News

BHP inks massive native title deal (0) August 20, 2012 BHP Billiton has signed a native title deal in the Pilbara that will deliver millions to traditional owners and clear the way for future expansions.
FIFO hardships have miners turning to less experienced workers (0) August 20, 2012 An increasing amount of fly-in fly-out workers are having trouble coping with the lifestyle pressure of mining, and companies are now turning to less experienced staff to fill the gap.
Councils demand greater role in mine approvals (0) August 20, 2012 Queensland gasfield commissioner John Cotter has called on the government to give councils a greater role in mining project approvals.
QLD gov to unleash ‘horror’ budget on miners (0) August 20, 2012 The Queensland Government has told miners to prepare for its “horror” budget that will be launched in September.
FMG to use satellites to track Pilbara rail (18) August 17, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group will soon use a satellite tracking system to help monitor train movements in the Pilbara.
BHP not ruling out further job cuts (0) August 17, 2012 BHP says it will not provide specific information about future changes to its business, but it hasn’t ruled out making further job cuts.
South African police shoot and kill protesting miners [video] (0) August 17, 2012 Footage has appeared online showing South African police shooting and killing protesting platinum miners in South Africa.
CITIC blames skills shortage and inexperience for delays (0) August 17, 2012 CITIC Pacific mining has blamed weather delays, an “acute shortage” of electricians, and the inexperience of its lead contractor for delays on the Pilbara Sino Iron project.
Blair Athol rehab will take six years following closure (0) August 17, 2012 Rio Tinto will need at least six years to fully clean up and rehabilitate its massive Blair Athol open cut coal mine following its closure.
Sixty dead in African mine collapse (0) August 17, 2012 At least sixty illegal miners have died in the Congo after a landslide caused a shaft collapse, burying them all.
Miners to spend big on IT (0) August 16, 2012 Research house IDC says the mining industry’s investment in information technology is set to rise as companies look for new ways to manage rising costs.
Mining still a strong job creator: Shorten (0) August 16, 2012 Mining is a significant new job creator and will continue to be over the next five years, says employment minister Bill Shorten.
Striking FIFO workers will be refused accommodation (0) August 16, 2012 Fly-in fly-out workers that go on strike will lose their mine accommodation for that period, the Federal Court has ruled.
Iron ore miners may lose Port Hedland allocations (0) August 16, 2012 Iron ore miners that do not use their full shipping allocations at Port Hedland may lose their allocation rights.
BMA, Rio Tinto, Xstrata cut coal jobs (7) August 16, 2012 Rio Tinto, BMA, and Xstrata have announced job cuts to the contractor workforce on their Queensland coal mines.
Esperance lead cleanup complete (2) August 16, 2012 Esperance has finally finished its massive lead clean up and recovery project after the disastrous lead contamination of 2007.
WA mine rehabilitation bond system overhauled (0) August 16, 2012 Western Australia’s Government has announced it will create a new fund to replace the current environmental bond system for mine rehabilitation.
More uncertainty on BHP expansions (0) August 15, 2012 Deutsche Bank has joined a chorus of analysts calling on BHP Billiton to push back plans for its massive outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
Mining heavy haulage out of Mackay [images and video] (0) August 15, 2012 Following yesterday’s heavy haulage images, the folks at Joy Global have sent us photos and video of one of their LeTourneau wheel loaders being transported from Mackay to a nearby ...
No experience? No mining job (0) August 15, 2012 Very few mining companies are looking to hire unskilled workers, says recruitment firm Hays.
Greens “comfortable” accepting CSG developer donations (0) August 15, 2012 The ACT Greens say they are comfortable accepting donations from coal seam gas developers AGL and Origin Energy, despite their stringent opposition to the industry.
Paladin signs $200m offtake contract (0) August 15, 2012 Paladin Energy has signed a massive US$200 million long term offtake contract for its uranium.
Indian iron ore exports slump (0) August 15, 2012 Indian iron ore exporters see close to a quarter drop in production rates as Chinese steel companies worry over reduce stockpile levels.
Katter pushes to cut ‘green tape’ (0) August 15, 2012 Bob Katter’s son, the member for Mount Isa Rob Katter, is pushing through legislation to unlock the land to miners.
Gindalbie sees first iron ore from Karara (0) August 15, 2012 Gindalbie Metals has shipped its first train load of iron ore from its Karara mine.
Aussie miners will “hurt considerably” as China slows (0) August 14, 2012 News that China’s exports and imports slowed for the second consecutive month in July is “definitely not good news” for Australian mining companies, says a UK analyst.
PNG approves world’s first deep sea mining project (0) August 14, 2012 The Papua New Guinea Government has given the go-ahead for Nautilus Minerals to start the world’s first deep sea mining project.
Five mining heavy haulage pictures (5) August 14, 2012 We’ve put together some impressive pictures of companies moving massive mining equipment down the road.
Mine jobs at risk at Huntly East mine (0) August 14, 2012 More than 200 jobs could go at Solid Energy’s Huntly East coal mine if it is unable to secure its supply contract.
Investigation launched into coal mine accident (0) August 13, 2012 An investigation is underway into an accident at Ashton Coal’s mine that saw a contractor critically injured.
The World’s ten largest gold mines (0) August 13, 2012 Australian Mining gives you a list of the world’s ten largest gold mines according to 2011 production figures.
Carr commits funds for African mining (0) August 13, 2012 Foreign Minister Bob Carr has committed $4.9 million in funding for the World Bank’s Extractive Industries Technical Advisory Facility to help encourage mining in Africa.
Child dies in NZ mine incident (0) August 13, 2012 A ten year old boy has died and his eight year old sister hospitalised after a tragic incident on a private gold mine in New Zealand.
BHP may cut QLD coal jobs (0) August 13, 2012 BHP Billiton is looking at cutting coal jobs in Brisbane, according to unsourced rumours.
Aboriginal artefacts uncovered at Rio Tinto coal mine (0) August 13, 2012 Archeologists have uncovered some of the oldest Aboriginal artefacts at Rio Tinto’s Mt Thorley Warkworth coal mine in the Hunter Valley.
Xstrata sees coal recovery (0) August 13, 2012 Xstrata believes that thermal coal has stopped falling, and will soon stage a recovery.
Mining’s green initiatives should “focus on the money” (0) August 10, 2012 The resources industry should focus on the benefit of energy efficiency rather than the impact of global warming if it’s to succeed in driving sustainable initiatives, says sustainability strategist Martin ...
Iron ore prices now “less of a boys club” (0) August 10, 2012 Recent falls in iron ore prices are unlikely to worry Pilbara miners and changes in the market have made resources prices “less of a boys club,” according to a Sydney ...
NSW to help fill 8,500 Pilbara mining jobs (0) August 10, 2012 The Illawarra region of NSW is set to host a jobs forum to help find 8,500 workers for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara.
Miners help to police town (0) August 10, 2012 An Illawarra miner is helping police keep the peace in Helensburgh.
Analysts recommend investors dump Lynas (0) August 10, 2012 Foster Stockbroking has recommended investors sell shares in Lynas because the company’s rare earths processing plant in Malaysia is likely to face further delays.
3 massive hydraulic shovels [pictures] (0) August 10, 2012 While haul trucks are impressive machines, the hydraulic shovels that load them are just as massive.
BMA and mining unions making progress (0) August 10, 2012 BMA and the Single Bargaining Unit have been making progress in their latest round of negotiations.
Delta begins two new coal longwall systems in Queensland (0) August 10, 2012 Delta SBD has begun longwall surface builds at BMA’s Broadmeadow mine and Rio Tinto’s Kestral mine expansion.
Rio confident despite earnings slump (0) August 9, 2012 Rio Tinto has posted a 34 per cent slide in underlying earnings but says record performance on its Pilbara iron ore operations is helping it stay strong.
Sex workers divide mining motels (0) August 9, 2012 Some Mackay business owners are pushing back against a new ruling allowing sex workers to work from motel rooms in Queensland’s mining regions.
MMG gets greenlight for Dugald zinc (0) August 9, 2012 MMG has been given approval to begin mining one of the world’s largest zinc deposits.
FMG says skills shortage is easing (0) August 9, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group says pressure from the skills shortage is starting to ease as it focuses on completing construction of the Solomon Hub in the Pilbara.
Overseas workers not stealing mining jobs (0) August 9, 2012 Skilled migrants aren’t stealing mining jobs from Australians, and the resources industry couldn’t function without them, according to new research.
WA appoints new mines safety director (33) August 9, 2012 Simon Ridge has been appointed as the new head of WA resources safety.
Rio Tinto’s Blair Athol coal mine to close (0) August 9, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced it will officially close its Blair Athol coal mine at the end of the year.
Rio warns NSW gov over planning reforms (0) August 8, 2012 Rio Tinto has warned the NSW Government not to botch planning reform proposals as the miner looks towards further expansion of its Northparkes mine.
Mining tax no real deterrent, Barrick says (0) August 8, 2012 Despite many fears within the industry that the mining tax would discourage foreign investment and mining, Canadian Barrick Gold Corporation says that Australia is still a good place to do ...
FIFO sex workers win motel battle (0) August 8, 2012 A fly in fly out sex worker has won her appeal against motels refusing rooms to sex workers in Queensland mining regions.
UGL wins BHP Pilbara contracts (0) August 8, 2012 UGL has won a $99.45 million contract for work at BHP Billiton’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
Xstrata gives green light to McArthur River mine expansion (0) August 7, 2012 Xstrata has approved a US$ 360 million expansion for its McArthur River zinc mine in the Northern Territory.
Global mining boom will run at least one more decade, Coxe (0) August 7, 2012 Despite dire predictions, some in the investment and analysis industry still see life in the mining boom.
Commodities future still bright despite market, ex IMF boss says (0) August 7, 2012 The former chief of the International Money Fund says despite spiraling commodity prices, mining is still positive.
If you want foreign workers, use Aussie steel, MP says (0) August 7, 2012 Illawarra MP Stephen Throsby has said miners should use more Australian made steel and equipment if they want to bring in foreign workers.
Fatigued miners increase road accidents (0) August 7, 2012 Tired and fatigued miners driving home are causing increased numbers of accidents in Central Queensland.
Rail line to increase access to super pit (0) August 7, 2012 Engenium have begun work on a railway line to increase tourist access to the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Future of world resources focus at IGC (0) August 6, 2012 China will be providing its perspective on global resources supply and demand for the future at the 34th International Geological Congress today.
Collie closer to mine rehab (0) August 6, 2012 The WA Department of Mines and Petroleum moved a step ahead in its rehabilitation plans for the former Black Diamond coal mine near Collie.
Gold miners should approach gold costs differently, Holland says (0) August 6, 2012 Geoff Candy dissects Gold Fields CEO Nick Holland’s speech to the Melbourne Mining Club.
Rioting African miners kill Chinese managers (0) August 6, 2012 Rioting miners in Zambian havRioting miners in Zambian have killed a Chinese mine manager at Chinese owned coal mine in a dispute over wages.
Chinese crackdown on illegal rare earth mining (0) August 6, 2012 Chinese officials have cracked down on illegal rare earth mining, arresting 50 and recovering 1000 tonnes of rare earths.
Stimulant kills WA miner (0) August 6, 2012 A synthetic sports stimulant previously used by miners to stay awake has been banned after a WA coroner ruled it caused the death of a fly-in fly-out worker last year.
Aborigines support NT seabed mining; want ban scrapped (0) August 6, 2012 An Indigenous group from Arnhem Land has approached Northern Manganese to explore the seabed for minerals and metals.
Consultants called in for Abbot Point expansion (0) August 3, 2012 The Queensland Government has called in consultants to work with mining companies to create a plan after the downsizing of the port’s expansion.
Mining tax challenge adjourned (0) August 3, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group’s High Court challenge against the mining tax has been adjourned to allow the company to amend its statement of claim.
BHP reviews Australian nickel (0) August 3, 2012 BHP has completed a full year assessment of its Australian nickel assets.
3 huge mining trucks [pictures] (820) August 3, 2012 For this week’s Friday fun we’ve put together pictures of some of the largest mining trucks in the industry.
Coal isn’t dead yet (0) August 3, 2012 Despite continued weakness over the past 12 months the coal industry is on the cusp of strong growth, according to analysts at Foster Stockbroking.
Engineering jobs no longer safe (0) August 3, 2012 Uncertainty in the mining industry has been linked to 50 job cuts at the mining-geared engineering company Calibre Group.
Push for mining skills centre in Tasmania (0) August 3, 2012 Tasmania may soon be a national mining centre as plans are put forth to make it a resources training hub.
Allied Gold ups counterclaim against GR Engineering (0) August 3, 2012 Gold miner Allied Gold has increased its counterclaim against GR Engineering, after the contractor lodged a claim for damages last year.
New safety inspectors hit WA mines (0) August 3, 2012 Four new mines inspectors have been appointed in Western Australia.
Palmer’s plan to clone dinosaurs (0) August 2, 2012 A source close to Clive Palmer says rumours the mining magnate is looking to clone dinosaurs are false.
Build seafood farms on mines (0) August 2, 2012 Prawn and barramundi farmers have suggested developing seafood farms on site at some mines to help feed hungry miners.
Tamec wins grant to develop roller technology (0) August 2, 2012 Tamec has won a massive grant from Commercialisation Australia to develop roller technology designed to cut downtimes.
Prepare for delays, BHP tells workers (0) August 2, 2012 BHP Billiton head of iron ore Jimmy Wilson has told staff to prepare for possible “extended project development timelines” amid rumours of job cuts at the company.
Rio brings forward mine closure, more jobs up in the air (0) August 2, 2012 Rio Tinto has brought forward the closure of its Blair Athol mine by nearly a year as more contractors at its Clermont mine face uncertainty.
New NSW gold mine to create 350 jobs (0) August 2, 2012 Alkane Resources says it’s received State Government approval for its Tomingley gold project, which will create up to 350 new jobs.
Liebherr plans massive site expansion in SA (0) August 2, 2012 Liebherr Australia has applied to massively expand its facilities at Para Hills, in South Australia.
Shell builds new fuel storage tanks for Bowen Basin (0) August 2, 2012 Shell Australia has opened two new diesel tanks in Mackay to provide fuel to the Bowen Basin’s mining industry.
Job cut rumours hit BHP (0) August 1, 2012 Speculation is mounting that BHP Billiton is eyeing job cuts in the Pilbara and is looking to curtail the Port Hedland outer harbour development.
CFMEU and BHP start Pilbara pay talks (0) August 1, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has begun pay negotiations with BHP Billiton on behalf of around 350 train drivers in the Pilbara.
Swan uses Bruce Springsteen to attack mining magnates (0) August 1, 2012 Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan has invoked the wisdom of Bruce Springsteen to launch another attack on Australia’s mining magnates.
Rio Tinto closes office, slashes jobs (0) August 1, 2012 Rio Tinto has closed its Sydney office and cut jobs in Melbourne as it carries out its plans to cut costs.
WA coal mining ban sees calls for similar moves in NSW (0) August 1, 2012 Western Australia’s ban on new coal mining activities in the Margaret River wine region has interest from Hunter Valley groups.
Power outages trap more than 700 miners underground in India (0) August 1, 2012 A massive power outage on Tuesday across India’s north and east trapped more than 700 miners in underground coal mines.
New wave of pessimism hits miners (0) July 31, 2012 Confidence in the mining industry has dropped sharply since last year and only 25 per cent of companies are planning large investments in 2012, a study has found.
Rinehart may join Tinkler in Singapore (0) July 31, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has paid $57.2 million for two luxurious apartments in Singapore, a haven for wealthy investors, including Nathan Tinkler.
Ivanhoe Australia slashes exploration as Rio takes larger stake (0) July 31, 2012 Rio Tinto has now acquired 51% of Ivanhoe Mines, as Ivanhoe’s Australian subsidiary announces a massive cut in exploration.
Transfield Services win two Pilbara contracts (0) July 31, 2012 Transfield Services have won two engineering design and construction contracts in the Pilbara with Rio Tinto and Fortescue metals.
Port Hedland gets new common use infrastructure (0) July 31, 2012 Lumsden Point at Port Hedland has been announced as the new location for the Pilbara Maritime Common Use Facility.
Newmont earnings crash (0) July 30, 2012 Newmont Mining last week narrowed its gold guidance from 5 million to 5.2 million ounces to a range of 5 million to 5.1 million ounces this year, due to lower ...
Olympic Dam may be put on hold (0) July 30, 2012 BHP Billiton is likely to delay final approval of the Olympic Dam mine until 2014 and has enacted a recruitment freeze on the expansion project.
Reports of mining’s death are ‘greatly exaggerated’ (0) July 30, 2012 Despite rumblings the mining boom is close to finishing, HSBC Australia chief economist Paul Bloxham says projects already under construction will continue to spur the industry.
FIFO lifestyle points to poor health (0) July 30, 2012 Fly-in fly-out workers have high levels of lifestyle-related health risks such as drinking, smoking and being overweight, a study by the WA Department of Health has found.
Ensham to slash coal mine jobs (0) July 30, 2012 Around 100 workers have reportedly lost their job at the Ensham coal mine as the miner cuts stuff due to spiraling thermal coal prices.
Magellan mine to restart lead shipments (0) July 30, 2012 Magellan Mines has been given the greenlight to recommence lead shipments from its Wiluna mine.
Mining jobs to be cut at Ranger uranium mine (0) July 30, 2012 Energy Resources Australia’s Ranger uranium mine will cut jobs as mining slows and it begins underground exploration.
Aussie mines face challenges: Peabody (0) July 26, 2012 Peabody Energy says rising costs, the carbon tax, and lower coal prices are hurting its Australian mines.
Coal miner injured (0) July 26, 2012 An underground coal miner has suspected spinal injuries after a rockfall yesterday.
Prisoners score jobs on BHP mine (0) July 26, 2012 A new program in South Australia is helping prisoners find work in the mining industry after they are released from jail.
Prostate cancer is mining’s silent killer (0) July 25, 2012 Medical research fund the Mater Foundation says workers in the male dominated mining industry need to make sure they’re aware of the risks of prostate cancer.
Alliance signs FIFO deal with Newmont (0) July 25, 2012 Alliance Aviation has entered a Letter of Intent to provide Services for Newmont Mining.
Man dies in mining roadtrain accident (0) July 25, 2012 A man has died after his car collided with a roadtrain carrying mineral sands.
Miners move from build to buy (0) July 25, 2012 Rising costs and economic volatility may be forcing mining companies toward acquiring existing projects instead of starting their own, according to Ernst & Young.
Day 2 of QME kicks off (0) July 25, 2012 Day two of QME has begun after a massive first day.
Sandvik launches new equipment at QME (0) July 25, 2012 Sandvik has launched new mining machinery into Australia at QME.
WA bans coal mining in Margaret River region (0) July 25, 2012 West Australian mines minister Norman Moore has declared there will be no coal mining in the State’s Margaret River region.
All our drillers have gone to Africa (0) July 24, 2012 Boutique drill producer XDR says Australia’s drilling industry is in decline and most companies are heading to Africa to start new exploration projects.
Is FIFO bad for your sex life? (0) July 24, 2012 Families and couples in the mining industry are sometimes struggling to develop healthy sex lives, says one of the industry’s leading support groups.
Ausdrill wins African mining contract (0) July 24, 2012 Ausdrill has won a US $540 million contract to provide mining services at Resolute Mining’s Syama gold mine.
Zimbabwe asks Australia for mining aid; despite threatening foreign miners (0) July 24, 2012 Zimbabwe has asked Australia to aid it in exploiting its mineral deposits while at the same time it cracks down on foreign operations in the country.
QRC welcomes DMAA ban (0) July 24, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the interim prohibition of DMAA , a stimulant often used on mine sites.
Mining boom not over yet, minerals group says (0) July 24, 2012 The mining boom will not be over in two years, West Australian Chamber of Minerals and Energy chief Reg Howard-Smith says, despite predictions.
QME starts today (0) July 24, 2012 The Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition has begun today in Mackay.
Blowout means Sino iron ore mine will cost $ 8 billion (0) July 23, 2012 The cost of Citic Pacific’s Sino Iron project in the Pilbara has ballooned to $US8 billion, more than triple the original budget.
Miner cans Pilbara plans (0) July 23, 2012 Junior miner Fox Resources has been forced to shelve a Chinese funding agreement for its Pilbara developments due to low nickel and copper prices.
Mixed messages for Tassie mining (0) July 23, 2012 While Commsec analysts say Tasmania needs more money from the mining boom a wildlife expert says resources development in the Tarkine threatens the survival of the last Tasmanian devils.
More mining job cuts in Bowen Basin, fears unions (0) July 23, 2012 The announcement of Rio Tinto’s job cuts at its Clermont coal mine may be the first in many for operations in the Bowen Basin, mining unions say.
Thiess wins $2.3bn Lake Vermont coal mine contract (0) July 23, 2012 Thiess has won a $2.3 billion contract to extend operations at the Lake Vermont coal mine in Queensland.
Two years left for mining boom: Deloitte (0) July 23, 2012 The mining boom will only last another two years and time is running out to get new mega-projects into production, according to Deloitte Access Economics.
AusGroup win BHP Jimblebar contract (0) July 23, 2012 AusGroup has won the contract for BHP Billiton’s plant at its Jimblebar iron ore mine.
Grange Resources sees another rock slide at Savage River (0) July 23, 2012 Grange Resources’ Savage River mine has seen a rock slide at its Tasmanian Savage River mine that ran for more than two days.
QLD mining tax challenge a waste of money: Union (0) July 20, 2012 Hospitality, manufacturing, tourism and health union United Voice has launched a campaign arguing the Queensland Government is wasting taxpayer money by challenging the mining tax.
Rio cuts jobs at Clermont coal mine (151) July 20, 2012 Rio Tinto is reportedly cutting jobs at its new Clermont coal mine in Central Queensland.
Government provides funding for coal abatement technologies (0) July 20, 2012 The Federal Government has provided more than $70 million in funding to aid the mining industry in reducing ‘fugitive emissions’ from coal mines.
Grange Resources announces new CEO (0) July 20, 2012 Richard Mehan has been appointed as the new head of Grange Resources.
Toro boss says analysts overestimate uranium industry (0) July 19, 2012 Toro Energy managing director Greg Hall, who is leading the development of WA’s first export uranium mine, says analysts have overestimated future uranium production.
Trapped miners were “laughing and joking” (0) July 19, 2012 A miner tapped in Newmont’s Trio underground mine in New Zealand earlier this week said workers were “laughing and joking” while they awaited rescue.
5,000 jobs on offer for Chevron and Bechtel (0) July 19, 2012 Chevron and lead contractor Bechtel say they won’t be looking overseas to fill the 5,000 jobs needed on the Wheatstone gas project in Western Australia.
News outlet apologises to Lynas (0) July 19, 2012 Malaysian news outlet Free Malaysia Today has issued an apology to Lynas Corporation for its coverage of the company’s rare earths processing plant in Kuantan.
Free health checks for miners at QME (0) July 19, 2012 With the constant pace of mining, the last thing many workers think of is their own health, but the Mater Foundation is now helping miners to stop and check their ...
BHP beats expectations (0) July 18, 2012 BHP Billiton has posted a 15 per cent gain in quarterly iron ore production, beating analyst expectations and setting the 12th consecutive record for the diversified miner.
Mixed results for FMG and Rio (0) July 18, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group and Rio Tinto have reported strong production for the past quarter, but have warned of cost blowouts and declining economic conditions.
Adani wants to build a new QLD town (0) July 18, 2012 Adani Mining has told The Financial Review it wants to build a new town in Queensland to house workers for its Carmichael mine, but the company faces opposition from the ...
Ansaldo to help introduce Rio’s driverless trains (0) July 18, 2012 Ansaldo STS has won two contracts worth $353 million that will see it upgrade Rio Tinto’s railways and introduce a system to control the company’s driveless trains.
New Hope to shut New Oakleigh coal mine (0) July 17, 2012 New Hope has announced it will close its New Oakleigh coal mine early next year.
FIFO sex worker to appeal ruling (0) July 17, 2012 A fly-in fly-out sex worker in Queensland’s mining regions is using financial backing from colleagues to appeal a court ruling allowing hotels to refuse rooms to sex workers.
Jets fitted with ‘gravel kits’ for FIFO (0) July 17, 2012 Fly-in fly-out carrier Cobham Aviation says it’s fitting commercial jets with ‘gravel kits’ so larger planes can deliver mining workers to remote air stips.
Protestors break through mine gate (0) July 17, 2012 Uranium activists have smashed the outside gate of BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam mine, with tensions rising following the third day of protests.
Mining towns top richest regions (0) July 17, 2012 Census statistics show mining towns, particularly in the Pilbara, are now the highest earning regions in Australia.
Contamination incident at Rio Tinto smelter (0) July 17, 2012 The Fire Service has been called to an unnamed incident at Rio Tinto’s Tiwai smelter in New Zealand.
Underground fire traps gold miners (4) July 17, 2012 An underground fire has trapped nearly 30 miners at Newmont Waihi Gold’s Trio mine.
Aussie company develops 60t underground articulated mine truck (0) July 16, 2012 Designed and built in Australia, the new Powertrans underground haul truck is thought to be the most powerful in the world.
It’s a tough time to be running a mining company [analysis] (0) July 16, 2012 With commodity prices falling the killer combination of environmentalists, labour activists, and dissident shareholders spell trouble for the mining industry.
Mining boom is over: Ferguson (0) July 16, 2012 Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says the era of high commodity prices is over and to stay strong Australia must be more productive and develop new technology.
Tinkler launches Whitehaven takeover (0) July 16, 2012 Several weeks after analysts tipped it, Nathan Tinkler has launched a takeover for NSW-focused Whitehaven Coal, one of the country’s last independent coal producers.
Tracker to help find missing prospector (0) July 16, 2012 A bush tracker is helping Queensland police find a gold prospector who went missing on Cape York over a week ago.
Katter rubbishes foreign worker claims (0) July 16, 2012 Federal independent MP Bob Katter says the necessity of foreign workers is a lie used by mining companies looking to import cheap labour.
Nepean to open conveyor factory in the Illawarra (0) July 16, 2012 Mining conveyor and materials handling company Nepean Conveyors will open a new factory in the Illawarra region.
NSW launches new planning green paper (0) July 16, 2012 The NSW Government has released a new green paper to reform the state’s current planning system and cut down on over regulation.
Hastings Deering sees record apprentice numbers (58) July 16, 2012 Caterpillar’s dealer for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Hastings Deering, is offering a record number of apprentice positions as the industry booms.
Galaxy to halt operations at Mt Cattlin lithium project (0) July 16, 2012 Galaxy Resources has announced that it will temporarily halt operations at its Mt Cattlin project due to high stockpile levels of spodumene ahead of its plant schedule.
BHP considers aluminium retreat (0) July 13, 2012 A few months after consolidating its aluminium and nickel assets into a single division, BHP Billiton is considering selling its Brazilian aluminium operations.
Pilbara protests to target Rinehart (0) July 13, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project says it is “happy” to spend $26 million on local training, as Pilbara workers prepare to rally against the use of enterprise migration agreements.
Mining is stealing our soldiers (0) July 13, 2012 If the Australian Defence Force wants to retain personnel then returning to the fold after a stint in the mining industry must be made easier, says army boss General David ...
BASF opens new mining R&D centre in Perth (0) July 13, 2012 BASF has opened a new mining research and development centre at the Australian Minerals Research Centre in Perth.
FIFO coordinator to help QLD jobseekers (0) July 13, 2012 Two fly-in fly-out coordinators have been appointed in Queensland to help clear up confusion and connect skilled and unskilled workers with mining jobs in their regions.
Miner turns trucks blue to fight cancer (114) July 13, 2012 Thiess workers at Xstrata’s Mt Owen coal mine have painted their haul trucks blue to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.
Rio Tinto makes board changes (0) July 12, 2012 Rio Tinto has made some major senior management change
Xstrata pushes merger meeting back to September (0) July 12, 2012 Xstrata has adjourned its merger vote with Glencore until 7 September.
Mining and the environment: the future of Australia’s brand (0) July 12, 2012 As the economic importance of mining accelerates beyond the environment, can they co-exist without impacting one another?
Ausdrill seeks to acquire Best Tractor (0) July 12, 2012 Ausdrill has announced a Heads of Agreement with Best Tractor Parts Group for a full takeover of the tractor company.
Are uni degrees overrated? (0) July 12, 2012 With the mining boom in fully swing tradespeople are earning more than university graduates, and some education experts are questioning whether tertiary study is ‘grossly overrated’.
Siemens to supply BMA with locomotives (0) July 12, 2012 BMA has awarded Siemens a contract to supply 13 locomotives.
Space miner Planetary Resources teams up with Virgin (0) July 12, 2012 Hopeful asteroid miner Planetary Resources has announced it is partnering with fellow space focused company Virgin Galactic.
Downer wins massive coal contract (0) July 12, 2012 Downer EDI has won a long term contract with Stanwell Corporation for its Meandu coal mine.
Give locals a ‘fair go’ for mining jobs (0) July 11, 2012 Following a protest last week the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union has demanded locals be given a “fair go” at scoring mining jobs.
Coal still our future, Gillard says (22) July 11, 2012 Prime minister Julia Gillard has said Australia will be dependant on coal and fossil fuels for some time, despite the Government’s renewable energy plans.
UQ and Rio to develop mining skills (0) July 11, 2012 The University of Queensland and Rio Tinto have signed an agreement to create a pipeline of graduates for the mining industry.
Big bucks not the only lure for FIFO workers (0) July 11, 2012 Job satisfaction and work conditions are more of a concern to fly-in fly-out workers than high salaries, according to new research from Edith Cowan University.
Mining jobs the highest paid (0) July 11, 2012 The mining and oil and gas industries have confirmed their spot at the top of Australia’s wage scale, according to the latest Hay Group salary index.
Mitsui buys half of National Plant & Equipment (0) July 11, 2012 Mitsui & Co. has acquired a massive stake in Australian mining equipment rental company National Plant & Equipment for more than $100 million.
Mining posts strong growth but low confidence (0) July 11, 2012 Despite far outpacing the rest of Australia confidence in the mining sector remains low following the introduction of the mining and carbon taxes, according to National Australia Bank economists.
Proposed arctic coal mine draws fire (0) July 11, 2012 A proposed coal mine in the Canadian Arctic, which was rejected in 2010, is back on the table.
Australian Olympics tries to pull Anna Meares mining ad (5) July 11, 2012 The Australian Olympic Committee has asked Australian Mining – This Is Our Story to pull its current ad campaign with cyclist Anna Meares.
Gryphon wows gold sector (0) July 10, 2012 West Africa focused Gryphon Minerals has wowed the gold industry and analysts with better than expected results from its latest drilling campaign.
US workers already filling resources jobs (0) July 10, 2012 Several United States workers have already been placed in Australian resources jobs following the Skills Australia Needs expo in Houston earlier this year.
Illegal sex traffic passing through QLD mine towns (0) July 10, 2012 Young, uneducated, and vulnerable women from Southeast Asia are being trafficked for sex through Mount Isa and other mining regions, say Queensland police.
WA and NSW won’t challenge mining tax (0) July 10, 2012 The NSW and WA Governments have confirmed they will not be joining QLD and Fortescue Metals Group in challenging the mining tax in court.
Live grenade found in mine shaft (0) July 10, 2012 Geologists uncovered a live grenade while exploring old mine shafts in NSW.
Australia and China create low emission coal partnership (0) July 10, 2012 Australia and China have launched the Clean Coal Technology Partnership fund to accelerate the development of low emission coal technologies to reduce power station emissions.
New mine for Beaconsfield (0) July 9, 2012 The Beaconsfield community is set to receive a boost, with Proto Resources confirming work on its Barnes Hill mine will begin by the end of next year.
Anglo American invests $4.7bn in diamonds (0) July 9, 2012 Anglo American is set to buy a $4.7 billion stake in De Beers, which will raise its control of the diamond producer to between 75 and 85 per cent.
Rinehart pours $26m into local training (0) July 9, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has committed $26 million to local training in the face of rising opposition to the company’s workforce plans.
QLD joins FMG in mining tax challenge (0) July 9, 2012 In a move condemned by the Gillard Government, Queensland has announced plans to join Fortescue Metals Group in a High Court challenge against the mining tax.
Xstrata looks to extend Black Star mine life (0) July 9, 2012 Xstrata has announced it is carrying out studies to extend the life of its Black Star zinc mine.
BMA and unions agree to framework agreement (0) July 9, 2012 One of the largest steps forward in negotiations has been made in the BMA unions struggle as the two agree to a framework agreement.
Horse rescued from abandoned mineshaft (0) July 6, 2012 A horse has been rescued from an abandoned mineshaft in north Queensland after spending almost seven hours trapped.
Beaconsfield closure a “major disappointment”: survivor (0) July 6, 2012 Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Brant Webb says the site’s closure will be a “major disappointment” to the local community.
Rinehart’s Roy Hill remains focused on Australian mining jobs (0) July 6, 2012 Despite rallies against her call for foreign miners, Gina Rinehart says her Roy Hill iron ore mine is still focused on giving Australians jobs.
Dump truck gets stuck on route to mine (0) July 6, 2012 One mining dump truck was a little too much for its transport truck, which overheated and left the dump truck stranded on the Toowoomba Range.
New evidence in Pike River coal mine tragedy (0) July 6, 2012 New Zealand’s Pike River royal commission has announced it will look at new evidence from former miners.
Xstrata delays merger despite ACCC go ahead; draws CFMEU ire (0) July 6, 2012 Xstrata has delayed a shareholder vote on a merger with Glencore as investors continue to dictate the offer.
New training to ensure unskilled workers score mining jobs (0) July 5, 2012 Training provider Mines Rescue and mining services provider UGM Australia have launched a new program to train unskilled workers for jobs in the mining industry.