News

New mine for Beaconsfield (0) July 9, 2012 The Beaconsfield community is set to receive a boost, with Proto Resources confirming work on its Barnes Hill mine will begin by the end of next year.
Anglo American invests $4.7bn in diamonds (0) July 9, 2012 Anglo American is set to buy a $4.7 billion stake in De Beers, which will raise its control of the diamond producer to between 75 and 85 per cent.
Rinehart pours $26m into local training (0) July 9, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting has committed $26 million to local training in the face of rising opposition to the company’s workforce plans.
QLD joins FMG in mining tax challenge (0) July 9, 2012 In a move condemned by the Gillard Government, Queensland has announced plans to join Fortescue Metals Group in a High Court challenge against the mining tax.
Xstrata looks to extend Black Star mine life (0) July 9, 2012 Xstrata has announced it is carrying out studies to extend the life of its Black Star zinc mine.
BMA and unions agree to framework agreement (0) July 9, 2012 One of the largest steps forward in negotiations has been made in the BMA unions struggle as the two agree to a framework agreement.
Horse rescued from abandoned mineshaft (0) July 6, 2012 A horse has been rescued from an abandoned mineshaft in north Queensland after spending almost seven hours trapped.
Beaconsfield closure a “major disappointment”: survivor (0) July 6, 2012 Beaconsfield mine collapse survivor Brant Webb says the site’s closure will be a “major disappointment” to the local community.
Rinehart’s Roy Hill remains focused on Australian mining jobs (0) July 6, 2012 Despite rallies against her call for foreign miners, Gina Rinehart says her Roy Hill iron ore mine is still focused on giving Australians jobs.
Dump truck gets stuck on route to mine (0) July 6, 2012 One mining dump truck was a little too much for its transport truck, which overheated and left the dump truck stranded on the Toowoomba Range.
New evidence in Pike River coal mine tragedy (0) July 6, 2012 New Zealand’s Pike River royal commission has announced it will look at new evidence from former miners.
Xstrata delays merger despite ACCC go ahead; draws CFMEU ire (0) July 6, 2012 Xstrata has delayed a shareholder vote on a merger with Glencore as investors continue to dictate the offer.
New training to ensure unskilled workers score mining jobs (0) July 5, 2012 Training provider Mines Rescue and mining services provider UGM Australia have launched a new program to train unskilled workers for jobs in the mining industry.
3,000 workers chant ‘Gina Rinehart’s full of sh*t’ (0) July 5, 2012 Over 3,000 workers marched on WA Parliament and Hancock Prospecting’s Perth office yesterday protesting the use of foreign labour and chanting ‘Gina Rinehart’s full of sh*t’.
Confusion reigns, Atlas claims it won’t pay mining tax (0) July 5, 2012 Atlas Iron says it doesn’t expect to pay any mining tax and the Federal Government will not make as much money as it expects from the new policy.
Katter calls for North Queensland statehood (0) July 5, 2012 Bob Katter is calling for North Queensland to be granted statehood, and self governing rights.
WA miners pay continues to rise (0) July 5, 2012 West Australian miners are continuing to rake in the big money following more pay increases.
BHP sues MUA over ‘illegal’ strikes (0) July 5, 2012 BHP Billiton is taking legal action against the Maritime Union of Australia over what it claims was illegal strike action.
Three of the meanest underground mining machines (0) July 4, 2012 While nothing can compete with open-cut for the sheer size of the operation, the continuous miners used underground are by far the meanest machines in the industry.
Thousands to protest against foreign workers (0) July 4, 2012 Unions in WA are hoping to attract thousands to protests across the state opposing the introduction of enterprise migration agreements on mining projects.
Still not enough women in mining: report (0) July 4, 2012 Women are underrepresented in the high paying construction and mining industries and increasing their involvement is still a big challenge, according to a Government report.
Leightons wins Bowen Basin coal contracts (0) July 4, 2012 Leighton Contractors’ Mining Division has a won a contract for QCoal’s Jax mine’s bulk sample project and an extension to its Sonoma mine work.
BMA and unions enter into mediation (0) July 4, 2012 BMA and mining unions have commenced mediation in an attempt to bring nearly two years of industrial action to an end.
Man pleads not guily to urine switch (0) July 4, 2012 A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to fraud charges following plans to tamper with a urine test to score a mining job.
Decmil wins $30 million contract with Rio Tinto (0) July 3, 2012 Decmil Australia has scored a $30 million services and infrastructure contract on Rio Tinto’s Marandoo Mine in the Pilbara.
Are these the 3 best excavator operators ever? (0) July 3, 2012 Just for fun, we’ve collected three examples of some excavator operators doing amazing things with their machinery.
Drug use on mines back in the spotlight (0) July 3, 2012 The nation’s peak mining bodies are calling for stricter regulation on synthetic drugs so companies can crack down on their use in Australian mines.
Illawarra coal miner to face court (0) July 3, 2012 Illawarra residents are taking coal miner Gujarat NRE to court, claiming it illegally began longwall mining earlier this year.
Unions face hurdle in ‘scab c**t’ case (0) July 3, 2012 The CFMEU is facing unexpected difficulties in its defence of former miner who reportedly abused a co-worker during a protest, calling him a “scab c**t”.
Mining industry needs the NBN: QRG boss (0) July 3, 2012 Mining boss and entrepreneur Wayne Gerard is leading a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of the National Broadband Network to the mining industry.
Rio axes costs (17) July 3, 2012 Rio has announced plans to cut support and services expenses globally.
Adani and QR work towards Galilee Basin rail (0) July 3, 2012 Coal mine Adani and QR National have announced they are working together for a new rail line in the Galilee Basin.
Watpac wins BC Iron contract (0) July 3, 2012 Watpac Civil and Mining has secured a contract at BC Iron’s Nullagine iron ore project.
Mining tax takes effect, stakeholders speak out (0) July 2, 2012 While the future of the mining tax and its impact remains uncertain, some sections of the business community have condemned it following its introduction last weekend.
Mining tax’s birth day [blog] (0) July 2, 2012 The mining tax kicks in with the start of the financial year – but you could be forgiven for forgetting.
Carbon tax reignites debate (0) July 2, 2012 The introduction of the carbon tax has sparked angry debate between business leaders, community members, and both sides of politics.
Beaconsfield gold mine finally shuts down (0) July 2, 2012 More than six months after it was officially announced, the Beaconsfield gold mine has finally closed.
Fair Work continues to fail, AMMA says (0) July 2, 2012 Three years in and the Fair Work Act is harming Australia’s workplace relations environment, AMMA says.
Incitec Pivot begin production at Moranbah (0) July 2, 2012 Incitec Pivot has commenced ammonium nitrate production at its plant in Moranbah.
Orica pleads guilty to Kooragang spill (0) July 2, 2012 Orica has pled guilty to breaching its environmental protection licence last year after a series of spills and safety incidents.
Five die in South African mine fire (0) July 2, 2012 Five miners have died in an underground mine fire in South Africa.
Cheap foreign workers are vital: Roy Hill boss (0) June 29, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill chief executive Barry Fitzgerald has defended the use of foreign workers on mining projects and claimed they’re an important “risk management” strategy.
Carbon tax won’t hurt mining: Gillard (0) June 29, 2012 The Gillard Government says false claims about the carbon tax’s impact on the mining industry will be exposed when the policy comes into force this weekend.
Rio secures Bell Bay smelter’s future (0) June 29, 2012 Tasmania’s Bell Bay smelter looks to buck the current trend of closures as an agreement between Rio Tinto and the government secures it future.
Chinese-owned Yancoal Australia lists on ASX (0) June 29, 2012 The Queensland mining industry has welcomed Chinese-owned Yancoal Australia after its listing on the ASX yesterday.
St Barbara and Allied Gold to merge (0) June 29, 2012 St Barbara and Allied Gold have announced the two companies will merger to create a diversified gold miner.
Kiwis pay their own way to get on oz mines (0) June 29, 2012 The mining boom is reaching across the Tasman as more and more Kiwis are willing to pay their own fly in fly out fares to be part of it.
Metso supplies world’s largest mobile crusher (0) June 29, 2012 Metso has supplied the world’s largest mobile crushing plant to the Altay Polimetally LLP copper mine in Kazakhstan.
Miner faces 50% rate hike (0) June 28, 2012 Newcrest is facing a nearly 50% rise in its council rates after the local Blayney Council was given the greenlight for the rate rise.
Tinkler proposes new coal loader (0) June 28, 2012 Nathan Tinkler has proposed another coal loader for Newcastle, despite his previous proposal being rejected.
Xstrata to extend Ravensworth coal mine’s life (0) June 28, 2012 Xstrata has applied to the NSW Department of Planning to extend the lifespan and workforce of its Ravensworth coal mine.
VDM wins Rio iron ore contracts (0) June 28, 2012 VDM Group has won contracts to develop and build facilities at Rio Tinto’s Brockman 4 iron ore mine.
Whitehaven takeover is coming, buy shares now (0) June 27, 2012 Speculation is rising that mining magnate Nathan Tinkler may soon launch a $5 billion takeover of Whitehaven Coal.
BHP strengthens presence in South Australia (0) June 27, 2012 BHP Billiton has further strengthened its control over mining assets in South Australia by snapping up new exploration licences from junior explorer Copper Range Limited.
Palmer says sorry (0) June 27, 2012 Clive Palmer has apologised for arguing and swearing at Tony Abbott over Liberal Party lobbyists, and compared fighting with the Coalition leader to arguing with his wife.
Asbestos found at Rio Pilbara iron ore mine (0) June 27, 2012 The West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum is investigating evidence of asbestos contamination at Rio Tinto’s West Angelas iron ore mine.
Miner funds new doctors for remote PNG (0) June 27, 2012 Newcrest Mining has donated funding to provide a remote Papua New Guinea hospital its first doctor since 2010.
Ivanhoe Australia cuts 50 jobs (0) June 26, 2012 Copper and gold focused Ivanhoe Australia has announced plans to cut 50 jobs to save around $10 million.
Coal truck rollover (0) June 26, 2012 A truck rolled and lost its load of coal this morning, blocking traffic in Spring Hill in NSW’s Illawarra.
Safety reps missing from mines (0) June 26, 2012 A number of Queensland coal mines don’t have an onsite safety representative.
Aussies thank miners, not Gillard, for economy (0) June 26, 2012 A new poll shows most Australians think the mining industry, not the Gillard Government, is responsible for Australia’s strong economy.
The gold industry is set for “big things” (0) June 26, 2012 Continued uncertainty in the global economy means now is the “opportune time” to invest in gold miners, according to Foster Stockbroking analysts.
Downer and Electro-Motive sign new agreement, move manufacturing offshore (0) June 26, 2012 Downer EDI has signed a new five year agreement with locomotive company Electro-Motive Diesel that will see locomotive manufacture slowly move offshore.
Rio ships first coal from Mozambique; beings construction at Perth Airport (0) June 26, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced its first shipment of coal from its Benga mine in Mozambique as construction begins on third building at Perth Airport.
Hunter mining machinery workers locked out (0) June 26, 2012 Around 150 workers from the Bucyrus mining machinery plant in Beresfield have been locked out of the factory following a breakdown in pay negotiations.
Inexperienced jobseekers “living in lala land”: Mining boss (0) June 25, 2012 BC Iron managing director Mike Young says jobseekers are “living in la-la land” if they think they can score a mining job without experience.
BMA negotiations make progress on roster (0) June 25, 2012 After another round of negotiations between mining unions and BMA some progress has been made on rosters.
Newcastle looks to cut coal ship queues (0) June 25, 2012 Newcastle Port Corporation is aiming to dramatically cut its massive coal ship queues.
NSW Land and Water Commissioner for strategic land use welcomed (0) June 25, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has “cautiously welcomed” the NSW’s Government’s announcement of the creation of a new Land and Water Commissioner to aid in strategic land use.
Gold production takes a hit (0) June 25, 2012 Australia’s gold production fell five per cent in the first three months of 2012, marking the third consecutive quarter of loses, according to mining consultants Surbiton Associates.
Sundance gets FIRB nod as aircrash families take legal action (0) June 25, 2012 Sundance Resources has been given the go-ahead from the Foreign Investment Review board for a takeover from Chinese Hanlong Group as families of board members killed in the Congo plane ...
QR National awards Abigroup Wiggins Island rail contract (0) June 25, 2012 QR National has awarded Abigoup the infrastructure contracts for the massive Wiggins Island Rail project in Queensland, but market worry over Xstrata’s Wandoan coal mine may put its future at ...
Space mining telescope ready in 21 months (0) June 22, 2012 Planetary Resources says its first telescope, which will help the company find asteroids to mine, will be ready in 21 months.
Who owns asteroids or the moon? (0) June 22, 2012 Plans to mine minerals on celestial bodies could violate many aspects of international space law.
FMG sues Government over mining tax (0) June 22, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has lodged a High Court challenge against the Federal Government’s mining tax on constitutional grounds.
Clive Palmer: mining entrepreneur of the decade (0) June 22, 2012 Mining magnate Clive Palmer has been named mining entrepreneur of the decade at an industry awards night.
BHP to expand Illawarra mine (0) June 22, 2012 BHP Billiton has committed $832 million to establish a new mining area at Illawarra Coal’s Applin Mine.
Anti-mining protestors a bunch of clowns (0) June 22, 2012 A group of mining protestors have dressed as clowns to highlight the ‘joke’ of Australia’s mining industry.
Macmahon wins Port Hedland highway contract (0) June 22, 2012 Macmahon has won the contract to design and construct the Great Northern Realignment out of Port Hedland.
In the mining industry, skilled local labour remains an untapped resource [Blog] (0) June 22, 2012 Despite the mining industry crying out for workers, many Australians still can not get a job in the resources sector.
The Australian launches innovation challenge (0) June 22, 2012 The Australian has launched the Innovation Challenge, to find the country’s greatest ideas.
Downer wins Fortescue train contracts (0) June 22, 2012 Downer EDI has won rolling supply and support contracts to supply Fortescue with 19 new locomotives.
Gas build up forces mine closure (0) June 21, 2012 New Zealand miner Solid Energy has stopped production at the Huntly East Mine after inspectors identified a build-up of lethal gas.
Coal giant refutes foreign worker charges (0) June 21, 2012 Indian mining giant Adani has refuted claims it’s cheating the migration system with its foreign workers.
How to get a mining job with no experience (2) June 21, 2012 For most jobseekers looking for work in the resources industry having ‘mining experience’ is the Holy Grail.
CFMEU again accuse BMA of trying to de-unionise workforce (0) June 21, 2012 The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union have again accused BMA of trying to de-unionise its coal mine workforce.
ACCC gives Surat coal miners go ahead for rail negotiations (0) June 21, 2012 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission have given Cockatoo Coal and Stanmore Coal the greenlight for collective negotitations with the Surat Basin Rail joint venture.
Rio announces massive investment in the Pilbara (0) June 21, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced it will invest US$3.7 billion in the Pilbara to expand its iron ore operations.
Should we ban mining in Antarctica? (0) June 20, 2012 As our resources dry-up companies and countries are beginning to look to the horizon for new opportunities. Could mining in Antarctica be next?
Mining warden rejects bauxite applications (0) June 20, 2012 The Western Australian mining warden has rejected three applications for bauxite exploration in the state’s south.
Miner facing investigation into foreign workers (0) June 20, 2012 Regulators are investigating Indian mining giant Adani over conflicting claims it’s cheating the migration system and seeking permanent residency for foreign workers.
More wins for Lynas (0) June 20, 2012 A Malaysian Parliamentary Committee as recommended Lynas Corporation keeps the temporary operating licence for its processing facility in Kuantan.
Greens call for inquiry into Yallourn collapse (0) June 20, 2012 The Greens have called for a parliamentary inquiry into the cause of the recent Yallourn brown coal mine shut down.
Downer wins BHP iron ore contracts (0) June 20, 2012 Downer EDI has been awarded new electrical and instrumentation contracts for BHP’s iron ore projects.
Zimbabwe to ban new foreign miners (0) June 20, 2012 Zimbabwe has announced that it will not issue any new mining licences to foreign miners.
Brierty wins Fortescue contracts (0) June 20, 2012 Brierity Limited has won a construction contract at Fortescue’s Cloudbreak mine.
QLD sets up skills taskforce (0) June 20, 2012 The Queensland Government has created a new Skills and Training Taskforce to address labour shortages across the state.
Xstrata Copper worker named young achiever of the year (0) June 19, 2012 Xstrata Copper’s Lucya Yunus has taken home the Young Achiever of the Year award at the national PACE Zenith Awards.
Spanish miners lead violent protests [video] (0) June 19, 2012 Spain’s miners are clashing with police and leading violet riots to protest the Government’s move to cut coal subsidies.
Uranium on the way up (0) June 19, 2012 Analysts have tipped the uranium industry to be on the cusp of a new resurgence following rising demand from Japan and China.
More cruise ships set for Port Hedland (0) June 19, 2012 Five cruise ships have already booked visits to Port Hedland next financial year, with the iron ore hub’s ‘red gold’ rising in international popularity.
Contractor loses coal mine work after series of safety incidents (0) June 19, 2012 New Zealand coal miner Solid Energy has kicked Stratcon off its Ohai mine after a series of safety incidents.
Coal strikes called off at Curragh (0) June 19, 2012 Mining unions and Wesfarmers have come to an agreement following industrial action at the Curragh coal mine.
More scrutiny for Rinehart’s coal mine (0) June 18, 2012 The $6.4 billion Alpha Coal mine, led by GVK and Gina Rinehart, has been told to improve four areas before it gains Federal environmental approval.
Call to fill mining jobs with refugees (0) June 18, 2012 One of Australia’s top businesswomen says refugees should help fill empty jobs in the mining industry.
Get that mine job (0) June 18, 2012 Young people wanting a job in the mining industry must be better prepared.
Malaysian Government gives Lynas the thumbs up (0) June 18, 2012 The Malaysian Government has dismissed a move to have Lynas Corporation stripped of a temporary operating licence for its rare earths processing plant in Kuantan.
LogiCamms wins coal mine contract (0) June 18, 2012 LogiCamms has won a contract with Stanwell Corp to upgrade its coal handling preparation plant.
WA calls for more mining while SA pulls away (19) June 18, 2012 The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has called for more greenfields exploration in Western Australia as South Australia economists tell the state not to put all its eggs ...
Desperate companies bid for FIFO workers (0) June 18, 2012 Mining companies will start bidding for workers in the mining and resources industries today with the full launch of FIFObids.
Women Making Inroads into Mining Jobs, but More Needs to be Done (0) June 18, 2012 In the male-dominated world of mining, women are slowly but surely digging their way to the top.
BMA strike talks narrow focus (0) June 18, 2012 Negotiations between coal miner BMA and mining unions narrowed its spectrum over the weekend, focusing solely on rostering.
WA mining engineer wins national safety award (0) June 18, 2012 Mining engineer Simon Ridge has won the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy’s (AusIMM) Jim Torlach Health and Safety award.
Don’t blame us for FIFO problems: Rio Tinto (0) June 15, 2012 Rio Tinto says governments need to take more responsibility for the development of regional communities instead of leaving it all up to mining companies.
Rinehart hits back: show us your workers (0) June 15, 2012 Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill Holdings has sent a letter to Illawarra MP Stephen Jones asking for the contact details of any suitable workers for their Pilbara project.
Bikie gang switches urine test to score mining job (0) June 15, 2012 A WA Health Department official and the Gypsy Joker gang are facing corruption charges over plans to tamper with urine tests and have bikies score mining jobs.
Safety company buys gold mine (0) June 15, 2012 Australian company Safety Medical Products has announced it will acquire a Brazilian gold project.
Mining professor wins science award (0) June 15, 2012 University of Queensland professor Gideon Chitombo has won the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering award for his work in mass mining ‘super caves’.
Ivanhoe Australia ships first copper gold (0) June 15, 2012 Ivanhoe Australia has announced its first shipment of copper gold concentrate from the Osborne mine in Queensland.
Newcastle coal loader delayed (0) June 15, 2012 Port Waratah Coal Services has pushed back the schedule for first coal through its T4 coal loader by nearly two years.
BHP expands control over South Australia (0) June 14, 2012 BHP Billiton is further consolidating its interest in South Australia, buying five exploration licences around Olmypic Dam and Woomera from Tasman Resources.
Union to fight Tarkine conservationists (0) June 14, 2012 The Australian Workers’ Union has warned protecting Tasmania’s Tarkine region from mining would condemn the area to “permanent economic and social disadvantage”.
The mining boom is making us dumber (0) June 14, 2012 New York-based finance publication Business Insider has stumbled on a passage from Michael Casey’s new book The Unfair Trade that suggests our mining boom is making us dumber.
Most companies willing to hire foreign workers (0) June 14, 2012 Most big Australian companies are prepared to hire foreign workers to help deal with acute shortages of construction, trade, and engineering workers, a new survey has shown.
Greens push to keep coal out of Margaret River (0) June 14, 2012 The Greens are urging the West Australian government to back its bill to ban coal mining in the Margaret River region.
Advice from a Successful Jobseeker (0) June 14, 2012 Have you been working hard to get a job in the mining industry? Are you feeling frustrated because you can’t break into an offshore job?
Fortescue and Baosteel announce iron ore merger (0) June 14, 2012 Fortescue and Baosteel have announced a merger of some of their assets iron ore assets.
ABB and Atlas Copco develop underground mobile integration system (0) June 14, 2012 ABB and Atlas Copco have developed a mobile integration between ABB’s process control system 800xA and Atlas’ underground mining machines.
Abbott keen on Olympic Dam expansion (0) June 13, 2012 Opposition leader Tony Abbott says he wants to do everything possible to keep BHP Billiton’s massive Olympic Dam project on track.
Truck rollover on Bowen Basin mine (0) June 13, 2012 Emergency services have been called to Cockatoo Coal’s Baralaba coal mine in the Bowen Basin after a truck rollover.
Decmil starts work on BHP’s new FIFO camp (0) June 13, 2012 Decmil Australia says it’s started $94 million worth of design work on a new fly-in fly-out village for BHP Billiton in Port Hedland.
Thousands of US workers apply for mining jobs (0) June 13, 2012 More than 2,000 skilled workers from the United States have applied for 700 construction and mining jobs in QLD and WA.
Mine maintenance: Keeping an eye on the job (0) June 13, 2012 Continual maintenance averted a potential underground disaster.
Diesel fumes cause cancer (5) June 13, 2012 In worrying news for an industry that relies on diesel fuel, a new report from the World Health Organization says diesel fumes cause cancer.
More taxes to hit NSW mining industry (0) June 13, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has welcomed the new state budget’s commitment to regional infrastructure, but slammed its increase in mining taxes.
Miner suspends drilling due to ‘contractor non-performance’ (0) June 13, 2012 Foyson Resources says it has been forced to suspend drilling at its Atui project in Papua New Guinea “due to unsatisfactory performance of the contractor”.
How to land a mining job (0) June 12, 2012 Some sound advice for landing a job in the mining industry.
Nathan Tinkler moves to Singapore (0) June 12, 2012 Nathan Tinkler has decided to leave Australia and take up a new life in Singapore to be closer to Asia’s resources markets.
Government’s mining jobs board goes live (0) June 12, 2012 The Government’s Resources Sector Jobs Board went live over the weekend, aiming to give Australians the first chance to score mining jobs before they’re offered to foreign workers.
Demonising FIFO workers is “un-Australian” (0) June 12, 2012 Atlas Iron boss David Flanagan says Australia should stop demonising fly-in fly-out workers and instead thank them for helping build and run our mining projects.
High-paying mine jobs downunder bring big city woes to small towns (0) June 12, 2012 Despite a six-figure salary, Russel Wise is worried he will soon be homeless after receiving an eviction order from the one-room trailer he has rented since taking a job in ...
Orica fights Yarwun pollution claims (0) June 12, 2012 Orica has announced it will fight accusations of cyanide pollution levelled at its Yarwun facility in Queensland.
Leg severed in mine accident (0) June 12, 2012 A man has severed his leg and suffered serious spinal injury after falling down a mine shaft at Perilya’s Broken Hill site on Friday.
Greenies sink to “new lows” in anti-mining campaign (0) June 12, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council has joined Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan in slamming a “deplorable and obnoxious” anti-mining advertisement from Greenpeace.
Striking workers refuse to leave underground mine (0) June 12, 2012 Seven striking Spanish workers are refusing to leave their underground mine in protest at their government’s decision to slash mining subsidies.
Qualified but can’t work in mines (0) June 12, 2012 He’s skilled, he’s work ready and he’s Australian – but Mick Pound still can’t get a job in the mines.
Another quarry worker killed (4) June 12, 2012 A man was killed at a QLD sand quarry over the weekend.
Week long strike at Curragh coal mine (0) June 12, 2012 Mining unions have announced a week of rolling industrial action at Wesfarmers Curragh coal mine.
Massive dragline collapse [video] (0) June 8, 2012 Draglines are among some of the most impressive pieces of machinery the mining industry can boast of.
Are you a racist if you oppose foreign workers? (0) June 8, 2012 The Minerals Council of Australia has slammed unions and other voices opposing foreign mining workers as running a nonsensical “race-based” campaign.
Indonesia flip-flops on mining law (0) June 8, 2012 Indonesia says it has no plans to tax thermal coal exports after hinting at the move earlier this year.
Minerals Council campaign to support foreign workers (0) June 8, 2012 The Minerals Council of Australia is launching new advertisements to promote the use of foreign workers on mining projects.
Kula Gold hire Arccon for EPC contract (0) June 8, 2012 Kula Gold has appointed Arccon Mining Services for an engineering design contract at the company’s Woodlark Island project.
Safety inspectors warn miners at risk (0) June 8, 2012 A mining safety inspector has warned that the lives of miners are being put at risk due to inexperienced supervisors.
Migrant and FIFO worker schemes: a failure in imagination (0) June 7, 2012 The decision to bring in temporary migrant workers for the huge mining projects in the north of Australia represents yet another major mistake by a seriously incompetent federal government.
BHP to delay massive Aussie expansions (0) June 7, 2012 BHP Billiton has hinted it’ll slow down development of its $20 billion Outer Harbour Development at Port Hedland, and analysts have also tipped delays at Olympic Dam.
Progress in BMA battle (0) June 7, 2012 Apparent progress has been made in the continuing industrial action between BHP Billiton’s BMA and mining unions.
Who will be the next victims of the mining boom? (0) June 7, 2012 As a maintenance worker in the coal industry for over 30 years, it is so bewildering to see some of the recent decisions made at a Federal and State Government ...
Port Hedland rents to top $5,000 a week (0) June 7, 2012 A Port Hedland real estate expert has predicted average rents in town to reach over $5,000 a week within the next two years.
Arctic mega mine expects to dig early 2013 (0) June 7, 2012 ArcelorMittal’s planned mega mine in the Arctic Circle expects to clear regulatory hurdles and begin construction next year.
Xstrata quells fear over mine expansion (0) June 7, 2012 Xstrata is trying to quell environmental fears over the expansion of its McArthur River mine in the Northern Territory, following news of a massive diesel spill on site.
Narrabri longwall running (23) June 7, 2012 Whitehaven Coal has announced that its Narrabri coal mine’s longwall is complete and commissioning underway.
Yallourn coal mine floods (0) June 7, 2012 Victoria’s Yallourn brown coal mine has been inundated as the state is hit by wild weather.
NSW slips well behind other boom states (0) June 7, 2012 New national figures show that while Western Australia and Queensland are growing strongly, NSW is barely moving.
GR Engineering hit with massive counterclaim in legal battle (0) June 6, 2012 GR Engineering has seen a counterclaim of $25 million lodged against it as it pursues legal action against Gold Ridge Mining.
OMM wins court action against Promet (0) June 6, 2012 The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of OM Holdings in its action against Promet Engineers.
High gas levels keep coal mine closed (0) June 6, 2012 High carbon monoxide levels are likely to keep Vale SA’s Carborough Downs coal mine closed for the foreseeable future, mining unions say.
QR National cuts over 500 jobs (0) June 6, 2012 Rail expert QR National has announced plans to cut over 500 jobs to reduce costs.
Quarry worker killed (42) June 6, 2012 A Moranbah quarry worker has died following a conveyor belt accident.
Government halts Rinehart’s $6.4 billion coal mine (0) June 6, 2012 Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has put the brakes on Gina Rinehart’s $6.4 billion Alpha coal project in Queensland.
27,000 litres of fuel spilled on Zinc mine (0) June 6, 2012 McArthur River Mining is facing a maximum $1 million fine following the leak of thousands of litres of fuel from a storage tank on site.
Dispute over seabed mining in PNG (0) June 5, 2012 Nautilus Minerals says it’s in a “dispute” with the Papua New Guinea Government over plans to mine gold and copper on the ocean floor.
Tinkler searching for UK workers (0) June 5, 2012 Nathan Tinkler-backed Whitehaven Coal is targeting the UK to source employees and unions say the new workers could earn around $140,000 on the Maules Creek and Boggabri mines.
Moranbah locals angry over new FIFO camp (0) June 5, 2012 Moranbah locals say the Queensland Government’s approval of a new 3200 room fly-in fly-out camp shows it’s out of touch with people in mining communities.
Newcastle T4 coal loader cost increases (0) June 5, 2012 Port Waratah Coal Services has doubled the spending for its planned T4 coal loader in Newcastle.
Should we force the unemployed into mining jobs? (0) June 5, 2012 Bob Katter says if he were Queensland Premier he’d start programs to train 40,000 unskilled workers for mining jobs and unemployed people refusing the work would lose their benefits.
Xstrata to re-open Blakefield South coal mine (0) June 5, 2012 Xstrata is set to resume operations at its Blakefield South coal mine after it shut down the underground mine due to a fire last year.
QLD council hits at out mining camp (0) June 5, 2012 The Isaac Regional Council has again slammed the approval of another mining work camp in near Moranbah.
Griffin coal dispute reaches agreement (0) June 5, 2012 An agreement in principle has finally been reached at Western Australia’s Griffin Coal mine.
Scab c**t call is protected industrial action, lawyer claims (0) June 4, 2012 A lawyer representing a miner sacked for calling a colleague a “scab c**t” says his actions may be part of protected industrial action.
BMA miners claim dismissal threats over union stickers (0) June 4, 2012 Workers at BMA’s Blackwater mine claim they have been threatened with sacking if they don’t remove union stickers from their cars.
Anglo American donates equipment to underground training facility (0) June 4, 2012 Anglo American has donated mining equipment to cleanskin trainer Mastermyne for the opening of its latest Myne Start training facility in Pinkenba, Brisbane.
QLD coal ports future may hinge on newly released UNESCO report (0) June 4, 2012 The future development of coal ports across Queensland have come under a spotlight following the release of UNESCO report.
WA coal workers near agreement (0) May 31, 2012 The CFMEU says it’s close to reaching an agreement on pay and conditions for WA coal workers after previously threatening to strike over the issue.
Mining’s “golden bit” is gone: Treasury (0) May 31, 2012 Treasury boss Martin Parkinson says while expansions in the mining industry will continue for some time, the sector’s “golden bit” is probably over.
Uncertain future for Olympic Dam (0) May 31, 2012 Some analysts have hinted BHP Billiton may push back its massive expansions at Olympic Dam, and the company has refused to provide certainty on its plans.
Miner spending $20k a year on training (0) May 31, 2012 NSW-focused NuCoal says it’s spending $20,000 per year for three years to train one junior and one adult apprentice.
Striking BMA employees return to work (0) May 31, 2012 Thousands of striking workers on BMA’s Queensland coal mines are set to return to work but the CFMEU says new negotiations are likely to fail.
Mining’s benefits “undeniable”: Productivity Commission (0) May 31, 2012 The Productivity Commission says Australia is not sufferring ‘dutch disease’ and the benefits of the mining industry outweigh the negative impacts on other sectors.
Gillard fires strong words at mining’s leaders (0) May 31, 2012 Prime Minister Julia Gillard has delivered a strongly worded address to the mining industry, and reminded some of its biggest players that they don’t “own” the minerals they mine.
Australia’s mining jobs myth [video] (0) May 31, 2012 The great mining myth is that there are high-paying jobs just waiting for anyone who’s prepared to work hard and live in isolated communities.
How to score a high paying job in the mining boom (0) May 31, 2012 Everyone is talking about Western Australia’s mining boom and how previously low-paid jobs are fetching salaries in the hundreds of thousands.
2012 Australian mining projects guide for job seekers (0) May 30, 2012 Australia now has a total 456 projects in the construction pipeline with 272 of those already committed and/or under construction, with a combined value of $424b.
Fear of terrorist attack on WA resource projects (0) May 30, 2012 Some US companies are concerned about a potential terrorist attack targeting oil and gas developments off the WA coast.
Approval for Rinehart’s $6.4 billion QLD mine (0) May 30, 2012 Gina Rinehart and India’s GVK Power & Infrastructure have received environmental approval for their plan to build a $6.4 billion coal project in Queensland.
Industry slams unions for scaremongering on foreign workers (0) May 30, 2012 The Australian Mines and Metals Association has accused the CFMEU and other unions of scaremongering over foreign workers.
The $200k mining commute – workers lure by generous incentives (0) May 30, 2012 They have their airfares, accommodation, entertainment and meals paid for and can earn $200,000 more than they would in Sydney.
BHP puts six month hold on all new projects (0) May 30, 2012 BHP has further confirmed its uncertainty about the future after CEO Marius Kloppers stated the miner will not approve any ‘mega’ projects in the next six months.
Eastern workers reluctant to make the move west (0) May 30, 2012 Despite miners raking it in, many young people in Sydney refuse to be swept up in the mining boom as WA is a state too far.
Vehicle failure causes accident on-site (0) May 29, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has released details on the latest non-fatal accident on the state’s mines, where a vehicle’s rim cracked and failed.