NSW and India improve coal ties (0) January 27, 2012 The ties between NSW and India have increased on the back of demand for coking coal.
Lynas secures rare earth funding [updated] (0) January 27, 2012 Lynas Corporation has secured an additional $US225 million in funding to cover the rising costs over its rare earths facility in Malaysia.
Australian Mining will be away Australia Day (0) January 25, 2012 We will be away Australia Day, but don’t worry; we’ll be back on Friday to bring you all the latest mining news.
Australian mines not at acceptable standard: Peabody (0) January 25, 2012 Peabody Energy has warned its global coal output is unlikely to change this year because the recently acquired Macarthur Coal mines are not up to industry standard.
Safe lead levels may be halved (5) January 25, 2012 The national guideline for safe lead levels may soon be cut in half.
Mining industry welcomes WA Sunday trading (0) January 25, 2012 The mining industry has welcomed new bi-partisan political support for Sunday trading in Western Australia, and says the move will make it easier to attract workers.
Strikes threaten BHP coal in Bowen Basin, Illawarra (0) January 25, 2012 Industrial action by the CFMEU is threatening to shut down BHP Billiton’s Port Kembla Coal Terminal as its Bowen Basin coal mines face a similar predicament.
Rio acquires majority of Ivanhoe (0) January 25, 2012 Rio Tinto has acquired a majority stake in Ivanhoe Mines, taking its share to just over half the company.
WA Labor softens stance on uranium mining (0) January 24, 2012 New West Australian Labor leader Mark McGowan has announced a major policy shift on uranium mining in an effort to boost the party’s poor polling numbers.
Worker looks for compensation after lightning strike (0) January 24, 2012 A Bunbury man is fighting for workers compensation after claiming he was struck by lightning while working for mining contractor NRW Holdings.
Government approves Centennial Coal expansions (0) January 24, 2012 The NSW Government has approved the expansion of Centennial Coal’s Myuna coalmine despite concerns from environmental groups about its impact on Lake Macquarie.
Fears for Great Barrier Reef over Rio Tinto mine expansion (0) January 24, 2012 Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has reopened consideration of Rio Tinto’s $1.4 billion South of Embley bauxite mine expansion following concern over its environmental impact.
Mining can revitalise NSW, Minerals Council says (0) January 24, 2012 The mining industry can help push NSW to the top of the country’s economic table after it rated last for growth, the NSW Minerals Council says.
Industrea wins coal mine contract (0) January 24, 2012 Industrea has renewed its mining contract at the Baralaba South mine in the Bowen Basin.
EPA gives BHP Port Hedland development approval (0) January 24, 2012 The West Australian EPA has given conditional approval to BHP Billiton’s plans for an outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
WDS renews Xstrata coal Tahmoor contract (0) January 24, 2012 WDS Ltd’s mining division has renewed its existing contract for the installation of secondary support at Xstrata’s Tahmoor coal mine.
Mines face fight to survive (0) January 23, 2012 Coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales are facing a fight to exist, with Greens MPs and local environmentalists campaigning to close them down.
Rinehart family feud to be made public (0) January 23, 2012 While the details of her family trust battle would be embarrassing, iron ore heiress Gina Rinehart has no right to suppress them, the NSW Court of Appeal has ruled.
Three-in-four miners obese or overweight (0) January 23, 2012 According to health experts three-in-four workers in the mining industry are overweight, with Queensland mining town Mount Isa a chronic disease hotspot.
FLSmidth to acquire Ludowici (16) January 23, 2012 FLSmidth has entered into an agreement to fully acquire Ludowici.
Economy needs mining: Analysts (0) January 23, 2012 A series of financial reports has underlined the importance of mining to the national economy, with experts highlighting resources as the key to growth in most states.
Coal miner injured at Grasstree (0) January 23, 2012 An underground coal miner was airlifted to hospital after injuring himself this morning.
Director training launched for women (0) January 23, 2012 Women on Boards have launched professional development workshops for women in rural, regional, and remote Australia.
Griffin coal unions talks continue this week (0) January 23, 2012 Negotiations at Lanco’s Griffin coal mine will continue this week as the company continues to push for an extra half hour during shift work.
Vale mega-ships arrive in China (0) January 20, 2012 Vale has completed the first delivery of its new super-size carriers to China, the latest move by the Brazilian miner to ramp up pressure on its Australian rivals.
CMEWA focused on productivity in pre-budget submission (0) January 20, 2012 The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of West Australian has highlighted increased productivity as the central theme in its pre-budget submission.
WA Government commits to Esperance port expansion (0) January 20, 2012 The WA Government’s commitment to upgrading Esperance Port has been welcomed by industry as an important step in developing mining in the state’s south.
Griffin Coal explosion charges laid (0) January 20, 2012 Charges have been laid against Lanco Resources’ subsidiaries over a char plant explosion in 2008.
QRC launches election agenda (0) January 20, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has released its 2012 state election policy agenda.
Push to block Wyong coal mine (0) January 20, 2012 A new proposal from Wallarah 2 Coal is unlikely to go ahead as tougher laws are brought into place.
Cracked coal ship on the Barrier Reef (0) January 19, 2012 A ship near the Great Barrier Reef carrying more than 67 000 tonnes of coal has been discovered to have a cracked hull.
Spanish and African workers keen on mining jobs (1) January 19, 2012 While ten workers from Spain have joined Xstrata Zinc, members of the African community in Darwin say they fear they are being overlooked for mining jobs.
Mt Weld upgrades and positive stock analysis boost Lynas (0) January 19, 2012 Lynas Corporation has significantly increased its rare earths deposit at the Mount Weld project in WA, and analysts remain confident the miner is performing well.
Meth use on the rise in mining camps (0) January 19, 2012 A mine site drug tester says methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, is starting to make its way to mining camps around Australia.
Antimony miner fined (0) January 19, 2012 Anchor Resources has been fined for unsatisfactory rehabilitation of its antimony drill sites.
Western Areas looks to expand in WA (0) January 19, 2012 Western Areas says it is aiming ramp up production in WA to become Australia’s second largest nickel miner.
Christmas Island phosphate miner to resume exports (0) January 19, 2012 Phosphate Resources has announced it will resume shipping bulk phosphate after the dramatic destruction of a cargo ship at the island’s port.
Gov staff cuts blamed for FIFO camp delays (0) January 19, 2012 A number of government staff cuts are reportedly the cause behind the approvals delay for a workers camp at Blackwater, Queensland.
BHP Billiton posts iron ore record (0) January 18, 2012 BHP Billiton has announced a record 22 per cent jump in iron ore production for the December quarter, fuelled by its Pilbara expansions.
Attorney General to appeal mining ban (0) January 18, 2012 South Australia’s Attorney General John Rau is appealing a decision by the state’s Supreme Court to block development of an exploration lease held by Argonaut Resources.
Mine towns named investment hot spots (0) January 18, 2012 Property prices in Western Australia’s mining regions are tipped to keep rising with the resources boom fuelling demand for regional housing, analysts say.
Miners deny overlooking Aussie manufacturers (0) January 18, 2012 The Federal Government says it will go to the World Trade Organisation if it confirms reports miners are overlooking local manufacturers to supply their projects.
Rio breaks iron ore records (0) January 18, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced high levels for iron ore production and shipments for 2011, according to CEO Tom Albanese.
Greens to hit Hunter coal mines (0) January 18, 2012 Two members of the Greens are hitting the Hunter Valley on a ‘coal fact finding tour’.
Miners warned of energy drink dangers (0) January 17, 2012 New research finding an increase in reports of caffeine poisoning has reinforced the need to ensure mine workers are aware of the risk of using artificial methods to fight fatigue.
Argonaut slams SA mining regulation (0) January 17, 2012 Junior explorer Argonaut Resources has criticised South Australia’s mining and native title regulation, accusing it of wasting the miner’s time and money.
RCR win BHP power generation contract (0) January 17, 2012 Engineering firm RCR Tomlinson has won the power generation works contract for BHP Billiton’s Yarnima power station in Newman, Western Australia.
New China system hopes to break iron ore monopoly (0) January 17, 2012 China has launched a rival online iron ore trading platform it hopes will allow it to weaken the monopoly of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
Atlas Iron flags need for 1,000 mining jobs (0) January 17, 2012 Atlas Iron chief executive David Flanagan says the Pilbara iron ore miner might need an extra 1,000 workers within three years to feed its expansion projects.
Fortescue increases North Star resource; mulls JV (0) January 17, 2012 Fortescue Metals has announced a massive 72% resource increase at its North Star magnetite deposit as it considers joint ventures on the project.
Mining complaints down in the Hunter Valley (0) January 17, 2012 The number of mining complaints received by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure dropped by nearly 60% in December, compared to the previous month.
Orica unveils new plant plans (0) January 17, 2012 Orica has unveiled plans to build a new ammonium facility at Denman, in the Hunter Valley.
Newcrest to work with Fiji dictator (0) January 16, 2012 Newcrest Mining will now work directly with Fiji military dictator Frank Bainimarama after he seized responsibility for the Namosi copper and gold project.
Tourist areas “falling behind” mining towns (0) January 16, 2012 A new survey of tourist accommodation shows rooms in some mining communities are close to full while regional tourist towns are suffering.
Mount Isa late on FIFO submission (0) January 16, 2012 The Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce is working on a late submission into the Federal Government’s fly-in-fly-out inquiry after it missed the deadline.
Ausenco signs Lumwana contract (0) January 16, 2012 Ausenco has signed a contract to manage the expansion of Barrick Gold’s Lumwana copper project.
New gas ignition at Kooragang (0) January 16, 2012 Hydrogen gas has again ignited at Kooragang Island this weekend following electrical storms.
BMA union talks move forward (0) January 16, 2012 The ongoing battle between the CFMEU and the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has taken a step forward after talks last week.
QLD Council passes mining ban (0) January 16, 2012 The Somerset Council has passed a moratorium on all exploration, mining, and coal seam gas activities in the Queensland region.
Nine coal seam gas protestors arrested (0) January 13, 2012 Police have arrested nine anti-coal seam gas protestors obstructing Arrow Energy exploratory drilling on a Queensland property this morning.
Australian Mining weekly wrap [video] (0) January 13, 2012 The Australian Mining weekly wrap is back – keeping you up to date with the happenings in the industry.
Bitter union fights are hurting miners: AMMA (0) January 13, 2012 Bitter union negotiations are stalling big resources projects and threatening investor confidence, according to the Australian Mines and Metals Association.
Perth junior facing ASIC and ASX investigations (0) January 13, 2012 Both the ASX and Australian Securities and Investments Commission are investigating junior explorer Paynes Find gold and its colourful chief executive Peter Salter.
New drug banned on Bowen Basin mine (0) January 13, 2012 The body-building supplement Jack3d, which contains a synthetic stimulant, has been banned at a Bowen Basin mine following reports workers were using it to stay awake.
Norsk Hydro cuts smelter jobs again (0) January 13, 2012 Global aluminum supplier Norsk Hydro yesterday announced plans to cut the capacity of its Australian New South Wales-based Kurri Kurri smelter by 33 percent citing low metal prices as the ...
Miner injured in rock fall (0) January 13, 2012 A miner has been injured in a rock fall at the Eloise underground copper mine.
Rio sponsors Mongolian Olympians (0) January 13, 2012 Rio Tinto, which manages the massive Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, is sponsoring two of the nation’s athletes for the Olympics.
FMG urges against “preferential treatment” for BHP (0) January 12, 2012 Tensions between Pilbara iron ore rivals BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals have tightened following FMG’s submission to the Port Hedland council over its competitor’s proposed fly-in-fly-out camp.
Mining ban labelled ‘grandstanding’ (0) January 12, 2012 A Queensland mayor’s call to ban mining in the Somerset region has been slammed by the Queensland Resources Council.
Site Group signs mining equipment training agreement (0) January 12, 2012 Site Group International has signed a training agreement with Monark Group which will see it expand heavy diesel training in the Philippines.
Diamond mining set to be Australia’s strongest 2012 industry (0) January 12, 2012 Diamond mining and motor vehicle manufacturing will be the fastest growing industries in Australia in 2012, according to a report by market researcher IBISWorld.
Clarity needed on coal seam gas [blog] (0) January 11, 2012 The impossibility of finding straight answers on coal seam gas is hurting the industry, Andrew Duffy writes.
Corruption Commission investigating BHP’s FIFO camp (0) January 11, 2012 The WA Corruption and Crime Commission is investigating allegations of misconduct over BHP Billiton’s plans to add 6,000 extra fly-in-fly-out workers to Port Hedland.
Funds for derelict mines “substantially inadequate” (0) January 11, 2012 Derelict mines may represent the “largest contamination liability” facing the NSW Government, according to a report by the Audit Office of NSW.
Chinese miner has no chance of exploring Perth: Moore (0) January 11, 2012 The chances of a Chinese mining company exploring for gold and other minerals in Perth’s eastern suburbs are slim, according to WA mines minister Norman Moore.
LogiCamms wins Rio iron ore contract (0) January 11, 2012 LogiCamms has been awarded two design contracts for the upgrade of electrical infrastructure at Rio Tinto’s iron ore ports.
Indigenous students get a taste of mining (0) January 11, 2012 An indigenous career day held by the David Wirrapanda Foundation and the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum has highlighted jobs in the mining sector.
Hunter Valley the source of most air quality complaints (0) January 10, 2012 According to Environmental Protection Authority pollution data 76 per cent of NSW air quality complaints came from the Hunter Valley last year.
Iron ore prices to soften in 2012 (0) January 10, 2012 Demand for iron ore is set to soften this year on the back of slower steelmaking growth in China, according to London-based price watcher the Steel Index.
QLD mayor fights for mining ban (0) January 10, 2012 A Queensland mayor is calling for a moratorium into the mining industry in the Brisbane valley only weeks after the Scenic Rim called on the government to cancel mining permits ...
Mining jobs demand at all time high (22) January 10, 2012 According to officials at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal entry level mining jobs are now regularly attracting over 400 applicants.
Atlantic produces first ferrovanadium (0) January 10, 2012 Atlantic has achieved first ferrovanadium production from its Windimurra vanadium plant near Mt Magnet, in Western Australia.
Sex worker slams mine towns for “disgusting” discrimination (0) January 9, 2012 A prostitute from Queensland’s mining regions has hit back at angry locals, claiming discrimination against her work was “disgusting” and putting sex workers in danger.
Sacked coalminers will easily find more work: CFMEU (0) January 9, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union says the fifty coalminers sacked following the rejection of Ahston Coal’s Hunter Valley expansion will likely find other mining work immediately.
Arson attack at Curragh coal mine (0) January 9, 2012 An arson attack late last month destroyed around $3 million worth of equipment.
Airlines expand as mining FIFO work booms (0) January 9, 2012 Qantas is planning to add another 14 aircraft to its fleet over the next 12 months to cater to a growing demand for travel from fly-in-fly-out mine workers.
OZ Minerals ordered to clean up copper spill (0) January 9, 2012 NT WorkSafe has ordered OZ Minerals to remove copper concentrate from the Edith River following a train derailment late last month.
BHP plans thousands more FIFO workers for Port Hedland (0) January 9, 2012 BHP Billiton’s plans to add an extra 6,000 fly-in-fly-out workers to Port Hedland have some locals concerned the town will be “drowned” with transient workers.
QR leaps forward in Bowen Basin (20) January 9, 2012 QR National signed a ten year contract with Rio Tinto to haul coal soon after the opening of its billion dollar expansion project.
Australian Mining is on break (0) December 16, 2011 Australian Mining is on holidays. We’ll be back on the 9th of January.
Wasted opportunities: A list of miners and the cash they’ve blown (0) December 16, 2011 While miners are earning record wages, many are blowing their money and wasting the opportunity. Australian Mining spoke to one worker and compiled a list of some of the worst ...
Miner pleads guilty to environmental damage (0) December 16, 2011 CopperCo has pled guilty to causing environmental harm following the uncontrolled release of contaminated water from the Lady Annie Mine in 2009.
The top ten stories of 2011 (0) December 16, 2011 As we wrap up this year, we look back at your favourite articles on Australian Mining, and what had you reading this year.
QLD pollie pushes FIFO tax (0) December 16, 2011 Former central Queensland politician Jim Pearce has suggested a tax for fly in fly out workers for mining companies.
Orica plant to remain closed (0) December 16, 2011 Orica’s Kooragang Island plant may remain closed indefinitely after a false start last night.
magnetic water conditioning (0) December 15, 2011 The water conditioning is aimed at issues where lime scale, fouling and air leakage in steam condensers, cooling towers, water reclamation plants, boiler water lines affects plant efficiency where water ...
Exploration spending skyrocketing (0) December 15, 2011 Exploration for coal and iron ore has hit record highs, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
UK Coal fined £1.2 million for mine deaths (0) December 15, 2011 UK Coal, the United Kingdom’s largest mining firm, has been fined £1.2 million following the deaths of four miners at its England collieries in 2006 and 2007.
Santos pro-CSG ad in top ten most hated list (0) December 15, 2011 An advertisement by Santos depicting a farmer in idyllic countryside advocating the coal seam gas industry was one of the most complained about ads of 2011.
Kurri Kurri smelter may cut production (0) December 15, 2011 The Kurri Kurri smelter may cut production as workers refuse to delay a pay rise for a year.
New spin doctor for BHP (0) December 15, 2011 BHP Billiton’s old iron ore strategy and development vice-president Chris Campbell has been hired to take over the miner’s government, media, and corporate relations.
Redpath launch coal division (0) December 15, 2011 Mining contractor Redpath has launched a dedicated Australian coal mining division.
Southern Cross win Lake Vermont coal contract (0) December 15, 2011 Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has been awarded the electrical instrumentation works at the Lake Vermont coal expansion project in Dysart, Queensland.
Mine safety laws under review (0) December 14, 2011 The Queensland Supreme Court has quashed the right of BMA and the CFMEU to organise elections for health and safety representatives at coalmines.
Mining grads as valuable as medicine students (0) December 14, 2011 Mining engineering students are now as much in demand as medicine graduates according to Graduates Careers Australia’s annual employment data.
Mining takings set to break records (0) December 14, 2011 Easing commodity prices have downgraded Australia’s mining takings but the figures are still on track to break records.
Mining earnings set for new record (0) December 14, 2011 Easing commodity prices have downgraded Australia’s mining takings but the figures are still on track to break records.
Love it or F**k off: mining mum tells FIFO workers (0) December 14, 2011 A mother from Pilbara mining town Newman has created a range of bumper stickers hitting back at fly-in-fly-out workers who ridicule the town.
Coal mine fined (0) December 14, 2011 The Austar Coal mine has been fined for pollution leaking from its site into a nearby creek in July last year.
Tenova acquires Bateman Engineering (0) December 14, 2011 Tenova has acquired Bateman Engineering as part its strategy to grow its mining division.
TWSP wins Newmont Tanami contract (0) December 13, 2011 Engineering firm TWSP has won a contract to develop the vertical shaft at Newmont’s Tanami gold mine.
Stranded mine equipment too massive to move (0) December 13, 2011 Two heavy haulage transporters carrying $16 million of mining gear are stranded after they were found to be too massive to travel down Cunninghams Gap in Queensland.
Tinkler’s Aston seals $2 billion Whitehaven Coal merger (0) December 13, 2011 Whitehaven Coal has acquired Nathan Tinkler’s Aston Resources in a “friendly” deal for $2.25 billion to form Australia’s largest coal company.
Legend phosphate plant approval up in the air (0) December 13, 2011 The Mount Isa City Council’s recommendations may nix the construction of the Legend International’s proposed phosphate plant.
Government wants back BMA’s Moranbah houses (0) December 13, 2011 The Queensland Government says it wants back 100 Moranbah homes, leased to BMA outside the boom period, now the housing market is so tight.
FIFO miners targeted for reptile smuggling (0) December 13, 2011 Miners smuggling reptiles from the Pilbara for lucrative sale on the black market have become a focus for WA’s Department of Environment and Conservation.
Mining still driving QLD economy (0) December 13, 2011 Despite facing a number of economic hurdles this past year, mining is still the backbone of Queensland’s economy.
Filmmakers ridicule Lynas rare earth plans (0) December 12, 2011 Lynas Corporation’s rare earth plans in Malaysia have been ridiculed in a spate of satirical short films by local directors.
CSG set for national regulation (0) December 12, 2011 Australia’s mining and energy ministers have agreed to draw up a framework to govern the coal seam gas industry under a single set of national regulations.
Incitec Pivot reassures locals over nitrate plant expansion (0) December 12, 2011 Incitec Pivot has sought to reassure locals around its Newcastle ammonium nitrate plant as it seeks to expand into explosives manufacturing in the wake of the Kooragang Island leaks.
Tourism should capitalise on mining: PwC (0) December 12, 2011 Advisory firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers says while the mining industry is hurting tourism, the sector needs to capitalise on the boom if it wants to survive.
QRC slams government’s Wild Rivers decision (0) December 12, 2011 The Queensland Resources Council says the decision to declare the Georgina and Diamantina Wild Rivers areas less than a fortnight after closing public submissions has shown the consultation process to ...
Littlemore slams ABC for CSG “bias” (0) December 12, 2011 Former media watch host Stuart Littlemore QC says the ABC’s new website investigating coal seam gas is factually wrong, biased, and in breach of the broadcaster’s code of conduct.
NSW Minerals Council appoints new CEO (0) December 12, 2011 Stephen Galilee has been appointed as the new head of the New South Wales Minerals Council.
Lock the Gate loses court battle (0) December 9, 2011 Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton has been fined $2000 for attempting to block the construction of a gas pipeline on Queensland’s Western Downs in March.
Top honour for mining innovations (0) December 9, 2011 Breakthroughs in mining have been recognised at two different science and innovation awards, with an ore sorting sensor and minerals processing technology among the winners.
Miner killed in plane crash (0) December 9, 2011 A miner has reportedly been killed in a light plane crash in central Queensland.
Orica plant to restart despite minor spill (0) December 9, 2011 Orica will continue the start up of its nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants on Kooragang Island following a review of its operation procedures.
Greenland targets Aussie miners (0) December 9, 2011 The Greenland Government is touting its lack of a mining tax to attract the interest of Australian miners looking to develop the country’s rich reserves of minerals.
NSW miners focused on minimising growth impacts (0) December 9, 2011 The New South Wales mining industry is focused on change and innovation to minimise the impacts of its growth upon the environment and the community, the NSW Minerals Council has ...
Xstrata workers strike for 24 hours (0) December 8, 2011 Workers at Xstrata’s Ulan Coal project north of Sydney went on strike for 24 hours on the weekend after learning several electrical staff had been dismissed.
Kloppers slams Fair Work (0) December 8, 2011 BHP Billiton boss Marius Kloppers says the Gillard Government’s Fair Work act has made it too easy for workers to strike and too difficult for miners to negotiate with unions.
New training centre to guarantee jobs in CSG (0) December 8, 2011 Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced plans to open a coal seam gas and gas transmissions pipeline training centre to combat skills shortages in the CSG industry.
Vale slashes China iron ore prices (0) December 8, 2011 China Steel says the word’s largest iron ore miner, Brazil’s Vale, has slashed iron ore prices for the fourth quarter by 20 to 25 per cent.
Contractor fined for environmental breaches (0) December 8, 2011 John Holland has been fined after pleading guilty to a series of environmental breaches at the Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point coal terminal extensions.
RMC receives acid leach study grant (0) December 8, 2011 Resource Mining Corporation has been awarded a quarter of a million dollar grant from the Federal Government for an organic acid nickel recovery process study.
Orica confirm no risk from spill (0) December 7, 2011 Orica have confirmed a small level of ammonium nitrate overflowed from its tank bund this afternoon.
Porn king drives shakeup at Paynes Find Gold (0) December 7, 2011 Perth porn king Malcolm Day and skimpies boss Steve Zielinski are among a group of major shareholders backing an executive shakeup at junior explorer Paynes Find Gold.
Apprentices set for pay rise (6) December 7, 2011 Apprentices may be set to get a pay rise as part of Government reforms to harmonise apprenticeships and increase completion rates.
New drug warning for miners (0) December 7, 2011 Doctors have warned miners to be cautious of using a body-building supplement containing a synthetic stimulant used to stay awake.
Metals Outlook 2012 (0) December 7, 2011 Despite ongoing market uncertainty in Europe, the Australian metals market looks unlikely to falter too heavily, Andrew Duffy, Cole Latimer and IBISWorld report.
Anglo American approves Grosvenor coal mine (0) December 7, 2011 Anglo American’s Board has approved its five million tonne per annum coking coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Schlumberger to fund QLD gas research lab (0) December 7, 2011 Queensland premier Anna Bligh has announced plans a for a gas research laboratory in Brisbane, funded by Schlumberger.
Aligning Mine Plans from Short to Long Term (0) December 6, 2011 With the mining industry facing increased pressure to meet rising demand for resources, experts warn mine planning departments must ensure their operational plans do not jeopardise the long term potential ...
Asset Management [White Paper] (0) December 6, 2011 Companies in the mining sector are starting to realise the benefits of managing their assets using dedicated Asset Management software. In the past, organisations have not been keeping proper records ...
New rent affordability taskforce for QLD mine towns (0) December 6, 2011 Queensland housing minister Karen Struthers today announced a taskforce to try and keep skyrocketing rents in mining towns under control.
Christmas Island strikes stopped (0) December 6, 2011 The ongoing industrial action by miners on Christmas Island has been terminated by Fair Work Australia.
Stokes ends National Hire battle (0) December 6, 2011 Billionaire entrepreneur Kerry Stokes has snapped up the last 22 per cent of equipment renter National Hire, and opened the door to a possible refloating of Coates Hire.
Fair Work allows HWE to continue urine testing (0) December 6, 2011 Fair Work Australia has upheld the right of mining contractor HWE to take urine samples of workers, despite protests from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.
BASF invests in mining chemicals (22) December 6, 2011 BASF has signed a long term agreement with the CSIRO for space at the Australian Minerals Research Centre to build a global mining R&D technology centre.
Rio chief warns of increasing union action over ‘trivial issues’ (0) December 5, 2011 Rio Tinto CEO Tom Albanese has backed up Colin Barnett’s claims that industrial action in mining is often based on ‘trivial issues’, adding that Australian miners are paid double ...
Coal seam gas ban divides community (0) December 5, 2011 The NSW Government’s decision to extend for the second time a coal seam gas moratorium has drawn mixed reactions from the industry and community.
Ripper puts WA uranium on notice (0) December 5, 2011 While industry has welcomed the ALP’s Sunday decision to permit uranium sales to India, WA Labor leader Eric Ripper has vowed to block the move if he seizes power.
Rio ships 100 millionth tonne of iron ore (0) December 5, 2011 Rio Tinto has shipped its 100 millionth tonne of iron ore from the Pilbara to Baosteel under its Bao-HI joint venture.
New hotel to ease Port Hedland accommodation woes (0) December 5, 2011 Port Hedland could soon see some accommodation relief, with the local council approving a $150 million 650-room hotel and apartment project.
WA Labor lamblasts mining tax (0) December 5, 2011 West Australian Labor leader Eric Ripper tore into the mining tax over the weekend at the ALP conference, telling delegates moves to widen the legislation would “poison WA Labor for ...
Suncorp to target miners (0) December 5, 2011 Suncorp Insurance has created new initiatives designed specifically for mining.
Origin King slams CSG critics (0) December 2, 2011 Origin Energy managing director Grant King has accused coal seam gas protestors of being ill-informed and unscrupulous in their attacks on the industry.
Abbot Point super expansion divides critics (0) December 2, 2011 The approval of a ‘super expansion’ for the Abbot Point coal terminal has been simultaneously welcomed by the mining industry and condemned by the Greens.
Allegations NZ mines switching off methane sensors (0) December 2, 2011 New Zealand miner Solid Energy has announced plans to hold urgent public meetings after claims the mine was switching off gas sensors in order to maintain production.
The ties between NSW and India have increased on the back of demand for coking coal.
Lynas Corporation has secured an additional $US225 million in funding to cover the rising costs over its rare earths facility in Malaysia.
Peabody Energy has warned its global coal output is unlikely to change this year because the recently acquired Macarthur Coal mines are not up to industry standard.
The national guideline for safe lead levels may soon be cut in half.
The mining industry has welcomed new bi-partisan political support for Sunday trading in Western Australia, and says the move will make it easier to attract workers.
The Mining Industry Skills Centre has changed its name to the Kinetic Group.
P&H Minepro’s application to build a facility to repair mining equipment in Rutherford has been approved.
Industrial action by the CFMEU is threatening to shut down BHP Billiton’s Port Kembla Coal Terminal as its Bowen Basin coal mines face a similar predicament.
Rio Tinto has acquired a majority stake in Ivanhoe Mines, taking its share to just over half the company.
New West Australian Labor leader Mark McGowan has announced a major policy shift on uranium mining in an effort to boost the party’s poor polling numbers.
A Bunbury man is fighting for workers compensation after claiming he was struck by lightning while working for mining contractor NRW Holdings.
The NSW Government has approved the expansion of Centennial Coal’s Myuna coalmine despite concerns from environmental groups about its impact on Lake Macquarie.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has reopened consideration of Rio Tinto’s $1.4 billion South of Embley bauxite mine expansion following concern over its environmental impact.
The mining industry can help push NSW to the top of the country’s economic table after it rated last for growth, the NSW Minerals Council says.
Industrea has renewed its mining contract at the Baralaba South mine in the Bowen Basin.
Queensland mines minister Stirling Hinchliffe has warned of mining job rorts.
The Northern Territory Government has given development consent for the multi-billion dollar Ichthys gas plant at Blaydin Point.
Orica have confirmed that it will push back the restart of its Kooragang Island ammonia plant.
The West Australian EPA has given conditional approval to BHP Billiton’s plans for an outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
WDS Ltd’s mining division has renewed its existing contract for the installation of secondary support at Xstrata’s Tahmoor coal mine.
Coal mines in Queensland and New South Wales are facing a fight to exist, with Greens MPs and local environmentalists campaigning to close them down.
While the details of her family trust battle would be embarrassing, iron ore heiress Gina Rinehart has no right to suppress them, the NSW Court of Appeal has ruled.
According to health experts three-in-four workers in the mining industry are overweight, with Queensland mining town Mount Isa a chronic disease hotspot.
FLSmidth has entered into an agreement to fully acquire Ludowici.
A series of financial reports has underlined the importance of mining to the national economy, with experts highlighting resources as the key to growth in most states.
An underground coal miner was airlifted to hospital after injuring himself this morning.
Curtin University’s agricultural campus Muresk will soon open its doors to the mining industry.
Women on Boards have launched professional development workshops for women in rural, regional, and remote Australia.
Negotiations at Lanco’s Griffin coal mine will continue this week as the company continues to push for an extra half hour during shift work.
Vale has completed the first delivery of its new super-size carriers to China, the latest move by the Brazilian miner to ramp up pressure on its Australian rivals.
If you’re anything like I used to be with money, you probably make it a habit to check your bank balance the day you return to work. Then, as a ...
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of West Australian has highlighted increased productivity as the central theme in its pre-budget submission.
The WA Government’s commitment to upgrading Esperance Port has been welcomed by industry as an important step in developing mining in the state’s south.
Charges have been laid against Lanco Resources’ subsidiaries over a char plant explosion in 2008.
The Queensland Resources Council has released its 2012 state election policy agenda.
A new proposal from Wallarah 2 Coal is unlikely to go ahead as tougher laws are brought into place.
A ship near the Great Barrier Reef carrying more than 67 000 tonnes of coal has been discovered to have a cracked hull.
While ten workers from Spain have joined Xstrata Zinc, members of the African community in Darwin say they fear they are being overlooked for mining jobs.
Lynas Corporation has significantly increased its rare earths deposit at the Mount Weld project in WA, and analysts remain confident the miner is performing well.
A new massive mining equipment facility will be built in Mackay.
A mine site drug tester says methamphetamine, commonly known as ice, is starting to make its way to mining camps around Australia.
Anchor Resources has been fined for unsatisfactory rehabilitation of its antimony drill sites.
Western Areas says it is aiming ramp up production in WA to become Australia’s second largest nickel miner.
Phosphate Resources has announced it will resume shipping bulk phosphate after the dramatic destruction of a cargo ship at the island’s port.
A number of government staff cuts are reportedly the cause behind the approvals delay for a workers camp at Blackwater, Queensland.
BHP Billiton has announced a record 22 per cent jump in iron ore production for the December quarter, fuelled by its Pilbara expansions.
South Australia’s Attorney General John Rau is appealing a decision by the state’s Supreme Court to block development of an exploration lease held by Argonaut Resources.
Property prices in Western Australia’s mining regions are tipped to keep rising with the resources boom fuelling demand for regional housing, analysts say.
The Federal Government says it will go to the World Trade Organisation if it confirms reports miners are overlooking local manufacturers to supply their projects.
Rio Tinto has announced high levels for iron ore production and shipments for 2011, according to CEO Tom Albanese.
Two members of the Greens are hitting the Hunter Valley on a ‘coal fact finding tour’.
The EPA has recorded an emissions breach at one of Orica’s plants.
Zublin South East Asia and Australia has won two tunnelling contracts in Abu Dhabi worth $450 million.
New research finding an increase in reports of caffeine poisoning has reinforced the need to ensure mine workers are aware of the risk of using artificial methods to fight fatigue.
Junior explorer Argonaut Resources has criticised South Australia’s mining and native title regulation, accusing it of wasting the miner’s time and money.
Engineering firm RCR Tomlinson has won the power generation works contract for BHP Billiton’s Yarnima power station in Newman, Western Australia.
China has launched a rival online iron ore trading platform it hopes will allow it to weaken the monopoly of Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
Atlas Iron chief executive David Flanagan says the Pilbara iron ore miner might need an extra 1,000 workers within three years to feed its expansion projects.
Fortescue Metals has announced a massive 72% resource increase at its North Star magnetite deposit as it considers joint ventures on the project.
The number of mining complaints received by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure dropped by nearly 60% in December, compared to the previous month.
Orica has unveiled plans to build a new ammonium facility at Denman, in the Hunter Valley.
Newcrest Mining will now work directly with Fiji military dictator Frank Bainimarama after he seized responsibility for the Namosi copper and gold project.
A new survey of tourist accommodation shows rooms in some mining communities are close to full while regional tourist towns are suffering.
The Mining Industry Skills Centre has launched a new course designed to provide mining job seekers a better understanding of life in the industry.
Ausenco has signed a contract to manage the expansion of Barrick Gold’s Lumwana copper project.
The ongoing battle between the CFMEU and the BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) has taken a step forward after talks last week.
The Somerset Council has passed a moratorium on all exploration, mining, and coal seam gas activities in the Queensland region.
Police have arrested nine anti-coal seam gas protestors obstructing Arrow Energy exploratory drilling on a Queensland property this morning.
The Australian Mining weekly wrap is back – keeping you up to date with the happenings in the industry.
Bitter union negotiations are stalling big resources projects and threatening investor confidence, according to the Australian Mines and Metals Association.
Coal miners at Griffin coal are threatening industrial action over moves to introduce hot seating by extending workers hours.
Both the ASX and Australian Securities and Investments Commission are investigating junior explorer Paynes Find gold and its colourful chief executive Peter Salter.
The body-building supplement Jack3d, which contains a synthetic stimulant, has been banned at a Bowen Basin mine following reports workers were using it to stay awake.
Amidst forecasts of a massive miner shortfall in the state, Gindalbie has launched a recruitment campaign for its Karara iron ore mine.
Global aluminum supplier Norsk Hydro yesterday announced plans to cut the capacity of its Australian New South Wales-based Kurri Kurri smelter by 33 percent citing low metal prices as the ...
A miner has been injured in a rock fall at the Eloise underground copper mine.
Rio Tinto, which manages the massive Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia, is sponsoring two of the nation’s athletes for the Olympics.
The Chinese mining company wishing to explore parts of Perth’s suburbs for gold and other minerals has withdrawn its application.
Tensions between Pilbara iron ore rivals BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals have tightened following FMG’s submission to the Port Hedland council over its competitor’s proposed fly-in-fly-out camp.
A Queensland mayor’s call to ban mining in the Somerset region has been slammed by the Queensland Resources Council.
Site Group International has signed a training agreement with Monark Group which will see it expand heavy diesel training in the Philippines.
Diamond mining and motor vehicle manufacturing will be the fastest growing industries in Australia in 2012, according to a report by market researcher IBISWorld.
New analysis of upcoming resource and infrastructure projects in Western Australia indicates a desperate need for workers to fill job vacancies.
Industrea has signed a renewal contract with Xstrata for equipment hire its Black Star open cut mine.
The push for mining companies to pay more for regional health services is growing.
The EPA has ordered a report on the latest flare ups at the Kooragang Island explosives plant.
The impossibility of finding straight answers on coal seam gas is hurting the industry, Andrew Duffy writes.
The Obama administration has banned new hard rock mining on over a million acres of uranium rich land near the Grand Canyon.
The WA Corruption and Crime Commission is investigating allegations of misconduct over BHP Billiton’s plans to add 6,000 extra fly-in-fly-out workers to Port Hedland.
Derelict mines may represent the “largest contamination liability” facing the NSW Government, according to a report by the Audit Office of NSW.
The chances of a Chinese mining company exploring for gold and other minerals in Perth’s eastern suburbs are slim, according to WA mines minister Norman Moore.
LogiCamms has been awarded two design contracts for the upgrade of electrical infrastructure at Rio Tinto’s iron ore ports.
An indigenous career day held by the David Wirrapanda Foundation and the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum has highlighted jobs in the mining sector.
Flames have again shot from the stacks of the Kooragang Island plant.
Three miners have been injured at the Agnew underground gold mine.
According to Environmental Protection Authority pollution data 76 per cent of NSW air quality complaints came from the Hunter Valley last year.
Demand for iron ore is set to soften this year on the back of slower steelmaking growth in China, according to London-based price watcher the Steel Index.
A Queensland mayor is calling for a moratorium into the mining industry in the Brisbane valley only weeks after the Scenic Rim called on the government to cancel mining permits ...
According to officials at Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal entry level mining jobs are now regularly attracting over 400 applicants.
Gindalbie Metals has awarded its Karara iron ore tailings management contract to Bis Industries.
Atlantic has achieved first ferrovanadium production from its Windimurra vanadium plant near Mt Magnet, in Western Australia.
Wild weather has seen a cargo ship carrying phosphate break against the coast of Christmas Island.
A prostitute from Queensland’s mining regions has hit back at angry locals, claiming discrimination against her work was “disgusting” and putting sex workers in danger.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union says the fifty coalminers sacked following the rejection of Ahston Coal’s Hunter Valley expansion will likely find other mining work immediately.
An arson attack late last month destroyed around $3 million worth of equipment.
Qantas is planning to add another 14 aircraft to its fleet over the next 12 months to cater to a growing demand for travel from fly-in-fly-out mine workers.
NT WorkSafe has ordered OZ Minerals to remove copper concentrate from the Edith River following a train derailment late last month.
BHP Billiton’s plans to add an extra 6,000 fly-in-fly-out workers to Port Hedland have some locals concerned the town will be “drowned” with transient workers.
QR National signed a ten year contract with Rio Tinto to haul coal soon after the opening of its billion dollar expansion project.
A heavy storm in Newcastle has seen lightning strikes ignite gas discharges above the Kooragang Island chemical plant.
While miners are earning record wages, many are blowing their money and wasting the opportunity. Australian Mining spoke to one worker and compiled a list of some of the worst ...
The mining industry is set to fund the development of an air-quality monitoring network for Newcastle.
CopperCo has pled guilty to causing environmental harm following the uncontrolled release of contaminated water from the Lady Annie Mine in 2009.
As we wrap up this year, we look back at your favourite articles on Australian Mining, and what had you reading this year.
Former central Queensland politician Jim Pearce has suggested a tax for fly in fly out workers for mining companies.
Orica’s Kooragang Island plant may remain closed indefinitely after a false start last night.
Exploration for coal and iron ore has hit record highs, according to new figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
UK Coal, the United Kingdom’s largest mining firm, has been fined £1.2 million following the deaths of four miners at its England collieries in 2006 and 2007.
An advertisement by Santos depicting a farmer in idyllic countryside advocating the coal seam gas industry was one of the most complained about ads of 2011.
The Kurri Kurri smelter may cut production as workers refuse to delay a pay rise for a year.
BHP Billiton’s old iron ore strategy and development vice-president Chris Campbell has been hired to take over the miner’s government, media, and corporate relations.
Mining contractor Redpath has launched a dedicated Australian coal mining division.
Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has been awarded the electrical instrumentation works at the Lake Vermont coal expansion project in Dysart, Queensland.
The NSW EPA has lifted the prevention notice on Orica’s ammonia plant at Kooragang Island.
The Queensland Supreme Court has quashed the right of BMA and the CFMEU to organise elections for health and safety representatives at coalmines.
Mining engineering students are now as much in demand as medicine graduates according to Graduates Careers Australia’s annual employment data.
Easing commodity prices have downgraded Australia’s mining takings but the figures are still on track to break records.
Port Pirie has recorded its lowest ever blood lead level in local children.
A mother from Pilbara mining town Newman has created a range of bumper stickers hitting back at fly-in-fly-out workers who ridicule the town.
An independent arbitrator has upheld Rio Tinto’s claims against Ivanhoe Mine’s shareholder rights plan.
The Austar Coal mine has been fined for pollution leaking from its site into a nearby creek in July last year.
Tenova has acquired Bateman Engineering as part its strategy to grow its mining division.
Engineering firm TWSP has won a contract to develop the vertical shaft at Newmont’s Tanami gold mine.
Two heavy haulage transporters carrying $16 million of mining gear are stranded after they were found to be too massive to travel down Cunninghams Gap in Queensland.
Whitehaven Coal has acquired Nathan Tinkler’s Aston Resources in a “friendly” deal for $2.25 billion to form Australia’s largest coal company.
The Mount Isa City Council’s recommendations may nix the construction of the Legend International’s proposed phosphate plant.
The Queensland Government says it wants back 100 Moranbah homes, leased to BMA outside the boom period, now the housing market is so tight.
Miners smuggling reptiles from the Pilbara for lucrative sale on the black market have become a focus for WA’s Department of Environment and Conservation.
Orica has resumed production of ammonium nitrate at its Kooragang Island facility.
Savcor Group has been awarded the Dampier Ship Loading Jetty Refurbishment project by Rio Tinto’s Dampier Salt.
Lynas Corporation’s rare earth plans in Malaysia have been ridiculed in a spate of satirical short films by local directors.
Australia’s mining and energy ministers have agreed to draw up a framework to govern the coal seam gas industry under a single set of national regulations.
Incitec Pivot has sought to reassure locals around its Newcastle ammonium nitrate plant as it seeks to expand into explosives manufacturing in the wake of the Kooragang Island leaks.
Advisory firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers says while the mining industry is hurting tourism, the sector needs to capitalise on the boom if it wants to survive.
The Queensland Resources Council says the decision to declare the Georgina and Diamantina Wild Rivers areas less than a fortnight after closing public submissions has shown the consultation process to ...
Former media watch host Stuart Littlemore QC says the ABC’s new website investigating coal seam gas is factually wrong, biased, and in breach of the broadcaster’s code of conduct.
Stephen Galilee has been appointed as the new head of the New South Wales Minerals Council.
Outotec has acquired the furnace refractory demolition company Kiln Services Australia.
Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton has been fined $2000 for attempting to block the construction of a gas pipeline on Queensland’s Western Downs in March.
Breakthroughs in mining have been recognised at two different science and innovation awards, with an ore sorting sensor and minerals processing technology among the winners.
A miner has reportedly been killed in a light plane crash in central Queensland.
Orica will continue the start up of its nitric acid and ammonium nitrate plants on Kooragang Island following a review of its operation procedures.
The Greenland Government is touting its lack of a mining tax to attract the interest of Australian miners looking to develop the country’s rich reserves of minerals.
The Queensland Resources Council has endorsed a proposal for $750 million in funding for communities affected by the mining boom.
The New South Wales mining industry is focused on change and innovation to minimise the impacts of its growth upon the environment and the community, the NSW Minerals Council has ...
Workers at Xstrata’s Ulan Coal project north of Sydney went on strike for 24 hours on the weekend after learning several electrical staff had been dismissed.
BHP Billiton boss Marius Kloppers says the Gillard Government’s Fair Work act has made it too easy for workers to strike and too difficult for miners to negotiate with unions.
Pike River Coal’s board says it would have acted if it knew of the rampant safety problems that affected the mine before it exploded, a Royal Inquiry has heard.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh has announced plans to open a coal seam gas and gas transmissions pipeline training centre to combat skills shortages in the CSG industry.
China Steel says the word’s largest iron ore miner, Brazil’s Vale, has slashed iron ore prices for the fourth quarter by 20 to 25 per cent.
John Holland has been fined after pleading guilty to a series of environmental breaches at the Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point coal terminal extensions.
Resource Mining Corporation has been awarded a quarter of a million dollar grant from the Federal Government for an organic acid nickel recovery process study.
Orica have confirmed a small level of ammonium nitrate overflowed from its tank bund this afternoon.
Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton will face court today on charges of obstructing a coal seam gas company.
Perth porn king Malcolm Day and skimpies boss Steve Zielinski are among a group of major shareholders backing an executive shakeup at junior explorer Paynes Find Gold.
Apprentices may be set to get a pay rise as part of Government reforms to harmonise apprenticeships and increase completion rates.
Doctors have warned miners to be cautious of using a body-building supplement containing a synthetic stimulant used to stay awake.
Despite ongoing market uncertainty in Europe, the Australian metals market looks unlikely to falter too heavily, Andrew Duffy, Cole Latimer and IBISWorld report.
Anglo American’s Board has approved its five million tonne per annum coking coal mine in Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
Queensland premier Anna Bligh has announced plans a for a gas research laboratory in Brisbane, funded by Schlumberger.
The NSW EPA has lifted the prevention notice on the ammonia storage system for Orica’s Kooragang Island plant.
Queensland housing minister Karen Struthers today announced a taskforce to try and keep skyrocketing rents in mining towns under control.
NuCoal Resources has agreed not to explore on a blind farmer’s land following a request from the NSW Government to suspend operations.
The ongoing industrial action by miners on Christmas Island has been terminated by Fair Work Australia.
Billionaire entrepreneur Kerry Stokes has snapped up the last 22 per cent of equipment renter National Hire, and opened the door to a possible refloating of Coates Hire.
Initial underground ore production has started at Xstrata Copper’s Ernest Henry mine in north west Queensland.
Fair Work Australia has upheld the right of mining contractor HWE to take urine samples of workers, despite protests from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union.
AJ Lucas Group’s drilling division has won an Xstrata Coal gas drainage contract.
BASF has signed a long term agreement with the CSIRO for space at the Australian Minerals Research Centre to build a global mining R&D technology centre.
Rio Tinto CEO Tom Albanese has backed up Colin Barnett’s claims that industrial action in mining is often based on ‘trivial issues’, adding that Australian miners are paid double ...
The NSW Government’s decision to extend for the second time a coal seam gas moratorium has drawn mixed reactions from the industry and community.
While industry has welcomed the ALP’s Sunday decision to permit uranium sales to India, WA Labor leader Eric Ripper has vowed to block the move if he seizes power.
Rio Tinto has shipped its 100 millionth tonne of iron ore from the Pilbara to Baosteel under its Bao-HI joint venture.
Port Hedland could soon see some accommodation relief, with the local council approving a $150 million 650-room hotel and apartment project.
The former head of Pike River Coal has declined to give evidence to the ongoing Royal Commission.
West Australian Labor leader Eric Ripper tore into the mining tax over the weekend at the ALP conference, telling delegates moves to widen the legislation would “poison WA Labor for ...
Suncorp Insurance has created new initiatives designed specifically for mining.
Origin Energy managing director Grant King has accused coal seam gas protestors of being ill-informed and unscrupulous in their attacks on the industry.
The approval of a ‘super expansion’ for the Abbot Point coal terminal has been simultaneously welcomed by the mining industry and condemned by the Greens.
The number of industrial disputes in Australia is on the rise, according to the latest statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistic.
New Zealand miner Solid Energy has announced plans to hold urgent public meetings after claims the mine was switching off gas sensors in order to maintain production.