Chinese iron ore demand still growing (0) September 21, 2012 Despite the current slump in iron ore prices, analysts believe peak prices are still more than a decade away.
WDS wins massive LNG contract (31) September 21, 2012 WDS has won a huge $280 million contract to provide gas gathering works for Australia Pacific LNG.
More setbacks for Rinehart’s Roy Hill as rail contract deferred (0) September 20, 2012 The contract for construction of a new rail line for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine has been deferred, with Macmahon Holdings citing the move as further evidence of a slowdown ...
BHP dumps plans for another 3 coal mines (222) September 20, 2012 BHP Billiton has canned plans to build the massive Red Hill and Saraji East coal developments in Queensland, citing a “challenging external environment” for the cutback.
QRC slam Greenpeace report (3) September 20, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has slammed the latest Greenpeace report on coal, stating that it has ‘zero credibility’.
Budget woes at mining downturn (0) September 19, 2012 Analysts say that a drop in metal prices of up to 16 per cent will affect the Federal Government’s promise of surplus.
Macmahon shares plummet (0) September 19, 2012 Macmahon Holdings shares plummeted 40 per cent this morning after the company cut its earnings estimate in half for 2012-13 and chief executive Nick Bowen resigned.
More QLD coal closures to come (0) September 19, 2012 New Hope managing director Robert Neale has joined Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson in warning there might be more closures to come in Queensland’s coal industry.
Miners see iron ore woes as temporary (0) September 19, 2012 The recent drop in iron ore demand is only temporary and the industry will soon return to full strength, say managers at Fortescue Metals Group, Centrex Metals, and Gindalbie Metals
Driller cuts jobs (0) September 19, 2012 Coretrack has announced it is restructuring its Core Level Recorder System product line, which will result in a reduction of its local workforce.
Esco aims for Bradken in GET legal dispute (0) September 19, 2012 Australian mining equipment manufacturer Bradken has received notice of a patent infringement from former partner Esco regarding its new ground engaging tools.
Glory days are over: BHP (0) September 18, 2012 BHP Billiton has put a freeze on executive salaries and warned that recent highs in some parts of the mining sector are unlikely to be repeated.
Melbourne to host international mining conference (0) September 18, 2012 Victorian premier Ted Baillieu has announced Melbourne will host a new international mining conference which will rival some of the biggest in the world.
Stop Enterprise Migration Agreements: ACTU (0) September 18, 2012 The ACTU is escalating their war on the use of foreign workers and are demanding Labor abandon the use of enterprise migration agreements.
Koala rescued from mineshaft [video] (0) September 18, 2012 A group of university students have managed to rescue a koala from an abandoned mine shaft in Victoria.
Arctic megamine gets enviro greenlight (0) September 18, 2012 The massive iron ore ‘megamine’ planned in the Canadian Arctic has been granted environmental and native title approval.
QR National to change name (12) September 18, 2012 Australian rail coal haulage company QR National has proposed changing its name to Aurizon.
Forge win Rio fuel contract (0) September 18, 2012 Forge has won a $70 million contract to build fuel infrastructure for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mines.
Hughes wins Anglo drilling contracts (5) September 18, 2012 Hughes Drilling has been awarded the contract for blasthole drilling at Anglo American’s Foxleigh coal mine.
Queensland to escape punishment for royalty hike (0) September 17, 2012 The Queensland Government’s decision to raise mining royalties may go unpunished as the Federal government goes silent on the issue, despite its recent threats.
Thorium can’t deliver on its promises: report (0) September 17, 2012 A report by the UK Government says the benefits of thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel have been “overstated”.
Shipping accidents kill another two workers (0) September 17, 2012 A worker for iron ore mover Inco Ships has died in an accident and another man is dead in suspicious circumstances aboard one of the world’s largest coal ships in ...
Bacteria to help Vale (0) September 17, 2012 The University of Queensland and mining giant Vale have launched a five year $1.25 million partnership to research how microorganisms can be used for mining.
The best oil and gas jobs board is… (0) September 17, 2012 Oilcareers.com has been named the best job board of 2012 at this year’s Global Recruiter Awards.
NSW explores uranium mining (0) September 17, 2012 Uranium exploration in NSW is set to become a reality after the government called for expressions of interest in licenses.
Pilbara iron ore rail battle heats up (0) September 17, 2012 Fortescue has won its High Court appeal over access to Rio Tinto and BHP’s iron ore rail networks in the Pilbara.
6 amazing images of dragline accidents (2) September 14, 2012 There’s no piece of machinery that beats the size and scale of a dragline. So when things go wrong on this front, they go really wrong.
New advice for miners following worker’s death (0) September 14, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued new advice to miners after a worker was struck and killed by a front end loader.
QLD remains silent on uranium (0) September 14, 2012 A lobby group has made a renewed push to allow uranium mining in Queensland, but has been met by silence from Campbell Newman’s government.
Mines inspector releases report on Saraji blast accident (0) September 14, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has published its investigation into the blasting accident at BMA’s Saraji mine that destroyed a Cat D10 dozer and damaged a 996 digger.
BMA union talks stagnate (0) September 14, 2012 Mediation has failed between coal miner BMA and the mining union.
ERA rejects stealth uranium mining accusations (0) September 14, 2012 Rio Tinto’s uranium subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has denied claims it is expanding operations without environmental assessments.
BHP coal prices dive (0) September 13, 2012 BHP Billiton’s coking coal price for shipments to Japan has been slashed by nearly 25 per cent to $US170.
Nasser slams QLD Government over royalty hike (0) September 13, 2012 BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser says the QLD Government’s move to hike royalties will result in more job losses and uncertainty for the future.
FIFO sex workers provide “valuable service” (0) September 13, 2012 Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes says FIFO sex workers targeting mining towns provide a “valuable service” to regional communities and don’t charge higher rates than usual.
Porter backs special economic zone, warns on wages (0) September 13, 2012 Western Australian attorney-general Christian Porter has voiced support for mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s call for a special economic zone in WA’s mining regions.
Australia and Chile ink mining agreement (0) September 13, 2012 The CSIRO and Chile’s Ministry of Mining have signed an agreement to improve education, safety, and research and development in the global mining industry.
NRW win Rio Tinto iron contract (0) September 13, 2012 NRW have won a construction contract with Rio Tinto at its Cape Lambert iron ore port.
Vale axes coal mining jobs (0) September 13, 2012 Vale has followed in the wake of BHP and Xstrata, and cut positions at its Australian coal operations.
Miners slam QLD Government over royalty rise (1) September 12, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council says the Queensland Government’s move to hike coal royalties “could be the final straw” for the industry.
BHP dumps plans to buy exploration land (0) September 12, 2012 BHP Billiton has dropped plans to buy a swathe of exploration land around the Olympic Dam project off junior miner Tasman Resources.
NSW Minerals Council slams new land use policy (0) September 12, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has come out against the newly released Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, stating that it will impose difficulties for the coal mining industry.
Coal industry in flux (0) September 12, 2012 As low coal prices bite, miners lay off hundreds of staff, and operations close, the coal mining market continues to struggle.
Ravensworth and Ulan mines earmarked for Xstrata job cuts (0) September 11, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says Xstrata intends to axe around 30 jobs from the Hunter Valley as part of wider job cuts at the company.
Release FIFO inquiry quickly: Doctors (0) September 11, 2012 WA Doctors say the Federal Government should produce an interim report on its fly-in fly-out inquiry so communities can deal with FIFO workers before the boom ends.
Metallurgical layoffs were planned: Roy Hill officials (0) September 11, 2012 Metallurgical workers laid off from Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project last week had reached the end of their contracts and weren’t cut to save costs, according to company officials.
Coal mining cuts ‘drive home reality’, QRC says (0) September 11, 2012 The dual announcement of Xstrata’s job cuts and BHP Billiton’s closure of the Gregory mine has “sent a clear message to the government”, the Queensland Resources Council says.
BMA to close Gregory mine (50) September 10, 2012 BHP Billiton has announced it will shut down its Gregory coal mine.
Xstrata to slash 600 jobs (0) September 10, 2012 Xstrata has announced it will be cutting 600 jobs across its Australia coal operations.
St Barbara miner dies (23) September 10, 2012 A miner has died at St Barbara’s Simbero gold operations in Papua New Guinea.
Unions fight for Tarkine mining (0) September 10, 2012 The Australian Workers Union is fighting against plans to list sections of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness as heritage sites.
Gold sector still positive despite worries (0) September 10, 2012 While gold output fell in the past financial year compared to the previous period the Australian gold sector is sill looking positive.
BHP completes Richards Bay sale to Rio (0) September 10, 2012 Rio Tinto has doubled its holding in Richards Bay Minerals after buying BHP’s share for US$ 1.91 billion.
Jobs cut at Rinehart’s Roy Hill (0) September 7, 2012 Just days after spruiking the jobs benefit of the Roy Hill mine rumours have emerged Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has sacked workers on the project to cut costs.
New speaker for safety conference (0) September 7, 2012 RCT executive Noel Northcott has joined a host of industry leaders, including WA Mines Minister Norman Moore, on the speakers list for the upcoming Australian Mining safety conference.
WA will need another 100,000 workers: Barnett (0) September 7, 2012 Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett says the state’s resources sector will need another 100,000 skilled workers in the future.
Peabody refutes delay on mine sale (0) September 7, 2012 Peabody Energy has hosed down rumours it’s looking to defer the sale of the Wilkie Creek mine in Queensland due to a lack of interest.
Rio to cut jobs at Gove aluminium mine (0) September 7, 2012 Rio Tinto is cutting jobs and costs at its Gove aluminium operations in the Northern Territory.
Coal train derailed (166) September 7, 2012 Investigations have begun into the derailment of a fully laden Pacific National coal train earlier this week.
Lynas wins licence, beats expectations (0) September 6, 2012 Troubled rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has beaten analyst predictions and won a temporary operating licence for its processing plant in Malaysia.
South African miners threaten to kill management (0) September 6, 2012 Marikana miners have threatened to kill Lonmin management unless they stop operations at the platinum mine in North West.
Iron ore isn’t dead yet (0) September 6, 2012 Despite a very modest bounce last week, iron ore prices returned their worst month since October 2011 in August, falling 24%.
Vale developing “copper eating” bacteria (0) September 6, 2012 Mining giant Vale has teamed up with the University of São Paulo to identify “copper eating” bacteria that can help mine mineral waste.
Rinehart spruiks foreign workers (0) September 6, 2012 Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says the plan to bring over a thousand foreign workers to the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara will help Australia grow.
WDS wins BHP coal contract (0) September 6, 2012 WDS has been awarded a contract for BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium coal mine.
Anti coal protests hit the Hunter (0) September 6, 2012 Anti-coal protestors have scaled a crane at a coal loader construction site in Newcastle.
Shaky FMG cuts jobs, expansions, and assets (0) September 5, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has deferred some expansions, sold assets, and cut hundreds of jobs in an effort to stay profitable.
CSIRO rejects APPEA claims (22) September 5, 2012 The CSIRO says the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has misrepresented its research on coal seam gas.
Rio reaffirms Pilbara push (0) September 5, 2012 Rio Tinto Pilbara iron ore head Greg Lilleyman has reaffirmed the miner’s commitment to the Pilbara as Fortescue and BHP cut back their operations.
5 pictures of a mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle (0) September 5, 2012 Most mining developments are built in isolated locations, but this mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle takes inhospitable to a whole new level.
Engineer slashes job in wake of BHP cutbacks (0) September 5, 2012 A joint venture between Sinclair Knight Merz and Fluor has been forced to cut a third of its workforce as BHP halts its Pilbara expansions.
Italian miners win coal mine occupation battle (0) September 4, 2012 Italian miners who had stolen explosives and barricaded themselves inside their mine have won their battle to stop the operation being shut down.
Angry CFMEU locks horns with QRC (0) September 4, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has written to the Queensland Resources Council to demand the lobby group drop a proposal to weaken union power.
Top 5 stories of August (0) September 4, 2012 August was a month of unusual accidents, surprise decisions and massive job cuts. It’s all here in Australian Mining’s top five.
5 scary underground mining pictures (2) September 4, 2012 Whilst Australia’s industry is among the safest in the world, underground mining can be an intimidating job.
Rio cuts jobs at Argyle diamond mine (0) September 4, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced it will cut staff numbers by nearly a fifth at its Argyle diamond mine.
Forge wins Rio Tinto power contract (0) September 3, 2012 Forge has won a $280 million contract to deliver power for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.
People don’t work hard anymore: Atlas boss (0) September 3, 2012 Atlas Iron boss David Flanagan says hard work is no longer celebrated in Australia and overinflated wages have spurred too many workers into a “feeling of entitlement”.
China to shut more than 600 coal mines (0) September 3, 2012 The Chinese Government has announced it will shut hundreds of coal mines across the country.
ASIC fines Barrick Gold (0) September 3, 2012 Eight subsidiaries of Barrick Gold have been fined a total $127,000 for failing to lodge documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Doubts cloud Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine (0) September 3, 2012 Work on Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara is progressing slower than expected and is facing a further cost blowout to the tune of $1 billion.
States see mixed response to uranium mining (0) September 3, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has called on the state government to lift the ban on uranium mining while WA is seeing opposition to its uranium mining.
Iron ore will fight back: analysts (0) September 3, 2012 While the falling iron ore price is expected to steal around $1.5 billion from the WA Government’s budget, analysts say the industry will soon make a comeback.
BMA and unions finish talks (0) September 3, 2012 The CFMEU and BMA have reached an end to their mediation sessions.
India looks to deep sea mining (0) August 31, 2012 India is building a processing plant and investing in exploration equipment in an attempt to mine rare earths and other minerals under its oceans.
Coal mine to close, cut jobs (0) August 31, 2012 New Zealand’s Solid Energy has announced it will suspend operations its Spring Creek coal mine and cut jobs at Huntly East.
CFMEU threatens strikes across all coal mines (0) August 31, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has threatened to spark strikes across all Queensland coal mines if changes are made to safety guidelines.
Monadelphous wins BHP contract (4) August 31, 2012 Monadelphous has won a $75 million construction contract for BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
QLD Mines Department cuts 400 jobs (0) August 31, 2012 Over 400 positions in the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines have been made redundant as part of the Newman Government’s public service cutbacks.
WA opens new mining training facility (0) August 31, 2012 The West Australian Government has opened a new mining and engineering fluid power training facility.
Pacific National opens new Nebo train facility (2) August 31, 2012 Asciano’s coal division, Pacific National, has officially opened its new $180 million train maintenance facility in Nebo, Queensland.
Worker sacked for not following safety rules (0) August 30, 2012 A worker at Newmont’s Waihi gold mine in New Zealand has been sacked after a review found they failed to follow safety procedures during an underground fire.
Boart Longyear backtracks on mining outlook (0) August 30, 2012 Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has revised previous comments on the strength of the mining industry, and says the sector is now in a “state of flux”.
Aussie miners will “hurt the most” from US competition (0) August 30, 2012 Australian miners will be “hurt the most” as companies in the United States start exporting more coal to China, say Bank of America analysts.
Port Bonython explosive plant plan dropped (0) August 30, 2012 An Indian company that planned to build an explosives manufacturing plant in Port Bonython has pulled out.
Day two of M&E exceeds expectations (0) August 29, 2012 As day two of M&E NSW winds down, event organisers have seen better than expected numbers.
Hundreds of NZ coal mine jobs on the line (0) August 29, 2012 Hundreds of jobs at New Zealand coal miner Solid Energy’s operations are at risk as it carries out a cost cutting review.
Xstrata miner injured in Mt Isa (0) August 29, 2012 A female miner has been injured at Xstrata’s Mount Isa Mines operations.
Anglo American to cut Moranbah North jobs (47) August 29, 2012 Anglo American will cut at least 50 jobs when its Moranbah North mine reverts back to a single longwall operation.
Atlas confident despite tough conditions (0) August 28, 2012 Atlas Iron has blamed low commodity prices and the high Australian dollar for its full year loss of $114.6 million, but says it’s still bullish on the future of iron ...
M&E NSW kicks off (0) August 28, 2012 Mining and Engineering NSW has kicked off its first day.
Ampcontrol acquires Primatec (0) August 28, 2012 AUSTRALIA’s largest privately-owned electrical engineering company, Ampcontrol, has acquired automation and process control firm Primatec QDA.
WorleyParsons cuts jobs (0) August 28, 2012 Mining and engineering services company WorleyParsons has cut jobs and redeployed staff to help it cope with slowdowns and delays in some parts of the mining sector.
Lihir halts production (0) August 28, 2012 Newcrest has halted production at its Lihir gold mine due to a dispute with local landowners.
BMA shafts Peak Downs expansion (3) August 28, 2012 BMA has halted its planned expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine, however it will still go ahead with its Caval Ridge and Daunia mines.
New Caterpillar outlet to open near Brisbane (0) August 27, 2012 Caterpillar’s new outlet outside of Brisbane will create hundreds of new jobs and be a boost for the Yatala community, says the Gold Coast City Council.
Bankrupt Kagara to sell assets (0) August 27, 2012 Kagara administrators are attempting to sell the company’s assets to raise funds for the bankrupt miner.
More cuts to come in QLD coal: BHP (0) August 27, 2012 BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers says there is a “broad industry movement” toward cutting jobs on Queensland coal developments.
Analysts keen on Whitehaven despite Tinkler’s rumblings (0) August 27, 2012 Nathan Tinkler is losing $4 million a day on his stake in Whitehaven Coal and has dropped plans for a takeover, but analysts still have faith in the coal producer.
Uncertainty mounts over Xstrata/Glencore merger (0) August 27, 2012 Glencore’s efforts to launch a takeover of Xstrata are looking increasingly uncertain, with the company missing the deadline to raise its £18 billion offer.
Fortescue to build fifth berth at Port Hedland (0) August 27, 2012 Fortescue has reached an agreement with the West Australian Government and Port Hedland Port Authority to develop a new berth at Anderson Point.
Aussie geophysicist found dead (0) August 27, 2012 An Australian man has died in a plane crash after attempting a coalmine survey in Indonesia.
BHP drops another uranium mine (0) August 27, 2012 Less than a week after shelving expansion plans for Olympic Dam, BHP Billiton has sold the Yeelirrie uranium deposit in Western Australia to Cameco for $US430 million.
Atlas welcomes new berths at Port Hedland (0) August 27, 2012 Atlas Iron has welcomed the approval for the development of new berths at South West Creek, Port Hedland.
GVK sells Australian infrastructure stakes to build Alpha (0) August 27, 2012 GVK, the majority shareholder of Gina Rinehart’s Alpha coal mine, will sell stakes in its Australian rail and port subsidiaries to build the massive mine.
Victoria bans fracking (5) August 24, 2012 The Victorian Government has announced a moratorium on fracking for coal seam gas and unconventional gas reserves.
FMG posts strong profit, denies boom is over (0) August 24, 2012 Pilbara miner Fortescue Metals Group has posted a 53 per cent rise in profits, and rejected claims the mining boom is over.
QR National confirms job cuts (0) August 24, 2012 QR National will be cutting more than 700 jobs by the end of the year.
Palmer drops political challenge (0) August 24, 2012 Mining magnate Clive Palmer has scrapped plans to challenge Treasurer Wayne Swan for his Queensland seat in the upcoming federal election.
New rail infrastructure for East Pilbara (0) August 24, 2012 Iron ore miners Brockman and Atlas Iron have partnered with QR National to build new rail and port infrastructure in the Pilbara.
Rinehart’s coal mine wins approval (0) August 24, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s massive Alpha coal mine has been granted Federal Government approval, reigniting a political and environmental stoush between stakeholders.
Rio signs FIFO MoU with Busselton (0) August 24, 2012 Rio Tinto has signed a fly in fly out Memorandum of Understanding with Busselton, the first formal agreement for a FIFO program.
Coal miner fined for blasting (0) August 23, 2012 The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure has fined the Integra coal mine for exceeding its blasting limits.
Miners hunt US veterans for $65K-$200K jobs (0) August 23, 2012 The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship says it wants to fill 400-500 mining jobs with US workers, and former war veterans could fit some of the roles.
Mining boom is dead: Government (4) August 23, 2012 Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says the mining boom is over, following BHP Billiton’s plunge in profits and decision to shelve plans for the Olympic Dam expansion.
Greens happy at BHP failure (0) August 23, 2012 The South Australian Greens say they are glad BHP Billiton has failed to deliver its $US20 billion expansion at the Olympic Dam mine.
Tradies better off than university graduates (0) August 23, 2012 Workers with vocational education and training behind them are earning significantly more than university graduates, according to new data.
States hit back at Swan’s mining royalty threats (0) August 23, 2012 New South Wales has hit back at Federal treasurer Wayne Swan’s threats to cut funding to the states if they raise mining royalty rates.
Fire breaks out at gold mine (0) August 23, 2012 A fire has broken out at Australian miner Medusa Mining’s Co-O gold mine in the Philippines.
BHP dumps Olympic Dam (5) August 22, 2012 BHP Billiton has cancelled its $US20 billion Olympic Dam expansion, blaming weak commodity prices and spiraling costs.
WA miner uncovers massive diamond (0) August 22, 2012 Western Australian mining company Lonrho Mining has uncovered a massive 131.5 carat diamond in Angola.
Coal job losses are a “certainty”: QRC (0) August 21, 2012 Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche says further job cuts in the Queensland coal industry are a certainty as companies struggle to stay profitable.
QR to test coal dust levels in Brisbane (0) August 21, 2012 Queensland Rail will carry out a series of tests to measure coal dust levels across Brisbane suburbs.
Mining regions missing out on royalty returns (0) August 21, 2012 The New South Wales Government is under fire for breaking its promise to funnel mining royalties back to mining regions.
BMA strikes were good for us: Yancoal (0) August 21, 2012 The industrial dispute between BMA and its workers has reduced Australian coal exports and helped boost demand in the weakening market, according to Yancoal.
Miners find unique way to battle site theft (0) August 21, 2012 With the high price of equipment on a mine site, the temptation to take it and resell it is too much for some.
Thousands of foreign workers to fill WA jobs (0) August 20, 2012 Labour specialist Cape Australia has plans to import 2062 foreign tradespeople to fill empty mining jobs in Western Australia.
Irish workers looking for WA mining jobs (0) August 20, 2012 The manager of a Kalgoorlie backpackers hostel says Irish workers are flooding to the WA Goldfields to try and take up work in the mining industry.
BHP inks massive native title deal (0) August 20, 2012 BHP Billiton has signed a native title deal in the Pilbara that will deliver millions to traditional owners and clear the way for future expansions.
FIFO hardships have miners turning to less experienced workers (0) August 20, 2012 An increasing amount of fly-in fly-out workers are having trouble coping with the lifestyle pressure of mining, and companies are now turning to less experienced staff to fill the gap.
Councils demand greater role in mine approvals (0) August 20, 2012 Queensland gasfield commissioner John Cotter has called on the government to give councils a greater role in mining project approvals.
QLD gov to unleash ‘horror’ budget on miners (0) August 20, 2012 The Queensland Government has told miners to prepare for its “horror” budget that will be launched in September.
FMG to use satellites to track Pilbara rail (18) August 17, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group will soon use a satellite tracking system to help monitor train movements in the Pilbara.
BHP not ruling out further job cuts (0) August 17, 2012 BHP says it will not provide specific information about future changes to its business, but it hasn’t ruled out making further job cuts.
CITIC blames skills shortage and inexperience for delays (0) August 17, 2012 CITIC Pacific mining has blamed weather delays, an “acute shortage” of electricians, and the inexperience of its lead contractor for delays on the Pilbara Sino Iron project.
Sixty dead in African mine collapse (0) August 17, 2012 At least sixty illegal miners have died in the Congo after a landslide caused a shaft collapse, burying them all.
Miners to spend big on IT (0) August 16, 2012 Research house IDC says the mining industry’s investment in information technology is set to rise as companies look for new ways to manage rising costs.
Mining still a strong job creator: Shorten (0) August 16, 2012 Mining is a significant new job creator and will continue to be over the next five years, says employment minister Bill Shorten.
BMA, Rio Tinto, Xstrata cut coal jobs (7) August 16, 2012 Rio Tinto, BMA, and Xstrata have announced job cuts to the contractor workforce on their Queensland coal mines.
Esperance lead cleanup complete (2) August 16, 2012 Esperance has finally finished its massive lead clean up and recovery project after the disastrous lead contamination of 2007.
WA mine rehabilitation bond system overhauled (0) August 16, 2012 Western Australia’s Government has announced it will create a new fund to replace the current environmental bond system for mine rehabilitation.
More uncertainty on BHP expansions (0) August 15, 2012 Deutsche Bank has joined a chorus of analysts calling on BHP Billiton to push back plans for its massive outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
Mining heavy haulage out of Mackay [images and video] (0) August 15, 2012 Following yesterday’s heavy haulage images, the folks at Joy Global have sent us photos and video of one of their LeTourneau wheel loaders being transported from Mackay to a nearby ...
No experience? No mining job (0) August 15, 2012 Very few mining companies are looking to hire unskilled workers, says recruitment firm Hays.
Greens “comfortable” accepting CSG developer donations (0) August 15, 2012 The ACT Greens say they are comfortable accepting donations from coal seam gas developers AGL and Origin Energy, despite their stringent opposition to the industry.
Paladin signs $200m offtake contract (0) August 15, 2012 Paladin Energy has signed a massive US$200 million long term offtake contract for its uranium.
Indian iron ore exports slump (0) August 15, 2012 Indian iron ore exporters see close to a quarter drop in production rates as Chinese steel companies worry over reduce stockpile levels.
Katter pushes to cut ‘green tape’ (0) August 15, 2012 Bob Katter’s son, the member for Mount Isa Rob Katter, is pushing through legislation to unlock the land to miners.
Aussie miners will “hurt considerably” as China slows (0) August 14, 2012 News that China’s exports and imports slowed for the second consecutive month in July is “definitely not good news” for Australian mining companies, says a UK analyst.
Despite the current slump in iron ore prices, analysts believe peak prices are still more than a decade away.
WDS has won a huge $280 million contract to provide gas gathering works for Australia Pacific LNG.
The contract for construction of a new rail line for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine has been deferred, with Macmahon Holdings citing the move as further evidence of a slowdown ...
BHP Billiton has canned plans to build the massive Red Hill and Saraji East coal developments in Queensland, citing a “challenging external environment” for the cutback.
In an upturn for the embattled miner, Fortescue has celebrated its first ore through its new second train unloader in Port Hedland.
![What happened to Rio Tinto's plan to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months? [opinion]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/27143907/Rio-rail-resize-150x150.jpg)
Earlier this year Rio Tinto announced, to much fanfare, a plan to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months.
The Queensland Resources Council has slammed the latest Greenpeace report on coal, stating that it has ‘zero credibility’.
The demand for Australia’s resources will continue, but better policies are needed to stay competitive in the global market.
Rio Tinto has confirmed that it has cut jobs at its Clermont coal mine
Analysts say that a drop in metal prices of up to 16 per cent will affect the Federal Government’s promise of surplus.
Macmahon Holdings shares plummeted 40 per cent this morning after the company cut its earnings estimate in half for 2012-13 and chief executive Nick Bowen resigned.
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics says Australia’s resources exports are expected to grow over the next year despite falling prices.
New Hope managing director Robert Neale has joined Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson in warning there might be more closures to come in Queensland’s coal industry.
The recent drop in iron ore demand is only temporary and the industry will soon return to full strength, say managers at Fortescue Metals Group, Centrex Metals, and Gindalbie Metals
US coal miner Alpha Natural Resources has axed 1,200 jobs and closed eight mines around Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Gindalbie Metals has opened new iron ore export infrastructure at Geraldton Port.
Coretrack has announced it is restructuring its Core Level Recorder System product line, which will result in a reduction of its local workforce.
Australian mining equipment manufacturer Bradken has received notice of a patent infringement from former partner Esco regarding its new ground engaging tools.
BHP Billiton has put a freeze on executive salaries and warned that recent highs in some parts of the mining sector are unlikely to be repeated.
Victorian premier Ted Baillieu has announced Melbourne will host a new international mining conference which will rival some of the biggest in the world.
The ACTU is escalating their war on the use of foreign workers and are demanding Labor abandon the use of enterprise migration agreements.
![Koala rescued from mineshaft [video]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092226/koala-resize-150x150.jpg)
A group of university students have managed to rescue a koala from an abandoned mine shaft in Victoria.
Rio Tinto has announced it will slash more jobs across its coal mines in Queensland as the state raises its royalty rates.
The massive iron ore ‘megamine’ planned in the Canadian Arctic has been granted environmental and native title approval.
Australian rail coal haulage company QR National has proposed changing its name to Aurizon.
Forge has won a $70 million contract to build fuel infrastructure for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore mines.
Hughes Drilling has been awarded the contract for blasthole drilling at Anglo American’s Foxleigh coal mine.
The Australian mining industry is seen as expensive and risky to investors, a report has found.
A report by the UK Government says the benefits of thorium as an alternative nuclear fuel have been “overstated”.
![How miners use helicopters and cranes to install massive equipment [pictures]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092232/thumb-150x150.jpg)
Previously we’ve shown you some impressive pictures of trucks hauling mining equipment on site.
A worker for iron ore mover Inco Ships has died in an accident and another man is dead in suspicious circumstances aboard one of the world’s largest coal ships in ...
The University of Queensland and mining giant Vale have launched a five year $1.25 million partnership to research how microorganisms can be used for mining.
Oilcareers.com has been named the best job board of 2012 at this year’s Global Recruiter Awards.
An iron ore roadtrain rolled this weekend, injuring the driver.
Asciano subsidiary Pacific National has signed a train services agreement with BMA.
Green groups say the Queensland Government has backflipped on its promise to ban uranium mining after opening discussions on the metal’s future on Friday.
Fortescue has won its High Court appeal over access to Rio Tinto and BHP’s iron ore rail networks in the Pilbara.
Employment in the mining industry has fallen for the first time in three years.
There’s no piece of machinery that beats the size and scale of a dragline. So when things go wrong on this front, they go really wrong.
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued new advice to miners after a worker was struck and killed by a front end loader.
A lobby group has made a renewed push to allow uranium mining in Queensland, but has been met by silence from Campbell Newman’s government.
The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has published its investigation into the blasting accident at BMA’s Saraji mine that destroyed a Cat D10 dozer and damaged a 996 digger.
Newcrest has halted production at its Ridgeway mine in New South Wales following a conveyor fault earlier this week.
Mediation has failed between coal miner BMA and the mining union.
Rio Tinto’s uranium subsidiary Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) has denied claims it is expanding operations without environmental assessments.
BHP Billiton’s coking coal price for shipments to Japan has been slashed by nearly 25 per cent to $US170.
BHP Billiton chairman Jac Nasser says the QLD Government’s move to hike royalties will result in more job losses and uncertainty for the future.
Scarlet Alliance CEO Janelle Fawkes says FIFO sex workers targeting mining towns provide a “valuable service” to regional communities and don’t charge higher rates than usual.
Western Australian attorney-general Christian Porter has voiced support for mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s call for a special economic zone in WA’s mining regions.
The CSIRO and Chile’s Ministry of Mining have signed an agreement to improve education, safety, and research and development in the global mining industry.
NRW have won a construction contract with Rio Tinto at its Cape Lambert iron ore port.
The release of Incitec Pivot’s proposed ammonium nitrate plant’s environmental impact statement has drawn opposition from the local community.
Vale has followed in the wake of BHP and Xstrata, and cut positions at its Australian coal operations.
The Queensland Resources Council says the Queensland Government’s move to hike coal royalties “could be the final straw” for the industry.
The Federal Government has threatened to cut infrastructure funding for Queensland after the State Government announced plans to increase coal royalties.
BHP Billiton has dropped plans to buy a swathe of exploration land around the Olympic Dam project off junior miner Tasman Resources.
The NSW Minerals Council has come out against the newly released Strategic Regional Land Use Policy, stating that it will impose difficulties for the coal mining industry.
ABB is working Vale to make its Carajas Serra Sul S11D iron ore mine automated and completely truckless.
As low coal prices bite, miners lay off hundreds of staff, and operations close, the coal mining market continues to struggle.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says Xstrata intends to axe around 30 jobs from the Hunter Valley as part of wider job cuts at the company.
WA Doctors say the Federal Government should produce an interim report on its fly-in fly-out inquiry so communities can deal with FIFO workers before the boom ends.
Metallurgical workers laid off from Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill project last week had reached the end of their contracts and weren’t cut to save costs, according to company officials.
The dual announcement of Xstrata’s job cuts and BHP Billiton’s closure of the Gregory mine has “sent a clear message to the government”, the Queensland Resources Council says.
The CFMEU has slammed BHP following its announcement of the closure of its Gregory Crinum coal mine.
BHP Billiton has announced it will shut down its Gregory coal mine.
Xstrata has announced it will be cutting 600 jobs across its Australia coal operations.
A miner has died at St Barbara’s Simbero gold operations in Papua New Guinea.
The Australian Workers Union is fighting against plans to list sections of Tasmania’s Tarkine wilderness as heritage sites.
While gold output fell in the past financial year compared to the previous period the Australian gold sector is sill looking positive.
Rio Tinto has doubled its holding in Richards Bay Minerals after buying BHP’s share for US$ 1.91 billion.
Just days after spruiking the jobs benefit of the Roy Hill mine rumours have emerged Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has sacked workers on the project to cut costs.
RCT executive Noel Northcott has joined a host of industry leaders, including WA Mines Minister Norman Moore, on the speakers list for the upcoming Australian Mining safety conference.
Western Australia Premier Colin Barnett says the state’s resources sector will need another 100,000 skilled workers in the future.
Peabody Energy has hosed down rumours it’s looking to defer the sale of the Wilkie Creek mine in Queensland due to a lack of interest.
Rio Tinto is cutting jobs and costs at its Gove aluminium operations in the Northern Territory.
Investigations have begun into the derailment of a fully laden Pacific National coal train earlier this week.
Troubled rare earths miner Lynas Corporation has beaten analyst predictions and won a temporary operating licence for its processing plant in Malaysia.
Marikana miners have threatened to kill Lonmin management unless they stop operations at the platinum mine in North West.
Despite a very modest bounce last week, iron ore prices returned their worst month since October 2011 in August, falling 24%.
Mining giant Vale has teamed up with the University of São Paulo to identify “copper eating” bacteria that can help mine mineral waste.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says the plan to bring over a thousand foreign workers to the Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara will help Australia grow.
FLSmidth has acquired MIE Enterprises and Mayer Bulk.
WDS has been awarded a contract for BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium coal mine.
Anti-coal protestors have scaled a crane at a coal loader construction site in Newcastle.
Fortescue Metals Group has deferred some expansions, sold assets, and cut hundreds of jobs in an effort to stay profitable.
The CSIRO says the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association has misrepresented its research on coal seam gas.
Rio Tinto Pilbara iron ore head Greg Lilleyman has reaffirmed the miner’s commitment to the Pilbara as Fortescue and BHP cut back their operations.
![As miners go offshore so will the jobs: Rinehart [video]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/27143929/rinehart-resize-150x150.jpg)
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says Australia is too expensive and too many companies are now looking overseas to start new mining projects.
Most mining developments are built in isolated locations, but this mine 400km north of the Arctic Circle takes inhospitable to a whole new level.
A joint venture between Sinclair Knight Merz and Fluor has been forced to cut a third of its workforce as BHP halts its Pilbara expansions.
![Why conservationists should blame farmers, not miners, for destroying our woodlands [opinion]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092307/cattle-farming-resize-150x150.jpg)
Whilst most conservationists blame mining for threatening the forests and woodlands of NSW, the facts prove otherwise.
Italian miners who had stolen explosives and barricaded themselves inside their mine have won their battle to stop the operation being shut down.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has written to the Queensland Resources Council to demand the lobby group drop a proposal to weaken union power.
August was a month of unusual accidents, surprise decisions and massive job cuts. It’s all here in Australian Mining’s top five.
Whilst Australia’s industry is among the safest in the world, underground mining can be an intimidating job.
Rio Tinto has announced it will cut staff numbers by nearly a fifth at its Argyle diamond mine.
Forge has won a $280 million contract to deliver power for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara.
Atlas Iron boss David Flanagan says hard work is no longer celebrated in Australia and overinflated wages have spurred too many workers into a “feeling of entitlement”.
The Chinese Government has announced it will shut hundreds of coal mines across the country.
Eight subsidiaries of Barrick Gold have been fined a total $127,000 for failing to lodge documents with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
New Zealand coal miners will march against Solid Energy’s decision to close its Spring Creek mine.
Work on Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill mine in the Pilbara is progressing slower than expected and is facing a further cost blowout to the tune of $1 billion.
The Queensland Resources Council has called on the state government to lift the ban on uranium mining while WA is seeing opposition to its uranium mining.
While the falling iron ore price is expected to steal around $1.5 billion from the WA Government’s budget, analysts say the industry will soon make a comeback.
The CFMEU and BMA have reached an end to their mediation sessions.
India is building a processing plant and investing in exploration equipment in an attempt to mine rare earths and other minerals under its oceans.
New Zealand’s Solid Energy has announced it will suspend operations its Spring Creek coal mine and cut jobs at Huntly East.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has threatened to spark strikes across all Queensland coal mines if changes are made to safety guidelines.
Monadelphous has won a $75 million construction contract for BHP’s Jimblebar iron ore mine.
Over 400 positions in the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines have been made redundant as part of the Newman Government’s public service cutbacks.
The West Australian Government has opened a new mining and engineering fluid power training facility.
A worker at Newmont’s Waihi gold mine in New Zealand has been sacked after a review found they failed to follow safety procedures during an underground fire.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart says those jealous of her fortune should “spend less time drinking or smoking and socialising, and more time working”.
Boart Longyear CEO Craig Kipp has revised previous comments on the strength of the mining industry, and says the sector is now in a “state of flux”.
A blasting accident earlier this week at BMA’s Saraji coal mine has destroyed a Cat D11 dozer.
Australian miners will be “hurt the most” as companies in the United States start exporting more coal to China, say Bank of America analysts.
An Indian company that planned to build an explosives manufacturing plant in Port Bonython has pulled out.
As day two of M&E NSW winds down, event organisers have seen better than expected numbers.
A female miner has been injured at Xstrata’s Mount Isa Mines operations.
Atlas Iron has blamed low commodity prices and the high Australian dollar for its full year loss of $114.6 million, but says it’s still bullish on the future of iron ...
Mining and Engineering NSW has kicked off its first day.
AUSTRALIA’s largest privately-owned electrical engineering company, Ampcontrol, has acquired automation and process control firm Primatec QDA.
Mining and engineering services company WorleyParsons has cut jobs and redeployed staff to help it cope with slowdowns and delays in some parts of the mining sector.
Newcrest has halted production at its Lihir gold mine due to a dispute with local landowners.
Two workers have been killed on an Origin Energy gas drill off the Victorian coast.
Italian coal miners are barricaded inside a coal mine and have armed themselves with explosives to prevent the mine’s closure.
BMA has halted its planned expansion of the Peak Downs coal mine, however it will still go ahead with its Caval Ridge and Daunia mines.
Caterpillar’s new outlet outside of Brisbane will create hundreds of new jobs and be a boost for the Yatala community, says the Gold Coast City Council.
Kagara administrators are attempting to sell the company’s assets to raise funds for the bankrupt miner.
BHP Billiton CEO Marius Kloppers says there is a “broad industry movement” toward cutting jobs on Queensland coal developments.
Nathan Tinkler is losing $4 million a day on his stake in Whitehaven Coal and has dropped plans for a takeover, but analysts still have faith in the coal producer.
Glencore’s efforts to launch a takeover of Xstrata are looking increasingly uncertain, with the company missing the deadline to raise its £18 billion offer.
Fortescue has reached an agreement with the West Australian Government and Port Hedland Port Authority to develop a new berth at Anderson Point.
An Australian man has died in a plane crash after attempting a coalmine survey in Indonesia.
Less than a week after shelving expansion plans for Olympic Dam, BHP Billiton has sold the Yeelirrie uranium deposit in Western Australia to Cameco for $US430 million.
Griffin Coal has released a report which states that high levels of metals have been found in the waterways around the town of Collie.
Atlas Iron has welcomed the approval for the development of new berths at South West Creek, Port Hedland.
GVK, the majority shareholder of Gina Rinehart’s Alpha coal mine, will sell stakes in its Australian rail and port subsidiaries to build the massive mine.
The Victorian Government has announced a moratorium on fracking for coal seam gas and unconventional gas reserves.
Pilbara miner Fortescue Metals Group has posted a 53 per cent rise in profits, and rejected claims the mining boom is over.
QR National will be cutting more than 700 jobs by the end of the year.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer has scrapped plans to challenge Treasurer Wayne Swan for his Queensland seat in the upcoming federal election.
Iron ore miners Brockman and Atlas Iron have partnered with QR National to build new rail and port infrastructure in the Pilbara.
Gina Rinehart’s massive Alpha coal mine has been granted Federal Government approval, reigniting a political and environmental stoush between stakeholders.
Federal resources minister Martin Ferguson has taken a step back from his comments that the mining boom is over.
Rio Tinto has signed a fly in fly out Memorandum of Understanding with Busselton, the first formal agreement for a FIFO program.
The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure has fined the Integra coal mine for exceeding its blasting limits.
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship says it wants to fill 400-500 mining jobs with US workers, and former war veterans could fit some of the roles.
Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says the mining boom is over, following BHP Billiton’s plunge in profits and decision to shelve plans for the Olympic Dam expansion.
The South Australian Greens say they are glad BHP Billiton has failed to deliver its $US20 billion expansion at the Olympic Dam mine.
Workers with vocational education and training behind them are earning significantly more than university graduates, according to new data.
New South Wales has hit back at Federal treasurer Wayne Swan’s threats to cut funding to the states if they raise mining royalty rates.
A fire has broken out at Australian miner Medusa Mining’s Co-O gold mine in the Philippines.
BHP Billiton has cancelled its $US20 billion Olympic Dam expansion, blaming weak commodity prices and spiraling costs.
Western Australian mining company Lonrho Mining has uncovered a massive 131.5 carat diamond in Angola.
Federal treasurer Wayne Swan has once more threatened states over mining royalties rises.
Norton Gold Fields has announced the appointment of Dianmin Chen as its new CEO.
Calibre Group has been awarded a $150 million EPCM contract for Rio Tinto’s Yandicoogina iron ore mine.
Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche says further job cuts in the Queensland coal industry are a certainty as companies struggle to stay profitable.
Queensland Rail will carry out a series of tests to measure coal dust levels across Brisbane suburbs.
The New South Wales Government is under fire for breaking its promise to funnel mining royalties back to mining regions.
The industrial dispute between BMA and its workers has reduced Australian coal exports and helped boost demand in the weakening market, according to Yancoal.
With the high price of equipment on a mine site, the temptation to take it and resell it is too much for some.
A NSW council has put forth a motion to ban fly in fly out miners in the region.
Labour specialist Cape Australia has plans to import 2062 foreign tradespeople to fill empty mining jobs in Western Australia.
The manager of a Kalgoorlie backpackers hostel says Irish workers are flooding to the WA Goldfields to try and take up work in the mining industry.
BHP Billiton has signed a native title deal in the Pilbara that will deliver millions to traditional owners and clear the way for future expansions.
An increasing amount of fly-in fly-out workers are having trouble coping with the lifestyle pressure of mining, and companies are now turning to less experienced staff to fill the gap.
Queensland gasfield commissioner John Cotter has called on the government to give councils a greater role in mining project approvals.
The Queensland Government has told miners to prepare for its “horror” budget that will be launched in September.
BHP says it will not provide specific information about future changes to its business, but it hasn’t ruled out making further job cuts.
![South African police shoot and kill protesting miners [video]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092356/SA-police-resize-150x150.jpg)
Footage has appeared online showing South African police shooting and killing protesting platinum miners in South Africa.
CITIC Pacific mining has blamed weather delays, an “acute shortage” of electricians, and the inexperience of its lead contractor for delays on the Pilbara Sino Iron project.
Rio Tinto will need at least six years to fully clean up and rehabilitate its massive Blair Athol open cut coal mine following its closure.
At least sixty illegal miners have died in the Congo after a landslide caused a shaft collapse, burying them all.
Research house IDC says the mining industry’s investment in information technology is set to rise as companies look for new ways to manage rising costs.
Mining is a significant new job creator and will continue to be over the next five years, says employment minister Bill Shorten.
Fly-in fly-out workers that go on strike will lose their mine accommodation for that period, the Federal Court has ruled.
Iron ore miners that do not use their full shipping allocations at Port Hedland may lose their allocation rights.
Rio Tinto, BMA, and Xstrata have announced job cuts to the contractor workforce on their Queensland coal mines.
Esperance has finally finished its massive lead clean up and recovery project after the disastrous lead contamination of 2007.
Western Australia’s Government has announced it will create a new fund to replace the current environmental bond system for mine rehabilitation.
Deutsche Bank has joined a chorus of analysts calling on BHP Billiton to push back plans for its massive outer harbour development at Port Hedland.
![Mining heavy haulage out of Mackay [images and video]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092404/haulage-thumbnail-resize-150x150.jpg)
Following yesterday’s heavy haulage images, the folks at Joy Global have sent us photos and video of one of their LeTourneau wheel loaders being transported from Mackay to a nearby ...
Very few mining companies are looking to hire unskilled workers, says recruitment firm Hays.
The ACT Greens say they are comfortable accepting donations from coal seam gas developers AGL and Origin Energy, despite their stringent opposition to the industry.
Paladin Energy has signed a massive US$200 million long term offtake contract for its uranium.
Indian iron ore exporters see close to a quarter drop in production rates as Chinese steel companies worry over reduce stockpile levels.
Bob Katter’s son, the member for Mount Isa Rob Katter, is pushing through legislation to unlock the land to miners.
Gindalbie Metals has shipped its first train load of iron ore from its Karara mine.
News that China’s exports and imports slowed for the second consecutive month in July is “definitely not good news” for Australian mining companies, says a UK analyst.
The Papua New Guinea Government has given the go-ahead for Nautilus Minerals to start the world’s first deep sea mining project.