QRC welcomes land access review panel (0) December 2, 2011 The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the government’s announcement of a panel to review land access laws enacted last year.
Lynas protests spread to Sydney (0) December 1, 2011 A small group of protestors converged on Lynas Corporation’s annual general meeting in Sydney yesterday in opposition to the company’s rare earth refinery in Malaysia.
Senate inquiry slams CSG industry (0) December 1, 2011 A senate inquiry has made damning findings against Australia’s $60 billion coal seam gas industry and recommended expansions be halted in sensitive areas.
Palmer rubbishes green protests (0) December 1, 2011 Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says the benefits of his $8 billion Waratah Coal project in Queensland far outweigh concerns raised by green groups.
Beaconsfield gold mine to close (0) November 30, 2011 BCD Resources has announced that it will close the Beaconsfield underground gold mine next year
Mechanic bleeds to death (0) November 30, 2011 A 53-year-old mechanic has bled to death after cutting his elbow working on the brakes of a digger at an industrial equipment auctioneer in Perth.
Tinkler’s Ferrari thief faces court (0) November 30, 2011 The teenager who stole billionaire mining magnate Nathan Tinkler’s $500,000 Ferrari California earlier this year has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced next month.
BHP looks to ditch the diamond business (0) November 30, 2011 BHP Billiton this morning announced it was reviewing its diamonds assets with the view of a potential full or partial sale.
Thousands of angry workers march on Chevron (0) November 30, 2011 Thousands of workers have marched on US energy giant Chevron’s headquarters in Perth demanding the company do more to provide local jobs and training.
Blind farmer loses land battle against “rotten” miner (0) November 30, 2011 A legally blind farmer in the NSW Hunter Valley has agreed to allow mining exploration on his farm after NuCoal Resources took him to court yesterday.
SA Gov ratifies Olympic Dam amendment (0) November 30, 2011 The South Australian Government has passed the Roxby Downs Amendment Bill, which provides greater certainty for BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam expansion.
LNP put mine safety at threat, Hinchliffe says (0) November 30, 2011 Queensland mining minster Stirling Hinchliffe has declared that the state’s mine safety record will be at risk under the Liberal National Party’s resources strategy.
Aquila receives Pilbara rail approval (0) November 30, 2011 Aquila Resources has received approval for a rail line for its West Pilbara iron ore project.
FIFO miners a big challenge for tourism (0) November 29, 2011 The mining boom and rapidly expanding fly-in-fly-out workforce is providing both opportunities and challenges for Australia’s tourism industry, according to a new industry snapshot.
APPEA management shakeup to fight CSG critics (0) November 29, 2011 The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has elected Santos chief David Knox as chairman and signalled a push to drive its public relations.
Fortescue accused of blocking Aboriginal elders from sacred sites (0) November 29, 2011 The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation has Fortescue Metals accused of blocking Aboriginal elders from inspecting threatened sacred sites at the miners Solomon Hub project.
Tinkler unveils Newcastle coal loader proposal (0) November 29, 2011 Nathan Tinkler has finally unveiled Hunter Ports’ plan for its proposed $2.5 billion coal loader terminal in Newcastle.
Don’t undercut mining probe: Minerals Council (0) November 29, 2011 An investigation into Victoria’s mining regulation risks being undermined because the State Government plans on changing mining laws before the inquiry’s completion.
VDM wins BHP contracts (0) November 29, 2011 The VDM Group has been awarded two contracts by BHP Billiton worth around $30.6 million.
Contractor pleads guilty to environmental breaches (0) November 29, 2011 John Holland is likely to be fined after a series of environmental breaches at its Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point coal terminal extensions.
Mining wages almost double that of retail (0) November 29, 2011 Cashed up miners are leaving other parts of the economy behind as resources companies hand out huge wage rises to their employees.
APPEA slams ABC’s “embarrassing” CSG reporting (0) November 28, 2011 The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has slammed an ABC report into coal seam gas as “riddled with factual errors”.
Norfolk Group win BHP rail contract (0) November 28, 2011 Norfolk Group have won an $82 million contract for rail signaling systems at BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland project.
BHP senior executive changes (0) November 28, 2011 BHP Billiton has announced a change in its senior management team, with CFO Alex Vanselow leaving the company.
Samsung eyes billion dollar Aussie nickel investment (0) November 28, 2011 Technology giant Samsung Group is in talks with emerging miner Metals X to invest in a $2.2 billion nickel project near the meeting of the WA, NT, and SA borders.
School of mines needed for Mount Isa (0) November 28, 2011 Outgoing Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce manager Tricia O’Callaghan says developing a school of mines for the region will be a key to its future success.
Rural town supports mining village (0) November 28, 2011 A town in New South Wales’ central west is bucking the trend by supporting a self contained mining village.
QLD miner fined for disturbing Aboriginal sites (0) November 28, 2011 A central Queensland quarrying company has been fined $80 000 for “disturbing culturally significant Aboriginal artefacts”.
Sham foreign labour on Chevron Gorgon project (0) November 28, 2011 The Department of Immigration is investigating claims overseas workers on the billion dollar Gorgon gas project in WA were coached to mislead the Government and rort Australia’s visa system.
Griffin coal tradies may strike (0) November 25, 2011 Tradesman at Griffin Coal may strike next month following stalled pay negotiations.
Coal of Africa signs wildlife MOUs (0) November 25, 2011 Coal of Africa has signed an a MOU with the Save Mapungubwe Coalition to focus on sustainable development and the perseveration of the area.
Coal train derails (0) November 25, 2011 A freight train carrying coal has derailed at Coalcliff, on New South Wales’ south coast.
Miner battles bushfire (0) November 25, 2011 Iluka Resources has doused a bushfire that late yesterday was threatening its Eneabba mine.
Mining boom drives surge in construction (0) November 24, 2011 Construction spending is at its fastest pace in at least 25 years, with mining’s hot spots driving investment in the sector.
Mining’s billions to fund QLD education (0) November 24, 2011 Queensland Premier Anna Bligh is facing criticism from unions that her plan to quarantine 50 per cent of LNG royalties leaves no cash to address critical issues in the mining ...
Keep jobs local, process ore in Australia: Palmer (0) November 24, 2011 Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says Australia’s south-eastern states should be developed to provide downstream processing for the big mining states.
Hunter region calls for mining tax funding (0) November 24, 2011 As the Hunter valley has generated around 15% of the Mineral Resources Tax revenues, it should be entitled to a similar amount of funding, Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush has ...
Ground slip at Cadia gold mine (0) November 24, 2011 Newcrest Mining has reported a ground slip in the Cadia open cut gold mine.
Allegations unfit CSG water was dumped in river (0) November 24, 2011 The Queensland Government is investigating claims it allowed treated coal seam gas water laced with heavy metals to be dumped into the Condamine River.
FIFO numbers to boom in QLD north west (0) November 24, 2011 Close to 80% of all new miners in Queensland’s north west will be fly in fly out, according to the latest research from the Queensland Resources Council.
Fortescue slams Aboriginal heritage survey claims (0) November 24, 2011 Fortescue Metals Group has hit out at the claims it forced the change of an Aboriginal heritage survey and damaged sacred indigenous sites, stating that it is part of a ...
Snake handlers in demand on mine sites (0) November 23, 2011 In one of the more unusual flow-on effects from the mining boom, the rapidly expanding resources industry has led to a spike in demand for snake handlers.
Middlemount Coal complete rail spur (0) November 23, 2011 Middlemount Coal has completed the rail spur linking the mine to the Goonyella rail network.
Second crash for notorious FMG crossing (0) November 23, 2011 A Fortescue Metals Group railway crossing on the Great Northern Highway in the Pilbara has suffered its second collision in six months.
Western Desert looks to Xstrata for iron ore export (0) November 23, 2011 Western Desert Resources has signed an MOU with Xstrata Zinc to investigate the feasibility of using Xstrata’s Bing Bong port in the Northern Territory.
Midnight vote passes mining tax (0) November 23, 2011 The Government has succeeded in passing the mining tax through the Lower House, with final voting on the bills finishing early this morning at 2.42am.
Miners uncover fire ants (0) November 23, 2011 A box of mining equipment imported from the US was found to be infested with fire ants.
Murchison Metals in trading halt over Oakajee buyer (0) November 22, 2011 Murchison Metals is in a trading halt amid speculation it is in talks to sell its 50 per cent share in the troubled $5.9 billion Oakajee Port and Rail and ...
Swan threatens state funding cuts over royalty raise (0) November 22, 2011 States have been threatened with infrastructure funding cuts if they raise mining royalties under the latest changes to the Mineral Resources Rent Tax.
Mining ruining state’s wilderness: Conservation Council (0) November 22, 2011 The Nature Conservation Council of NSW says debate over coal seam gas operations on farmland is obscuring mining’s damage to the state’s forest and wilderness areas.
Pike River had many problems: expert (0) November 22, 2011 Former Pike River mine safety consultant David Stewart yesterday told the New Zealand Royal Commission into the tragedy he had a host of concerns over the mine’s safety prior to ...
Mine safety activist named local hero (0) November 22, 2011 The founder of support organisation Miners’ Promise has been named WA Local Hero of the year for her work in helping families who have lost loved ones to mining.
ABB wins Xstrata Zinc hoist order (0) November 22, 2011 Xstrata Zinc has awarded ABB a $24 million contract for ore hoisting equipment at its George Fisher mine.
Nyrstar Hobart awards Rockwell smelter contract (0) November 21, 2011 Nyrstar Hobart has awarded a $2.5 million contact to Rockwell Automation to replace a massive distributed control system at its zinc smelting operation in Hobart.
WA and Japan strike investment deal (0) November 21, 2011 Western Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-owned Japan Finance Corporation to strengthen investment in WA’s raw materials.
Miner faces court over sacred site damage (0) November 21, 2011 OM Manganese has been summoned to appear in court after an indigenous sacred site slipped into the open cut pit at the Bootu Creek mine.
Opposition may support mining tax changes (15) November 21, 2011 The federal opposition says it will consider supporting mining tax amendments if they work to lessen the impact of the tax on the mining industry.
lluka mineral sand train begins operations (0) November 21, 2011 Iluka Resources has begun transportation of minerals sands from its Murray Basin operations to the Hamilton Mineral Separation Plant.
Polish workers to fill Aussie mine jobs (0) November 21, 2011 Coal mining contractor Mastermyne is looking to Poland to source hundreds of experienced underground miners for Queensland coal jobs.
Coal miners’ wives turn up the heat on BMA (0) November 21, 2011 Following a recent letter urging BHP boss Marius Kloppers to visit Queensland mining towns, BMA coal miners’ wives have stepped up the action, crashing BHP Billiton’s recent AGM.
MMG opens Golden Grove copper mine (0) November 21, 2011 West Australian mines minister Norman Moore was on the scene as the Mineral and Metals Group drilled the first sod at its Golden Grove copper mine expansion.
Resources envoy Beattie to meet with miners in NT and WA (0) November 18, 2011 Resources sector supplier envoy, Peter Beattie will meet with key players in the resources industry in the Northern Territory and Western Australia next week.
FIFO co-ordinator based in Cairns (0) November 18, 2011 Skills DMC has launched the Cairns based fly in fly out co-ordinator for a pilot project to work with mining and the local community.
Mining needs environmental safeguards: Newman (0) November 18, 2011 Queensland Liberal National party leader Campbell Newman says the LNP’s new mining policy will resolve land use conflicts and offer new environmental safeguards.
Mine trucker overcome by gas (0) November 18, 2011 A mining truck driver was injured after he was overcome by gas fumes leaking from a fuel tank.
Boom delivers pay bonanza to mining states (0) November 18, 2011 The mining boom has driven Western Australia to the top of the pay scales, with male workers in the boom state earning $335 a week more than their NSW counterparts.
Windsor likely to back mining tax (0) November 18, 2011 Key independent Tony Windsor says it is likely he will throw his support behind the mining tax when it is voted on next week.
AMMA pushes for anti-strike laws (0) November 18, 2011 The Australia Mines and Metals Association have called for a legislation to ban strikes that ‘offend public interest or are designed to pressure employers to cave in to union demands.
BHP approves iron ore power station (0) November 18, 2011 BHP Billiton has given the go ahead for the development of its Yarnima Power Station in the Pilbara.
Lynas facing legal action over Malawi rare earths (0) November 17, 2011 South African geologist Michael Saner has given Lynas Corporation until today to recognise his Malawi rare earth claim or face legal action.
Barminco CEO resigns (12) November 17, 2011 Underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco has announced the resignation of CEO Neil Warburton.
Booming mine town rents skyrocket (0) November 17, 2011 The mining boom is causing rents in regional towns to skyrocket, with prices in Moranbah jumping about $1000 a week in the past three months.
OneSteel blast injures three workers (0) November 17, 2011 Three workers were seriously injured yesterday following an explosion at OneSteel’s Waratah mill.
FMG threatens High Court action (0) November 17, 2011 Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says he will announce within a month whether he will launch legal action against the Government over the mining tax.
US workers could be fast-tracked to Aussie mines (0) November 17, 2011 United States President Barack Obama is considering moves to fast-track visa applications for US workers to fill jobs in Australia’s mining industry.
Australian standards higher: Pike River inspector (0) November 16, 2011 Australian mine inspectors have a “much better picture of what’s happening” than those in New Zealand, according to the former Pike River inspector.
Minerals Council backs mining tax (0) November 16, 2011 The Minerals Council of Australia has given qualified approval to the mining tax and says it is in line with an agreement Julia Gillard struck between resources giants last year.
Carcinogen leak not serious: Orica boss (0) November 16, 2011 Orica chief executive Graeme Liebelt says a spray of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium onto Stockton in August should not be considered “serious”.
WA mine mapping world first (0) November 16, 2011 Western Australia has released the world’s largest satellite derived geosciences map.
WA FIFO numbers skyrocket (0) November 16, 2011 Fly-in-fly-out workers using Perth airport have surged beyond the previous 2007-08 boom period, new figures show.
Resourceful Women: Spotlight on gender diversity in the mining sector [blog] (0) November 16, 2011 The resources sector is no different than any other male dominated industry, where attracting and retaining women in non-traditional roles and developing women to senior leadership roles is a difficult ...
Reassessing after FIFO roster changes [blog] (1) November 15, 2011 All FIFO families should regularly reassess how they’re coping with the lifestyle – and there’s no better time than when confronted with a change in roster, writes Mining Family Matters’ ...
Mine strikes continue on Christmas Island (0) November 15, 2011 Industrial action on Christmas Island is continuing, as miners demand a pay raise that the company says it can not afford.
Coal of Africa may face criminal charges (0) November 15, 2011 Australian listed miner Coal of Africa could be facing criminal charges over alleged environmental transgressions.
Promise you’re not a prostitute: mine motels tell women (0) November 15, 2011 Single women booking into some motels in north Queensland mining towns are being asked to sign statements promising not to sell sex from their room.
No time line for Margaret River coal mine decision (0) November 15, 2011 LD Operations and Margaret River residents might have to wait until next year before a decision on the proposed Vasse coal project is given.
Gillard pushes to sell India uranium (0) November 15, 2011 Julia Gillard is set to drive a move to reverse ALP policy and overturn a 30-year ban on selling uranium to India.
Job fears for Orica plant (0) November 14, 2011 Orica has not ruled out shedding jobs following the total shutdown of its Kooragang Island plant after the latest ammonia leak.
Month long work roster change angers miners (0) November 14, 2011 Employees of Bechtel have voiced their anger after being told their roster is changing from 10 days on, four off, to 28 days on, seven days off from next ...
Gillard slams mine chiefs over skilled immigration (0) November 14, 2011 Prime Minister Julia Gillard has slammed mining companies for demanding more overseas workers while parts of Perth have double digit unemployment levels.
BMA seeks to end strikes (0) November 14, 2011 The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance is offering more meetings with the Single Bargaining Unit in an attempt to end the long running industrial dispute.
Austin wins dump truck body contract (0) November 14, 2011 Austin Engineering has won a significant contract for the supply of dump truck bodies in Chile.
Mining approvals labelled “corrupt” (0) November 14, 2011 Former Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority chief Barry Carbon has labelled the state’s mining project approval system as “corrupt”.
Marathon to sue SA Gov over mining ban (0) November 14, 2011 Marathon Resources has commenced legal action against the South Australian Government over its decision to ban mining at Arkaroola.
Coal explosion kills 20 miners (0) November 11, 2011 At least 20 workers are dead and 23 others are trapped underground following a blast in a China coal mine.
Court rules against ConsMin (0) November 11, 2011 The Federal Court of Australia has ruled against the claims made by ConsMin, ruling in favour of OM Holdings.
CSG is necessary for food security, former Deputy PM says (0) November 11, 2011 Australia’s former deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, has weighed in on the debate over coal seam gas and food safety, saying it is essential for security to mine the resource.
Pike River coal charges laid (0) November 11, 2011 After nearly a year, charges have been laid over the Pike River Coal mine disaster.
Legal woes move from bad to worse for Lynas (0) November 11, 2011 In more bad news for Lynas Corporation, the company is facing being stripped of its claim to rare earths tenements in the small African nation of Malawi.
Caterpillar buys out Chinese manufacturer (0) November 11, 2011 Caterpillar has struck a deal to buy Hong Kong-listed ERA Mining Machinery for US$887 million, in a move aimed at clawing back more of China’s lucrative mining industry.
The top 19 LinkedIn Groups for mining (0) November 11, 2011 As a follow up in its ‘social media content series’ Mining IQ decided to research the world of LinkedIn activity specific to mining and resources, counting down the top 19 ...
Angry Malaysian Government rebukes Lynas (0) November 10, 2011 The Malaysian Government has publicly slammed Lynas Corporation and issued it with a reprimand over actions it says have pre-empted the Government’s licensing approval.
BHP Barrier Reef funding (0) November 10, 2011 BHP Billiton has pledg BHP Billiton has pledged to provide funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef.ed to provide funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Dredging protestor makes bail (0) November 10, 2011 A protestor opposing liquefied natural gas developments in Gladstone Harbour has made bail after his arrest yesterday afternoon.
Australia China coal mine safety project to expand (0) November 10, 2011 Minister for resources and energy Martin Ferguson and China’s minister of state administration, Luo Lin, have celebrated the success of the Australia-China Mine Safety Demonstration Project.
BDO hits out at Swan over mining tax (0) November 10, 2011 BDO Accounting has hit back at Treasurer Wayne Swan’s criticism of its mining tax study, and says its claim the tax is unfair still holds true.
NSW Labor backflips on CSG (0) November 10, 2011 The New South Wales Labor party has back-flipped on its coal seam gas policy and called for the suspension of all exploration licences.
Mining women initiative launched (0) November 10, 2011 Australia Women in Resources Alliance has been launched to increase women’s participation in the mining industry.
Ammonia leak sends two to hospital (0) November 10, 2011 Another chemical leak at the embattled Kooragang Island chemical plant has seen two people taken to hospital.
Treasure mining, don’t bleed it [blog] (0) November 9, 2011 The mining industry is Australia’s standout performer and saving grace, writes Peter Costello in The Age.
Peabody executives head down under (0) November 9, 2011 Two of Peabody Energy’s top global executives will be relocated to Brisbane as the company’s Australian business grows stronger.
Swan rubbishes Forrest’s mining tax critique (0) November 9, 2011 Treasurer Wayne Swan has rubbished a study by BDO Accounting released last week that Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest used to argue against the mining tax.
Boom’s longevity questioned following weak statistics (0) November 9, 2011 Recent drops in iron ore and coal shipments and sliding commodity prices have mining analysts questioning how long the mining boom will last.
Thousands sign anti-CSG petition (0) November 9, 2011 Hunter Valley coal seam gas protestors yesterday presented a petition with thousands of signatures to the New South Wales parliament.
FIFO overworking local health and police services (0) November 9, 2011 The massive influx of fly-in-fly-out workers in Queensland’s coal regions is drastically overworking health and police services, according to a new study by KPMG.
BHP funding strikes fears for education (0) November 8, 2011 The WA State School Teachers Union and ALP have raised concerns over the corporatisation of education following reports of a $6.8 million BHP Billiton education sponsorship.
Kanmantoo copper mine complete (0) November 8, 2011 Hillgrove Resources have announced that its Kanmantoo Copper mine project is complete and commissioning has begun.
Shady mining donations under the spotlight (0) November 8, 2011 Mining giants Nathan Tinkler and Santos are today facing scrutiny over some of their large donations to political and community entities.
Mining town women take challenge to Kloppers (0) November 8, 2011 A delegation of women representing Moranbah, Emerald, Blackwater, and Dysart have invited BHP head Marius Kloppers to visit their towns to see how the boom is affecting the region.
WA cracks down on gold mining thefts (0) November 8, 2011 The WA Department of Mines and Petroleum is launching a state-wide operation to crackdown on a spike in gold thefts from mining tenements.
Greens claim Fortescue damaging Aboriginal sites (0) November 8, 2011 The Greens are urging the Federal Government to act on claims that Fortescue is damaging Aboriginal heritage sites in the Pilbara.
457 visa reform win for mining, AMMA says (0) November 7, 2011 A revision of the 457 visa program is a win for Australian workplaces, according to resources industry employer group AMMA.
Experts still confident Lynas will deliver (0) November 7, 2011 Deutsche Bank analyst Levi Spry says he is sticking by his “buy” recommendation for Lynas Corporation despite its troubles in Malaysia.
Foreign ownership dominates mining industry: RBA (21) November 7, 2011 The Reserve Bank of Australia says Australia is benefiting less from the second resources boom because of the high level of imported goods.
Sex workers strike it rich in mining towns (0) November 7, 2011 Fly-in-fly-out prostitutes working in cashed up mining towns in Queensland and Western Australia are making more money in a day than miners do in a week.
Court throws out Palmer suit (0) November 7, 2011 The NSW Supreme Court has thrown out an application by Gladstone Pacific Nickel shareholder Robert Pearce to sue mining billionaire Clive Palmer.
BC Iron fills first cape size ship (0) November 4, 2011 BC Iron’s Nullagine iron ore joint venture with Fortescue Metals has filled its first full cape size ship.
Santos boss slams Windsor’s CSG stance (0) November 4, 2011 Santos chief executive David Knox says key independent Tony Windsor’s call for a moratorium on coal seam gas does not make any sense.
Forrest’s Fortescue to fight tax (0) November 4, 2011 Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest is funding a High Court battle against the mining tax.
New study contradicts Greens’ CSG claims (0) November 4, 2011 A new report commissioned by the Australian Petroleum and Production Exploration Association has challenged claims by the Greens about the environmental merits of coal seam gas.
UQ sets up CSG centre (0) November 4, 2011 The University of Queensland is creating centre focused on coal seam gas research.
QRC call for more earth science education (0) November 4, 2011 The Queensland Resources Council is pushing for the education sector to increase focus on earth science education in classrooms.
Ferguson is a CSG sell-out: Greens (0) November 3, 2011 Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon says federal resources minister Martin Ferguson’s allegiance rests with the mining industry and not the Australian people.
Australia and China depend on each other: Rudd (0) November 3, 2011 Australia and China need each other more than any other of their bilateral partners, according to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd.
Chinese miner abandons QLD coal plans (0) November 3, 2011 A Queensland conservation group is claiming a win after state-owned Chinese miner Shenhuo International Group abandoned coal exploration south of Toowoomba.
Ban CSG in QLD’s Scenic Rim: Newman (0) November 3, 2011 Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman says mining and coal seam gas developments should be banned in the state’s Scenic Rim.
Kurri Kurri smelter slashes jobs (0) November 3, 2011 Around 50 jobs are set to be cut at the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter as it struggles under a high Australian dollar, contract problems, the carbon tax, and falling aluminium ...
Gov to fast track 457 visas (12) November 3, 2011 The Government is looking to attract more skilled overseas workers by fast tracking changes to the 457 visa system.
Rio expands automated truck fleet (3) November 2, 2011 Rio Tinto has added another 150 automated trucks to its Mine of the Future program after signing an agreement with Komatsu.
Uranium protestors march into Perth (0) November 2, 2011 Around 50 protesters walking under the banner of Walk Away from Uranium Mining have arrived in Perth rallying against uranium in Australia.
Marathon launches FOI request over mining ban (0) November 2, 2011 Explorer Marathon Resources has lodged a freedom of information request over the mining ban imposed on the Arkaroola sanctuary by the South Australian Government.
COAL SEAM GAS SALT EXTRACTION PLANT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA (0) November 2, 2011 The GE and Penrice Consortium, which brings together GE and Penrice Soda Holdings have announced an agreement with Australian coal seam gas producer QGC to design, build and operate a ...
Lobby group jumps in to stop mining tax (0) November 2, 2011 A new anti-mining tax group, Eureka 2011, is calling on the Gillard Government to put the Mineral Resources Rent Tax on hold until it undergoes a more comprehensive review ...
Most Aussies don’t benefit from the boom: Poll (0) November 2, 2011 The Government will today introduce the mining tax to parliament, boosted by new polls indicating most voters think normal Australians aren’t benefiting from the mining boom.
WA uranium exploration boom (0) November 2, 2011 The size of Western Australia’s uranium industry has grown exponentially, almost quadrupling in the last four years.
AGL removes anti-CSG signs (0) November 2, 2011 AGL has been criticised for removing anti coal seam gas signs from outside a vineyard it controversially acquired earlier this year.
BHP approve Caval Ridge coal mine (0) November 2, 2011 BHP Billiton has finally approved the development of the Caval Ridge coal mine and the expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine.
Gas supply to miners too cheap: Santos (0) November 1, 2011 Santos says major miners on the east coast should no longer expect to enjoy a cheap supply of natural gas.
More CSG means more mental disorders: psychiatrist (0) November 1, 2011 A psychiatrist has told the NSW Government inquiry into coal seam gas he expects the rate of mental disorders to rise as a result of the industry’s expansion.
Windsor issues Govt with mining tax ultimatum (0) November 1, 2011 Key independent Tony Windsor says he will only support the Government’s mining tax if there are tougher rules for coal seam gas projects on farmland.
Lynas Malaysian rare earths plant to see delays (0) October 31, 2011 Lynas has announced that delays in the construction of the Malaysian Lynas Advanced Materials Plant means that it is unlikely first feed to kiln will occur until early next year.
Explosion kills 28 miners (0) October 31, 2011 A gas explosion at a coal mine in central China has killed 28 miners and left another trapped.
Miners surge ahead with record investments (0) October 31, 2011 Deloitte Access Economics’ quarterly investment measure is today expected to throw further weight behind the Government’s push for a mining tax.
BHP looks at coal exploration in Cloncurry (0) October 31, 2011 BHP Billiton subsidiary Queensland Coal Investments is looking at coal exploration in the Cloncurry and McKinlay shires.
FMG will appeal Pilbara rail ruling (0) October 31, 2011 The High Court has granted Fortescue Metals Group leave to appeal a decision prohibiting it from accessing Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton’s Pilbara rail lines.
Boart to expand mine water services (0) October 31, 2011 Boart Longyear has announced plans to grow its mine water services into the Asia Pacific region.
Payments by miners to be more transparent (0) October 28, 2011 Resources minister Martin Ferguson says Australia will trial an international program that publishes company payments and Government revenues from mining.
Genocide claims against Rio Tinto reinstated (0) October 28, 2011 A US federal appeals court has reversed the dismissal of genocide and war crime charges against Rio Tinto by landowners in Papua New Guinea.
The Queensland Resources Council has welcomed the government’s announcement of a panel to review land access laws enacted last year.
WorleyParsons has signed an agreement with BHP Billiton Iron Ore for EPCM services.
Orica head Graeme Liebelt has publically apologised to the community around its Kooragang Island plant in a letter to Stockton and Fern Bay locals.
A small group of protestors converged on Lynas Corporation’s annual general meeting in Sydney yesterday in opposition to the company’s rare earth refinery in Malaysia.
A senate inquiry has made damning findings against Australia’s $60 billion coal seam gas industry and recommended expansions be halted in sensitive areas.
Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says the benefits of his $8 billion Waratah Coal project in Queensland far outweigh concerns raised by green groups.
Treasurer Wayne Swan says the recent spike in mining investment represents a “resounding vote of confidence” from miners in the Government.
BCD Resources has announced that it will close the Beaconsfield underground gold mine next year
A 53-year-old mechanic has bled to death after cutting his elbow working on the brakes of a digger at an industrial equipment auctioneer in Perth.
Orica is carrying out safety tests at its Kooragang Island plant.
The teenager who stole billionaire mining magnate Nathan Tinkler’s $500,000 Ferrari California earlier this year has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced next month.
BHP Billiton this morning announced it was reviewing its diamonds assets with the view of a potential full or partial sale.
Thousands of workers have marched on US energy giant Chevron’s headquarters in Perth demanding the company do more to provide local jobs and training.
A group of Australian and Czech companies have come together to develop a thorium fuelled molten salt reactor.
A legally blind farmer in the NSW Hunter Valley has agreed to allow mining exploration on his farm after NuCoal Resources took him to court yesterday.
The South Australian Government has passed the Roxby Downs Amendment Bill, which provides greater certainty for BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam expansion.
Queensland mining minster Stirling Hinchliffe has declared that the state’s mine safety record will be at risk under the Liberal National Party’s resources strategy.
Aquila Resources has received approval for a rail line for its West Pilbara iron ore project.
The mining boom and rapidly expanding fly-in-fly-out workforce is providing both opportunities and challenges for Australia’s tourism industry, according to a new industry snapshot.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has elected Santos chief David Knox as chairman and signalled a push to drive its public relations.
The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation has Fortescue Metals accused of blocking Aboriginal elders from inspecting threatened sacred sites at the miners Solomon Hub project.
Nathan Tinkler has finally unveiled Hunter Ports’ plan for its proposed $2.5 billion coal loader terminal in Newcastle.
ATMOS Global has launched the world’s first centre for global and minesite dust impact forecasting.
An investigation into Victoria’s mining regulation risks being undermined because the State Government plans on changing mining laws before the inquiry’s completion.
The VDM Group has been awarded two contracts by BHP Billiton worth around $30.6 million.
John Holland is likely to be fined after a series of environmental breaches at its Dalrymple Bay and Abbot Point coal terminal extensions.
Cashed up miners are leaving other parts of the economy behind as resources companies hand out huge wage rises to their employees.
Shell Australia has held its Technology Seminars for 2011 in the Hunter Valley.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has slammed an ABC report into coal seam gas as “riddled with factual errors”.
Norfolk Group have won an $82 million contract for rail signaling systems at BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland project.
BHP Billiton has announced a change in its senior management team, with CFO Alex Vanselow leaving the company.
Technology giant Samsung Group is in talks with emerging miner Metals X to invest in a $2.2 billion nickel project near the meeting of the WA, NT, and SA borders.
Outgoing Mount Isa Chamber of Commerce manager Tricia O’Callaghan says developing a school of mines for the region will be a key to its future success.
A town in New South Wales’ central west is bucking the trend by supporting a self contained mining village.
Rio Tinto is providing $10 million to sponsor Queensland’s EMQ Helicopter Rescue Service.
A central Queensland quarrying company has been fined $80 000 for “disturbing culturally significant Aboriginal artefacts”.
The Department of Immigration is investigating claims overseas workers on the billion dollar Gorgon gas project in WA were coached to mislead the Government and rort Australia’s visa system.
Tradesman at Griffin Coal may strike next month following stalled pay negotiations.
Coal of Africa has signed an a MOU with the Save Mapungubwe Coalition to focus on sustainable development and the perseveration of the area.
A freight train carrying coal has derailed at Coalcliff, on New South Wales’ south coast.
Miners striking on Christmas Island have announced industrial action will continue into December.
Iluka Resources has doused a bushfire that late yesterday was threatening its Eneabba mine.
Construction spending is at its fastest pace in at least 25 years, with mining’s hot spots driving investment in the sector.
Industrea Mining Services has won an extension to its equipment hire contract at the Lady Annie mine.
Queensland Premier Anna Bligh is facing criticism from unions that her plan to quarantine 50 per cent of LNG royalties leaves no cash to address critical issues in the mining ...
Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer says Australia’s south-eastern states should be developed to provide downstream processing for the big mining states.
As the Hunter valley has generated around 15% of the Mineral Resources Tax revenues, it should be entitled to a similar amount of funding, Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush has ...
Newcrest Mining has reported a ground slip in the Cadia open cut gold mine.
The Queensland Government is investigating claims it allowed treated coal seam gas water laced with heavy metals to be dumped into the Condamine River.
Close to 80% of all new miners in Queensland’s north west will be fly in fly out, according to the latest research from the Queensland Resources Council.
Fortescue Metals Group has hit out at the claims it forced the change of an Aboriginal heritage survey and damaged sacred indigenous sites, stating that it is part of a ...
BMA have denied rumours that it is planning to mine the closed Blackwater airport.
In one of the more unusual flow-on effects from the mining boom, the rapidly expanding resources industry has led to a spike in demand for snake handlers.
Middlemount Coal has completed the rail spur linking the mine to the Goonyella rail network.
A Fortescue Metals Group railway crossing on the Great Northern Highway in the Pilbara has suffered its second collision in six months.
Western Desert Resources has signed an MOU with Xstrata Zinc to investigate the feasibility of using Xstrata’s Bing Bong port in the Northern Territory.
The Government has succeeded in passing the mining tax through the Lower House, with final voting on the bills finishing early this morning at 2.42am.
An archaeologist who was part of Fortescue Metals Group’s Aboriginal heritage survey has reportedly confirmed she was forced to change details of the study.
A box of mining equipment imported from the US was found to be infested with fire ants.
Murchison Metals is in a trading halt amid speculation it is in talks to sell its 50 per cent share in the troubled $5.9 billion Oakajee Port and Rail and ...
States have been threatened with infrastructure funding cuts if they raise mining royalties under the latest changes to the Mineral Resources Rent Tax.
The Nature Conservation Council of NSW says debate over coal seam gas operations on farmland is obscuring mining’s damage to the state’s forest and wilderness areas.
An underground longwall fire has seen the evacuation of a New South Wales coal mine.
Former Pike River mine safety consultant David Stewart yesterday told the New Zealand Royal Commission into the tragedy he had a host of concerns over the mine’s safety prior to ...
The founder of support organisation Miners’ Promise has been named WA Local Hero of the year for her work in helping families who have lost loved ones to mining.
Xstrata Zinc has awarded ABB a $24 million contract for ore hoisting equipment at its George Fisher mine.
Nyrstar Hobart has awarded a $2.5 million contact to Rockwell Automation to replace a massive distributed control system at its zinc smelting operation in Hobart.
Western Australia has signed a memorandum of understanding with the state-owned Japan Finance Corporation to strengthen investment in WA’s raw materials.
OM Manganese has been summoned to appear in court after an indigenous sacred site slipped into the open cut pit at the Bootu Creek mine.
Shell and Woodside have snapped up more than $300 million worth of petroleum exploration permits off the coast of Western Australia.
The federal opposition says it will consider supporting mining tax amendments if they work to lessen the impact of the tax on the mining industry.
Iluka Resources has begun transportation of minerals sands from its Murray Basin operations to the Hamilton Mineral Separation Plant.
Coal mining contractor Mastermyne is looking to Poland to source hundreds of experienced underground miners for Queensland coal jobs.
Following a recent letter urging BHP boss Marius Kloppers to visit Queensland mining towns, BMA coal miners’ wives have stepped up the action, crashing BHP Billiton’s recent AGM.
West Australian mines minister Norman Moore was on the scene as the Mineral and Metals Group drilled the first sod at its Golden Grove copper mine expansion.
This Saturday marks the one year anniversary of the Pike River mine disaster, which killed 29 miners.
Resources sector supplier envoy, Peter Beattie will meet with key players in the resources industry in the Northern Territory and Western Australia next week.
Skills DMC has launched the Cairns based fly in fly out co-ordinator for a pilot project to work with mining and the local community.
Queensland Liberal National party leader Campbell Newman says the LNP’s new mining policy will resolve land use conflicts and offer new environmental safeguards.
A mining truck driver was injured after he was overcome by gas fumes leaking from a fuel tank.
The mining boom has driven Western Australia to the top of the pay scales, with male workers in the boom state earning $335 a week more than their NSW counterparts.
Key independent Tony Windsor says it is likely he will throw his support behind the mining tax when it is voted on next week.
The Australia Mines and Metals Association have called for a legislation to ban strikes that ‘offend public interest or are designed to pressure employers to cave in to union demands.
BHP Billiton has given the go ahead for the development of its Yarnima Power Station in the Pilbara.
South African geologist Michael Saner has given Lynas Corporation until today to recognise his Malawi rare earth claim or face legal action.
Underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco has announced the resignation of CEO Neil Warburton.
The mining boom is causing rents in regional towns to skyrocket, with prices in Moranbah jumping about $1000 a week in the past three months.
Three workers were seriously injured yesterday following an explosion at OneSteel’s Waratah mill.
Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest says he will announce within a month whether he will launch legal action against the Government over the mining tax.
United States President Barack Obama is considering moves to fast-track visa applications for US workers to fill jobs in Australia’s mining industry.
Centennial Coal has announced that it will close its Awaba underground coal mine in December.
BHP Billiton have approved US$822 million for the development its Orebody 24 iron ore mine.
The Australian Prospectors and Miners Hall of Fame will suspend operations from next month.
Australian mine inspectors have a “much better picture of what’s happening” than those in New Zealand, according to the former Pike River inspector.
The Minerals Council of Australia has given qualified approval to the mining tax and says it is in line with an agreement Julia Gillard struck between resources giants last year.
Orica chief executive Graeme Liebelt says a spray of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium onto Stockton in August should not be considered “serious”.
Mining equipment hire and rental company Emeco has signaled a potential move into Chile.
Western Australia has released the world’s largest satellite derived geosciences map.
Fly-in-fly-out workers using Perth airport have surged beyond the previous 2007-08 boom period, new figures show.
Port Waratah Coal Services has requested that coal miners cut sales this quarter as the Hunter Valley Coal Chain struggles.
A mine boss has been arrested by Chinese police after he smeared coal dust on his face to pretend he had been in the shaft where 34 miners died last ...
Industrial action on Christmas Island is continuing, as miners demand a pay raise that the company says it can not afford.
Australian listed miner Coal of Africa could be facing criminal charges over alleged environmental transgressions.
Single women booking into some motels in north Queensland mining towns are being asked to sign statements promising not to sell sex from their room.
LD Operations and Margaret River residents might have to wait until next year before a decision on the proposed Vasse coal project is given.
Julia Gillard is set to drive a move to reverse ALP policy and overturn a 30-year ban on selling uranium to India.
Ten new apprentices and trainees have graduated from MMG Century’s revamped Indigenous pre-employment program.
Orica has not ruled out shedding jobs following the total shutdown of its Kooragang Island plant after the latest ammonia leak.
Employees of Bechtel have voiced their anger after being told their roster is changing from 10 days on, four off, to 28 days on, seven days off from next ...
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has slammed mining companies for demanding more overseas workers while parts of Perth have double digit unemployment levels.
The BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance is offering more meetings with the Single Bargaining Unit in an attempt to end the long running industrial dispute.
Austin Engineering has won a significant contract for the supply of dump truck bodies in Chile.
Former Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority chief Barry Carbon has labelled the state’s mining project approval system as “corrupt”.
A mine monitoring inspector has been shot to death in the Philippines.
Marathon Resources has commenced legal action against the South Australian Government over its decision to ban mining at Arkaroola.
Anlgo American’s Moranbah North coal mine has suffered a roof collapse over its conveyor drift.
At least 20 workers are dead and 23 others are trapped underground following a blast in a China coal mine.
The Federal Court of Australia has ruled against the claims made by ConsMin, ruling in favour of OM Holdings.
Australia’s former deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson, has weighed in on the debate over coal seam gas and food safety, saying it is essential for security to mine the resource.
After nearly a year, charges have been laid over the Pike River Coal mine disaster.
In more bad news for Lynas Corporation, the company is facing being stripped of its claim to rare earths tenements in the small African nation of Malawi.
Caterpillar has struck a deal to buy Hong Kong-listed ERA Mining Machinery for US$887 million, in a move aimed at clawing back more of China’s lucrative mining industry.
As a follow up in its ‘social media content series’ Mining IQ decided to research the world of LinkedIn activity specific to mining and resources, counting down the top 19 ...
The Malaysian Government has publicly slammed Lynas Corporation and issued it with a reprimand over actions it says have pre-empted the Government’s licensing approval.
BHP Billiton has pledg BHP Billiton has pledged to provide funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef.ed to provide funding to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
A protestor opposing liquefied natural gas developments in Gladstone Harbour has made bail after his arrest yesterday afternoon.
Minister for resources and energy Martin Ferguson and China’s minister of state administration, Luo Lin, have celebrated the success of the Australia-China Mine Safety Demonstration Project.
BDO Accounting has hit back at Treasurer Wayne Swan’s criticism of its mining tax study, and says its claim the tax is unfair still holds true.
The New South Wales Labor party has back-flipped on its coal seam gas policy and called for the suspension of all exploration licences.
Australia Women in Resources Alliance has been launched to increase women’s participation in the mining industry.
Another chemical leak at the embattled Kooragang Island chemical plant has seen two people taken to hospital.
Two of Peabody Energy’s top global executives will be relocated to Brisbane as the company’s Australian business grows stronger.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has rubbished a study by BDO Accounting released last week that Fortescue Metals Group chairman Andrew Forrest used to argue against the mining tax.
Recent drops in iron ore and coal shipments and sliding commodity prices have mining analysts questioning how long the mining boom will last.
Hunter Valley coal seam gas protestors yesterday presented a petition with thousands of signatures to the New South Wales parliament.
The massive influx of fly-in-fly-out workers in Queensland’s coal regions is drastically overworking health and police services, according to a new study by KPMG.
The WA State School Teachers Union and ALP have raised concerns over the corporatisation of education following reports of a $6.8 million BHP Billiton education sponsorship.
Hillgrove Resources have announced that its Kanmantoo Copper mine project is complete and commissioning has begun.
Mining giants Nathan Tinkler and Santos are today facing scrutiny over some of their large donations to political and community entities.
Newcrest Mining is raising US$1000 million after a successful issue of corporate bonds.
A delegation of women representing Moranbah, Emerald, Blackwater, and Dysart have invited BHP head Marius Kloppers to visit their towns to see how the boom is affecting the region.
The WA Department of Mines and Petroleum is launching a state-wide operation to crackdown on a spike in gold thefts from mining tenements.
Environmental regulations have been relaxed to help Queensland miners prepare for more difficulties this wet season.
The Greens are urging the Federal Government to act on claims that Fortescue is damaging Aboriginal heritage sites in the Pilbara.
A revision of the 457 visa program is a win for Australian workplaces, according to resources industry employer group AMMA.
Deutsche Bank analyst Levi Spry says he is sticking by his “buy” recommendation for Lynas Corporation despite its troubles in Malaysia.
The Reserve Bank of Australia says Australia is benefiting less from the second resources boom because of the high level of imported goods.
Hitachi is planning to construct their third mining equipment factory in Japan.
Fly-in-fly-out prostitutes working in cashed up mining towns in Queensland and Western Australia are making more money in a day than miners do in a week.
Research on the mining tax has reinforced the need for the inclusion of safeguards for smaller miners to make the tax fair, BDO says,
The NSW Supreme Court has thrown out an application by Gladstone Pacific Nickel shareholder Robert Pearce to sue mining billionaire Clive Palmer.
The NSW Planning Assessment Commission has approved Gujarat NRE’s planned upgrade and expansion of its NRE Wongawilli coal mine.
The United Mine Workers Union says workers in western New South Wales don’t want to live in temporary accommodation.
BC Iron’s Nullagine iron ore joint venture with Fortescue Metals has filled its first full cape size ship.
Santos chief executive David Knox says key independent Tony Windsor’s call for a moratorium on coal seam gas does not make any sense.
Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest is funding a High Court battle against the mining tax.
A new report commissioned by the Australian Petroleum and Production Exploration Association has challenged claims by the Greens about the environmental merits of coal seam gas.
The University of Queensland is creating centre focused on coal seam gas research.
Greens Senator for NSW Lee Rhiannon says federal resources minister Martin Ferguson’s allegiance rests with the mining industry and not the Australian people.
Miners from Christmas Island’s phosphate mine have joined workers from the detention centre in a week long strike.
A Queensland conservation group is claiming a win after state-owned Chinese miner Shenhuo International Group abandoned coal exploration south of Toowoomba.
Queensland Liberal National Party leader Campbell Newman says mining and coal seam gas developments should be banned in the state’s Scenic Rim.
Around 50 jobs are set to be cut at the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter as it struggles under a high Australian dollar, contract problems, the carbon tax, and falling aluminium ...
The Government is looking to attract more skilled overseas workers by fast tracking changes to the 457 visa system.
Rio Tinto has added another 150 automated trucks to its Mine of the Future program after signing an agreement with Komatsu.
Around 50 protesters walking under the banner of Walk Away from Uranium Mining have arrived in Perth rallying against uranium in Australia.
Explorer Marathon Resources has lodged a freedom of information request over the mining ban imposed on the Arkaroola sanctuary by the South Australian Government.
The GE and Penrice Consortium, which brings together GE and Penrice Soda Holdings have announced an agreement with Australian coal seam gas producer QGC to design, build and operate a ...
A new anti-mining tax group, Eureka 2011, is calling on the Gillard Government to put the Mineral Resources Rent Tax on hold until it undergoes a more comprehensive review ...
The Government will today introduce the mining tax to parliament, boosted by new polls indicating most voters think normal Australians aren’t benefiting from the mining boom.
The size of Western Australia’s uranium industry has grown exponentially, almost quadrupling in the last four years.
AGL has been criticised for removing anti coal seam gas signs from outside a vineyard it controversially acquired earlier this year.
The Greens have again pushed for gold to be included under the mining tax, as it moves into parliament today.
BHP Billiton has finally approved the development of the Caval Ridge coal mine and the expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine.
The Mineral Resources Rent Tax will provide $500 billion to Australian by 2035, resources minister Martin Ferguson has said.
Santos says major miners on the east coast should no longer expect to enjoy a cheap supply of natural gas.
A psychiatrist has told the NSW Government inquiry into coal seam gas he expects the rate of mental disorders to rise as a result of the industry’s expansion.
The Queensland Government has released the environmental impact statement for the Kevin’s Corner coal project.
Key independent Tony Windsor says he will only support the Government’s mining tax if there are tougher rules for coal seam gas projects on farmland.
Lend Lease announced that an Abigroup joint venture has begun work on Stage 1 of the Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal.
Supply from Chinese coal mines may be disrupted as the country reels from the deaths of 28 miners over the weekend.
An underground mining has been killed at Medusa Mining’s Co-O gold mine in the Philippines.
Newcastle residents have raised concerns of plumes of nitrogen dioxide coming from a Kooragang Island nitric acid plant.
Lynas has announced that delays in the construction of the Malaysian Lynas Advanced Materials Plant means that it is unlikely first feed to kiln will occur until early next year.
A gas explosion at a coal mine in central China has killed 28 miners and left another trapped.
Deloitte Access Economics’ quarterly investment measure is today expected to throw further weight behind the Government’s push for a mining tax.
Eastern Star Gas shareholders approved a $924 million takeover bid from coal seam gas rival Santos on Friday.
BHP Billiton subsidiary Queensland Coal Investments is looking at coal exploration in the Cloncurry and McKinlay shires.
Newcastle residents will meet with Incitec Pivot in regards to its planned ammonium nitrate plant at Kooragang Island.
The High Court has granted Fortescue Metals Group leave to appeal a decision prohibiting it from accessing Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton’s Pilbara rail lines.
Boart Longyear has announced plans to grow its mine water services into the Asia Pacific region.
Resources minister Martin Ferguson says Australia will trial an international program that publishes company payments and Government revenues from mining.
A US federal appeals court has reversed the dismissal of genocide and war crime charges against Rio Tinto by landowners in Papua New Guinea.