalty hike (0) September 17, 2012 The Queensland Government’s decision to raise mining royalties may go unpunished as the Federal government goes silent on the issue, despite its recent threats.
Thorium can’t deliver on its promises: report (0) September 17, 2012 A report by the UK Government says the benefits of thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel have been “overstated”.
Shipping accidents kill another two workers (0) September 17, 2012 A worker for iron ore mover Inco Ships has died in an accident and another man is dead in suspicious circumstances aboard one of the world’s largest coal ships in ...
Bacteria to help Vale (0) September 17, 2012 The University of Queensland and mining giant Vale have launched a five year $1.25 million partnership to research how microorganisms can be used for mining.
The best oil and gas jobs board is… (0) September 17, 2012 Oilcareers.com has been named the best job board of 2012 at this year’s Global Recruiter Awards.
NSW explores uranium mining (0) September 17, 2012 Uranium exploration in NSW is set to become a reality after the government called for expressions of interest in licenses.
Pilbara iron ore rail battle heats up (0) September 17, 2012 Fortescue has won its High Court appeal over access to Rio Tinto and BHP’s iron ore rail networks in the Pilbara.
6 amazing images of dragline accidents (2) September 14, 2012 There’s no piece of machinery that beats the size and scale of a dragline. So when things go wrong on this front, they go really wrong.
New advice for miners following worker’s death (0) September 14, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued new advice to miners after a worker was struck and killed by a front end loader.
QLD remains silent on uranium (0) September 14, 2012 A lobby group has made a renewed push to allow uranium mining in Queensland, but has been met by silence from Campbell Newman’s government.
Mines inspector releases report on Saraji blast accident (0) September 14, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has published its investigation into the blasting accident at BMA’s Saraji mine that destroyed a Cat D10 dozer and damaged a 996 digger.
BMA union talks stagnate (0) September 14, 2012 Mediation has failed between coal miner BMA and the mining union.
ERA rejects stealth uranium mining accusations (0) September 14, 2012 Rio Tinto’s uranium subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has denied claims it is expanding operations without environmental assessments.
BHP coal prices dive (0) September 13, 2012 BHP Billiton’s coking coal price for shipments to Japan has been slashed by nearly 25 per cent to $US170.
Nasser slams QLD Government over royalty hike (0) September 13, 2012 BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser says the QLD Government’s move to hike royalties will result in more job losses and uncertainty for the future.
FIFO sex workers provide “valuable service” (0) September 13, 2012 Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes says FIFO sex workers targeting mining towns provide a “valuable service” to regional communities and don’t charge higher rates than usual.
Porter backs special economic zone, warns on wages (0) September 13, 2012 Western Australian attorney-general Christian Porter has voiced support for mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s call for a special economic zone in WA’s mining regions.
Australia and Chile ink mining agreement (0) September 13, 2012 The CSIRO and Chile’s Ministry of Mining have signed an agreement to improve education, safety, and research and development in the global mining industry.
NRW win Rio Tinto iron contract (0) September 13, 2012 NRW have won a construction contract with Rio Tinto at its Cape Lambert iron ore port.
Vale axes coal mining jobs (0) September 13, 2012 Vale has followed in the wake of BHP and Xstrata, and cut positions at its Australian coal operations.
Miners slam QLD Government over royalty rise (1) September 12, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council says the Queensland Government’s move to hike coal royalties “could be the final straw” for the industry.
BHP dumps plans to buy exploration land (0) September 12, 2012 BHP Billiton has dropped plans to buy a swathe of exploration land around the Olympic Dam project off junior miner Tasman Resources.
NSW Minerals Council slams new land use policy (0) September 12, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has come out against the newly released Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, stating that it will impose difficulties for the coal mining industry.
Coal industry in flux (0) September 12, 2012 As low coal prices bite, miners lay off hundreds of staff, and operations close, the coal mining market continues to struggle.
Ravensworth and Ulan mines earmarked for Xstrata job cuts (0) September 11, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says Xstrata intends to axe around 30 jobs from the Hunter Valley as part of wider job cuts at the company.
Release FIFO inquiry quickly: Doctors (0) September 11, 2012 WA Doctors say the Federal Government should produce an interim report on its fly-in fly-out inquiry so communities can deal with FIFO workers before the boom ends.
Metallurgical layoffs were planned: Roy Hill officials (0) September 11, 2012 Metallurgical workers laid off from Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project last week had reached the end of their contracts and weren’t cut to save costs, according to company officials.
Coal mining cuts ‘drive home reality’, QRC says (0) September 11, 2012 The dual announcement of Xstrata’s job cuts and BHP Billiton’s closure of the Gregory mine has “sent a clear message to the government”, the Queensland Resources Council says.
BMA to close Gregory mine (50) September 10, 2012 BHP Billiton has announced it will shut down its Gregory coal mine.
Xstrata to slash 600 jobs (0) September 10, 2012 Xstrata has announced it will be cutting 600 jobs across its Australia coal operations.
St Barbara miner dies (23) September 10, 2012 A miner has died at St Barbara’s Simbero gold operations in Papua New Guinea.
Unions fight for Tarkine mining (0) September 10, 2012 The Australian Workers Union is fighting against plans to list sections of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness as heritage sites.
Gold sector still positive despite worries (0) September 10, 2012 While gold output fell in the past financial year compared to the previous period the Australian gold sector is sill looking positive.
BHP completes Richards Bay sale to Rio (0) September 10, 2012 Rio Tinto has doubled its holding in Richards Bay Minerals after buying BHP’s share for US$ 1.91 billion.
Jobs cut at Rinehart’s Roy Hill (0) September 7, 2012 Just days after spruiking the jobs benefit of the Roy Hill mine rumours have emerged Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has sacked workers on the project to cut costs.
New speaker for safety conference (0) September 7, 2012 RCT executive Noel Northcott has joined a host of industry leaders, including WA Mines Minister Norman Moore, on the speakers list for the upcoming Australian Mining safety conference.
WA will need another 100,000 workers: Barnett (0) September 7, 2012 Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett says the state’s resources sector will need another 100,000 skilled workers in the future.
Peabody refutes delay on mine sale (0) September 7, 2012 Peabody Energy has hosed down rumours it’s looking to defer the sale of the Wilkie Creek mine in Queensland due to a lack of interest.
Rio to cut jobs at Gove aluminium mine (0) September 7, 2012 Rio Tinto is cutting jobs and costs at its Gove aluminium operations in the Northern Territory.
Coal train derailed (166) September 7, 2012 Investigations have begun into the derailment of a fully laden Pacific National coal train earlier this week.
Lynas wins licence, beats expectations (0) September 6, 2012 Troubled rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has beaten analyst predictions and won a temporary operating licence for its processing plant in Malaysia.
South African miners threaten to kill management (0) September 6, 2012 Marikana miners have threatened to kill Lonmin management unless they stop operations at the platinum mine in North West.
Iron ore isn’t dead yet (0) September 6, 2012 Despite a very modest bounce last week, iron ore prices returned their worst month since October 2011 in August, falling 24%.
Vale developing “copper eating” bacteria (0) September 6, 2012 Mining giant Vale has teamed up with the University of São Paulo to identify “copper eating” bacteria that can help mine mineral waste.
Rinehart spruiks foreign workers (0) September 6, 2012 Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says the plan to bring over a thousand foreign workers to the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara will help Australia grow.
WDS wins BHP coal contract (0) September 6, 2012 WDS has been awarded a contract for BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium coal mine.
Anti coal protests hit the Hunter (0) September 6, 2012 Anti-coal protestors have scaled a crane at a coal loader construction site in Newcastle.
Shaky FMG cuts jobs, expansions, and assets (0) September 5, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has deferred some expansions, sold assets, and cut hundreds of jobs in an effort to stay profitable.
CSIRO rejects APPEA claims (22) September 5, 2012 The CSIRO says the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has misrepresented its research on coal seam gas.
Rio reaffirms Pilbara push (0) September 5, 2012 Rio Tinto Pilbara iron ore head Greg Lilleyman has reaffirmed the miner’s commitment to the Pilbara as Fortescue and BHP cut back their operations.
5 pictures of a mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle (0) September 5, 2012 Most mining developments are built in isolated locations, but this mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle takes inhospitable to a whole new level.
Engineer slashes job in wake of BHP cutbacks (0) September 5, 2012 A joint venture between Sinclair Knight Merz and Fluor has been forced to cut a third of its workforce as BHP halts its Pilbara expansions.
Italian miners win coal mine occupation battle (0) September 4, 2012 Italian miners who had stolen explosives and barricaded themselves inside their mine have won their battle to stop the operation being shut down.
Angry CFMEU locks horns with QRC (0) September 4, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has written to the Queensland Resources Council to demand the lobby group drop a proposal to weaken union power.
Top 5 stories of August (0) September 4, 2012 August was a month of unusual accidents, surprise decisions and massive job cuts. It’s all here in Australian Mining’s top five.
5 scary underground mining pictures (2) September 4, 2012 Whilst Australia’s industry is among the safest in the world, underground mining can be an intimidating job.
Rio cuts jobs at Argyle diamond mine (0) September 4, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced it will cut staff numbers by nearly a fifth at its Argyle diamond mine.
Forge wins Rio Tinto power contract (0) September 3, 2012 Forge has won a $280 million contract to deliver power for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.
People don’t work hard anymore: Atlas boss (0) September 3, 2012 Atlas Iron boss David Flanagan says hard work is no longer celebrated in Australia and overinflated wages have spurred too many workers into a “feeling of entitlement”.
China to shut more than 600 coal mines (0) September 3, 2012 The Chinese Government has announced it will shut hundreds of coal mines across the country.
ASIC fines Barrick Gold (0) September 3, 2012 Eight subsidiaries of Barrick Gold have been fined a total $127,000 for failing to lodge documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Doubts cloud Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine (0) September 3, 2012 Work on Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara is progressing slower than expected and is facing a further cost blowout to the tune of $1 billion.
States see mixed response to uranium mining (0) September 3, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has called on the state government to lift the ban on uranium mining while WA is seeing opposition to its uranium mining.
Iron ore will fight back: analysts (0) September 3, 2012 While the falling iron ore price is expected to steal around $1.5 billion from the WA Government’s budget, analysts say the industry will soon make a comeback.
BMA and unions finish talks (0) September 3, 2012 The CFMEU and BMA have reached an end to their mediation sessions.
India looks to deep sea mining (0) August 31, 2012 India is building a processing plant and investing in exploration equipment in an attempt to mine rare earths and other minerals under its oceans.
Coal mine to close, cut jobs (0) August 31, 2012 New Zealand’s Solid Energy has announced it will suspend operations its Spring Creek coal mine and cut jobs at Huntly East.
CFMEU threatens strikes across all coal mines (0) August 31, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has threatened to spark strikes across all Queensland coal mines if changes are made to safety guidelines.
Monadelphous wins BHP contract (4) August 31, 2012 Monadelphous has won a $75 million construction contract for BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
QLD Mines Department cuts 400 jobs (0) August 31, 2012 Over 400 positions in the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines have been made redundant as part of the Newman Government’s public service cutbacks.
WA opens new mining training facility (0) August 31, 2012 The West Australian Government has opened a new mining and engineering fluid power training facility.
Pacific National opens new Nebo train facility (2) August 31, 2012 Asciano’s coal division, Pacific National, has officially opened its new $180 million train maintenance facility in Nebo, Queensland.
Worker sacked for not following safety rules (0) August 30, 2012 A worker at Newmont’s Waihi gold mine in New Zealand has been sacked after a review found they failed to follow safety procedures during an underground fire.
Boart Longyear backtracks on mining outlook (0) August 30, 2012 Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has revised previous comments on the strength of the mining industry, and says the sector is now in a “state of flux”.
Aussie miners will “hurt the most” from US competition (0) August 30, 2012 Australian miners will be “hurt the most” as companies in the United States start exporting more coal to China, say Bank of America analysts.
Port Bonython explosive plant plan dropped (0) August 30, 2012 An Indian company that planned to build an explosives manufacturing plant in Port Bonython has pulled out.
Day two of M&E exceeds expectations (0) August 29, 2012 As day two of M&E NSW winds down, event organisers have seen better than expected numbers.
Hundreds of NZ coal mine jobs on the line (0) August 29, 2012 Hundreds of jobs at New Zealand coal miner Solid Energy’s operations are at risk as it carries out a cost cutting review.
Xstrata miner injured in Mt Isa (0) August 29, 2012 A female miner has been injured at Xstrata’s Mount Isa Mines operations.
Anglo American to cut Moranbah North jobs (47) August 29, 2012 Anglo American will cut at least 50 jobs when its Moranbah North mine reverts back to a single longwall operation.
Atlas confident despite tough conditions (0) August 28, 2012 Atlas Iron has blamed low commodity prices and the high Australian dollar for its full year loss of $114.6 million, but says it’s still bullish on the future of iron ...
M&E NSW kicks off (0) August 28, 2012 Mining and Engineering NSW has kicked off its first day.
Ampcontrol acquires Primatec (0) August 28, 2012 AUSTRALIA’s largest privately-owned electrical engineering company, Ampcontrol, has acquired automation and process control firm Primatec QDA.
WorleyParsons cuts jobs (0) August 28, 2012 Mining and engineering services company WorleyParsons has cut jobs and redeployed staff to help it cope with slowdowns and delays in some parts of the mining sector.
Lihir halts production (0) August 28, 2012 Newcrest has halted production at its Lihir gold mine due to a dispute with local landowners.
BMA shafts Peak Downs expansion (3) August 28, 2012 BMA has halted its planned expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine, however it will still go ahead with its Caval Ridge and Daunia mines.
New Caterpillar outlet to open near Brisbane (0) August 27, 2012 Caterpillar’s new outlet outside of Brisbane will create hundreds of new jobs and be a boost for the Yatala community, says the Gold Coast City Council.
Bankrupt Kagara to sell assets (0) August 27, 2012 Kagara administrators are attempting to sell the company’s assets to raise funds for the bankrupt miner.
More cuts to come in QLD coal: BHP (0) August 27, 2012 BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers says there is a “broad industry movement” toward cutting jobs on Queensland coal developments.
Analysts keen on Whitehaven despite Tinkler’s rumblings (0) August 27, 2012 Nathan Tinkler is losing $4 million a day on his stake in Whitehaven Coal and has dropped plans for a takeover, but analysts still have faith in the coal producer.
Uncertainty mounts over Xstrata/Glencore merger (0) August 27, 2012 Glencore’s efforts to launch a takeover of Xstrata are looking increasingly uncertain, with the company missing the deadline to raise its £18 billion offer.
Fortescue to build fifth berth at Port Hedland (0) August 27, 2012 Fortescue has reached an agreement with the West Australian Government and Port Hedland Port Authority to develop a new berth at Anderson Point.
Aussie geophysicist found dead (0) August 27, 2012 An Australian man has died in a plane crash after attempting a coalmine survey in Indonesia.
Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has made a surprise resignation following the company’s move slash spending for the rest of 2012.
Mining companies will have to pay more to use Perth Airport during peak hours because of the congestion caused by fly-in fly-out workers.
Despite being the top ten gold miners in the world during historically high prices, getting on top, and staying there, is difficult.
BHP Billiton subsidiary BMA is suing mining union CFMEU for $2.4 million for unlawful work stoppages.
![Caterpillar's new haul truck [images]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/truck-stock-resize-150x150.jpg)
If you’re interested in Caterpillar’s new haul truck, we’ve put together some pictures of it in action.
BHP Billiton says it will focus on oil and gas in Western Australia and potash in Canada as it cools off other expansions in Australia.
Newcrest is gearing up to fight legal claims that threaten its plans to expand its massive Cadia gold mine.
A record number of tradespeople are now leaving New Zealand to take up higher paying jobs in Australia, according to new data.
Fortescue has put first ore through its second ore processing facility at its Christmas Creek mine.
Around 26,000 machine operators, graduates, and tradespeople will be needed over the next few years to keep Queensland’s mining industry in full swing, according to skills advisor Kinetic Group.
There are only a few days left to get face to face with the people who making the laws that control safety on your site.
Caterpillar has announced it will develop a new Unit Rig mining truck.
The High Court has handed down its ruling on ASIC’s case against Fortescue Metals, which determined the future of Andrew Forrest’s leadership of the company
Australia’s mining boom isn’t over yet and the slowdown in China’s economy is likely to be “cyclical rather than structural,” according to HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham.
NASA has awarded a group of United States-based researchers a contract to explore the feasibility of asteroid mining.
While MINExpo in Las Vegas is a huge success, the spectre of short to medium term growth casts a shadow over the event.
Integra Coal has pled guilty in the Land and Environment Court to exceeding its waste dump limits.
A new report has labeled BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, Anglo American, and Barrick Gold as some of the most controversial mining companies of 2011.
Anglo American says it will cut coking coal production over the next few months in response to weakening market demand.
Incitec Pivot has progressed at its Moranbah ammonium nitrate complex, producing its first ammonia.
The North Queensland mining industry is set to benefit from a new committee aimed at improving infrastructure, planning and development in the region.
The CFMEU has hit out at the Federal Government over the ongoing enterprise agreement dispute with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, stating the main issues do not centre around pay rise.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has cut senior executives from her Roy Hill iron ore project.
Xstrata has announced it will suspend operations at its Cosmos nickel mine and reduce its workforce.
Conflict between Hunter Valley unionists and a worker on an individual contract has led to allegations of harassment, foul play, and unfair dismissal.
Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest has compared “extremist” environmentalists to ‘spoilt children’.
Incitec Pivot has announced it will defer development of its planned ammonium nitrate plant at Kooragang Island, in Newcastle for two years.
The new Australian Work and Life Index report suggests those working in the mining industry are doing it tough.
Twenty Chinese coal miners are dead and another 14 are injured after a locomotive carrying workers failed and slipped down a mine shaft.
Whilst Lynas won a temporary operating licence for its rare earths plant in Malaysia earlier this month, the company will soon be back in court fighting to retain its approvals.
![Liebherr equipment in action [images]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/thumb_1-150x150.jpg)
Mixing the old with the new, here’s a collection of some massive Liebherr haul trucks and excavators in action.
Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says unions need to tone down their wage demands now that commodity prices have dropped.
Early studies by the Yilgarn Iron Producers Association into opening up the region have found infrastructure upgrades are key to unlocking the province.
Rio Tinto has awarded Southern Cross Electrical Engineering the contract for its Yandi power supply work.
First ore production has commenced today at Xstrata’s Lady Loretta zinc mine, ahead of schedule.
Hastings Deering say there were no injuries from a fire at its Caterpillar machinery plant in Mackay yesterday and the clean up effort is now underway.
Pilbara miner Fortescue Metals Group has resorted to cutting snags and sauce, stationary, coffee, and other staff benefits in order to save money.
Heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has cut its earnings forecast for 2015 as mining companies scale back expansions and shelve major projects.
In a reverse of the current trend, Leighton Contractors has been awarded a $1.5 billion, full service contract in the Pilbara.
Newmont has announced that it will begin cutting workers today at its operations around the world, reducing its Australian workforce by 50 positions.
GE has announced it will launch a new global mining business unit based in Australia.
Mines in Western Australia are amongst the most unsafe in the country, according to new data from Safe Work Australia.
Three gold prospectors have been found by an air and land rescue team after failing to return from exploration near Paraburdoo in the Pilbara.
Miners facing job cuts at Solid Energy’s Spring Creek and Huntly East coal mines will tomorrow march on New Zealand’s parliament.
A man has been crushed while loading aluminium at Newcastle’s Carrington docks.
Queensland MP George Christensen has blamed the closure of coal mines, axed projects and job cuts on mining taxes.
Barrick Gold has halted production on one of its gold mines in Peru following violent protests that have left one protestor dead and another four injured.
Tough new restrictions on alcohol sales in Pilbara mining towns will come into force early next month.
Temporary fly-in fly-out workers are helping prevent unsustainable growth in mining communities, according to research by the Reserve Bank.
![The South African strikes: Shooting themselves in the foot [Opinion]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/south-africa-miners-150x150.jpg)
When the metal markets were flooded and workers faced cut backs and retrenchments, strikes played into the hands of employers.
Despite the current slump in iron ore prices, analysts believe peak prices are still more than a decade away.
WDS has won a huge $280 million contract to provide gas gathering works for Australia Pacific LNG.
The contract for construction of a new rail line for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine has been deferred, with Macmahon Holdings citing the move as further evidence of a slowdown ...
BHP Billiton has canned plans to build the massive Red Hill and Saraji East coal developments in Queensland, citing a “challenging external environment” for the cutback.
In an upturn for the embattled miner, Fortescue has celebrated its first ore through its new second train unloader in Port Hedland.
![What happened to Rio Tinto's plan to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months? [opinion]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Rio-rail-resize-150x150.jpg)
Earlier this year Rio Tinto announced, to much fanfare, a plan to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months.
The Queensland Resources Council has slammed the latest Greenpeace report on coal, stating that it has ‘zero credibility’.
The demand for Australia’s resources will continue, but better policies are needed to stay competitive in the global market.
Rio Tinto has confirmed that it has cut jobs at its Clermont coal mine
Analysts say that a drop in metal prices of up to 16 per cent will affect the Federal Government’s promise of surplus.
Macmahon Holdings shares plummeted 40 per cent this morning after the company cut its earnings estimate in half for 2012-13 and chief executive Nick Bowen resigned.
New Hope managing director Robert Neale has joined Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson in warning there might be more closures to come in Queensland’s coal industry.
The recent drop in iron ore demand is only temporary and the industry will soon return to full strength, say managers at Fortescue Metals Group, Centrex Metals, and Gindalbie Metals
US coal miner Alpha Natural Resources has axed 1,200 jobs and closed eight mines around Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Gindalbie Metals has opened new iron ore export infrastructure at Geraldton Port.
Coretrack has announced it is restructuring its Core Level Recorder System product line, which will result in a reduction of its local workforce.
Australian mining equipment manufacturer Bradken has received notice of a patent infringement from former partner Esco regarding its new ground engaging tools.
BHP Billiton has put a freeze on executive salaries and warned that recent highs in some parts of the mining sector are unlikely to be repeated.
Victorian premier Ted Baillieu has announced Melbourne will host a new international mining conference which will rival some of the biggest in the world.
The ACTU is escalating their war on the use of foreign workers and are demanding Labor abandon the use of enterprise migration agreements.
![Koala rescued from mineshaft [video]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/koala-resize-150x150.jpg)
A group of university students have managed to rescue a koala from an abandoned mine shaft in Victoria.
Rio Tinto has announced it will slash more jobs across its coal mines in Queensland as the state raises its royalty rates.
The massive iron ore ‘megamine’ planned in the Canadian Arctic has been granted environmental and native title approval.
Australian rail coal haulage company QR National has proposed changing its name to Aurizon.
Forge has won a $70 million contract to build fuel infrastructure for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mines.
Hughes Drilling has been awarded the contract for blasthole drilling at Anglo American’s Foxleigh coal mine.
The Australian mining industry is seen as expensive and risky to investors, a report has found.
A report by the UK Government says the benefits of thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel have been “overstated”.
![How miners use helicopters and cranes to install massive equipment [pictures]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/thumb-150x150.jpg)
Previously we’ve shown you some impressive pictures of trucks hauling mining equipment on site.
The University of Queensland and mining giant Vale have launched a five year $1.25 million partnership to research how microorganisms can be used for mining.
Oilcareers.com has been named the best job board of 2012 at this year’s Global Recruiter Awards.
An iron ore roadtrain rolled this weekend, injuring the driver.
Asciano subsidiary Pacific National has signed a train services agreement with BMA.
Green groups say the Queensland Government has backflipped on its promise to ban uranium mining after opening discussions on the metal’s future on Friday.
Fortescue has won its High Court appeal over access to Rio Tinto and BHP’s iron ore rail networks in the Pilbara.
Employment in the mining industry has fallen for the first time in three years.
There’s no piece of machinery that beats the size and scale of a dragline. So when things go wrong on this front, they go really wrong.
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued new advice to miners after a worker was struck and killed by a front end loader.
A lobby group has made a renewed push to allow uranium mining in Queensland, but has been met by silence from Campbell Newman’s government.
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has published its investigation into the blasting accident at BMA’s Saraji mine that destroyed a Cat D10 dozer and damaged a 996 digger.
Newcrest has halted production at its Ridgeway mine in New South Wales following a conveyor fault earlier this week.
Mediation has failed between coal miner BMA and the mining union.
Rio Tinto’s uranium subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has denied claims it is expanding operations without environmental assessments.
BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser says the QLD Government’s move to hike royalties will result in more job losses and uncertainty for the future.
Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes says FIFO sex workers targeting mining towns provide a “valuable service” to regional communities and don’t charge higher rates than usual.
Western Australian attorney-general Christian Porter has voiced support for mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s call for a special economic zone in WA’s mining regions.
The CSIRO and Chile’s Ministry of Mining have signed an agreement to improve education, safety, and research and development in the global mining industry.
NRW have won a construction contract with Rio Tinto at its Cape Lambert iron ore port.
Vale has followed in the wake of BHP and Xstrata, and cut positions at its Australian coal operations.
The NSW Minerals Council has come out against the newly released Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, stating that it will impose difficulties for the coal mining industry.
ABB is working Vale to make its Carajas Serra Sul S11D iron ore mine automated and completely truckless.
As low coal prices bite, miners lay off hundreds of staff, and operations close, the coal mining market continues to struggle.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says Xstrata intends to axe around 30 jobs from the Hunter Valley as part of wider job cuts at the company.
The dual announcement of Xstrata’s job cuts and BHP Billiton’s closure of the Gregory mine has “sent a clear message to the government”, the Queensland Resources Council says.
The CFMEU has slammed BHP following its announcement of the closure of its Gregory Crinum coal mine.
BHP Billiton has announced it will shut down its Gregory coal mine.
Xstrata has announced it will be cutting 600 jobs across its Australia coal operations.
A miner has died at St Barbara’s Simbero gold operations in Papua New Guinea.
The Australian Workers Union is fighting against plans to list sections of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness as heritage sites.
While gold output fell in the past financial year compared to the previous period the Australian gold sector is sill looking positive.
Rio Tinto has doubled its holding in Richards Bay Minerals after buying BHP’s share for US$ 1.91 billion.
Just days after spruiking the jobs benefit of the Roy Hill mine rumours have emerged Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has sacked workers on the project to cut costs.
Peabody Energy has hosed down rumours it’s looking to defer the sale of the Wilkie Creek mine in Queensland due to a lack of interest.
Rio Tinto is cutting jobs and costs at its Gove aluminium operations in the Northern Territory.
Investigations have begun into the derailment of a fully laden Pacific National coal train earlier this week.
Marikana miners have threatened to kill Lonmin management unless they stop operations at the platinum mine in North West.
Mining giant Vale has teamed up with the University of São Paulo to identify “copper eating” bacteria that can help mine mineral waste.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says the plan to bring over a thousand foreign workers to the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara will help Australia grow.
FLSmidth has acquired MIE Enterprises and Mayer Bulk.
WDS has been awarded a contract for BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium coal mine.
Anti-coal protestors have scaled a crane at a coal loader construction site in Newcastle.
Fortescue Metals Group has deferred some expansions, sold assets, and cut hundreds of jobs in an effort to stay profitable.
The CSIRO says the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has misrepresented its research on coal seam gas.
Rio Tinto Pilbara iron ore head Greg Lilleyman has reaffirmed the miner’s commitment to the Pilbara as Fortescue and BHP cut back their operations.
Most mining developments are built in isolated locations, but this mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle takes inhospitable to a whole new level.
A joint venture between Sinclair Knight Merz and Fluor has been forced to cut a third of its workforce as BHP halts its Pilbara expansions.
![Why conservationists should blame farmers, not miners, for destroying our woodlands [opinion]](https://www.australianmining.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/cattle-farming-resize-150x150.jpg)
Whilst most conservationists blame mining for threatening the forests and woodlands of NSW, the facts prove otherwise.
Italian miners who had stolen explosives and barricaded themselves inside their mine have won their battle to stop the operation being shut down.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has written to the Queensland Resources Council to demand the lobby group drop a proposal to weaken union power.
August was a month of unusual accidents, surprise decisions and massive job cuts. It’s all here in Australian Mining’s top five.
Whilst Australia’s industry is among the safest in the world, underground mining can be an intimidating job.
Rio Tinto has announced it will cut staff numbers by nearly a fifth at its Argyle diamond mine.
Forge has won a $280 million contract to deliver power for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.
The Chinese Government has announced it will shut hundreds of coal mines across the country.
Eight subsidiaries of Barrick Gold have been fined a total $127,000 for failing to lodge documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
The Queensland Resources Council has called on the state government to lift the ban on uranium mining while WA is seeing opposition to its uranium mining.
India is building a processing plant and investing in exploration equipment in an attempt to mine rare earths and other minerals under its oceans.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has threatened to spark strikes across all Queensland coal mines if changes are made to safety guidelines.
Monadelphous has won a $75 million construction contract for BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
The West Australian Government has opened a new mining and engineering fluid power training facility.
A worker at Newmont’s Waihi gold mine in New Zealand has been sacked after a review found they failed to follow safety procedures during an underground fire.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says those jealous of her fortune should “spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working”.
Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has revised previous comments on the strength of the mining industry, and says the sector is now in a “state of flux”.
A blasting accident earlier this week at BMA’s Saraji coal mine has destroyed a Cat D11 dozer.
Australian miners will be “hurt the most” as companies in the United States start exporting more coal to China, say Bank of America analysts.
An Indian company that planned to build an explosives manufacturing plant in Port Bonython has pulled out.
As day two of M&E NSW winds down, event organisers have seen better than expected numbers.
A female miner has been injured at Xstrata’s Mount Isa Mines operations.
Atlas Iron has blamed low commodity prices and the high Australian dollar for its full year loss of $114.6 million, but says it’s still bullish on the future of iron ...
Mining and Engineering NSW has kicked off its first day.
AUSTRALIA’s largest privately-owned electrical engineering company, Ampcontrol, has acquired automation and process control firm Primatec QDA.
Mining and engineering services company WorleyParsons has cut jobs and redeployed staff to help it cope with slowdowns and delays in some parts of the mining sector.
Newcrest has halted production at its Lihir gold mine due to a dispute with local landowners.
Two workers have been killed on an Origin Energy gas drill off the Victorian coast.
Italian coal miners are barricaded inside a coal mine and have armed themselves with explosives to prevent the mine’s closure.
BMA has halted its planned expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine, however it will still go ahead with its Caval Ridge and Daunia mines.
Caterpillar’s new outlet outside of Brisbane will create hundreds of new jobs and be a boost for the Yatala community, says the Gold Coast City Council.
Kagara administrators are attempting to sell the company’s assets to raise funds for the bankrupt miner.
Nathan Tinkler is losing $4 million a day on his stake in Whitehaven Coal and has dropped plans for a takeover, but analysts still have faith in the coal producer.
Glencore’s efforts to launch a takeover of Xstrata are looking increasingly uncertain, with the company missing the deadline to raise its £18 billion offer.
Fortescue has reached an agreement with the West Australian Government and Port Hedland Port Authority to develop a new berth at Anderson Point.
An Australian man has died in a plane crash after attempting a coalmine survey in Indonesia.