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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BMA won’t rule out union lock-out (0) May 29, 2012 BMA has refused to rule out locking out striking workers from its Bowen Basin coal mines.
FIFO workers to blame for rise in STIs (0) May 29, 2012 The Australian Medical Association says fly-in fly-out work in Queensland has led significant increases in sexually transmitted infections in mining communities.
BHP and Rio Tinto not keen on foreign workers (0) May 29, 2012 BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have indicated they’ll not yet follow Gina Rinehart’s plan to import foreign workers under enterprise migration agreements.
Rinehart’s foreign worker plan sparks local fury (0) May 28, 2012 The approval of Gina Rinehart’s plan to bring 1,700 foreign workers to the Roy Hill project in the Pilbara has been slammed by unions and the mining community.
We won’t back down from BMA fight: Union (0) May 28, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union says it won’t back down from its dispute with BMA and hasn’t spoken to the company since fresh strikes started last week.
More Pilbara growth for FMG (0) May 28, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has opened a new berth in Port Hedland and sounded confidence in mining’s future.
Rich Rinehart doesn’t need a tax cut: Swan (0) May 25, 2012 Treasurer Wayne Swan has fired another salvo against mining magnate Gina Rinehart following her designation as the world’s richest woman.
Future mining exports will break records (0) May 25, 2012 Expansions on LNG, iron ore, and thermal coal developments are set to underpin record breaking resources earnings in 2016-17, according to Government data.
Push for Mt Gambier as SA’s new FIFO hub (0) May 25, 2012 A new model to create regional fly in, fly out hubs will be piloted in the south east of South Australia.
Canadian giant eyes Paladin Energy takeover (0) May 25, 2012 Canada-based uranium giant Cameco could be eyeing a takeover of Australian uranium miner Paladin Energy, according to analysts.
Friday morning mining game (0) May 25, 2012 To help you wind down your week, we’ve brought you a mildly addictive resources game in which you build up your oil empire.
Gina Rinehart the world’s richest woman (0) May 24, 2012 The BRW Rich List has named billionaire iron ore heiress Gina Rinehart the world’s richest woman, and claims she’s on track to soon become the richest in the world.
Some foreign workers don’t need visas: Court (0) May 24, 2012 The Federal Court has ruled that some foreign workers on the $43 billion Gorgon gas project in WA will not need to apply for Australian work visas.
Coal unions threaten strikes in WA (0) May 24, 2012 As workers down tools at BHP Billiton’s coal mines in Queensland, unions in Western Australia threaten to do the same with workers at Griffin Coal’s Collie mine.
Miners defend FIFO (0) May 24, 2012 The Minerals Council of Australia has defended the use of fly-in fly-out work and 12-hour shifts for remote mine sites.
NRW wins BHP Pilbara contract (0) May 24, 2012 NRW has been awarded the contract for BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland Inner Harbour project.
Hunter coal mine fined for dust emissions (0) May 24, 2012 Rio Tinto’s Mt Thorley Warkworth coal mine has been fined by the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure after failing to minimise dust emissions.
BHP prices bond issue (0) May 24, 2012 BHP Billiton has priced a two tranche billion Euro bond under its Euro Medium Term Note program.
Space mining explained [Video] (0) May 23, 2012 Of all the ambitious developments planned by the world’s miners, none come close to Planetary Resources’ plans to mine in space.
Equipment that killed miner had previously malfunctioned (0) May 23, 2012 The equipment that crushed and killed a worker under ten tonnes of coal waste at Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine in 2009 had malfunctioned previously, an inquiry has heard.
Women should try mining jobs: QRC (0) May 23, 2012 The Queensland Resources Council says more women should learn a trade and start working in the mining industry.
Geraldton Port to be upgraded (15) May 23, 2012 Mount Gibson Iron has upgraded its iron ore facilities at Geraldton Port.
Contractor stops work until paid $1m in back pay (0) May 23, 2012 Bass Electrical has ceased all work for Gujarat NRE until it is paid more than $1 million in back pay its owed, the company claims.
$3,000 a week not enough for NT workers (0) May 23, 2012 Industry bosses and the NT Chamber of Commerce say pay rates of around $3,000 a week may not be enough to attract gas workers to the NT.
BHP to meet with unions over pay in the Pilbara (0) May 22, 2012 BHP Billiton has to begin pay talks in an effort to end union exclusion at its Pilbara mines while it faces strikes this week at its BMA coal operations.
Workers used hands to rescue NSW miner (0) May 22, 2012 A former employee at Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine has told an inquiry that he and other workers used their hands to rescue a miner buried under debris.
KAP slams Queensland zinc mine (0) May 21, 2012 Katter’s Australian Party parliamentary leader Shane Knuth has slammed Kaga’s Baal Gammon zinc mine in Queensland for putting agriculture and tourism at risk.
Mining supporting Sydney (0) May 21, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has released new data showing the mining boom lifting not just WA, but also NSW.
Fined companies blame WorkSafe for death (0) May 21, 2012 One of the companies fined over the death of a worker in Broome says WorkSafe’s lack of guidance is partly to blame for the accident.
BMA ballot fails, unions call for more strikes (0) May 21, 2012 BMA proposed enterprise agreement ballot has been voted down by workers, as unions serve the miner with a notice for more strikes.
Palmer starts legal action against Fairfax Media (0) May 18, 2012 Clive Palmer has commenced legal action against Fairfax Media seeking $50 million in damages over a story the Sydney Morning Herald published about his China First mine.
We’re forced to use foreign talent: drilling boss (0) May 18, 2012 Boart Longyear’s US-based CEO Craig Kipp says the skills shortage has forced the company into flying US and Canadian talent into Australia.
GE acquires Industrea (23) May 18, 2012 GE has announced it will acquire Australian mining equipment and technology company Industrea.
Lock the Gate wants to end mining: Minerals Council (0) May 18, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council says comments by Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton show protestors are using debate over strategic land use as a “weapon to end mining”.
Space miner inundated with job applications (0) May 18, 2012 Proposed asteroid mining Planetary Resources has already received thousands of job applications only weeks after announcing its space mining plan.
Hutton still considering suing Clive Palmer (0) May 18, 2012 Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton says he’s still considering suing mining magnate Clive Palmer over comments he made earlier this year.
Queensland needs 30,000 mining jobs in five years (0) May 18, 2012 New research says expansions in the resources industry mean Queensland will need an extra 30,000 mining workers over the next five years.
Gold Coast FIFO hub plan stall (0) May 18, 2012 The Gold Coast’s plan to become a FIFO mining hub has ground to halt less than a year after it was announced.
ACTU backs Bowen Basin BMA fight (0) May 18, 2012 The ACTU has thrown its support behind unions as industrial action continues at BMA coal mines in Queensland.
BHP chairman Nasser says Gov may force miners offshore (0) May 17, 2012 The chairman of BHP, Jacques Nasser, yesterday slammed the Government’s position on tax and industrial relations, likening the former RSPT to a “nationalising of resources in Australia”.
Miners net the highest pay rises (0) May 17, 2012 The mining sector continues to lead the nation on pay increases, with resources states seeing the highest wage growth.
Ferguson backs controversial Kimberley gas hub (0) May 16, 2012 Federal resources Minister Martin Ferguson has thrown his support behind the controversial James Price Point gas development, despite the rise of ugly protests.
Nothing worth saving at Bimblebox: Palmer (0) May 16, 2012 Mining magnate Clive Palmer has reiterated claims the Bimblebox reserve is not worth saving from mining development.
Rio doubles its mining trainee program numbers (0) May 16, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced plans to expand its apprenticeship and trainee programs to meet the demands of its future expansions.
CFMEU claims BMA miners denied right to vote (0) May 16, 2012 The CFMEU has raised worries with the Australian Electoral Commission over BHP Billiton’s ballot for its BMA coal miners after 154 workers claim they have not received voting papers.
Half of all new jobs could be in mining (0) May 15, 2012 Half of the new jobs created in coming years may be in sectors related to the mining industry, according to the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Don’t “demonise” oil and gas: Ferguson (0) May 15, 2012 Resources minister Martin Ferguson says protest groups need to stop trying to “demonise” the oil and gas sector.
Decmil wins Fortescue contracts (0) May 15, 2012 Decmil Group has won another new contract with Fortescue Metals Group, as well as variations of two of its existing contracts with the miner.
Academic dismisses impacts of Norwich Park closure (0) May 15, 2012 A Queensland university researcher has downplayed the affect of Norwich Park’s closure, saying it will not have a significant impact on workers.
Coal protestors fail (0) May 14, 2012 Queensland protestors fighting the reopening of the Ebenezer mine by Zedemar Holdings are considering an appeal after the Supreme Court dismissed their claims.
Mermaid settles “murder at sea” allegations (0) May 14, 2012 Mermaid Marine has announced a settlement with four plaintiffs over last year’s “murder at sea” allegations, which claimed the life of a Queensland oil worker.
The Weird & Wonderful World of Mining (0) May 14, 2012 “Sure, you might not be a pop culture guru, but if you’re in our industry, we’re sure you have some interesting mining facts, stories, statistics or records up your sleeve…” ...
Palmer to sue Sydney Morning Herald for $50 million (0) May 14, 2012 Clive Palmer has promised to sue the Sydney Morning Herald for $50 million over “totally false and improper claims” about his China First coal mine.
Hunter rail freight lines shut (0) May 14, 2012 The Hunter Valley rail freight lines are to be shut for the next five days.
Tall poppy syndrome [opinion] (0) May 11, 2012 In this country today we seem intent on using the tall poppy syndrome to ensure that nobody does any better than the lowest person on the ladder.
Australia worse than Africa for mining? Yikes! [blog] (0) May 11, 2012 The idea that Australia is a more dangerous place for mining investment than Mali might seem strange to most observers, but that’s exactly the view of the boss of the ...
Workers get tens of thousands of dollars back pay (0) May 11, 2012 Workers at an offshore resources project in WA have received tens of thousands of dollars back pay following a union encounter with their employer.
Norwich Park production stops today (0) May 11, 2012 Production at BMA’s Norwich Park mine will cease today following the company’s April decision to close the site.
If Australia were a company I’d write it off: Palmer (0) May 11, 2012 Mining magnate Clive Palmer has attacked the Gillard Government over the budget and declared he’d have to “write off” Australia if it were a company.
New FIFO camp for the Pilbara (0) May 11, 2012 Mineral Resources says it’s secured approval for a new 500-700 person camp in Port Hedland to house workers for its expanding Pilbara operations.
Accident: coal worker hit by discharge hose (0) May 11, 2012 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has released details over an accident where an underground electrician was hit by a loose discharge hose and sprayed with hydraulic fluid.
New magazine to provide sustainable solutions to industry (0) May 10, 2012 Australia’s the largest B2B media company, Reed Business Information (parent company of Australian Mining) will launch its new digital sustainability magazine, Stream, this month.
BHP to combine struggling aluminium and nickel assets (0) May 10, 2012 BHP Billiton has shifted its struggling aluminium and nickel assets into a single division based in Perth, which it says represents long-term faith in the industries.
Farmers Federation should “wear little dresses”: Katter (0) May 10, 2012 Australia Party leader Bob Katter says miners are “walking over the top” of rural communities and the National Farmers’ Federation should do more to fight the industry.
BHP failed Norwich Park workers: Fair Work (0) May 10, 2012 Fair Work Australia says BHP Billiton has failed its legal obligations to consult workers at the closed Norwich Park mine in Queensland.
New coal boss for BHP (0) May 9, 2012 BHP Billiton has appointed Ian Maxwell as president energy coal following Jimmy Wilson’s move from to president of iron ore.
FIFO turns mine towns to “skeletons”: CFMEU (0) May 9, 2012 The CFMEU says Queenslanders should be wary of increasing fly-in fly-out workers for fear regions could become too similar to parts of Western Australia.
Locals wary of Tinkler’s $15,000 offer (0) May 8, 2012 While a decision is still pending most Newcastle councilors are cautious of accepting Nathan Tinkler’s offer to bankroll a Council trip to China.
Israel wants to learn from Aussie gas industry (0) May 8, 2012 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Australia for help in developing Israel’s large offshore gas reserves.
US workers to fill empty Queensland jobs (0) May 8, 2012 A US recruitment company is preparing to send skilled miners to Queensland to help companies fill desperately needed mining jobs.
SA Premier backs miners on diesel rebate (0) May 7, 2012 South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has joined the mining industry in urging the Gillard Government not to scrap the diesel fuel rebate scheme in the federal budget.
ACTU supports CFMEU mining battle (0) May 7, 2012 The Australian Council of Trade Unions has thrown its support behind the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s bitter battle with BMA in the Bowen Basin.
Companies overlook older workers: report (0) May 7, 2012 According to an Australian Institute of Management report companies are focusing too heavily on training programs and overlooking mature workers.
Land policy could cost $1 billion a year: Minerals Council (0) May 7, 2012 The NSW Government’s strategic land use policy could cost millions of dollars and thousands of jobs, according to research released by the NSW Minerals Council.
BMA has secret plans to restart Norwich Park: CFMEU (0) May 4, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union has accused BHP Billiton of running a secret plan to reopen the Norwich Park mine with a de-unionised workforce.
Palmer launches Asian shipping business (25) May 4, 2012 Clive Palmer has created a new shipping business to service his Queensland Nickel Group’s ore freight activities.
Use military to protect mining: Opposition (0) May 4, 2012 The Federal Opposition has backed plans for the defence force to play a larger role in protecting Australia’s resources assets.
Government approves Japanese interest in Isaac Plains (0) May 3, 2012 Aquila Resources is close to selling its Isaac Plains coal mine interests after the Government confirming it has no problem with Japanese Sumitomo Corporation buying the stake.
CFMEU launches pro mining tax advertisements (0) May 2, 2012 The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has launched a series of advertisements promoting the mining tax to counter magnate Andrew Forrest’s criticism.
Bimblebox reserve is not important: Palmer (0) May 2, 2012 Clive Palmer says the nature reserve covering part of his proposed $8 billion coal mine isn’t important or pristine enough to save from mining development.
Xstrata expands zinc amid Kagara demise (0) May 2, 2012 Xstrata has announced plans to increase zinc production five percent by accelerating production at the Lady Loretta mine and extending the life of its Handlebar Hill site.
Miners should stop “poaching” workers: Council (0) May 2, 2012 A southern Queensland council says it’s considering hiring overseas workers to cope with the skills shortage created by the mining industry.
Mine recommission could make 400 NSW mining jobs (0) May 2, 2012 TriAusMin says 400 mining jobs could be on offer if its plans to recommence operations at the abandoned Woodlawn mine near Tarago in NSW are successful.
Rio Tinto partners with UWA to boost mining graduates (0) May 2, 2012 Rio Tinto has announced a $3 million partnership with the University of Western Australia to increase the supply of graduates entering the mining industry.
Lynas launches defamation against protestors (0) May 1, 2012 Lynas Corporation is launching defamation action against some Malaysian protestors over their criticism of the company’s operations.
325 Kagara employees may lose work (0) May 1, 2012 The majority of Kagara’s 325 workers look set to lose their jobs after the company’s move into voluntary administration.
Miners sacked after not working ANZAC day (0) May 1, 2012 Five workers on the Sino Iron Ore project in the Pilbara have been fired after not returning to work on ANZAC day.
Miners lower standards to fill jobs fast (0) May 1, 2012 Mining companies are lowering their recruitment standards in order to find desperately needed workers, according to The Treasury.
Palmer to challenge Swan in Federal election (0) April 30, 2012 Clive Palmer has announced plans to enter Federal politics and challenge Treasurer Wayne Swan in his Brisbane seat of Lilley.
New guide aims to make miners safer drivers (0) April 30, 2012 The NSW Minerals Council has released a Courteous and Safe Driving Guide in response to community feedback over rising mining traffic in the Hunter Valley.
Gas protestors will “turn on NSW farmers”: Hartcher (0) April 30, 2012 NSW Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has written to country newspapers warning locals that coal seam gas protestors will soon “turn on NSW farmers”.
Aussies should fill Rio’s 6,000 jobs: Government (0) April 30, 2012 Federal skills Minister Chris Evans says Rio Tinto should target local workers in its campaign to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months.
Pilbara house prices $300k higher than Sydney (0) April 27, 2012 Housing prices in the Pilbara are continuing to rocket ahead of other regions in Australia, with recent purchases in Newman and Port Hedland averaging $800,000 each.
Community calls for end to BMA coal strikes (0) April 27, 2012 Mining community groups are calling for an end to the long running series of industrial action across BMA coal mines.
South Australia holds mines rescue comp (0) April 27, 2012 South Australia has seen nearly a doubling in the number of teams for its mines rescue competition.
Attacks on mining pile up (0) April 26, 2012 UnionsWA, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, and the NSW Farmers Association, along with other community groups are separately using their power to launch attacks on the mining industry.
WA expands onshore shale gas and oil (0) April 26, 2012 Perth-based Tap Oil says it’s exploring onshore land in the Carnarvon Basin for shale gas reserves, while Buru Energy is a few weeks away from extracting oil in the Kimberley.
No guarantee for bauxite mine: Government (0) April 26, 2012 The Queensland Government says there’s no guarantee a bauxite mine will be approved near Cape York following the overturn of the Wild Rivers legislation.
Robot planes may map and monitor mines (0) April 26, 2012 Drone aircraft, similar to those used in Afghanistan, could be used in Gladstone and Mackay to map and monitor mines in Queensland.
Atlas and QR National to rival BHP rail (0) April 26, 2012 Atlas Iron and QR National are working together on plans for a new rail line in the Pilbara to rival existing developments by BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group.
Residents raise concerns over Incitec Kooragang plant (0) April 26, 2012 The Stockton Community Action group has raised fears over emissions from Incitec Pivot’s proposed ammonium nitrate plant on Kooragang Island.
Miners overlook the job market (0) April 24, 2012 With the skills shortage biting, why are so many miners ignoring a major employee market, writes The Resources Channel’s Jody Elliot
WA tradies world’s highest paid (0) April 24, 2012 Western Australia is one of the best places to be a tradie or labourer, with workers earning up to four times those in other states and overseas.
Miner tips toilets to fuel zircon turnaround (0) April 24, 2012 Australian miners say a rise in China and India’s middle class and demand for porcelain toilets will fuel a turnaround in zircon mining.
Contractor takes on Peabody (0) April 24, 2012 WDS is in a dispute with Peabody Energy of contracts at its NSW coal mines.
Mining equipment smashes tour bus (0) April 24, 2012 A group of tourists in the Pilbara have escaped serious injury after mining equipment came off a road train and smashed into their tour bus.
Greens slam Rio’s exit from Abbot Point (0) April 24, 2012 The Greens have slammed Rio Tinto for its decision to pull out of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal expansion as BHP reaffirms its commitment to the development.
A mining safety inspector has warned that the lives of miners are being put at risk due to inexperienced supervisors.
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 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.
Apparent progress has been made in the continuing industrial action between BHP Billiton’s BMA and mining unions.
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 ...
A Port Hedland real estate expert has predicted average rents in town to reach over $5,000 a week within the next two years.
ArcelorMittal’s planned mega mine in the Arctic Circle expects to clear regulatory hurdles and begin construction next year.
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.
Whitehaven Coal has announced that its Narrabri coal mine’s longwall is complete and commissioning underway.
Victoria’s Yallourn brown coal mine has been inundated as the state is hit by wild weather.
New national figures show that while Western Australia and Queensland are growing strongly, NSW is barely moving.
GR Engineering has seen a counterclaim of $25 million lodged against it as it pursues legal action against Gold Ridge Mining.
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of OM Holdings in its action against Promet Engineers.
High carbon monoxide levels are likely to keep Vale SA’s Carborough Downs coal mine closed for the foreseeable future, mining unions say.
Rail expert QR National has announced plans to cut over 500 jobs to reduce costs.
A Moranbah quarry worker has died following a conveyor belt accident.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has put the brakes on Gina Rinehart’s $6.4 billion Alpha coal project in Queensland.
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.
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 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.
Port Waratah Coal Services has doubled the spending for its planned T4 coal loader in Newcastle.
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 is set to resume operations at its Blakefield South coal mine after it shut down the underground mine due to a fire last year.
The Isaac Regional Council has again slammed the approval of another mining work camp in near Moranbah.
An agreement in principle has finally been reached at Western Australia’s Griffin Coal mine.
A lawyer representing a miner sacked for calling a colleague a “scab c**t” says his actions may be part of protected industrial action.
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 has donated mining equipment to cleanskin trainer Mastermyne for the opening of its latest Myne Start training facility in Pinkenba, Brisbane.
The future development of coal ports across Queensland have come under a spotlight following the release of UNESCO report.
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.
Treasury boss Martin Parkinson says while expansions in the mining industry will continue for some time, the sector’s “golden bit” is probably over.
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.
NSW-focused NuCoal says it’s spending $20,000 per year for three years to train one junior and one adult apprentice.
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.
The Productivity Commission says Australia is not sufferring ‘dutch disease’ and the benefits of the mining industry outweigh the negative impacts on other sectors.
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]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092816/today-tonight-mining-150x150.jpg)
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.
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.
Some US companies are concerned about a potential terrorist attack targeting oil and gas developments off the WA coast.
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.
The Australian Mines and Metals Association has accused the CFMEU and other unions of scaremongering over foreign workers.
They have their airfares, accommodation, entertainment and meals paid for and can earn $200,000 more than they would in Sydney.
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.
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.
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.
BMA has refused to rule out locking out striking workers from its Bowen Basin coal mines.
Last week the first enterprise migration agreement (EMA) was signed between the Australian government and Roy Hill iron ore project operated by Gina Rinehart.
The Australian Medical Association says fly-in fly-out work in Queensland has led significant increases in sexually transmitted infections in mining communities.
BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto have indicated they’ll not yet follow Gina Rinehart’s plan to import foreign workers under enterprise migration agreements.
Gina Rinehart’s plan to hire 1,700 foreign workers has drawn an overwhelmingly negative response from our online readers.
The approval of Gina Rinehart’s plan to bring 1,700 foreign workers to the Roy Hill project in the Pilbara has been slammed by unions and the mining community.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union says it won’t back down from its dispute with BMA and hasn’t spoken to the company since fresh strikes started last week.
Fortescue Metals Group has opened a new berth in Port Hedland and sounded confidence in mining’s future.
You’ve heard the old saying, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.
Treasurer Wayne Swan has fired another salvo against mining magnate Gina Rinehart following her designation as the world’s richest woman.
Expansions on LNG, iron ore, and thermal coal developments are set to underpin record breaking resources earnings in 2016-17, according to Government data.
Rio Tinto has sounded confidence in the resources market and says it’ll be pushing ahead with its expansions.
A new model to create regional fly in, fly out hubs will be piloted in the south east of South Australia.
The ongoing strikes at BHP’s Bowen Basin coal mines have finally forced a breaking point for the Queensland Government.
Canada-based uranium giant Cameco could be eyeing a takeover of Australian uranium miner Paladin Energy, according to analysts.
To help you wind down your week, we’ve brought you a mildly addictive resources game in which you build up your oil empire.
South Africa has created a task force to seal access points to mines in an attempt to cut the growth of illegal mining in the country.
The BRW Rich List has named billionaire iron ore heiress Gina Rinehart the world’s richest woman, and claims she’s on track to soon become the richest in the world.
The Federal Court has ruled that some foreign workers on the $43 billion Gorgon gas project in WA will not need to apply for Australian work visas.
As workers down tools at BHP Billiton’s coal mines in Queensland, unions in Western Australia threaten to do the same with workers at Griffin Coal’s Collie mine.
The Minerals Council of Australia has defended the use of fly-in fly-out work and 12-hour shifts for remote mine sites.
NRW has been awarded the contract for BHP Billiton’s Port Hedland Inner Harbour project.
BHP Billiton has priced a two tranche billion Euro bond under its Euro Medium Term Note program.
![Space mining explained [Video]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092844/Technology-Prospecting-Web-150x150.png)
Of all the ambitious developments planned by the world’s miners, none come close to Planetary Resources’ plans to mine in space.
The equipment that crushed and killed a worker under ten tonnes of coal waste at Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine in 2009 had malfunctioned previously, an inquiry has heard.
The Queensland Resources Council says more women should learn a trade and start working in the mining industry.
BHP Billiton’s Dendrobium underground coal mine has seen its second roof fall in two years.
Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says more Australian companies should look to Latin America as a mining destination.
Mount Gibson Iron has upgraded its iron ore facilities at Geraldton Port.
Bass Electrical has ceased all work for Gujarat NRE until it is paid more than $1 million in back pay its owed, the company claims.
Industry bosses and the NT Chamber of Commerce say pay rates of around $3,000 a week may not be enough to attract gas workers to the NT.
BHP has announced that it restarted its TEMCO manganese smelter operations in Tasmania but will cut jobs at the site.
Royal Resources’ Razorback project has increased its resource to more than a billion tonnes of iron ore.
Western Australia has given environmental approval to the state’s first export uranium mine.
BHP Billiton has to begin pay talks in an effort to end union exclusion at its Pilbara mines while it faces strikes this week at its BMA coal operations.
A former employee at Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine has told an inquiry that he and other workers used their hands to rescue a miner buried under debris.
Rio Tinto has sold off its Alcan Cable business.
Clive Palmer has erected a massive yellow billboard to kick off his federal politics campaign.
A group of self-proclaimed ‘ecovandals’ have claimed responsibility for vandalising a Wollongong home with anti-mining graffiti.
An inquest into the death of a worker at Xstrata’s Ravensworth mine in 2009 will begin today.
Katter’s Australian Party parliamentary leader Shane Knuth has slammed Kaga’s Baal Gammon zinc mine in Queensland for putting agriculture and tourism at risk.
The NSW Minerals Council has released new data showing the mining boom lifting not just WA, but also NSW.
One of the companies fined over the death of a worker in Broome says WorkSafe’s lack of guidance is partly to blame for the accident.
A Chinese miner has been rescued after spending 17 days buried underground following a mine flood.
BMA proposed enterprise agreement ballot has been voted down by workers, as unions serve the miner with a notice for more strikes.
Clive Palmer has commenced legal action against Fairfax Media seeking $50 million in damages over a story the Sydney Morning Herald published about his China First mine.
Boart Longyear’s US-based CEO Craig Kipp says the skills shortage has forced the company into flying US and Canadian talent into Australia.
GE has announced it will acquire Australian mining equipment and technology company Industrea.
The NSW Minerals Council says comments by Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton show protestors are using debate over strategic land use as a “weapon to end mining”.
Proposed asteroid mining Planetary Resources has already received thousands of job applications only weeks after announcing its space mining plan.
Lock the Gate president Drew Hutton says he’s still considering suing mining magnate Clive Palmer over comments he made earlier this year.
New research says expansions in the resources industry mean Queensland will need an extra 30,000 mining workers over the next five years.
The Gold Coast’s plan to become a FIFO mining hub has ground to halt less than a year after it was announced.
The ACTU has thrown its support behind unions as industrial action continues at BMA coal mines in Queensland.
Rio Tinto has added another months its accommodation services contract with Fleetwood at the Searipple Village in Karratha.
Sedgman has signed a contract with BMA to upgrade the coal preparation plant at its Saraji coal mine.
BHP chairman Jacques Nasser has hit out over the government’s industrial relations policy and the union stalemate at its BMA coal mines.
The chairman of BHP, Jacques Nasser, yesterday slammed the Government’s position on tax and industrial relations, likening the former RSPT to a “nationalising of resources in Australia”.
The mining sector continues to lead the nation on pay increases, with resources states seeing the highest wage growth.
Federal resources Minister Martin Ferguson has thrown his support behind the controversial James Price Point gas development, despite the rise of ugly protests.
An ex-Norwich Park worker is fighting BMA after he was sacked for allegedly calling a non-union employee a “scab c***”.
Last night’s Melbourne Mining Club meeting was crashed by a group of female protestors in beards.
Two companies have been fined $140,000 following the death of two men in an explosion in Broome.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer has reiterated claims the Bimblebox reserve is not worth saving from mining development.
Rio Tinto has announced plans to expand its apprenticeship and trainee programs to meet the demands of its future expansions.
The CFMEU has raised worries with the Australian Electoral Commission over BHP Billiton’s ballot for its BMA coal miners after 154 workers claim they have not received voting papers.
Bob Katter says he will target workers in the Hunter Valley and Illawarra to secure more Senate seats at the next election.
Most tradespeople don’t know enough about their tools and underestimate their danger, according to an Australian manufacturer.
Resources minister Martin Ferguson says protest groups need to stop trying to “demonise” the oil and gas sector.
Workers from a professional hunting company in the Central African Republic have been charged with the murder of 13 miners.
Decmil Group has won another new contract with Fortescue Metals Group, as well as variations of two of its existing contracts with the miner.
A Queensland university researcher has downplayed the affect of Norwich Park’s closure, saying it will not have a significant impact on workers.
Queensland protestors fighting the reopening of the Ebenezer mine by Zedemar Holdings are considering an appeal after the Supreme Court dismissed their claims.
A suspected nitric acid leak has shut down nearly half of Port Botany’s container wharves.
Mermaid Marine has announced a settlement with four plaintiffs over last year’s “murder at sea” allegations, which claimed the life of a Queensland oil worker.
Westgold and Metals X have announced today they will merge.
Clive Palmer has promised to sue the Sydney Morning Herald for $50 million over “totally false and improper claims” about his China First coal mine.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the mining boom in South Australia means the region will soon be ‘crying out’ for workers.
Mount Gibson Iron has appointed Jim Beyer as its new chief.
The Hunter Valley rail freight lines are to be shut for the next five days.
![Tall poppy syndrome [opinion]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092933/Gina-Rinehart-credit-AAP-Tony-McDonough-150x150.jpg)
In this country today we seem intent on using the tall poppy syndrome to ensure that nobody does any better than the lowest person on the ladder.
![Australia worse than Africa for mining? Yikes! [blog]](https://dszs098s1om2l.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/06092934/Indonmining-150x150.jpg)
The idea that Australia is a more dangerous place for mining investment than Mali might seem strange to most observers, but that’s exactly the view of the boss of the ...
Workers at an offshore resources project in WA have received tens of thousands of dollars back pay following a union encounter with their employer.
Production at BMA’s Norwich Park mine will cease today following the company’s April decision to close the site.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer has attacked the Gillard Government over the budget and declared he’d have to “write off” Australia if it were a company.
Mineral Resources says it’s secured approval for a new 500-700 person camp in Port Hedland to house workers for its expanding Pilbara operations.
BHP Billiton has shifted its struggling aluminium and nickel assets into a single division based in Perth, which it says represents long-term faith in the industries.
Australia Party leader Bob Katter says miners are “walking over the top” of rural communities and the National Farmers’ Federation should do more to fight the industry.
Fair Work Australia says BHP Billiton has failed its legal obligations to consult workers at the closed Norwich Park mine in Queensland.
BHP Billiton has appointed Ian Maxwell as president energy coal following Jimmy Wilson’s move from to president of iron ore.
Mining magnate Andrew Forrest says his “heart bleeds” when he sees foreign workers fill mining jobs that could otherwise be taken by indigenous Australians.
Orica’s new Kooragang site manager Greg Holmes says workers caught sleeping on the job risk getting sacked.
The CFMEU says Queenslanders should be wary of increasing fly-in fly-out workers for fear regions could become too similar to parts of Western Australia.
While a decision is still pending most Newcastle councilors are cautious of accepting Nathan Tinkler’s offer to bankroll a Council trip to China.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Australia for help in developing Israel’s large offshore gas reserves.
A US recruitment company is preparing to send skilled miners to Queensland to help companies fill desperately needed mining jobs.
Rio Tinto says the automation technology being rolled out in driverless trucks and trains in the Pilbara will soon move to the Bowen Basin.
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill has joined the mining industry in urging the Gillard Government not to scrap the diesel fuel rebate scheme in the federal budget.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has thrown its support behind the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union’s bitter battle with BMA in the Bowen Basin.
According to an Australian Institute of Management report companies are focusing too heavily on training programs and overlooking mature workers.
The NSW Government’s strategic land use policy could cost millions of dollars and thousands of jobs, according to research released by the NSW Minerals Council.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union has accused BHP Billiton of running a secret plan to reopen the Norwich Park mine with a de-unionised workforce.
Clive Palmer has created a new shipping business to service his Queensland Nickel Group’s ore freight activities.
Nathan Tinkler has offered $15,000 to fund a Newcastle City Council trip to China.
The Federal Opposition has backed plans for the defence force to play a larger role in protecting Australia’s resources assets.
Aquila Resources is close to selling its Isaac Plains coal mine interests after the Government confirming it has no problem with Japanese Sumitomo Corporation buying the stake.
An online tool can now calculate how long it takes mining magnates Gina Rinehart, Andrew Forrest, or Clive Palmer to earn your annual salary.
Woodside chairman Michael Chaney has joined Gina Rinehart in pushing for skilled migrants to fill empty mining jobs.
A Bowen Basin worker has been sacked after smoking on the job in an underground coal mine.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union has launched a series of advertisements promoting the mining tax to counter magnate Andrew Forrest’s criticism.
Clive Palmer says the nature reserve covering part of his proposed $8 billion coal mine isn’t important or pristine enough to save from mining development.
Xstrata has announced plans to increase zinc production five percent by accelerating production at the Lady Loretta mine and extending the life of its Handlebar Hill site.
A southern Queensland council says it’s considering hiring overseas workers to cope with the skills shortage created by the mining industry.
TriAusMin says 400 mining jobs could be on offer if its plans to recommence operations at the abandoned Woodlawn mine near Tarago in NSW are successful.
Rio Tinto has announced a $3 million partnership with the University of Western Australia to increase the supply of graduates entering the mining industry.
Lynas Corporation is launching defamation action against some Malaysian protestors over their criticism of the company’s operations.
The majority of Kagara’s 325 workers look set to lose their jobs after the company’s move into voluntary administration.
Five workers on the Sino Iron Ore project in the Pilbara have been fired after not returning to work on ANZAC day.
Mining companies are lowering their recruitment standards in order to find desperately needed workers, according to The Treasury.
Clive Palmer has announced plans to enter Federal politics and challenge Treasurer Wayne Swan in his Brisbane seat of Lilley.
The NSW Minerals Council has released a Courteous and Safe Driving Guide in response to community feedback over rising mining traffic in the Hunter Valley.
NSW Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher has written to country newspapers warning locals that coal seam gas protestors will soon “turn on NSW farmers”.
Federal skills Minister Chris Evans says Rio Tinto should target local workers in its campaign to fill 6,000 mining jobs in four months.
Housing prices in the Pilbara are continuing to rocket ahead of other regions in Australia, with recent purchases in Newman and Port Hedland averaging $800,000 each.
The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union says John Holland was not fined enough over the death of a worker in 2009.
The Federal Court has fined John Holland $242,000 after a worker fell to their death at BHP Billiton’s Mt Whaleback mine in 2009.
Rio Tinto has launched an aggressive recruitment drive to fill 6,000 empty mining jobs over the coming months.
Mining community groups are calling for an end to the long running series of industrial action across BMA coal mines.
South Australia has seen nearly a doubling in the number of teams for its mines rescue competition.
Australian Ian McDougall has died in a plane crash while carrying out an aerial survey in East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
UnionsWA, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union, and the NSW Farmers Association, along with other community groups are separately using their power to launch attacks on the mining industry.
Perth-based Tap Oil says it’s exploring onshore land in the Carnarvon Basin for shale gas reserves, while Buru Energy is a few weeks away from extracting oil in the Kimberley.
The Queensland Government says there’s no guarantee a bauxite mine will be approved near Cape York following the overturn of the Wild Rivers legislation.
Drone aircraft, similar to those used in Afghanistan, could be used in Gladstone and Mackay to map and monitor mines in Queensland.
Atlas Iron and QR National are working together on plans for a new rail line in the Pilbara to rival existing developments by BHP Billiton and Fortescue Metals Group.
The Stockton Community Action group has raised fears over emissions from Incitec Pivot’s proposed ammonium nitrate plant on Kooragang Island.
With the skills shortage biting, why are so many miners ignoring a major employee market, writes The Resources Channel’s Jody Elliot
Western Australia is one of the best places to be a tradie or labourer, with workers earning up to four times those in other states and overseas.
Australian miners say a rise in China and India’s middle class and demand for porcelain toilets will fuel a turnaround in zircon mining.
WDS is in a dispute with Peabody Energy of contracts at its NSW coal mines.
A group of tourists in the Pilbara have escaped serious injury after mining equipment came off a road train and smashed into their tour bus.
The Greens have slammed Rio Tinto for its decision to pull out of the Abbot Point Coal Terminal expansion as BHP reaffirms its commitment to the development.