Victoria commits to mining (3) May 8, 2013 In the wake of Victoria’s latest state budget, the government has surprised pundits by committing itself to mining in the state.
Cotton and mining cannot share land (0) May 7, 2013 New research claims underground mining and irrigated cotton growing may be unable to share land.
Sandvik closes facility, cuts jobs (5) May 7, 2013 Sandvik has announced the closure of its hard materials facility in Mayfield, as well as the cutting of 26 jobs.
Malaysian election pushes Lynas shares up (0) May 7, 2013 Shares in Australian rare earths miner Lynas Corporation have risen following the re-election of Malaysia’s coalition, reducing uncertainty around further regulatory hurdles at its controversial plant.
CSG anger not going away as more protests scheduled (0) May 7, 2013 Coal seam gas exploration in the Illawarra is set for another spate of protests as activists gear up to target thousands of local households as part of a new campaign. ...
NT slugs miners with new levy (147) May 7, 2013 Fears of a Labor-style mining tax debacle have been prompted after miners operating in the Northern Territory say they have been “sprung” with a new levy.
Whitehaven ramps up coal production (0) May 7, 2013 Whitehaven Coal have announced record monthly coal railings for April as the company ramps up production and its Narrabri mine.
Anti-coal protesters target Melbourne’s CBD (0) May 6, 2013 Protesters unfurled a giant banner at Melbourne’s Flinders Street railway station this morning calling for an end to Australia’s coal industry.
Troubled explosive manufacturer records profit jump (0) May 6, 2013 Mining service and chemicals company Orica has today announced a half year profit increase to $267 million, up 6 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Osmoflo wins desalination contract for Xstrata Coal’s Ulan mine (0) May 6, 2013 Desalination technology provider Osmoflo has won a $12 million contract to design, manufacture and commission water conditioning and desalination facilities for mining giant Xstrata Coal.
Mining tax forecasts slashed (0) May 6, 2013 Earnings for the Federal Government’s mining tax have again been revised down, with the latest figures predicting it will only raise $800 million.
Blockade ends as coal company wins land access case (0) May 6, 2013 Protestors have ended their blockade of a lane in the NSW Southern Highlands after a court granted Hume Coal access to a property via the road.
Unions fight for roll over protection (0) May 6, 2013 The CFMEU have lodged an application to appeal the use of light vehicles on mine sites that do not feature roll over protection.
Earthquake shakes Olympic Dam (0) May 6, 2013 BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam was on Thursday evacuated as a result of an earthquake.
Giddings hits back at Barnett, blames mining for weakness (0) May 6, 2013 Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings has hit back at Colin Barnett’s criticism of her state’s economy, and blamed the mining boom for contributing to weakness in other parts of the country.
Rio Tinto to cut more Aussie jobs (0) May 6, 2013 Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh says the company will have to cut more jobs in Australia in order to save $US5 billion by 2014.
FIFO women mentally stronger (2) May 3, 2013 Women cope better than men when it comes to living the FIFO lifestyle, new research reveals.
Huge job losses expected as Glencore-Xstrata merger done (0) May 3, 2013 After some delays and missed deadlines, Xstrata merged with the Swiss commodities trader Glencore Group overnight, forming a resource giant under the name of Glencore Xstrata plc.
Lower debt to stem rising costs: FMG (0) May 3, 2013 Fortescue Metals Group CEO Nev Power says the company’s plans to pay off loans and restructure debt will be more than enough to offset rising costs in the industry.
Government warns Aussies to avoid Freeport mine (0) May 3, 2013 The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians to take extra care if travelling around the Freeport mine in Indonesia, following rising tensions on site.
Coal terminal workers to take industrial action (0) May 3, 2013 Union members working at Port Waratah Coal Services have voted to take industrial action as pay negotiations come to a stand still.
Rio mine clean-up estimated to cost over $1billion (0) May 3, 2013 Rio Tinto’s Bougainville copper mine has been deemed economically viable and could be reopened in the next six years, a subsidiary of the company has said.
Contractor shakes off mining slowdown (1) May 3, 2013 Mining contractor MACA has lost a key contract following Focus Minerals’ decision to shutter operations at its Laverton project in WA, but the company says it will redeploy staff to ...
Good and bad mine blasts: Video (0) May 2, 2013 Compiled footage showing the huge difference between good and bad mine blasts.
T4 coal loader in doubt amidst coal downturn (0) May 2, 2013 Hunter Valley miners have told Port Waratah Coal Services that the amount of coal they handle will drop, again putting the T4 loader on Kooragang Island in doubt.
Doray starts underground mining at Andy Well (0) May 2, 2013 Doray Minerals announced the start of its underground development and mining at the company’s Andy Well Gold Project in Western Australia.
Extra safety inspectors for WA mines (0) May 2, 2013 Additional safety inspectors will be hired to monitor the troubled mining industry in Western Australia, the WA Government announced.
Tas premier upbeat on iron ore mine future (0) May 2, 2013 The Tasmanian premier and a prominent national union head is propping up the future of the state’s mining industry.
Gloucester community gets mine update (0) May 2, 2013 Gloucester residents will get an update from Gloucester Council on what is happening to mining in the shire in a community meeting tonight.
More vacant rooms as mining boom slows (0) May 2, 2013 The slowing mining industry is being blamed for a falling demand in short-term accommodation in Queensland with some areas seeing a 19.4% revenue fall.
Arogen family feud fires up (10) May 2, 2013 Family infighting at directional drilling company Arogen has left more than 100 Hunter Valley business millions of dollars out of pocket.
Mining slowdown could impact economy, report warns (0) May 2, 2013 A new report has warned slowing investment in the mining sector could stagger the Australian economy after more than $30 billion of planned project were abandoned in the March quarter.
Anti-gas activists “deliberately misinform” (0) May 2, 2013 Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment are being risked by a small group of protesters who “deliberately misinform” the public, BG Group Australia chairman Catherine Tanna says.
New Hope plans coal to diesel trials (0) May 2, 2013 New Hope is planning on securing an alternative fuel supply for some of its operations by building a coal to diesel plant at the Jeebropilly mine in Queensland.
Freeport’s Indonesian workers on strike (0) May 2, 2013 About 1,100 workers have gone strike at Freeport-McMoRan’s Indonesian mine, demanding improved pay, the US firm said on Wednesday.
Bite size approach to Australia’s energy issues (0) May 2, 2013 Origin Energy have launched an advertising blitz aimed at educating the public about Australia’s energy industry by handing out lollies at train stations across the country.
Tarkine environmentalist receives death threats (0) May 2, 2013 Greens candidate and environmental campaigner Scott Jordan has received death threats over Facebook, as the battle over mining in Tasmania’s Tarkine continues.
Colton mine postponed, deadline moves to August (0) May 2, 2013 The Colton mine in southern Queensland faces more delays after the deadline for tendering a new environmental management plan was pushed back until August.
Junior on track to deliver new mine (0) May 1, 2013 Northern Territory miner Sherwin Iron is on track to move forward with its Roper River iron ore mine, which will create an extra 400 jobs in the state’s north.
Summit to strengthen Chinese resource investment ties (0) May 1, 2013 Explorers, miners and manufacturers will have a chance to partner with Chinese investors in a forum co-hosted by the South Australian and Northern Territory governments.
Sackings were necessary: Perilya boss (0) May 1, 2013 Perilya says its decision to sack 17 workers from its Broken Hill operations was a necessary response to tough economic conditions.
Rio applies to speed up bid for Warkworth project (0) May 1, 2013 Rio Tinto has applied to the NSW Supreme Court to accelerate its bid to overturn a decision blocking the extension of its Warkworth coal project in the Hunter Valley.
Research to support FIFO/DIDO families (0) April 30, 2013 The mining boom has changed the way of life for working parents in Queensland as they now face new challenges in raising their families.
Queensland uni takes mining solutions to Latin America (0) April 30, 2013 In a bid to work closer with the mining industry, the University of Queensland’s commercial arm JKTech has established a new office in Santiago, Chile.
Blast fume complaints fall in Upper Hunter (0) April 30, 2013 Blast fume complaints have fallen in the Upper Hunter after the Department of Planning and Infrastructure approved a strategy to deal with blast fumes.
Woodside confirm floating LNG option (0) April 30, 2013 Woodside have confirmed they are looking to develop their Browse LNG project with a floating gas processing operation.
Private equity considers Northparkes purchase (0) April 30, 2013 Private equity company KKR & Co. is considering a bid for Rio Tinto’s majority stake in Northparkes copper-gold mine.
Rio to halve London HQ workforce (0) April 30, 2013 Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto plans to almost halve the size of its London head office.
NRW wins $180 million Rio contract (3) April 30, 2013 NRW Holdings has won a $180 million contract at Rio Tinto’s Nammuldi iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
Mining giants make first mining tax payment (0) April 30, 2013 After almost a year of the Gillard government’s mining tax being in play, Rio Tinto has made its first payment.
Rio starts underground work at Argyle (0) April 30, 2013 Rio Tinto has officially opened its underground operation at the Argyle diamond mine in the Kimberley, following the exhaustion of the site’s open-cut operation.
CSG protesters declare war (12) April 30, 2013 Anti-CSG protesters have declared war on the mining industry at a Queensland protest on the weekend.
Mines job modelling questioned (0) April 30, 2013 Questions are being raised about the pressure placed on consultants used by mining companies as an expert claims out-dated data was used in Rio Tinto’s Warkworth mine approval.
Big drop in sales for Grange Resources (0) April 30, 2013 Iron ore sales have fallen almost 50 per cent for junior mining company Grange Resources, with variations in shipping schedules impacting the company’s bottom line.
Graduates feeling brunt of mining slowdown (0) April 30, 2013 Staff turnover at mining companies has fallen nearly 5 per cent over the last six months to 14.8 per cent per annum, according to figures from Mackie Employer Solutions.
Axing fuel tax credits will hurt mining industry: QRC (0) April 30, 2013 The mining industry says that any move to cut the fuel tax credits for the off-road use of diesel mine vehicles will threaten the viability of future developments.
Protestors blockade QGC workers, chain to truck (0) April 30, 2013 Protestors blockaded a QGC drilling site near Miles yesterday and a Lock the Gate protestor chained herself to the company truck.
SA Minister defends mining prediction (1) April 29, 2013 Mineral resources minister Tom Koutsantonis has conceded the South Australian government may have exaggerated the benefits of a planned minerals processing plant for Whyalla.
Senate inquiry into mining tax begins (0) April 29, 2013 Greens leader Christine Milne is urging the government to rework the mining tax as a senate inquiry into the tax begins.
China steel mills told to watch expansions (0) April 29, 2013 The China Iron and Steel Association has told its members to lower expectations for the rest of the year, with weak demand and poor margins hurting profits for the country’s ...
BHP sell Pinto valley (0) April 29, 2013 BHP Billiton has announced the sale of its Pinto Valley operation.
Government disappointed by Perth Airport delays (0) April 29, 2013 WA Transport Minister Troy Buswell says he is disappointed by delays in plans expand Perth Airport to cater for increased demand from the mining industry.
Construction boom has come to an end (0) April 29, 2013 A slowdown in the mining industry means the boom in engineering and construction work is likely to end this year, new research shows.
I’m standing to be the next PM of Australia: Clive Palmer (0) April 26, 2013 Mining magnate Clive Palmer has announced he will form his own political party for this year’s federal election, fielding candidates in 150 House or Representative seats as well as the ...
Investors urge Rio and BHP to accept lower prices (0) April 26, 2013 Leading investment firm BlackRock has urged Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to accept lower prices for asset sales if they can’t attain the full value on some projects.
Contractors refuse to work on Anzac Day (0) April 26, 2013 Downer Engineering has backed off threats to discipline workers after some planned to defy orders to show up for work on Anzac Day.
Miners walk off site (0) April 26, 2013 Hundreds of workers walked off the job at BMA’s Saraji mine after a spat between a safety representative and a supervisor.
BHP plans to expand coal mine (0) April 26, 2013 BHP Billiton is planning to extend its Mount Arthur coal mine’s life.
Greenpeace activists board coal ship off Queensland (0) April 24, 2013 The Queensland Resource Council has slammed Greenpeace after a group of activists boarded a stationary coal ship in the Coral Sea early this morning.
Rio’s driverless trucks move 100 million tonnes (0) April 24, 2013 Rio Tinto has reached a significant milestone in its use of automated haul trucks in the Pilbara, announcing they have moved more than 100 million tonnes of earth.
Bauxite mine set to go ahead in QLD’s far north (0) April 24, 2013 The development of a bauxite mine in Queensland’s Cape York is set to go ahead with five firms short-listed to detail proposals for the venture.
Newcrest cuts 150 jobs (0) April 24, 2013 Gold miner Newcrest has sacked 150 workers and is currently undertaking a review of its higher cost mines following a significant gold price drop.
Cat may cut jobs at Tasmanian factory (0) April 24, 2013 The AMWU has been seeking assurances from Burnie’s Caterpillar Underground Mining operations that no further job cuts will be made.
Roy Hill awards $70 million infrastructure contract (0) April 24, 2013 Brookfield Multiplex has been awarded a $70 million contract to develop non-processing infrastructure at the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara.
Newcrest to review high cost mines (0) April 24, 2013 The slump in gold prices has forced Newcrest into reviewing its high-cost mines, and further cost cutting may also be on the horizon.
Vista welcomes Government boost for mine (0) April 24, 2013 Vista Gold has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s decision to award its Mt Todd gold mine major project status.
Downer cuts jobs at coal mine (0) April 24, 2013 Downer EDI has confirmed it will be cutting more than 100 jobs at the Boggabri coal mine.
150 jobs to go as gold mine shuts (0) April 24, 2013 Up to 150 jobs are in danger as Tanami Gold put their Kimberley-based Coyote mine into care and maintenance.
Sand miner to cut jobs (0) April 24, 2013 North Stradbroke Island sand miner Sibelco has had to cut jobs at its embattled Vance mine.
Barrick rumoured to be selling WA gold mines (0) April 23, 2013 Rumours have emerged that Barrick Gold is looking to sell three gold mines in Western Australia in order to reduce debt and fight-off a credit rating downgrade.
Changes to union site entry laws will lead to conflict: AMMA (0) April 23, 2013 Australia’s national resource industry employer group has told a senate committee that expanding union access to workplaces will present risks to productivity, safety, and industrial harmony.
First Hope Downs ore leaves site (0) April 23, 2013 Hope Downs 4 in WA’s Pilbara region has achieved a significant milestone with the first iron ore leaving the mine.
Mining slowdown hits Caterpillar profit (0) April 23, 2013 Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar has posted a 45 per cent drop in first quarter earnings, and cut its forecast for the rest of the year on the back of weak ...
More delays for Sino Iron project (0) April 23, 2013 Citic Pacific’s $10 billion Sino Iron project in the Pilbara has ran into more delays, with faulty equipment pushing back commissioning on a key production line.
Rio cut 40 jobs at coal mine (0) April 23, 2013 Rio Tinto has cut 40 jobs at Mount Thorley Warkworth mine after a court last week overturned permission for the company to expand the mine.
Mining skews the state of our states (0) April 22, 2013 Mining is helping the economies of Western Australia and the Northern Territory pull ahead, but Queensland has slipped into second gear, with a ‘three-speed’ economy starting to emerge, according to ...
CSG miners given avenue to appeal ‘sensitive’ land classifications (0) April 22, 2013 Under new NSW Government protocols mining companies will be able to challenge whether their proposed coal seam gas projects must adhere to new rules designed to protect some of the ...
Poor sales hurt Caterpillar profit (0) April 22, 2013 Analysts expect a fall in demand for mining equipment to hurt Caterpillar’s upcoming profit and revenue guidance figures.
FMG plays down fear over iron ore price (0) April 22, 2013 Fortescue Metals Group CEO Nev Power has played down fears over falling demand for iron ore, and says prices for the key commodity won’t fall under $US120 a tonne for ...
Miner cops $11 000 fine for smoking underground (0) April 22, 2013 A miner has been fined $11,000 after he was charged with smoking underground at the North Goonyella coal mine near Moranbah in Queensland on April 27 last year.
Calibre wins massive BHP contract (0) April 22, 2013 Calibre Group has won a contract with BHP subsidiary BMA for the onshore upgrade of the Hay Point coal terminal.
Corruption watchdog warns of misconduct in mining towns (0) April 22, 2013 The WA Corruption and Crime Commission has warned that the significant investment miners make in Pilbara communities has pressured local councils into delivering outcomes for resource companies.
Lynas on track to expand operations (0) April 19, 2013 Rare earths miner Lynas Corporation says it’s on track to meet its second quarter target of producing 11,000 tonnes per year from its processing plant in Malaysia.
Rio hit peak investment in 2012: Walsh (0) April 19, 2013 Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh says the company hit its peak investment in 2012 and is now focused on building up cash reserves with the sale of non-core assets.
Coates cuts 75 jobs (0) April 19, 2013 Coates Hire has blamed poor economic conditions for a move to restructure its business and cut 75 jobs.
BHP curtails pay, new CEO gets 25 per cent cut (0) April 19, 2013 BHP Billiton’s new chief executive is likely to earn about 25 per cent less per year compared to his predecessor Marius Kloppers.
New mining manufacturer brings $150m to Newcastle (0) April 19, 2013 Valley Longwall International have opened a new service centre in Newcastle which will contribute an estimated to $150m to the local economy.
Incitec Pivot to make new ammonia plant in the US (0) April 19, 2013 Fertiliser and explosives manufacturer Incitec Pivot has announced that it will start work on a new, $US 850 million, 800,000 metre tonnes-per-year ammonia factory in the United States.
NRW secures Roy Hill contract (20) April 18, 2013 Mining contractor NRW Holdings has secured a $67 million contract to complete earthworks and piping at Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore project.
Pike River Coal guilty (28) April 18, 2013 Pike River Coal company has been found guilty on all nine health and safety charges laid after the 2010 mine disaster which killed 29 workers.
Mining slowdown hits Ausdrill hard (0) April 18, 2013 Ausdrill has posted a 15 per cent profit downgrade for the year to June 30, and says a slowdown in the local mining sector is to blame for its weak ...
Kloppers’ retirement package revealed (0) April 18, 2013 BHP Billiton has today announced outgoing chief executive Marius Kloppers’ retirement terms.
Australia to be world no.1 LNG exporter by 2018 (0) April 18, 2013 Federal Resources Minister Gary Gray has tipped Australia to become the largest natural gas exporter in the world within five years.
BHP stays on track, posts record iron ore production (0) April 18, 2013 Iron ore remains a bright sport for BHP Billiton, and the company has maintained full year production guidance despite posting weaker than expected performance for the March quarter.
Church places mining and CSG on ‘black list’ (0) April 18, 2013 The Uniting Church has added mining and coal seam gas on its ‘black list’ of industries and companies it will cease investment in.
Tell the truth for once: MCA hits back at CFMEU (0) April 17, 2013 The Minerals Council of Australia has hit back at claims by the CFMEU that the benefits of the mining boom are not being spread widely enough.
Unions rally for more mining boom benefits (0) April 17, 2013 Around 1000 local workers and community members are expected to protest in Gladstone today to demand action on ways to better spread the benefits of the mining boom.
Rio asks employees to take a break (0) April 17, 2013 Following last week’s landslip at Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon mine in Utah the company has asked employees to take vacation or unpaid leave.
Bob Brown vows to fight Tarkine mining (0) April 17, 2013 Former Greens leader Bob Brown has vowed to throw his support behind a campaign to stop mining in Tasmania’s Tarkine region.
Miners gloomy over May budget (0) April 17, 2013 Australia’s resources sector is pessimistic about next month’s federal budget as it fears an increased tax hike could hamper the sector’s recovery.
Explosion at Mt Isa acid plant (0) April 17, 2013 An explosion at Incitec Pivot’s Mount Isa acid plant yesterday sparked concerns about a smoke plume.
Gold mine collapse kills 17 people (0) April 17, 2013 At least 17 miners have been killed when an abandoned gold mine collapsed this week in central Ghana.
Miners call for gold royalty exemption (0) April 17, 2013 Miners are calling on the Western Australian government to leave gold out of its upcoming royalty review.
Xstrata executives to depart following Glencore merger (31) April 17, 2013 Xstrata has provided more details on the managers who will be stepping down following its Glencore merger, with its full executive committee set to depart once the deal is inked.
Rio posts record iron ore production (0) April 17, 2013 Rio Tinto has posted record iron ore production for the march quarter, beating analyst expectations and keeping the miner on track to meet its full year targets.
Doyles Creek proposal “fraudulant”: ICAC (0) April 16, 2013 The Doyles Creek mining proposal submitted to the NSW government incorporated so many false and misleading statements it amounted to fraud, the Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry has heard.
ABB to build world’s largest mine hoists for BHP (0) April 16, 2013 BHP Billiton has selected technology and automation group ABB to build the world’s largest mine hoisting systems for a potash operation in Canada.
Gold junior plans underground mine at Kalgoorlie (0) April 16, 2013 KalNorth Gold Mines has started assessment work on the potential for developing an underground mining operation at its Lindsay’s field near Kalgoorlie.
Analysts expect weaker performance from BHP and Rio (0) April 16, 2013 Analysts expect Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to post weaker production results for the March quarter after a spate of cyclones disrupted operations in WA and QLD.
Mining benefits exaggerated: Report (0) April 15, 2013 Resource companies routinely play down health and environmental effects of projects in favour of overstating economic and employment benefits, a new report has found.
Hunter residents potentially exposed to toxic fumes and dust (0) April 15, 2013 Falling air quality in the Hunter Valley has angered health professionals who are demanding increased protection for residents from mining dust and blast chemicals.
Bechtel loses bid to lock-out MUA (0) April 15, 2013 The Fair Work Commission has dismissed attempts by Bechtel to block the Maritime Union of Australia from going on-site at the Curtis Island LNG project in Queensland.
Miners need to sharpen up: Report (0) April 15, 2013 Mining companies need to shift focus towards lifting productivity, not towards digging up larger volumes of minerals, a new report suggests.
New chairman for Santos (0) April 15, 2013 Santos chairman Peter Coates has stepped down from his role at the oil and gas giant, with non-executive director Ken Borda set to take up the new position.
Queensland coal port protests (0) April 15, 2013 Greenpeace have not ruled out partaking in acts of civil disobedience as it prepares to protest against Queensland’s coal industry this week.
Keith Neate named as Aurizon Holdings CFO (0) April 15, 2013 Aurizon Holdings has named Keith Neate as its Chief Financial Officer. This follows his short tenure as acting CFO which began in November last year.
Heavy machinery to improve TAFE training (0) April 12, 2013 A $100,000 underground loader has been donated to the Western Dubbo TAFE campus and will be used to train students.
Mining industry spends $1.15 bn on training: report (0) April 12, 2013 Often accused of not providing enough training opportunities,a new report claims the mining industry spent more than $1.15 billion on training over the last two years.
Framing a training mine: ICAC (3) April 12, 2013 Drafting a submission for a prospective training mine was the task afforded to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Peter Demura, the Independent Commission against Corruption heard on Thursday.
Tasmania pollies back pro-mining rally (0) April 12, 2013 Tasmania Deputy Premier Bryan Green has thrown his weight behind a pro-mining rally to be held in the state’s west next month, and says the gathering will show Tasmania is ...
260 jobs in jeopardy after BHP axes mine contract (0) April 12, 2013 The CFMEU want any workers affected by BHP’s decision to axe a Leighton contract to be redeployed to other mines in the Bowen Basin.
High wages attracting low skilled workers (0) April 12, 2013 The WA mining industry is attracting unsuitable workers who want to earn high wages without building a career in the sector, a consulting firm says.
Woodside scraps James Price Point development (1) April 12, 2013 Oil and gas producer Woodside has this morning announced it will begin reviewing alternative Browse development options for its James Price Point project including floating LNG.
Ghostly protests against Northern Territory uranium mining (0) April 12, 2013 Ten people dressed as spectres protested outside Energy Resources of Australia’s head office in Darwin yesterday, in opposition of plans to expand uranium mining in the Northern Territory.
Wall collapse at Rio mine (0) April 12, 2013 Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper’s Bingham Canyon mine pit has experienced a land slip along its north eastern wall.
BHP sells diamond mine (12) April 12, 2013 BHP has completed the sale of its diamond business to Dominion Diamond Corporation.
Rio cops noise complaints (5) April 12, 2013 Neighbours of Rio’s Mt Thorley-Warkworth mine have announced they will lodge a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman against the Department of Planning for failing to enforce noise and pollution consent ...
Mining council blasts government plan to save manufacturing jobs (0) April 11, 2013 The local content part of federal government’s plan to assist manufacturers is “cumbersome”, a threat to commercial confidentiality and could actually destroy jobs, according to the Minerals Council of Australia.
Population boom in top mining towns, ABS says (0) April 11, 2013 There have been population booms in Queensland mining towns, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
FMG on the cusp of major re-rating: analysts (0) April 11, 2013 Analysts say Fortescue Metals Group’s move to sell part of its port and rail assets could trigger a major re-rating in the miner’s stocks.
New Queensland gold mine officially opens (0) April 11, 2013 Evolution Mining officially opened their Mount Carlton gold-silver and copper mine in Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs.
Decmil wins Roy Hill contracts (3) April 11, 2013 Decmil has been awarded $71 million worth of contracts for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore mine.
Consider community for new mines, report says (22) April 11, 2013 A new proposal could ask mining companies to lay out benefits of big projects to communities before receiving approval.
Demand for uranium will increase: ERA (0) April 11, 2013 Energy Resources of Australia say a new uranium mine in the Northern Territory will play an important role in future energy needs.
Leighton takes a $260m hit as BHP axes contract (0) April 10, 2013 BHP Billiton has axed a contract with Leighton, replacing the mine contractor with a smaller company as it moves to cut costs.
1,800 applications for 131 mining jobs (0) April 10, 2013 Mining contractor Barminco says it received over 1,800 job applications for 131 positions at the Renison underground mine in Tasmania.
Newcastle’s T4 coal terminal could be shelved (0) April 10, 2013 Port Waratah Coal Services may shelve plans for the controversial T4 coal loader on Kooragang Island due to the recent coal slump.
Gindalbie celebrates Karara mine opening (16) April 9, 2013 Western Australia’s mid-west region has chalked up a significant milestone, with Gindalbie Metals officially opening the Karara iron ore project.
Community coal concerns need addressing: resource minister (0) April 9, 2013 A coal conference in the NSW Hunter Valley has heard that while the industry is facing a ‘storm’ over falling prices, it needs to reinforce its importance in the community. ...
Alpha does not want to become a mining town: report (0) April 9, 2013 The township of Alpha in Central Queensland prefers the idea of a 2000-strong fly-in-fly-out workforce instead of turning into a ‘mining town’.
Chinese convertibility not much help to miners (0) April 9, 2013 The Australian dollar is set to be the third currency fully convertible against the Chinese yuan a move which will lower business transaction costs.
Doyles Creek resource played down (0) April 9, 2013 Former mining union head John Maitland and his associates played down the size of the Doyles Creek mine coal resources when seeking NSW state government approval for a training facility, ...
WA nickel mine to close this month (2) April 9, 2013 About 180 workers will be out of a job as Russia’s Norilsk Nickel closes its Western Australian Lake Johnston operations this month.
Earthquakes create instant gold veins (24) April 9, 2013 Australian scientists have released a study detailing how minor earthquakes can instantly create new gold veins underground.
Pilot graphite plant in SA (0) April 9, 2013 A pilot graphite plant worth $1.94 million could be up and running on South Australia’s Lower Eyre Peninsula by the end of the year.
PNG Government to consolidate resource assets (0) April 9, 2013 The Papua New Guinea Government has announced plans to consolidate all of the country’s mining, oil, and gas assets into a single state-owned enterprise.
Australia’s mining sector rated best in the world (0) April 8, 2013 Leading US mining consultancy Behre Dolbear has rated Australia the best place in the world for mining investment for the fourth year running.
Iron ore exports from Port Hedland rose 4% in April, as shipments to Taiwan more than double.
In the wake of Victoria’s latest state budget, the government has surprised pundits by committing itself to mining in the state.
New research claims underground mining and irrigated cotton growing may be unable to share land.
Sandvik has announced the closure of its hard materials facility in Mayfield, as well as the cutting of 26 jobs.
A new underground mine has been approved for Waihi East in New Zealand, giving miners the go ahead to mine gold and silver beneath local homes.
Shares in Australian rare earths miner Lynas Corporation have risen following the re-election of Malaysia’s coalition, reducing uncertainty around further regulatory hurdles at its controversial plant.
Coal seam gas exploration in the Illawarra is set for another spate of protests as activists gear up to target thousands of local households as part of a new campaign. ...
Fears of a Labor-style mining tax debacle have been prompted after miners operating in the Northern Territory say they have been “sprung” with a new levy.
Anglo American has been forced to halt operations at its Dawson coal mine following a wall collapse.
Protesters unfurled a giant banner at Melbourne’s Flinders Street railway station this morning calling for an end to Australia’s coal industry.
Mining service and chemicals company Orica has today announced a half year profit increase to $267 million, up 6 per cent compared to the same time last year.
Earnings for the Federal Government’s mining tax have again been revised down, with the latest figures predicting it will only raise $800 million.
Protestors have ended their blockade of a lane in the NSW Southern Highlands after a court granted Hume Coal access to a property via the road.
The CFMEU have lodged an application to appeal the use of light vehicles on mine sites that do not feature roll over protection.
BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam was on Thursday evacuated as a result of an earthquake.
The CFMEU have accused Downer EDI of abusing 457 visas, claiming the company sacked 100 Australian workers while retaining foreign staff.
SNF says a press release from BASF last month was misleading and deceptive.
Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings has hit back at Colin Barnett’s criticism of her state’s economy, and blamed the mining boom for contributing to weakness in other parts of the country.
Ivan Glasenberg, CEO of the newly merged Glencore-Xstrata, says he does not believe in work/life balance.
The federal government is expected to announce two tax changes that will affect the mining sector as it tries to plug a $12 billion hole is this year’s budget.
WorleyParsons has won a $92.5 million contract for the development of the Kami Iron Ore project in Canada.
Women cope better than men when it comes to living the FIFO lifestyle, new research reveals.
After some delays and missed deadlines, Xstrata merged with the Swiss commodities trader Glencore Group overnight, forming a resource giant under the name of Glencore Xstrata plc.
Fortescue Metals Group CEO Nev Power says the company’s plans to pay off loans and restructure debt will be more than enough to offset rising costs in the industry.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians to take extra care if travelling around the Freeport mine in Indonesia, following rising tensions on site.
Union members working at Port Waratah Coal Services have voted to take industrial action as pay negotiations come to a stand still.
Rio Tinto’s Bougainville copper mine has been deemed economically viable and could be reopened in the next six years, a subsidiary of the company has said.
Mining contractor MACA has lost a key contract following Focus Minerals’ decision to shutter operations at its Laverton project in WA, but the company says it will redeploy staff to ...
The NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee has accused the state’s planning system of damaging the coal industry.
A desert gold mine collapse has killed more than 60 people in Sudan’s Darfur region on Monday.
An investigation is under way after unexplained ground movement was recorded at Mount Isa Mines.
Compiled footage showing the huge difference between good and bad mine blasts.
Hunter Valley miners have told Port Waratah Coal Services that the amount of coal they handle will drop, again putting the T4 loader on Kooragang Island in doubt.
Doray Minerals announced the start of its underground development and mining at the company’s Andy Well Gold Project in Western Australia.
Additional safety inspectors will be hired to monitor the troubled mining industry in Western Australia, the WA Government announced.
The Tasmanian premier and a prominent national union head is propping up the future of the state’s mining industry.
Gloucester residents will get an update from Gloucester Council on what is happening to mining in the shire in a community meeting tonight.
The slowing mining industry is being blamed for a falling demand in short-term accommodation in Queensland with some areas seeing a 19.4% revenue fall.
Family infighting at directional drilling company Arogen has left more than 100 Hunter Valley business millions of dollars out of pocket.
A new report has warned slowing investment in the mining sector could stagger the Australian economy after more than $30 billion of planned project were abandoned in the March quarter.
Thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment are being risked by a small group of protesters who “deliberately misinform” the public, BG Group Australia chairman Catherine Tanna says.
New Hope is planning on securing an alternative fuel supply for some of its operations by building a coal to diesel plant at the Jeebropilly mine in Queensland.
About 1,100 workers have gone strike at Freeport-McMoRan’s Indonesian mine, demanding improved pay, the US firm said on Wednesday.
Origin Energy have launched an advertising blitz aimed at educating the public about Australia’s energy industry by handing out lollies at train stations across the country.
Greens candidate and environmental campaigner Scott Jordan has received death threats over Facebook, as the battle over mining in Tasmania’s Tarkine continues.
The Colton mine in southern Queensland faces more delays after the deadline for tendering a new environmental management plan was pushed back until August.
Gladstone’s four LNG companies will provide nearly half a million dollars in funding to provide workplace training for students.
Liquidators are free to sue Nathan Tinkler for allegedly allowing one of his companies to trade while in receivership.
Northern Territory miner Sherwin Iron is on track to move forward with its Roper River iron ore mine, which will create an extra 400 jobs in the state’s north.
Explorers, miners and manufacturers will have a chance to partner with Chinese investors in a forum co-hosted by the South Australian and Northern Territory governments.
Perilya says its decision to sack 17 workers from its Broken Hill operations was a necessary response to tough economic conditions.
The Northern Territory Government has granted approval for Santos’ $100 million drilling program at the Mereenie Gas Fields in Central Australia.
Junior miner Focus Minerals has announced plans to halt operations at its Laverton Gold project due to rising costs and falling commodity prices.
Wayne Swan is warning the unemployment rate is set to rise as some mining jobs disappear.
Rio Tinto has applied to the NSW Supreme Court to accelerate its bid to overturn a decision blocking the extension of its Warkworth coal project in the Hunter Valley.
Wollongong could receive millions of dollars in funding after it was found to be significantly “indirectly affected” by mining.
New research is underway to develop new guidelines to assess air and water quality in mining regions.
Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s Poseidon Nickel will reopen the Windarra nickel mine in Western Australia.
SkillsTech Australia has opened its new underground mine safety training facility in Queensland .
The mining boom has changed the way of life for working parents in Queensland as they now face new challenges in raising their families.
In a bid to work closer with the mining industry, the University of Queensland’s commercial arm JKTech has established a new office in Santiago, Chile.
Blast fume complaints have fallen in the Upper Hunter after the Department of Planning and Infrastructure approved a strategy to deal with blast fumes.
Woodside have confirmed they are looking to develop their Browse LNG project with a floating gas processing operation.
Private equity company KKR & Co. is considering a bid for Rio Tinto’s majority stake in Northparkes copper-gold mine.
Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto plans to almost halve the size of its London head office.
NRW Holdings has won a $180 million contract at Rio Tinto’s Nammuldi iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
After almost a year of the Gillard government’s mining tax being in play, Rio Tinto has made its first payment.
Construction has begun at the new $38.3 million Mining and Engineering Centre for TAFE SA at Regency Park.
Rio Tinto has officially opened its underground operation at the Argyle diamond mine in the Kimberley, following the exhaustion of the site’s open-cut operation.
Anti-CSG protesters have declared war on the mining industry at a Queensland protest on the weekend.
Questions are being raised about the pressure placed on consultants used by mining companies as an expert claims out-dated data was used in Rio Tinto’s Warkworth mine approval.
Iron ore sales have fallen almost 50 per cent for junior mining company Grange Resources, with variations in shipping schedules impacting the company’s bottom line.
Staff turnover at mining companies has fallen nearly 5 per cent over the last six months to 14.8 per cent per annum, according to figures from Mackie Employer Solutions.
The mining industry says that any move to cut the fuel tax credits for the off-road use of diesel mine vehicles will threaten the viability of future developments.
Protestors blockaded a QGC drilling site near Miles yesterday and a Lock the Gate protestor chained herself to the company truck.
A large group of workers have walked off their jobs at GLNG’s Curtis Island site.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer says a burglary at his company’s Brisbane office overnight was politically motivated.
Greens leader Christine Milne is urging the government to rework the mining tax as a senate inquiry into the tax begins.
The China Iron and Steel Association has told its members to lower expectations for the rest of the year, with weak demand and poor margins hurting profits for the country’s ...
BHP Billiton has announced the sale of its Pinto Valley operation.
WA Transport Minister Troy Buswell says he is disappointed by delays in plans expand Perth Airport to cater for increased demand from the mining industry.
The NSW Minerals Council has launched a new advertising campaign which aims to improve community understanding around the mining industry.
A slowdown in the mining industry means the boom in engineering and construction work is likely to end this year, new research shows.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer has announced he will form his own political party for this year’s federal election, fielding candidates in 150 House or Representative seats as well as the ...
Leading investment firm BlackRock has urged Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to accept lower prices for asset sales if they can’t attain the full value on some projects.
Downer Engineering has backed off threats to discipline workers after some planned to defy orders to show up for work on Anzac Day.
Hundreds of workers walked off the job at BMA’s Saraji mine after a spat between a safety representative and a supervisor.
BHP Billiton is planning to extend its Mount Arthur coal mine’s life.
The Queensland Resource Council has slammed Greenpeace after a group of activists boarded a stationary coal ship in the Coral Sea early this morning.
The development of a bauxite mine in Queensland’s Cape York is set to go ahead with five firms short-listed to detail proposals for the venture.
Gold miner Newcrest has sacked 150 workers and is currently undertaking a review of its higher cost mines following a significant gold price drop.
The AMWU has been seeking assurances from Burnie’s Caterpillar Underground Mining operations that no further job cuts will be made.
Brookfield Multiplex has been awarded a $70 million contract to develop non-processing infrastructure at the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara.
Vista Gold has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s decision to award its Mt Todd gold mine major project status.
Downer EDI has confirmed it will be cutting more than 100 jobs at the Boggabri coal mine.
Up to 150 jobs are in danger as Tanami Gold put their Kimberley-based Coyote mine into care and maintenance.
North Stradbroke Island sand miner Sibelco has had to cut jobs at its embattled Vance mine.
Rumours have emerged that Barrick Gold is looking to sell three gold mines in Western Australia in order to reduce debt and fight-off a credit rating downgrade.
Australia’s national resource industry employer group has told a senate committee that expanding union access to workplaces will present risks to productivity, safety, and industrial harmony.
Hope Downs 4 in WA’s Pilbara region has achieved a significant milestone with the first iron ore leaving the mine.
Heavy equipment maker Caterpillar has posted a 45 per cent drop in first quarter earnings, and cut its forecast for the rest of the year on the back of weak ...
Citic Pacific’s $10 billion Sino Iron project in the Pilbara has ran into more delays, with faulty equipment pushing back commissioning on a key production line.
Mining is helping the economies of Western Australia and the Northern Territory pull ahead, but Queensland has slipped into second gear, with a ‘three-speed’ economy starting to emerge, according to ...
Under new NSW Government protocols mining companies will be able to challenge whether their proposed coal seam gas projects must adhere to new rules designed to protect some of the ...
Analysts expect a fall in demand for mining equipment to hurt Caterpillar’s upcoming profit and revenue guidance figures.
Fortescue Metals Group CEO Nev Power has played down fears over falling demand for iron ore, and says prices for the key commodity won’t fall under $US120 a tonne for ...
A miner has been fined $11,000 after he was charged with smoking underground at the North Goonyella coal mine near Moranbah in Queensland on April 27 last year.
Calibre Group has won a contract with BHP subsidiary BMA for the onshore upgrade of the Hay Point coal terminal.
The WA Corruption and Crime Commission has warned that the significant investment miners make in Pilbara communities has pressured local councils into delivering outcomes for resource companies.
Contractor Bechtel has joined with space miner Planetary Resources to mine near earth asteroids.
A contractor from the Curragh coal mine has died.
Rare earths miner Lynas Corporation says it’s on track to meet its second quarter target of producing 11,000 tonnes per year from its processing plant in Malaysia.
Rio Tinto CEO Sam Walsh says the company hit its peak investment in 2012 and is now focused on building up cash reserves with the sale of non-core assets.
A machine operator who was awarded $413, 082 after a being injured at a mine site has had his appeal for further compensation knocked back.
Coates Hire has blamed poor economic conditions for a move to restructure its business and cut 75 jobs.
BHP Billiton’s new chief executive is likely to earn about 25 per cent less per year compared to his predecessor Marius Kloppers.
Valley Longwall International have opened a new service centre in Newcastle which will contribute an estimated to $150m to the local economy.
Mining contractor NRW Holdings has secured a $67 million contract to complete earthworks and piping at Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore project.
Rio Tinto has advanced its funding talks for an expansion of its Mongolian Oyu Tolgoi mine that’s been estimated to cost $5.1 billion.
Pike River Coal company has been found guilty on all nine health and safety charges laid after the 2010 mine disaster which killed 29 workers.
Ausdrill has posted a 15 per cent profit downgrade for the year to June 30, and says a slowdown in the local mining sector is to blame for its weak ...
BHP Billiton has today announced outgoing chief executive Marius Kloppers’ retirement terms.
Federal Resources Minister Gary Gray has tipped Australia to become the largest natural gas exporter in the world within five years.
Iron ore remains a bright sport for BHP Billiton, and the company has maintained full year production guidance despite posting weaker than expected performance for the March quarter.
The Uniting Church has added mining and coal seam gas on its ‘black list’ of industries and companies it will cease investment in.
The Minerals Council of Australia has hit back at claims by the CFMEU that the benefits of the mining boom are not being spread widely enough.
Around 1000 local workers and community members are expected to protest in Gladstone today to demand action on ways to better spread the benefits of the mining boom.
Following last week’s landslip at Rio Tinto’s Bingham Canyon mine in Utah the company has asked employees to take vacation or unpaid leave.
Former Greens leader Bob Brown has vowed to throw his support behind a campaign to stop mining in Tasmania’s Tarkine region.
Australia’s resources sector is pessimistic about next month’s federal budget as it fears an increased tax hike could hamper the sector’s recovery.
An explosion at Incitec Pivot’s Mount Isa acid plant yesterday sparked concerns about a smoke plume.
The CFMEU say there is scope to increase wages in the coal sector, despite companies stating they cannot afford to.
At least 17 miners have been killed when an abandoned gold mine collapsed this week in central Ghana.
Miners are calling on the Western Australian government to leave gold out of its upcoming royalty review.
Xstrata has provided more details on the managers who will be stepping down following its Glencore merger, with its full executive committee set to depart once the deal is inked.
Rio Tinto has posted record iron ore production for the march quarter, beating analyst expectations and keeping the miner on track to meet its full year targets.
Hitachi has teamed up with Stanwell Corporation to trial its automated haul truck systems.
Around 80 workers are set to lose their jobs at Crinum underground coal mine after mining contractor Redpath reduced its crew numbers.
The Doyles Creek mining proposal submitted to the NSW government incorporated so many false and misleading statements it amounted to fraud, the Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry has heard.
BHP Billiton has selected technology and automation group ABB to build the world’s largest mine hoisting systems for a potash operation in Canada.
KalNorth Gold Mines has started assessment work on the potential for developing an underground mining operation at its Lindsay’s field near Kalgoorlie.
A worker has been injured in a rock fall at CBH Resources’ Rasp mine, while another suffered serious injuries after a crushing accident.
The Western Australian government has suggested Woodside and its partners may lose their lease over the one-third of Browse gas located in WA waters and has apologised to the traditional ...
A NSW court has overturned approval for the expansion of Rio Tinto’s Mount Thorley mine in the Hunter Valley, potentially putting 1300 jobs at risk.
Analysts expect Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton to post weaker production results for the March quarter after a spate of cyclones disrupted operations in WA and QLD.
Resource companies routinely play down health and environmental effects of projects in favour of overstating economic and employment benefits, a new report has found.
Falling air quality in the Hunter Valley has angered health professionals who are demanding increased protection for residents from mining dust and blast chemicals.
The Fair Work Commission has dismissed attempts by Bechtel to block the Maritime Union of Australia from going on-site at the Curtis Island LNG project in Queensland.
Australian interest in the Indonesian mining sector is on the rise despite stricter laws on foreign investment in the country, Austrade officials say.
Woodside’s decision to shelve its $40 billion Browse liquefied natural gas project has caused bitter dispute.
Mining companies need to shift focus towards lifting productivity, not towards digging up larger volumes of minerals, a new report suggests.
Santos chairman Peter Coates has stepped down from his role at the oil and gas giant, with non-executive director Ken Borda set to take up the new position.
Greenpeace have not ruled out partaking in acts of civil disobedience as it prepares to protest against Queensland’s coal industry this week.
A $100,000 underground loader has been donated to the Western Dubbo TAFE campus and will be used to train students.
Often accused of not providing enough training opportunities,a new report claims the mining industry spent more than $1.15 billion on training over the last two years.
Drafting a submission for a prospective training mine was the task afforded to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Peter Demura, the Independent Commission against Corruption heard on Thursday.
Tasmania Deputy Premier Bryan Green has thrown his weight behind a pro-mining rally to be held in the state’s west next month, and says the gathering will show Tasmania is ...
The CFMEU want any workers affected by BHP’s decision to axe a Leighton contract to be redeployed to other mines in the Bowen Basin.
The WA mining industry is attracting unsuitable workers who want to earn high wages without building a career in the sector, a consulting firm says.
Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeders are again warning that mining is threatening some of the most productive land in New South Wales.
Oil and gas producer Woodside has this morning announced it will begin reviewing alternative Browse development options for its James Price Point project including floating LNG.
Ten people dressed as spectres protested outside Energy Resources of Australia’s head office in Darwin yesterday, in opposition of plans to expand uranium mining in the Northern Territory.
Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper’s Bingham Canyon mine pit has experienced a land slip along its north eastern wall.
BHP has completed the sale of its diamond business to Dominion Diamond Corporation.
Neighbours of Rio’s Mt Thorley-Warkworth mine have announced they will lodge a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman against the Department of Planning for failing to enforce noise and pollution consent ...
There have been population booms in Queensland mining towns, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Analysts say Fortescue Metals Group’s move to sell part of its port and rail assets could trigger a major re-rating in the miner’s stocks.
Illawarra politicians want coal seam gas exploration stopped in the region’s drinking water catchments.
Evolution Mining officially opened their Mount Carlton gold-silver and copper mine in Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs.
Decmil has been awarded $71 million worth of contracts for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore mine.
Energy Resources of Australia say a new uranium mine in the Northern Territory will play an important role in future energy needs.
BHP Billiton has axed a contract with Leighton, replacing the mine contractor with a smaller company as it moves to cut costs.
Mining contractor Barminco says it received over 1,800 job applications for 131 positions at the Renison underground mine in Tasmania.
The CFMEU has expressed concern about the safety of cars used on BMA mine sites in Queensland.
Port Waratah Coal Services may shelve plans for the controversial T4 coal loader on Kooragang Island due to the recent coal slump.
Western Australia’s mid-west region has chalked up a significant milestone, with Gindalbie Metals officially opening the Karara iron ore project.
A coal conference in the NSW Hunter Valley has heard that while the industry is facing a ‘storm’ over falling prices, it needs to reinforce its importance in the community. ...
The township of Alpha in Central Queensland prefers the idea of a 2000-strong fly-in-fly-out workforce instead of turning into a ‘mining town’.
The Australian dollar is set to be the third currency fully convertible against the Chinese yuan a move which will lower business transaction costs.
Former mining union head John Maitland and his associates played down the size of the Doyles Creek mine coal resources when seeking NSW state government approval for a training facility, ...
About 180 workers will be out of a job as Russia’s Norilsk Nickel closes its Western Australian Lake Johnston operations this month.
Fortescue’s top executive is not surprised Treasury could not see critical aspects of the mining tax process.
Australian scientists have released a study detailing how minor earthquakes can instantly create new gold veins underground.
A pilot graphite plant worth $1.94 million could be up and running on South Australia’s Lower Eyre Peninsula by the end of the year.
The Papua New Guinea Government has announced plans to consolidate all of the country’s mining, oil, and gas assets into a single state-owned enterprise.
Leading US mining consultancy Behre Dolbear has rated Australia the best place in the world for mining investment for the fourth year running.