Orica to build ammonium nitrate plant in WA; under fire in QLD (0) March 2, 2012 Orica has sign an agreement with Yara and Apache to build an ammonium nitrate plant on WA’s Burrup peninsula, and has also come under fire for wastewater releases in QLD.
Kalgoorlie Mining Company boss steps down (0) March 2, 2012 Kalgoorlie Mining Company CEO Chris Daws has stepped down only a week after the company’s Bullant gold project was put on care and maintenance.
Mine worker jailed over drug charges (0) March 2, 2012 Police have intercepted $28,000 worth of drugs after monitoring a mine labourer’s phone calls.
Mining truck game (0) March 2, 2012 Rio Tinto has released a mining truck game to highlight its Mine Of The Future.
Mining truck wins WA sculpture prize (0) March 2, 2012 A foam replica of a dump truck has won Western Australia’s Sculpture by the Sea competition.
Truck accident forces BMA mine closure (0) March 2, 2012 Production at BMA’s Blackwater coal mine was suspended yesterday after a dump truck reversed through a safety barrier.
Miner dies at Sunrise Dam gold mine (0) March 2, 2012 A man died at the Sunrise Dam mine yesterday after being found unconscious at the controls of his equipment.
Anglo American worker faces drug charges (0) March 1, 2012 A former Anglo American coal worker has pleaded guilty to drug possession after being found with 109 ecstasy tablets.
WA imposes rare earths royalty (0) March 1, 2012 Western Australia is set to impose a 2.5 per cent royalty on rare earths production as part of an amendment to its mining regulations.
Greenpeace warns of coal expansions (0) March 1, 2012 A new report by Greenpeace has warned that one coal ship an hour will pass through the Great Barrier Reef by 2020.
15 killed and 56 injured at Indonesia mine (0) March 1, 2012 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold says 15 people have been killed and 56 injured in shootings at its open-cut Grasberg mine in Indonesia since July 2009.
Bulldozer collides with coal truck (0) March 1, 2012 A man was trapped this morning after a bulldozer collided with a coal truck near Blackwater.
Space mining on the agenda (0) February 29, 2012 The heads of the world’s five biggest space agencies will be discussing the possibility of mining on the moon at this week’s International Space Station members meeting.
NT workers given priority for gas jobs (0) February 29, 2012 Local workers will be given priority for jobs on the $34 billion Ichthys gas project, according to the Northern Territory Government.
Mother of dead miner joins CFMEU campaign (0) February 29, 2012 The mother of an Australian miner killed in New Zealand’s Pike River disaster has joined a union campaign against BHP Billiton over safety concerns.
Forrest again faces ASIC in court (0) February 29, 2012 Fortescue’s Andrew Forrest is again meeting ASIC in court as the case comes to a head.
Apprenticeship drop-outs blamed on mining (0) February 29, 2012 Apprenticeship cancellations and dropouts have jumped more than 16 per cent, with well-paid mining jobs blamed for luring away trainees.
Central Coast coal mine hits back at council claims (0) February 29, 2012 Wallarah Coal has hit back at Wyong Council’s claims that it has been ‘uncommunicative’ regarding its plans to develop a new coal mine.
Coretrack forced into asset sell off (0) February 29, 2012 Drilling company Coretrack will be holding an auction to sell off Globe Drill assets as the legal battle with Strange Investments continues.
Cleaners blame Xstrata for cramps, nausea, vomiting (0) February 28, 2012 Two cleaners employed by an Xstrata Copper contractor say water supplied on site gave them crippling stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting.
Scammed, robbed, and abused looking for mining jobs (0) February 28, 2012 Two workers lured to Western Australia looking for easy and well-paid mining jobs have been scammed, robbed, abused, and left homeless.
Lynas website hacked as thousands protest (0) February 28, 2012 Lynas Corporation continues to struggle with its rare earths plans after its website was hacked and thousands joined fresh demonstrations in Malaysia on the weekend.
NT ranks up in global mining survey (2) February 28, 2012 The Northern Territory has shot ahead of Western Australia in the Fraser Institute’s most recent global mining survey, as Australia edges out of the top ten.
BHP revises Port Hedland FIFO camp (48) February 28, 2012 BHP Billiton has revised its proposal for fly-in fly-out accommodation in Port Hedland after locals rejected its initial plan earlier this year.
Reed to mine at Meekatharra gold (0) February 28, 2012 Reed Resources has announced it will begin mining at its Meekatharra Gold project, and expects production in the final quarter of the year.
Company pleads guilty after worker’s arm torn off (0) February 28, 2012 An earthmoving company has pled guilty to breaching workplace safety laws after an incident saw a quarry worker’s arm ripped off.
Survey refutes FIFO claims (0) February 27, 2012 A recent survey of 2000 fly in fly out miners has knocked back claims that it causes strains that cause them to leave the industry after a few years.
Strikes end at Port Kembla (0) February 27, 2012 The CFMEU has agreed to end strikes at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal.
Coal world record set in Poland (0) February 27, 2012 A Polish miner has set the world record for daily production from a longwall system using plows, churning out 24 400 tonnes of coal from a single face.
DMP funds new round of WA exploration (0) February 27, 2012 The West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum has released the latest round of funding for drilling exploration in the State.
Coal miner fined for blast (0) February 27, 2012 A Hunter Valley coal miner was fined $3000 last month for exceeding blast noise limits.
Project looks to train unskilled for mining jobs (0) February 24, 2012 The Wallarah 2 project north of Sydney will look to locals to fill 70 per cent of its mining jobs and will train many workers without any experience from scratch.
Mining industry should “lift its game” in training: Collier (0) February 24, 2012 WA Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier says the mining industry needs to “lift its game” in training inexperienced workers for mining jobs.
Barnett not worried by Vale move into WA (0) February 24, 2012 Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett says he is not worried about a possible move by Brazilian iron ore giant Vale into WA.
Miners the “winners” in wage scales: CommSec (0) February 24, 2012 The mining sector continues to be the best paid industry in Australia, with miners earning more than double the pay of other workers, according to a new report by CommSec.
Barminco wins $100 million contract (0) February 23, 2012 Barminco has been awarded the underground development contract for the Dugald River project by MMG.
Lynas responds to legal action (0) February 23, 2012 Lynas Corporation says there is no basis to the legal challenge it’s been served with over its Malaysian rare earths processing plant.
Coal mine reopened (0) February 23, 2012 The New Zealand Department of Labour has allowed the closed Spring Creek coal mine to reopen.
Atlas Iron boss to step down (0) February 23, 2012 In a significant restructuring of Pilbara iron ore miner Atlas Iron, company founder and managing director David Flanagan will step down from his role in August.
Pilbara strikes were illegal: CCI (0) February 23, 2012 The industrial action staged by Pilbara workers at CITIC Pacific’s Sino Iron project this week was illegal, according to The Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Mining suspended at Bullant (0) February 23, 2012 Kalgoorlie Mining has announced it will suspend mining operations at the Bullant gold project.
Network launched to aid women in mining (0) February 22, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has announced a new network designed to help connect women in the mining industry and to attract more to the sector.
Pilbara workers down tools after CFMEU meeting (0) February 22, 2012 Workers on CITIC Pacific Mining’s $5.1 billion Sino Iron project in the Pilbara walked off the job yesterday after meeting with CFMEU heavyweight Joe McDonald.
OneSteel to create 450 mining jobs (0) February 22, 2012 OneSteel says it will be creating an extra 450 mining jobs in Whyalla as it continues to shift its business from manufacturing to mining.
Massive diamond found at Argyle (6) February 22, 2012 The largest ever pink rough diamond has been uncovered at Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamond mine.
Rio Tinto’s economists should check their facts: Union (0) February 21, 2012 The CFMEU has rubbished Rio Tinto’s assurance that automation won’t kill jobs, and labeled a report backing the company’s claims biased, misleading, and wrong.
Port Hedland locals turn down million dollar house offers (0) February 21, 2012 Port Hedland locals are turning down multimillion dollar offers on their homes from BHP Billiton, which is looking to redevelop the town’s harbour entrance.
OneSteel announces $75 loss, pins hopes to mining (0) February 21, 2012 OneSteel today announced another dismal half-yearly result, with a statutory net loss after tax of $75 million for the six months to 31 December 2011. In an effort to diversify ...
Coal mine forced to shut (0) February 21, 2012 Solid Energy has been forced to stop underground mining at Spring Creek coal mine by the New Zealand Department of Labour.
FIFO ruining regional towns: Katter (0) February 21, 2012 Federal MP Bob Katter says fly-in fly-out workers are destroying the social fabric of rural communities and hurting local businesses.
Oz Minerals sells off gold project (0) February 21, 2012 Oz Minerals has made an agreement to sell its Cambodian gold assets to Renaissance Minerals for $17.8 million in cash, shares, and options.
Xstrata donates $1 million for sick children (0) February 21, 2012 Xstrata Copper has donated $1 million for chronically ill children to double the capacity of Townsville’s Ronald McDonald House.
Sandfire leaps forward at DeGrussa (0) February 20, 2012 Sandfire Resources has announced the start of direct shipping ore mining at its open pit DeGrussa copper-gold mine near Meekatharra in Western Australia.
Darwin port set for upgrade to meet mine expansions (0) February 20, 2012 The Northern Territory Government says it’s considering a $35 million upgrade to Darwin Port to keep up with mining expansions in the region.
China raises mining tax (0) February 20, 2012 The Chinese Government has raised its tax on iron, tin, and other resources in an attempt to conserve mineral reserves.
Red Dog wins golden collar (0) February 17, 2012 Red Dog, one of Australia’s most profitable films, has continued its winning streak, with canine star Koko taking out the best dog in a foreign film award at the Golden ...
Australians the highest paid in global oil and gas (0) February 17, 2012 Australians are the second highest paid workers in the global oil and gas industry, according to the Hays Oil and Gas Global Salary Guide 2012.
Foreign workers to fill NT mining jobs (0) February 17, 2012 More foreign workers are heading to the Northern Territory to fill mining jobs after the Government signed a special Regional Migration Agreement to help desperate businesses.
Mining boom boosts entire economy: RBA (0) February 17, 2012 The mining boom benefits the entire Australian economy and is unlikely to derail other industries, according to the Reserve Bank.
Arafura dumps half its board (0) February 17, 2012 Rare earths miner Arafura Resources has dumped half its board and it’s CEO.
Synthetic cannabis products still available (2) February 16, 2012 While synthetic cannabis products popular in the mining industry were banned last year, they continue to be readily available at local stores and online.
Oz Minerals optimistic despite profit slump (0) February 16, 2012 Oz Minerals has reported a 53 per cent drop in net profit to $274.5 million for calendar 2011 but said the drop was exaggerated by a one-off impairment charge.
Rinehart rewards loyal followers (0) February 16, 2012 Billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart has appointed climate-change skeptic Ian Plimer and her favourite daughter Gina to the board of Hope Downs Iron Ore.
FIFO inquiry to visit QLD communities (0) February 16, 2012 The Regional Australia Committee will be holding hearings on the impact of fly-in fly-out workers on regional communities in Queensland next week.
Australia Institute challenges coal seam gas benefits (0) February 15, 2012 Left-leaning think tank The Australia Institute has raised questions over the expected economic benefit provided by the coal seam gas industry.
LNP draws ‘line in the sand’ over foreign workers (0) February 15, 2012 Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman says he will not support any move to increase the use of foreign labour on QLD mines.
NSW to allow uranium mining (0) February 15, 2012 Miners may soon be able to explore for uranium in NSW as the state government overturns the ban.
BHP to develop Pilbara property (0) February 15, 2012 BHP Billiton has been named as the preferred company to develop over 2.5 hectares of land in South Hedland, including a five-storey residential building.
Wallarah Coal battle intensifies (0) February 15, 2012 Wyong Council is the latest local body to attempt to ban mining in the region
Push for foreign workers to fill mining jobs (0) February 14, 2012 Mining companies are looking to replace 457 visas with bulk temporary migration agreements to quickly fill empty mining jobs in Australia.
New apprentices for Mount Isa Xstrata (0) February 14, 2012 Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has announced the arrival of 58 new entrants to its apprenticeship program.
Brisbane to market itself as FIFO centre (0) February 14, 2012 Brisbane will be advertising itself as the centre of Queensland’s booming fly-in-fly-out industry in an effort to use the mining sector to create new jobs.
Rio proposes buffer zone for threatened crab (0) February 14, 2012 Rio Tinto says it has plans to create a buffer zone around its expansion at the Cape York bauxite mine to protect a unique crab species.
Rio approves Escondida funding (0) February 14, 2012 Rio Tinto has approved a US$1.4 billion investment into two projects to support increased production at the Escondida copper mine in Chile.
Fortescue and IOH sign MOU (0) February 14, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group and Iron Ore Holdings have signed an agreement that will see Fortescue expand its Nyidinghu project into Iron Ore’s tenements.
QLD mining industry sees a safer year (0) February 14, 2012 Queensland’s mining industry is one of the safest in the world according to the state’s latest health and safety report.
Boom wins Olympic Dam crane contract (0) February 14, 2012 Boom Logistics has secured a five year contract to supply crane services to BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam maintenance operations.
SA Government pays Marathon Resources $5 million (0) February 13, 2012 Marathon Resources will be paid $5 million following the South Australian Government’s decision to ban mining in the Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary.
Rio Tinto loses High Court battle with unions (0) February 13, 2012 Rio Tinto has lost a High Court battle over bypassing unions in negotiations with workers on its Pilbara iron ore operations.
Weir Group enters bidding war for Ludowici (0) February 13, 2012 Global engineering firm The Weir Group has bettered a takeover offer by rival FLSmidth for Brisbane mining equipment manufacturer Ludowici.
Aussie expansions take front seat (0) February 13, 2012 BHP Billiton says its massive $US12 billion move into Canadian potash may be less significant than its Australian expansions.
Indigenous councils to fight NT seabed mining (0) February 13, 2012 Indigenous groups have gathered together to stop proposed seabed mining exploration off the Northern Territory’s top end.
Injured miner out of hospital (0) February 13, 2012 A miner injured at the Ernest Henry mine last week has been released from hospital.
Explosives truck rolls (0) February 13, 2012 Western Australia’s Great Northern Highway was shut after a truck carrying ammonium nitrate rolled.
Orica reports to EPA over Port Kembla leak (0) February 13, 2012 Orica has recorded an elevated reading of sulphur dioxide from its Spent Acid Regeneration Plant at Port Kembla.
Newcrest delivers strong profits (0) February 10, 2012 Newcrest Mining, the world’s third largest gold miner, has reported a 50 per cent jump in net profit on the back of rising gold prices and higher gold, silver, and ...
BHP considering selling $10 billion of assets (0) February 10, 2012 BHP Billiton may be considering selling close to $10 billion of assets in Australia and around the world, according to a Deutsche Bank report.
Top ten stories of the week (0) February 10, 2012 Australian Mining looks at the stories which had you talking this week.
Queensland FIFO camp rejected (0) February 10, 2012 Queensland Central Highlands deputy mayor Paul Bell has led a movement to reject a 896-unit fly-in-fly-out camp outside Blackwater in the Bowen Basin.
Profit slump for Rio Tinto (0) February 10, 2012 Rio Tinto has recorded a 59 per cent slump in full-year net profit, which it has blamed primarily on the falling value of its aluminum business.
Four Mile native title feud settled (0) February 10, 2012 Alliance Resources has settled the litigation concerning its native title agreement for the Four Mile uranium project.
Port Kembla coal strikes continue (0) February 10, 2012 More industrial action is planned at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal after unions and management failed to come to an agreement.
Workers won’t move to NT for mining jobs: MCA (0) February 9, 2012 The Minerals Council of Australia says the mining industry is struggling to get workers to relocate to the Northern Territory to work on resources projects.
BMA strike talks take nasty turn (0) February 9, 2012 More strikes are expected next week as total overtime bans restart tomorrow across several BMA coal mines.
Australia is the “gold standard”: BHP (0) February 9, 2012 Despite global economic uncertainty BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers says Australia is a “gold standard” country to invest in and has some of the best mining operations in the world.
Emu Nickel to revive antimony mine (0) February 9, 2012 Emu Nickel is looking to revive a NSW antimony mine, which also contains gold, and start production by 2013.
FMG given approval for Cloudbreak expansion (0) February 9, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has been given conditional approval to go ahead with its $247 million expansion of the Cloudbreak mine in the Pilbara.
AWU calls for action on Alcoa review (0) February 9, 2012 The Australian Workers’ Union has called for State and Federal Government action following Alcoa’s announcement that it is “reviewing the future viability” of its Point Henry smelter.
Thiess wins BMA contract (0) February 9, 2012 Thiess has won a $180 million contract with BMA for earthworks at the Caval Ridge mine.
Thiess wins gas contract (0) February 9, 2012 Thiess has won a $325 million contract to build gas processing facilities for the Queensland Curtis Island LNG project.
FMG looks beyond iron ore in South Australia (0) February 8, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group is exploring South Australia for copper, gold, and uranium in an effort to diversify beyond its Pilbara iron ore business.
BHP Billiton posts strong first half profit (0) February 8, 2012 BHP Billiton has posted a first half profit of $9.2 billion, one of the biggest in Australia’s history but short of analyst’s predictions and the record it set last year.
Margaret River coal mine vetoed (0) February 8, 2012 LD Operations proposed coal project in the Margaret River has been rejected by WA environment minister Bill Marmion.
Drill rig battle drags on (0) February 8, 2012 The fight over the GT3000 drill rig has heated up as Strange Investments seeks a court order to take possession of the rig.
Whitehaven Coal restarts mining (0) February 8, 2012 Whitehaven Coal has recommenced operations after heavy rains halted mining in the Gunnedah Basin.
Rio Tinto sees board changes (0) February 8, 2012 Rio Tinto has appointed John Varley as a senior independent director to its board.
Mining jobs boost labour market (1) February 7, 2012 Mining jobs in resources states have helped boost job advertisements on the internet and in newspapers to their highest level in almost two years.
Mystery buyer for FMG (0) February 7, 2012 Shares in Pilbara iron ore miner Fortescue Metals jumped yesterday amid speculation diversified commodity trader Noble Group had bought a stake in the company.
China bans Vale mega-ships (0) February 7, 2012 The Chinese Government has effectively banned Vale’s $8 billion mega-ships from using its ports, citing safety concerns.
Glencore and Xstrata close to inking merger (0) February 7, 2012 The talks between Glencore and Xstrata over their proposed $88 billion merger have escalated, with Glencore expected to pay an eight per cent premium to seal the deal.
South Africa vetos new mining tax, nationalisation (0) February 7, 2012 South Africa’s Government will not bring in new mining taxes, and has vetoed a policy of nationalisation of the mining industry.
Underground fire forces miners into rescue chambers (0) February 6, 2012 About 30 miners were forced into rescue chambers after an underground fire broke out in the Fosterville Gold Mine in central Victoria on the weekend.
Zimbabwe mining fees up 5,000 per cent (0) February 6, 2012 The Zimbabwe Government has raised mining and licence fees by between 500 and 5,000 per cent, according to state-controlled local media the Sunday Mail.
WA to make $1 billion native title deal (0) February 6, 2012 The Western Australian Government says it is hoping to this year settle a long running native title claim over Perth in a $1 billion package involving large transfers of land.
Mine automation won’t kill jobs: report (0) February 6, 2012 New advancements in mining technology, such as autonomous vehicles, look set to spur growth in the mining industry rather than kill jobs, according to a report by BAEconomics.
Downer win Karara iron ore contract (0) February 6, 2012 Gindalbie Metals has awarded Downer EDI Mining the contract to mine its Karara iron ore project.
Orica resumes ammonia plant restart (0) February 6, 2012 Orica has resumed the restart of its Kooragang Island ammonia plant after repairing a faulty compressor.
Barnett tells FMG and Aquila to bury differences (0) February 3, 2012 WA Premier Colin Barnett has told Fortescue Metals Group and Aquila Resources to bury their differences and work together to from a new port in WA.
Glencore and Xstrata looking at $82 billion merger (0) February 3, 2012 Xstrata has confirmed it is in talks with Glencore International to form a monster $US82 billion merger company to rival BHP Billiton.
Outrage over Lynas approval (0) February 3, 2012 One of the most vocal opponents to Lynas Corporation’s plans in Malaysia says it is “outraged and appalled” by the Government’s decision to grant Lynas a temporary operating licence.
Panoramic to acquire Magma (0) February 3, 2012 Panoramic Resources has announced its intention to acquire Magma Metals.
Coretrack to sue Strange over drill rig IP fight (0) February 3, 2012 Coretrack has begun legal action against Strange Investments over the IP of the GT3000 drill rig, and has been forced to downsizing of its Globe Drill subsidiary.
BHP sheds 155 nickel workers (0) February 2, 2012 A falling nickel price and high Australian dollar have prompted BHP Billiton to sack 155 workers from its NickelWest operations.
Booming coal and coal seam gas industry creating thousands of jobs (0) February 2, 2012 Queensland’s expanding coal and coal seam gas industry has created 5000 new jobs in Gladstone and will add another 2,000 this year, according to the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development ...
Norman Moore to retire (0) February 2, 2012 Western Australian mines minister Norman has announced his retirement.
BHP approves Port Hedland harbour funding (0) February 2, 2012 BHP Billiton has approved nearly $1 billion in funding for the construction of its iron ore outer harbour facility in Port Hedland.
Rio buys BHP interest in Richard Bay (0) February 2, 2012 Rio Tinto has acquired BHP Billiton’s stake in Richard Bay Minerals (RBM), doubling its holding.
WA DMP to probe Pilbara mine injury (0) February 1, 2012 The West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum is investigating an incident which left one man injured last month.
QR dismisses Palmer’s claims of conspiracy (0) February 1, 2012 QR National has rejected Clive Palmer’s claims it breached confidentiality agreements with the miner after it was granted significant project status.
Dead bodies put off Pike River buyers (0) January 31, 2012 While a number of miners are interested in acquiring New Zealand’s Pike River Coal mine, the possibility of strict safety measures and recovering dead miners has put off some investors.
SA Government to appeal mining ban (0) January 31, 2012 The South Australian Government has applied to the High Court to appeal a judgment banning Argonaut Resources from operating on land contested to be an Aboriginal heritage site.
Palmer’s China First to sue QR National for billions (0) January 31, 2012 Clive Palmer’s China First has launched an $8 billion lawsuit against QR for alleged breaches of confidentiality and misleading conduct.
Miners in hot water over discharges (0) January 31, 2012 The Department of Environment and Resource Management is investigating two alleged mine water discharges
WA split over Margaret River coal proposals (0) January 31, 2012 West Australian mining minister Norman Moore is facing a split within his party as he rejects proposals to prevent coal mining in the Margaret River region.
Monadelphous wins Rio water contracts (0) January 31, 2012 Monadelphous has won contracts for Rio Tinto’s water supply system in the Pilbara, as well as work with Chevron Australia.
Aussie miner’s licence revoked following violent protests (0) January 30, 2012 The Indonesian Government has revoked the exploration licence of the partner of Arc Exploration following violent protests by locals that have left two people dead.
CME pushing for change in WA mining approvals (0) January 30, 2012 The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA is lobbying the WA Government to change its handling of environmental approvals for the mining industry.
Mining machinery imports dropping (0) January 30, 2012 Australia’s mining machinery imports have experienced their biggest fall since the global financial crisis, according to one of the nation’s largest freight carriers.
Cracked coal ship heads to Brisbane (0) January 30, 2012 A damaged ship carrying close to 70 000 tonnes of coal is being moved from the Great Barrier Reef to Brisbane.
Mothballed coal mine to restart (28) January 30, 2012 Crusader Coal will restart Solid Energy’s former Terrace mine in New Zealand.
Worker shortage hurting Whitehaven (0) January 27, 2012 Whitehaven Coal says a difficulty in finding qualified staff is slowing production, along with adverse weather conditions and a shortage of explosives due to problems at Orica.
Atlas Iron snaps up jobless miners (0) January 27, 2012 Atlas Iron has offered new jobs to the 70 miners soon to lose work at the closing Wodgina tantalum mine.
Caterpillar posts record earnings (0) January 27, 2012 Mining equipment maker Caterpillar has exceeded market expectations and posted record earnings for its fourth quarter.
ACCC grants Virgin Skywest alliance approval (0) January 27, 2012 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim approval to an alliance between Virgin and Skywest.
Apprenticeship cancellations and dropouts have jumped more than 16 per cent, with well-paid mining jobs blamed for luring away trainees.
A Hunter Valley coal miner was fined $3000 last month for exceeding blast noise limits.
The Wallarah 2 project north of Sydney will look to locals to fill 70 per cent of its mining jobs and will train many workers without any experience from scratch.
WA Training and Workforce Development Minister Peter Collier says the mining industry needs to “lift its game” in training inexperienced workers for mining jobs.
Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett says he is not worried about a possible move by Brazilian iron ore giant Vale into WA.
The mining sector continues to be the best paid industry in Australia, with miners earning more than double the pay of other workers, according to a new report by CommSec.
Barminco has been awarded the underground development contract for the Dugald River project by MMG.
While mining companies are hungrier than ever for workers many applicants are finding it impossible to get work in the industry.
Lynas Corporation says there is no basis to the legal challenge it’s been served with over its Malaysian rare earths processing plant.
Asciano’s Pacific National Coal has entered into a 15 year agreement with Bandanna Energy.
The New Zealand Department of Labour has allowed the closed Spring Creek coal mine to reopen.
In a significant restructuring of Pilbara iron ore miner Atlas Iron, company founder and managing director David Flanagan will step down from his role in August.
The industrial action staged by Pilbara workers at CITIC Pacific’s Sino Iron project this week was illegal, according to The Western Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Kalgoorlie Mining has announced it will suspend mining operations at the Bullant gold project.
Job recruiter Australia-Mining has filed an infringement notice against Australian Mining magazine with Google in an attempt to clamp down on discussion of its activities.
The NSW Minerals Council has announced a new network designed to help connect women in the mining industry and to attract more to the sector.
Workers on CITIC Pacific Mining’s $5.1 billion Sino Iron project in the Pilbara walked off the job yesterday after meeting with CFMEU heavyweight Joe McDonald.
The Minerals Council says the mining industry cannot be blamed for job losses in the manufacturing sector.
OneSteel says it will be creating an extra 450 mining jobs in Whyalla as it continues to shift its business from manufacturing to mining.
John Hannaford has been appointed as the new chairman of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).
The largest ever pink rough diamond has been uncovered at Rio Tinto’s Argyle diamond mine.
The CFMEU has rubbished Rio Tinto’s assurance that automation won’t kill jobs, and labeled a report backing the company’s claims biased, misleading, and wrong.
Port Hedland locals are turning down multimillion dollar offers on their homes from BHP Billiton, which is looking to redevelop the town’s harbour entrance.
OneSteel today announced another dismal half-yearly result, with a statutory net loss after tax of $75 million for the six months to 31 December 2011. In an effort to diversify ...
Solid Energy has been forced to stop underground mining at Spring Creek coal mine by the New Zealand Department of Labour.
Federal MP Bob Katter says fly-in fly-out workers are destroying the social fabric of rural communities and hurting local businesses.
Oz Minerals has made an agreement to sell its Cambodian gold assets to Renaissance Minerals for $17.8 million in cash, shares, and options.
Xstrata Copper has donated $1 million for chronically ill children to double the capacity of Townsville’s Ronald McDonald House.
Sandfire Resources has announced the start of direct shipping ore mining at its open pit DeGrussa copper-gold mine near Meekatharra in Western Australia.
Orica has successfully resumed the start up of its Kooragang Island ammonia plant.
Monadelphous has won two contracts for Rio Tinto’s iron ore operations in the Pilbara.
Rio Tinto has approved a $483 million plan to introduce driverless trains to its iron ore operations within three years.
The Northern Territory Government says it’s considering a $35 million upgrade to Darwin Port to keep up with mining expansions in the region.
The Chinese Government has raised its tax on iron, tin, and other resources in an attempt to conserve mineral reserves.
Red Dog, one of Australia’s most profitable films, has continued its winning streak, with canine star Koko taking out the best dog in a foreign film award at the Golden ...
Australians are the second highest paid workers in the global oil and gas industry, according to the Hays Oil and Gas Global Salary Guide 2012.
More foreign workers are heading to the Northern Territory to fill mining jobs after the Government signed a special Regional Migration Agreement to help desperate businesses.
The mining boom benefits the entire Australian economy and is unlikely to derail other industries, according to the Reserve Bank.
Rare earths miner Arafura Resources has dumped half its board and it’s CEO.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorised Queensland coal miners to collectively bargain with Dudgeon point coal terminal.
While synthetic cannabis products popular in the mining industry were banned last year, they continue to be readily available at local stores and online.
Oz Minerals has reported a 53 per cent drop in net profit to $274.5 million for calendar 2011 but said the drop was exaggerated by a one-off impairment charge.
Billionaire mining magnate Gina Rinehart has appointed climate-change skeptic Ian Plimer and her favourite daughter Gina to the board of Hope Downs Iron Ore.
The Regional Australia Committee will be holding hearings on the impact of fly-in fly-out workers on regional communities in Queensland next week.
Decmil Group has won the contract build accommodation for Fortescue in the Pilbara.
Ausenco has been awarded Barrick Gold’s Goldstrike mine EPCM contract.
Resource Mining Corporation has seen increased efficiency in its organic acid leach technology.
The EPA has revised the results of its initial samples taken after Orica hexavalent chromium spill in August last year.
Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman says he will not support any move to increase the use of foreign labour on QLD mines.
Miners may soon be able to explore for uranium in NSW as the state government overturns the ban.
The WA Government says around $14 billion of resources contracts have been awarded to local companies since last July.
BHP Billiton has been named as the preferred company to develop over 2.5 hectares of land in South Hedland, including a five-storey residential building.
Wyong Council is the latest local body to attempt to ban mining in the region
Koppers Australia’s Mayfield plant in Newcastle has recorded a naphthalene spill.
Another week of rolling strikes is set to hit BMA today.
Mining companies are looking to replace 457 visas with bulk temporary migration agreements to quickly fill empty mining jobs in Australia.
Xstrata Mount Isa Mines has announced the arrival of 58 new entrants to its apprenticeship program.
Brisbane will be advertising itself as the centre of Queensland’s booming fly-in-fly-out industry in an effort to use the mining sector to create new jobs.
Rio Tinto says it has plans to create a buffer zone around its expansion at the Cape York bauxite mine to protect a unique crab species.
Rio Tinto has approved a US$1.4 billion investment into two projects to support increased production at the Escondida copper mine in Chile.
Fortescue Metals Group and Iron Ore Holdings have signed an agreement that will see Fortescue expand its Nyidinghu project into Iron Ore’s tenements.
Queensland’s mining industry is one of the safest in the world according to the state’s latest health and safety report.
Orica has seen a minor nitric acid leak at its Kooragang Island plant.
Boom Logistics has secured a five year contract to supply crane services to BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam maintenance operations.
Marathon Resources will be paid $5 million following the South Australian Government’s decision to ban mining in the Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary.
Rio Tinto has lost a High Court battle over bypassing unions in negotiations with workers on its Pilbara iron ore operations.
Global engineering firm The Weir Group has bettered a takeover offer by rival FLSmidth for Brisbane mining equipment manufacturer Ludowici.
BHP Billiton says its massive $US12 billion move into Canadian potash may be less significant than its Australian expansions.
Indigenous groups have gathered together to stop proposed seabed mining exploration off the Northern Territory’s top end.
Coretrack has maintained custody of the GT3000 drill rig as its legal battle continues.
A miner injured at the Ernest Henry mine last week has been released from hospital.
Western Australia’s Great Northern Highway was shut after a truck carrying ammonium nitrate rolled.
Orica has recorded an elevated reading of sulphur dioxide from its Spent Acid Regeneration Plant at Port Kembla.
Newcrest Mining, the world’s third largest gold miner, has reported a 50 per cent jump in net profit on the back of rising gold prices and higher gold, silver, and ...
BHP Billiton may be considering selling close to $10 billion of assets in Australia and around the world, according to a Deutsche Bank report.
Australian Mining looks at the stories which had you talking this week.
Queensland Central Highlands deputy mayor Paul Bell has led a movement to reject a 896-unit fly-in-fly-out camp outside Blackwater in the Bowen Basin.
Rio Tinto has recorded a 59 per cent slump in full-year net profit, which it has blamed primarily on the falling value of its aluminum business.
Alliance Resources has settled the litigation concerning its native title agreement for the Four Mile uranium project.
More industrial action is planned at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal after unions and management failed to come to an agreement.
A man has died at Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay aluminium smelter.
The Minerals Council of Australia says the mining industry is struggling to get workers to relocate to the Northern Territory to work on resources projects.
More strikes are expected next week as total overtime bans restart tomorrow across several BMA coal mines.
Despite global economic uncertainty BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers says Australia is a “gold standard” country to invest in and has some of the best mining operations in the world.
Emu Nickel is looking to revive a NSW antimony mine, which also contains gold, and start production by 2013.
Fortescue Metals Group has been given conditional approval to go ahead with its $247 million expansion of the Cloudbreak mine in the Pilbara.
The Australian Workers’ Union has called for State and Federal Government action following Alcoa’s announcement that it is “reviewing the future viability” of its Point Henry smelter.
Thiess has won a $180 million contract with BMA for earthworks at the Caval Ridge mine.
Decmil has signed a five year contract for civil works with Rio Tinto.
Thiess has won a $325 million contract to build gas processing facilities for the Queensland Curtis Island LNG project.
Glencore International has agreed to buy Xstrata for $38 billion to create one of the world’s largest resources companies.
Pike River coal mine’s deadly explosion has been blamed on a string events caused by a roof collapse.
Fortescue Metals Group is exploring South Australia for copper, gold, and uranium in an effort to diversify beyond its Pilbara iron ore business.
Rio Tinto has announced a massive $3.1 billion expansion to its Pilbara iron ore operations.
BHP Billiton has posted a first half profit of $9.2 billion, one of the biggest in Australia’s history but short of analyst’s predictions and the record it set last year.
LD Operations proposed coal project in the Margaret River has been rejected by WA environment minister Bill Marmion.
The fight over the GT3000 drill rig has heated up as Strange Investments seeks a court order to take possession of the rig.
Alcoa has announced a review into the future viability of its Point Henry aluminium smelter in Geelong.
Whitehaven Coal has recommenced operations after heavy rains halted mining in the Gunnedah Basin.
Rio Tinto has appointed John Varley as a senior independent director to its board.
Mining jobs in resources states have helped boost job advertisements on the internet and in newspapers to their highest level in almost two years.
Shares in Pilbara iron ore miner Fortescue Metals jumped yesterday amid speculation diversified commodity trader Noble Group had bought a stake in the company.
The Chinese Government has effectively banned Vale’s $8 billion mega-ships from using its ports, citing safety concerns.
The talks between Glencore and Xstrata over their proposed $88 billion merger have escalated, with Glencore expected to pay an eight per cent premium to seal the deal.
Heavy rains have forced the closure of Xstrata’s Ernest Henry copper mine.
OZ Minerals has awarded Thiess a $1 billion mining contract for Prominent Hill.
South Africa’s Government will not bring in new mining taxes, and has vetoed a policy of nationalisation of the mining industry.
Engineering group Monadelphous has divested its 14% stake in Norfolk Group.
The CFMEU has vowed to continue rolling strikes at BMA’s coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
About 30 miners were forced into rescue chambers after an underground fire broke out in the Fosterville Gold Mine in central Victoria on the weekend.
The Zimbabwe Government has raised mining and licence fees by between 500 and 5,000 per cent, according to state-controlled local media the Sunday Mail.
The Western Australian Government says it is hoping to this year settle a long running native title claim over Perth in a $1 billion package involving large transfers of land.
New advancements in mining technology, such as autonomous vehicles, look set to spur growth in the mining industry rather than kill jobs, according to a report by BAEconomics.
A copper spill on the Northern Territory’s Edith River has finally been cleared.
Gindalbie Metals has awarded Downer EDI Mining the contract to mine its Karara iron ore project.
Orica has resumed the restart of its Kooragang Island ammonia plant after repairing a faulty compressor.
ISS Group has signed an enterprise licence and maintenance agreement with Fortescue Metals.
The WA Government has announced a major shakeup to how the state’s industrial ports are managed.
The Northern Territory has received a number of proposals for exploration of the seabed off the coast.
WA Premier Colin Barnett has told Fortescue Metals Group and Aquila Resources to bury their differences and work together to from a new port in WA.
One of the most vocal opponents to Lynas Corporation’s plans in Malaysia says it is “outraged and appalled” by the Government’s decision to grant Lynas a temporary operating licence.
Panoramic Resources has announced its intention to acquire Magma Metals.
Anglo American CEO Cynthia Carroll is recovering from an operation after injuring her hip while horse riding this weekend.
Coretrack has begun legal action against Strange Investments over the IP of the GT3000 drill rig, and has been forced to downsizing of its Globe Drill subsidiary.
Queensland miners and the DERM are facing community ire over water discharges.
A falling nickel price and high Australian dollar have prompted BHP Billiton to sack 155 workers from its NickelWest operations.
Queensland’s expanding coal and coal seam gas industry has created 5000 new jobs in Gladstone and will add another 2,000 this year, according to the Gladstone Economic and Industry Development ...
One of Fortescue Metals Group’s most influential investors has sold almost all of its stock in the company.
More heavy seas have seen the destruction of the damaged phosphate ship off Christmas Island.
Workers at the Port Kembla Coal Terminal have gone on strike.
Western Australian mines minister Norman has announced his retirement.
BHP Billiton has approved nearly $1 billion in funding for the construction of its iron ore outer harbour facility in Port Hedland.
Rio Tinto has acquired BHP Billiton’s stake in Richard Bay Minerals (RBM), doubling its holding.
Sandvik has commemorated 150 years in the industry.
The West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum is investigating an incident which left one man injured last month.
Catalyst Metals may acquire Unity Metals’ Kangaroo Flat gold plant and Bendigo assets.
Xstrata says it’s planning on doubling production at its McArthur River operation, the Northern Territory’s biggest mine.
Thousands of people searching for mining jobs are expected to attend the Queensland Mining and Jobs Expo in Logan today.
QR National has rejected Clive Palmer’s claims it breached confidentiality agreements with the miner after it was granted significant project status.
ABB has announced the acquisition of Thomas & Betts for $3.9 billion.
Queensland has unveiled the world’s first mobile mine gas laboratory for mine emergencies.
Planners in the Australian Defence Force have urged the military to maintain a strong presence in the country’s north and northwest to guard important resources projects.
While a number of miners are interested in acquiring New Zealand’s Pike River Coal mine, the possibility of strict safety measures and recovering dead miners has put off some investors.
The South Australian Government has applied to the High Court to appeal a judgment banning Argonaut Resources from operating on land contested to be an Aboriginal heritage site.
BHP Billiton is reportedly on the hunt to develop more sites around its new Olympic Dam development in South Australia.
Clive Palmer’s China First has launched an $8 billion lawsuit against QR for alleged breaches of confidentiality and misleading conduct.
The Department of Environment and Resource Management is investigating two alleged mine water discharges
West Australian mining minister Norman Moore is facing a split within his party as he rejects proposals to prevent coal mining in the Margaret River region.
Monadelphous has won contracts for Rio Tinto’s water supply system in the Pilbara, as well as work with Chevron Australia.
The Indonesian Government has revoked the exploration licence of the partner of Arc Exploration following violent protests by locals that have left two people dead.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA is lobbying the WA Government to change its handling of environmental approvals for the mining industry.
Australia’s mining machinery imports have experienced their biggest fall since the global financial crisis, according to one of the nation’s largest freight carriers.
A damaged ship carrying close to 70 000 tonnes of coal is being moved from the Great Barrier Reef to Brisbane.
Crusader Coal will restart Solid Energy’s former Terrace mine in New Zealand.
The NSW Government has rejected Hunter Ports’ proposed Terminal 5 coal loading point.
Whitehaven Coal says a difficulty in finding qualified staff is slowing production, along with adverse weather conditions and a shortage of explosives due to problems at Orica.
Atlas Iron has offered new jobs to the 70 miners soon to lose work at the closing Wodgina tantalum mine.
Mining equipment maker Caterpillar has exceeded market expectations and posted record earnings for its fourth quarter.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted interim approval to an alliance between Virgin and Skywest.