Gold takes its latest casualty, miners slash asset values (0) August 1, 2013 A struggling gold price has taken yet another casualty, this time its Alacer Gold which says it cannot guarantee the future of its mines beyond the middle of 2014.
No deal for BMA’s Gregory Crinum coal complex (0) August 1, 2013 BHP Billiton has called off the sale of its Gregory Crinum coal complex after it couldn’t secure a buyer for the closed mine.
Shree to start iron ore work within days (0) August 1, 2013 Shree Minerals could start its $20 million iron-ore mine in the Tarkine in the next few days after new Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler re-approved the project.
Queensland gold miners lose jobs (0) August 1, 2013 Twenty two workers at Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon gold mine have lost their jobs, with a slowdown in the mining process being blamed for the cuts.
Job cuts at Kalgoorlie’s Super Pit (0) July 31, 2013 The company which operates the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Super Pit has announced a raft of job cuts at the gold mine, blaming poor market conditions for the move.
Murphy Oil seeks approval to drill near Abrolhos Islands (0) July 31, 2013 Murphy Oil has submitted documents seeking federal approval to drill an exploration well 30km from the Batavia shipwreck near the Abrolhos Islands off Western Australia.
Barminco awarded Mount Lyell mine contract (0) July 31, 2013 Underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco has won a three year development and production mining contract at the Mount Lyell copper, gold and silver mine in Tasmania.
$1 million worth of mining equipment stolen (0) July 31, 2013 More than $1 million worth of mining equipment has reportedly been stolen from a storage facility in Rutherford, NSW.
Setback for $1 million Mount Isa lead poisoning claim (0) July 31, 2013 Mount Isa mum Sharlene Body’s compensation case against mining giant Xstrata has had a setback after the Supreme Court decided to strike out pleadings from her lawyers.
Environment Minister re-approves Shree Minerals’ Tarkine mine (0) July 31, 2013 The new Federal Environment Minister has re-approved Shree Minerals’ controversial iron ore mine in the Tarkine region after a court rejected the project over concerns for the endangered Tasmanian Devil. ...
Rum Jungle mine gets rehabilitation funding (0) July 30, 2013 The Australian Government announced a $14.5 million funding allocation for rehabilitation of the former Rum Jungle mine in Northern Territory.
Billboards target big miners’ 100% FIFO workforce (0) July 30, 2013 Two major billboards demanding an end to the use of 100% FIFO workforces in the Bowen Basin have been erected on highways around Mackay.
Suspected sabotage not stopping LNG work: Bechtel (0) July 30, 2013 Bechtel said a case of suspected sabotage on the QCLNG site has not delayed the construction of three LNG plants on Curtis Island.
Emeco CEO stepping down (0) July 30, 2013 Mining equipment hire and rental company Emeco has announced its managing director and CEO Keith Gordon will step down from his role later this year.
Gas and oil sector launch ad blitz for better policies (0) July 30, 2013 The gas and oil industry have launched an advertising blitz and are calling on the public to sign a petition to lobby the government for better policies.
Major capital raising for Galaxy resources (0) July 30, 2013 Embattled lithium miner Galaxy Resources has raised the $12 million needed to close its capital funding push after shareholders pitched in with a $5 million lifeline.
FMG to build Pilbara gas pipeline (0) July 30, 2013 Fortescue Metals Group are planning on cutting operational costs in the Pilbara by building a gas pipeline to link its Solomon and Chichester iron ore mines.
OZ Minerals flags profit hit (0) July 30, 2013 Prominent Hill mine owner Oz Minerals has announced it anticipates a first half profit hit in the range of $200 million to $240 million after tax.
Rio’s Oyu Tolgoi hits another snag (0) July 30, 2013 Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi copper mine venture in Mongolia is in trouble again with the underground development facing further delays.
Man in hospital after mining detonator explodes (0) July 29, 2013 A man, 41, is in a critical state in hospital after a mining detonator explosion early Saturday morning in a forest between Queensland’s Inglewood and Millmerran on Friday night.
Waratah couple refused mine subsidence claim (0) July 29, 2013 An elderly couple in Waratah, NSW has been demanding compensation from the Mine Subsidence Board for more than 30 years after water flooded their property.
Small steps for WA rail plan, says Aurizon (0) July 29, 2013 Iron ore producer Atlas Iron has welcomed a new railway in Western Australia’s iron ore Pilbara region, calling it a “fantastic solution”.
Rockhampton needs mining: MP (0) July 29, 2013 The executive director of The Australian Institute Richard Denniss recently called on Queensland Premier Campbell Newman to invest in Rockhampton’s manufacturing and agriculture sectors instead of mining for a brighter ...
Austerity on Anglo American’s agenda (0) July 29, 2013 Anglo American is the latest miner to flag austerity measures with chief executive Mark Cutifani looking to add $US3.5 billion of value to the company by 2016.
Australia’s worst mine disaster remembered (0) July 29, 2013 Hundreds of Illawarra residents gathered at Mount Kembla at the weekend to remember the 96 men and boys who died in the nation’s biggest mining disaster.
Mining giants could loosen iron ore supply grip (0) July 29, 2013 A new report from Europe reveals stabilising global freight costs could end Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton’s dominance over supply of iron ore to the Asian markets.
Carbon capture trial a success: CSIRO (0) July 29, 2013 CSIRO scientists trialling carbon emission capture technology at a Southern Queensland power station say the operation has been successful.
Rio offloads Northparkes mine in an $US820m deal (5) July 29, 2013 Rio Tinto has sold its 80 per cent stake in the Northparkes copper mine to China Molybdenum for $US820 million ($AUD892.37 million).
Kalgoorlie ramping up for Diggers and Dealers (0) July 29, 2013 Organisers of this year’s Diggers and Dealers mining event are gearing up for an influx of about 1,800 mining executives and financiers.
Siemens CEO forced out (0) July 29, 2013 The global CEO of Siemens has been let go after the company experienced poor results.
Mining women support group (1) July 26, 2013 The Mining Women Support Group have been meeting in Yeppoon every week for 12 months, with members saying the friendships formed will last a lifetime.
Hillgrove to cancel mining contract at Kanmantoo (0) July 26, 2013 Hillgrove Resources is finalising an agreement with Exact Mining Services to terminate the work at its Kanmantoo copper mine.
70 jobs on offer at Boggabri coal mine (3) July 26, 2013 Just three months after cutting 100 jobs at Boggabri coal mine, Downer EDI have announced plans to hire 70 new positions at the project, with an emphasis on recruiting locally. ...
42 jobs cut at Helensburgh’s Metropolitan coal mine (0) July 25, 2013 Peabody Energy will cut 42 jobs from Helensburgh’s Metropolitan coal mine as part of its plans to slash 400 positions from its operations across NSW and QLD.
PWCS face pollution fine (0) July 25, 2013 Port Waratah Coal Services will face sentencing next month after thousands of litres of black water overflowed in the Hunter River.
Coal protestors convicted (0) July 25, 2013 Two activists who broke into a coal mine and scaled equipment last year have now been convicted.
New Environment Minister to re-asses mining in Tasmania (0) July 24, 2013 The new Federal Environment Minister will visit the Tarkine region in Tasmania this week to re-assess Shree Minerals’ iron ore mine which was rejected in the Federal Court.
Newmont cuts jobs at Granites mine (0) July 24, 2013 Newmont has reportedly cut jobs at its Granites gold mine in the Northern Territory.
Rio plan massive new $3.5bn mine for the Pilbara (0) July 24, 2013 Rio Tinto have submitted documents to develop one of the biggest iron ore mines in the Pilbara, expected to export as much as 70 million tonnes a year.
Bechtel suspect sabotage on Curtis Island (0) July 24, 2013 Investigations are underway on Curtis Island after Bechtel discovered equipment that had been tampered with on the QCLNG site.
Macdonald faces more questions over Hunter Valley mine dealings (0) July 23, 2013 Former Labor minister Ian Macdonald will today face more questions from the New South Wales Parliament Privileges Committee about whether he was involved in a cover up over the Mount ...
Gold’s up but not out of the woods (0) July 23, 2013 Gold made its biggest one day gain in over a year, surging 3 per cent to hit a one-month high on Monday, breaking the $US1300 an ounce mark.
Peabody Energy cut 400 jobs across its coal mines (0) July 23, 2013 Peabody Energy have announced it will cut 400 positions across its NSW and QLD coal mines, blaming challenging market conditions for the move.
New report finds mining automation may lead to fewer jobs (0) July 23, 2013 A study by the University of Queensland has found increasing levels of automation and remote control in mining may lead to fewer jobs in mining communities.
New silver mine slated for NSW (0) July 22, 2013 Kingsgate Consolidated are moving to develop a silver mine in NSW and plan to deliver an environmental assessment for the project as early as 2014.
Rio cuts 78 jobs at Argyle diamond mine (28) July 22, 2013 Rio Tinto has axed 78 contractors from its Argyle diamond mine located in the Kimberley, not even a month since the company announced it would not be pursuing the potential ...
Billions at risk: APPEA call for urgent policy reforms (0) July 22, 2013 The peak body for Australia’s oil and gas industry has warned the next wave of investment in projects may not materialise unless serious policy reforms are undertaken.
Sandfire makes opportunistic bid for Northparkes (0) July 22, 2013 Junior copper-gold miner Sandfire Resources has made a soft offer on Rio Tinto’s Northparkes copper mine, located in Central West New South Wales.
Federal Court battle to stop Whitehaven’s Maules Creek Mine (0) July 19, 2013 Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine project could be suspended as legal action launched in the Federal Court seeks to overturn environmental approval for the $766 million project.
Santos revenue spikes on higher gas prices (0) July 19, 2013 Despite lowering full-year production estimates Santos have recorded an eight per cent hike in revenue for the June quarter.
Anglo posts mixed production results (0) July 19, 2013 Anglo American’s total copper and diamond production has increased in the second quarter but the company’s coal, platinum and iron ore output fell.
Hunter vacancy rates up as mining slumps (0) July 19, 2013 The Hunter region’s rental situation could ease and become cheaper as the mining slump increases vacancy rates.
Unplanned outage hits Woodside’s bottom line (0) July 19, 2013 Woodside have announced a revenue drop in the second quarter of the year as unexpected outages lowered production.
Glencore face union ire over workplace changes (0) July 19, 2013 Swiss mining giant GlencoreXstrata is at loggerheads with unions as it looks to modify the workplace deal at its Collinsville mine in Queensland.
Newcrest bears the burden of a shifting gold market (0) July 19, 2013 Gold miner Newcrest Mining has maintained its full-year gold and copper production guidance despite recognising the gold market is changing.
Jobs to go at Aurizon (12) July 19, 2013 Rail operator Aurizon will cut costs by more than $230 million over the next two years in a move which will see job losses and property sales.
Atlas Copco to cut more jobs as demand falls (0) July 19, 2013 Concerned the downturn may stick around for a while, engineering company Atlas Copco will cut more jobs and implement a raft of cost saving measures.
Miners move from construction to production (0) July 18, 2013 Mining juggernauts Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton both announced record iron ore production rates this week, signalling miners are moving into a production and productivity improvement phase.
BHP cuts Pilbara expansion budget (0) July 18, 2013 BHP Billiton has cut $US400 million ($AU434 million) from its Pilbara expansion budget, pulling back on its plans for a new blending and rail stockyard at Port Hedland.
Silver Lake to defer Murchinson gold operations (0) July 18, 2013 Silver Lake Resources has stated it will defer underground development at its Murchinson operations for a year, cutting jobs in the process.
Greenpeace call for halt to seabed mining (0) July 18, 2013 Greenpeace has released a report entitled “Deep Seabed Mining: An urgent wake-up call to protect our oceans” in an effort to end seabed mining.
Solid Energy to slash 15 Stockton jobs (0) July 17, 2013 New Zealand coal miner Solid Energy is slashing 15 management and support services jobs at its Stockton mine.
Uranium revival approaching (0) July 17, 2013 Delegates at this year’s Australian Uranium Conference say that despite the tough ride the metal has seen in recent years, a boom in price is imminent as world energy demands ...
BHP Billiton smashes iron ore production record (0) July 17, 2013 Mining powerhouse BHP Billiton has smashed its iron ore production record for the 13th consecutive time, increasing its output rate to 217 million tonnes in the June quarter.
Take-or-pay puts coal at risk: analyst (0) July 17, 2013 It’s estimated four million tonnes of Australian coal is at risk of closure, and another 32 million tonnes will be produced at negative margins in 2013, a Wood Mackenzie report ...
NSW community want to appeal against projects: poll (0) July 17, 2013 A poll has found almost nine out of 10 people in NSW want the ability to appeal against coal mining projects that receive approval in their vicinity.
NSW Minerals Council applauds central west mines (4) July 17, 2013 NSW Minerals Council chief Stephen Galilee has called Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong coal mines the jewels in the crown of the state’s mining industry.
QLD govt proposing technology to cut gold miner red tape (0) July 17, 2013 The Queensland Government has come out with a discussion paper outlining strategies to cut red tape for gold prospectors dependent on small-scale alluvial mining.
Illawarra coal miner extends trading halt (0) July 17, 2013 Gujarat NRE Coking Coal shares remain in a trading halt after three weeks as the company has again asked for an extension.
Rio & Rinehart headed back to court (0) July 17, 2013 Rio Tinto will face mining magnate Gina Rinehart in court again after the company appealed against a court order to pay Hancock Prospecting and another company almost $200 million.
NZ miner pleads guilty on injured coal miner (0) July 16, 2013 State-owned coal miner Solid Energy confessed it neglected to keep one its miners safe after he was crushed by tonnes of coal in July last year.
NRW secure $31 million BHP contract (154) July 16, 2013 Mining contractor NRW Holdings have been awarded a $31 million contract at BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Mooka Ore Car Repair Shop.
Controversial Hunter Valley coal dust report gets review (0) July 16, 2013 A statistician will conduct an independent review of data on dust emissions in the Hunter Valley after a report handed down by the Australian Rail Track Corporation was slammed in ...
‘Scab’ harassment claims at Yallourn Power Station (0) July 16, 2013 Energy Australia say some of their workers at Yallourn Power station are being harassed, with one employee claiming the word ‘scab’ was spray-painted on his fence.
AngloGold set for $2.6bn asset writedown (0) July 16, 2013 As gold prices tumble and goldminers around the world slash their asset values by billions of dollars, AngloGold Ashanti is another company to join the ranks.
Mining-related councils call for rate change (0) July 16, 2013 A mining body is demanding significant changes to the Local Government Act rating system that will let councils have mine rates as supplementary instead of as part of the general ...
Watpac slashes $30m, clears way for mining (0) July 16, 2013 Queensland-based Watpac Civil & Mining has slashed $30 million in costs from its company as it looks to concentrate on mining services, as well as defence, social infrastructure and commercial ...
Floating carbon price not good enough for mining industry (0) July 15, 2013 The mining and resources industry are not satisfied with the Rudd government’s move to a decreased floating price, with the major lobby groups still advocating for the carbon tax to ...
Coal action group to conduct dust level tests (0) July 15, 2013 Community groups in the Hunter Valley will conduct their own testing of coal train dust after rejecting a recent report that stated coal trains did not have stronger associations with ...
Barrick reportedly edging closer to WA asset sale (0) July 15, 2013 Rumours have emerged that Barrick Gold is edging closer to the sale of its Western Australian assets, with speculation Tribune Resources is considering buying out the East Kundana gold mine.
Coal exports hit 3-year high at Hay Point (0) July 15, 2013 Hay Point Coal Terminal posted its highest coal export figure in three years as miners ramp up production to offset lower commodity prices.
Projects ramp up despite downturn (0) July 15, 2013 Despite widespread job losses and reports the mining sector is on a downward trend, new projects are coming online.
LNG projects under the pump as US enters market (0) July 15, 2013 Australia’s gas export contracts are facing stiff competition from the United States as Asian customers insist on cheaper LNG from two of the country’s big ventures.
BMA expansion plans go on public display (0) July 15, 2013 Expansion plans for BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s Broadmeadow underground and Goonyella Riverside mine are open for public comment.
CSG drilling rejected in the Illawarra (0) July 12, 2013 Apex Energy have been denied permission to drill 16 exploration wells within Illawarra water catchment areas.
Bosses’ pay under radar as mining boom busts (0) July 12, 2013 Executive salaries are under scrutiny as the mining industry implements belt-tightening measures across its companies.
China Coal mine blast death toll covered up (0) July 12, 2013 An investigation in China has shown a coal mine company hid the death toll from a gas explosion in northeast China’s Jilin Province in March.
Drillers bid for Mt Charlotte contract (0) July 12, 2013 A consumables contract up for grabs at KCGM’s Mt Charlotte underground mine has got drilling companies clambering over each other bidding for the opportunity which is reportedly worth more than ...
Toowoomba feeling brunt of mining slump (0) July 12, 2013 The effects of the mining investment slowdown are trickling through southeast Queensland, with many Toowoomba businesses slashing jobs.
Mining slump cools rental prices (6) July 12, 2013 Rental prices in the Surat and Bowen basins have marginally decreased in some towns but are still higher than market price.
Money troubles hit Hunter Vally locals (0) July 12, 2013 Lifeline say its financial counselling offices across the Hunter Valley are being swamped with people who have lost their jobs and don’t have back up plans.
Arrium expanding to gold and copper (0) July 12, 2013 Iron ore producer Arrium could soon expand to gold and copper production, new CEO Andrew Roberts said on Thursday.
Newcrest to cut jobs at Telfer mine (47) July 11, 2013 Newcrest have announced jobs will be cut at its Telfer mine in Western Australia as the gold miner continues to implement a raft of cost cutting measures across its operations. ...
WA nickel miner bucks the trend (0) July 11, 2013 Western Australian nickel miner Panoramic Resources this week announced it is increasing its quarterly nickel production by 18 per cent in the three months to June.
Mining slowdown part of the game: WA industry (0) July 11, 2013 The Western Australian mining industry said unstable resource prices and job cuts are common in the mining industry and it is accustomed to it.
FIFO family matters at AIMEX (0) July 11, 2013 Miners will meet with the Mining Family Matters group at Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition next month.
NT going strong amidst mining slowdown (0) July 11, 2013 Northern Territory is going against the tide in the country’s mining downturn, according to the Minerals Council of Australia.
45 workers cut as Poseidon Nickel suspends drilling (0) July 11, 2013 Forty-five contractors have been cut at Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s Windarra nickel project amid speculation a bid to reopen the Western Australian mine has been hamstrung by financing issues.
Copper nowhere near peak (0) July 10, 2013 Existing copper resources can sustain increasing global demand for at least another century, new research has found.
Anti-corruption laws put miners on edge (0) July 10, 2013 Australian mining companies running in Africa are opposed to political leaders following Canada’s footsteps in bringing anti-corruption and bribery laws into effect
Low nickel prices hurting miners (0) July 10, 2013 A business analyst has warned low nickel prices were putting pressure on miners, predicting mines may face the prospect of closure.
Freeport resumes underground operations after mine collapse (0) July 10, 2013 Arizona-based Freeport McMoRan said it will restart underground mining in eastern Indonesia today, after production was halted nearly two months ago due to a tunnel collapse.
Australian gas exports at risk: Gary Gray (0) July 10, 2013 Resources Minister Gary Gray wants more exploration of Australia’s natural gas reserves, warning that competition from Russia and Africa could threaten export into Asia.
Mining services down $12bn, shake up to continue (0) July 10, 2013 As the list of shelved and postponed mining projects grows and miners shift focus from construction to production phases a total of $12 billion has been wiped off the value ...
Jobs go at Barrick Gold’s Lake Cowal mine (0) July 10, 2013 Five workers have been made redundant at Barrick Gold’s Lake Cowal mine with the company blaming the decision on weak gold prices and increasing operating costs.
Ausenco moves away from minerals and metals (0) July 10, 2013 The weakening mining services industry has led engineering operation Ausenco to buy a Canadian oil sands firm.
Woodlawn mine to reopen its gates (0) July 10, 2013 The New South Wales government has given Australian resources company TriAusMin the green signal to re-open Woodlawn mine.
Maules Creek mine protest continues for second day (0) July 9, 2013 Local Indigenous community members have spent a second day protesting against Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine, claiming the company failed to consult them about cultural and heritage concerns.
Pilbara manual handling injuries concerns safety regulator (0) July 9, 2013 Western Australia’s main resources safety regulator has issued a warning to Pilbara mining operators and workers following a spike in manual handling injuries.
Northern Star axe Ashburton gold project (171) July 9, 2013 West Australian gold miner Northern Star has axed plans to develop its Ashburton Gold mine until gold prices recover.
Pike River compensation “pathetic”: CFMEU (0) July 9, 2013 Compensation awarded to families of the Pike River mine victims has been labelled “pathetic” and serves as a reminder that miners shouldn’t write their own safety rules, unions say.
Abbot Point expansion decision delayed (0) July 9, 2013 The new Federal Environment Minister has delayed a decision on the Abbot Point coal expansion by more than four weeks, indicating more time is needed to properly assess the project. ...
Rio iron ore production takes a hit (0) July 9, 2013 Mining power house Rio Tinto can’t seem to cop a break, after posting a $3 billion loss earlier this year its West Australian iron ore production has now taken a ...
Gulgong joins Singleton; objects mining camp (0) July 9, 2013 Gulgong residents on the western edge of Hunter Valley have opposed proposals by The Mac Group to erect a 400-bed temporary worker facility in the town.
Mining services company rubbishes claims mining boom is over (0) July 9, 2013 Claims the mining boom is over are overstated and government needs be careful not to strangle the emerging coal seam gas sector with red tape, a mining service company has ...
Shine wears off WA Goldfields with job losses (0) July 9, 2013 Western Australia is feeling the heat from the mining downturn as around 5000 jobs have gone in the state’s mining sector.
LakeCoal applies for Lake Macquarie coal exploration (0) July 9, 2013 The union for Hunter Valley coal miners said an application for a new coal exploration lease in Lake Macquarie, is ‘a matter of importance’ for the area.
Protestors line up to stop Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine (0) July 8, 2013 Protestors have formed a picket line at Whitehaven Coal’s Maules Creek mine development, vowing to continue their fight against the project that received final approval last week.
WA job ads down as mining slumps (0) July 8, 2013 There has been a decline in job advertisements for the fourth month in a row and Western Australia has been hit hardest.
We plan to move more of our own dirt: BMA (0) July 8, 2013 BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance asset president Stephen Dumble said the company is committed to a future in Central Queensland, but indicated cost cutting measures would continue.
Miners see red over double green tape (0) July 8, 2013 The mining industry is fighting against the doubling of green tape between federal and state governments, saying it has forked out an additional $820 million over 10 years to get ...
Gas industry warns of price spike (0) July 8, 2013 The gas industry has warned that the eastern states will suffer from sky rocketing gas prices in the coming years unless measures are taken to increase investment in the sector. ...
WA move to streamline environmental approvals (0) July 8, 2013 Newly appointed Western Australian mines minister Bill Marmion is throwing support behind junior miners, vowing to streamline environmental approvals processes.
Battle looms over floating LNG push (0) July 8, 2013 A battle is building over the Federal government’s push to for the development of Woodside’s multi-billion-dollar Browse gasfield through FLNG, with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett opposed.
Terramin slashing 115 jobs, shutting zinc mine (0) July 8, 2013 Zinc maker Terramin announced on Friday its Angas zinc mine is going into care and maintenance, with 115 jobs being slashed.
Watchdog hones in as reporting season creeps up (0) July 8, 2013 In the wake of gold miner Newcrest’s reporting scandal the market regulator will increase its scrutiny on company communications during the upcoming reporting season.
Locally sourcing content, a code of practice (0) July 5, 2013 As coal miners continue to cut jobs and undertake operational spending reviews, mining body Queensland Resources Council has designed a guide to help companies allocate regional funding.
Price slump doesn’t deter Regis gold expansion (0) July 5, 2013 Despite the gold price drop, Regis Resources is forging ahead with a plant production expansion at its Duketon project near Laverton.
Pike River ordered to pay victim compensation (0) July 5, 2013 An emotional Judge Jane Farish has today awarded compensation to the victims of the Pike River mine explosion in New Zealand.
Deep Yellow slashes jobs, cuts pay (0) July 5, 2013 Uranium exploration company Deep Yellow has cut jobs and reduced salaries by five per cent as it ramps up steps to reduce overhead costs, blaming the move on the weakness ...
Santos GLNG and QGC sign gas interconnect deal (0) July 4, 2013 Santos GLNG and QGC today signed an agreement that will see them share gas infrastructure, reducing supply risks to both of the Curtis Island LNG projects.
Communities ‘scapegoats’ for mining companies (0) July 4, 2013 Mining companies have copped criticism for making the Hunter communities ‘convenient scapegoats’ for job cuts in the coal sector.
Green concerns over river gold mining (0) July 4, 2013 Greens candidate for Cowper NSW Carol Vernon has expressed worry over the possibility of mining in the headwaters of the Clarence River.
Juniors join forces, addressing Pilbara infrastructure issues (0) July 4, 2013 Junior miners Brockman Mining and Flinders mines have signed a supply, infrastructure cooperation agreement in the Pilbara, saying they will work together on a transport solution that will get their ...
Mt Gordon copper mine up for grabs (0) July 4, 2013 Aditya Birla Minerals is looking for a buyer for its Mt Gordon copper mine in Queensland which is set to sell for around $250 million.
Top tier miners’ pay packets still heavy (0) July 4, 2013 A key salary survey has revealed chief coal mine managers are taking home about the same pay packet as Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott.
China exploits cheap mining assets as stocks plunge (0) July 4, 2013 China’s state-owned private companies and enterprises will take advantage of weak equity and asset values in the resources industry by accelerating acquisitions and investments.
US Judge dismisses oil payments disclosure rule (0) July 4, 2013 A federal judge in the United States has rejected a securities rule that asked oil and gas companies to disclose payments made to foreign companies from projects.
Pluto LNG shutdown impacts Woodside production (0) July 3, 2013 Woodside has downgraded its annual production estimates after a technical glitch forced the temporary shutdown of its Pluto LNG plant.
Freeport mine collapse will not hamper contract talks (0) July 3, 2013 A fatal tunnel collapse at a copper and gold mine in Indonesia should not hamper contract negotiations with America’s Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, a government negotiating team said.
Brockman and Aurizon sign Pilbara infrastructure deal (0) July 3, 2013 Brockman Mining has signed a three year relationship agreement with Aurizon that will see the rail operator develop and operate rail and port infrastructure for the company’s two Pilbara iron ...
PPE stolen from Perilya mine (14) July 3, 2013 The CFMEU said it is disturbed about reports PPE is being stolen from the Perilya mine at Broken Hill.
Prelude project will inject $45bn to Australian economy: Shell (0) July 3, 2013 Shell say their Prelude floating LNG project will contribute $45 billion to the Australian economy over the life of the project $12 billion of which would be tax payments.
Miner makes $1m claim for mine site injuries (0) July 3, 2013 A former Anglo Coal employee has launched legal action, suing the company for more than $1 million for injuries sustained in a 2009 mining accident.
Wright Prospecting to have its day in court (0) July 3, 2013 A judge has declared mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting must go to court to settle a mine ownership conflict with the family of her father’s previous partner.
Activist charged over Whitehaven hoax (0) July 3, 2013 Infamous activist Jonathan Moylan has been charged over a hoax press release which temporarily wiped more than $314 million off the value of Whitehaven Coal.
Coal waste to be reused for biofuel (0) July 3, 2013 One of the biggest coal-fired power stations in Australia is looking to use greenhouse gas emissions emitted from coal to generate biofuels in a bid to lower its carbon cost.
Hundreds expected to protest over QLD job cuts (0) July 2, 2013 Hundreds of people are expected to take the streets of Brisbane tomorrow to protest against the latest round of job cuts in Queensland’s mining sector.
Tremor probably a mine blast, seismologists say (0) July 2, 2013 Tremors were recorded west of Mackay in north Queensland around 4:30pm yesterday near the Hail Creek Mine in the Bowen Basin.
Environmental groups urge Aurizon to dump GVK coal deal (0) July 2, 2013 Environmental groups have sent Aurizon an open letter urging them to dump plans to buy GVK Hancock’s rail and port project, adding they will use any peaceful means necessary to ...
BHP fast tracks iron ore modernisation (0) July 2, 2013 BHP Billiton is fast tracking the modernisation of its Pilbara iron ore division, coinciding with the launch of its new remote operation centre in Perth.
Kimberley coal project sold for $21m (0) July 2, 2013 Rey Resources has struck a deal to sell its Duchess Paradise coal project in the Kimberley to Hong Kong’s Crystal Yield Investments for $21 million.
A struggling gold price has taken yet another casualty, this time its Alacer Gold which says it cannot guarantee the future of its mines beyond the middle of 2014.
BHP Billiton has called off the sale of its Gregory Crinum coal complex after it couldn’t secure a buyer for the closed mine.
Shree Minerals could start its $20 million iron-ore mine in the Tarkine in the next few days after new Federal Environment Minister Mark Butler re-approved the project.
Twenty two workers at Evolution Mining’s Mt Rawdon gold mine have lost their jobs, with a slowdown in the mining process being blamed for the cuts.
The company which operates the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Super Pit has announced a raft of job cuts at the gold mine, blaming poor market conditions for the move.
Murphy Oil has submitted documents seeking federal approval to drill an exploration well 30km from the Batavia shipwreck near the Abrolhos Islands off Western Australia.
Underground hard rock mining contractor Barminco has won a three year development and production mining contract at the Mount Lyell copper, gold and silver mine in Tasmania.
More than $1 million worth of mining equipment has reportedly been stolen from a storage facility in Rutherford, NSW.
The New South Wales government and gas industry face significant challenges if they continue to forge ahead expanding the state’s gas production capabilities.
Mount Isa mum Sharlene Body’s compensation case against mining giant Xstrata has had a setback after the Supreme Court decided to strike out pleadings from her lawyers.
A new $21 million energy training centre in Gladstone is set to provide opportunities for locals to break into the region’s LNG job market.
The new Federal Environment Minister has re-approved Shree Minerals’ controversial iron ore mine in the Tarkine region after a court rejected the project over concerns for the endangered Tasmanian Devil. ...
The Australian Government announced a $14.5 million funding allocation for rehabilitation of the former Rum Jungle mine in Northern Territory.
Two major billboards demanding an end to the use of 100% FIFO workforces in the Bowen Basin have been erected on highways around Mackay.
A hearing for Greens group Save the Tarkine’s legal bid against Riley Creek mine has started in Hobart.
Bechtel said a case of suspected sabotage on the QCLNG site has not delayed the construction of three LNG plants on Curtis Island.
Mining equipment hire and rental company Emeco has announced its managing director and CEO Keith Gordon will step down from his role later this year.
The gas and oil industry have launched an advertising blitz and are calling on the public to sign a petition to lobby the government for better policies.
Embattled lithium miner Galaxy Resources has raised the $12 million needed to close its capital funding push after shareholders pitched in with a $5 million lifeline.
The New South Wales government is proposing changes to regulations governing mining proposals.
Fortescue Metals Group are planning on cutting operational costs in the Pilbara by building a gas pipeline to link its Solomon and Chichester iron ore mines.
Rio Tinto’s Oyu Tolgoi copper mine venture in Mongolia is in trouble again with the underground development facing further delays.
A man, 41, is in a critical state in hospital after a mining detonator explosion early Saturday morning in a forest between Queensland’s Inglewood and Millmerran on Friday night.
An elderly couple in Waratah, NSW has been demanding compensation from the Mine Subsidence Board for more than 30 years after water flooded their property.
A nuclear energy conference has heard Australia needs to start having a serious discussion around the implementation of the technology.
Iron ore producer Atlas Iron has welcomed a new railway in Western Australia’s iron ore Pilbara region, calling it a “fantastic solution”.
Anglo American is the latest miner to flag austerity measures with chief executive Mark Cutifani looking to add $US3.5 billion of value to the company by 2016.
Hundreds of Illawarra residents gathered at Mount Kembla at the weekend to remember the 96 men and boys who died in the nation’s biggest mining disaster.
A new report from Europe reveals stabilising global freight costs could end Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton’s dominance over supply of iron ore to the Asian markets.
Another mining service company has been hit by the downturn with 100 jobs slashed at Mining Equipment Maintenance in Central Queensland.
CSIRO scientists trialling carbon emission capture technology at a Southern Queensland power station say the operation has been successful.
Rio Tinto has sold its 80 per cent stake in the Northparkes copper mine to China Molybdenum for $US820 million ($AUD892.37 million).
Organisers of this year’s Diggers and Dealers mining event are gearing up for an influx of about 1,800 mining executives and financiers.
The global CEO of Siemens has been let go after the company experienced poor results.
The Mining Women Support Group have been meeting in Yeppoon every week for 12 months, with members saying the friendships formed will last a lifetime.
Hillgrove Resources is finalising an agreement with Exact Mining Services to terminate the work at its Kanmantoo copper mine.
Just three months after cutting 100 jobs at Boggabri coal mine, Downer EDI have announced plans to hire 70 new positions at the project, with an emphasis on recruiting locally. ...
Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have both approved more than a billion dollars for the construction of a new seawater desalination facility for the Escondida copper mine.
Major coal player Peabody Energy has moved to cut over 600 staff in just over a month and announced Australia’s coal sector is at a turning point, warning the nation’s ...
More than 600 Bowen locals rallied in support of the Abbot Point coal expansion last night, urging the Federal Government to back the project.
Peabody Energy will cut 42 jobs from Helensburgh’s Metropolitan coal mine as part of its plans to slash 400 positions from its operations across NSW and QLD.
Port Waratah Coal Services will face sentencing next month after thousands of litres of black water overflowed in the Hunter River.
Qantas has inked a three-year agreement to provide FIFO services to Gina Rinehart’s $9.5 billion Roy Hill iron ore mine.
The CFMEU have accused GlencoreXstrata of leaving 400 workers out in the cold as the miner moves to owner-operator at Collinsville coal mine.
Two activists who broke into a coal mine and scaled equipment last year have now been convicted.
WorleyParsons has won an extension to its contract with Vale at the S11D project.
Newmont has reportedly cut jobs at its Granites gold mine in the Northern Territory.
Rio Tinto have submitted documents to develop one of the biggest iron ore mines in the Pilbara, expected to export as much as 70 million tonnes a year.
Investigations are underway on Curtis Island after Bechtel discovered equipment that had been tampered with on the QCLNG site.
Alliance Aviation has signed extensions to its existing contracts with Incitec Pivot and the miner MMG.
Gold made its biggest one day gain in over a year, surging 3 per cent to hit a one-month high on Monday, breaking the $US1300 an ounce mark.
Peabody Energy have announced it will cut 400 positions across its NSW and QLD coal mines, blaming challenging market conditions for the move.
A study by the University of Queensland has found increasing levels of automation and remote control in mining may lead to fewer jobs in mining communities.
A new online register of mineral consultants has been launched and aims to connect the industry with the experienced personnel it needs for projects.
Kingsgate Consolidated are moving to develop a silver mine in NSW and plan to deliver an environmental assessment for the project as early as 2014.
Rio Tinto has axed 78 contractors from its Argyle diamond mine located in the Kimberley, not even a month since the company announced it would not be pursuing the potential ...
The peak body for Australia’s oil and gas industry has warned the next wave of investment in projects may not materialise unless serious policy reforms are undertaken.
Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine project could be suspended as legal action launched in the Federal Court seeks to overturn environmental approval for the $766 million project.
Broken Hill City Council is pondering charging mining rates separately from regular rates.
Despite lowering full-year production estimates Santos have recorded an eight per cent hike in revenue for the June quarter.
The Hunter region’s rental situation could ease and become cheaper as the mining slump increases vacancy rates.
Woodside have announced a revenue drop in the second quarter of the year as unexpected outages lowered production.
Gold miner Newcrest Mining has maintained its full-year gold and copper production guidance despite recognising the gold market is changing.
Rail operator Aurizon will cut costs by more than $230 million over the next two years in a move which will see job losses and property sales.
Concerned the downturn may stick around for a while, engineering company Atlas Copco will cut more jobs and implement a raft of cost saving measures.
The lower gold price has taken another casualty with Focus Minerals announcing it will cease its Coolgardie operations at the end of the month.
Mining juggernauts Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton both announced record iron ore production rates this week, signalling miners are moving into a production and productivity improvement phase.
Gindalbie Metals has let current CEO Steve Murdoch go, as its combines the roles of CEO and CFO.
Silver Lake Resources has stated it will defer underground development at its Murchinson operations for a year, cutting jobs in the process.
New Zealand police will lay no criminal charges on any individual over the 2010 Pike River mine explosion which killed 29 men.
Greenpeace has released a report entitled “Deep Seabed Mining: An urgent wake-up call to protect our oceans” in an effort to end seabed mining.
Construction is nearing completion on the final stages of Newcastle’s third coal loader.
New Zealand coal miner Solid Energy is slashing 15 management and support services jobs at its Stockton mine.
States will not have the final say on environmental approvals if the coalition wins the election.
Delegates at this year’s Australian Uranium Conference say that despite the tough ride the metal has seen in recent years, a boom in price is imminent as world energy demands ...
Mining powerhouse BHP Billiton has smashed its iron ore production record for the 13th consecutive time, increasing its output rate to 217 million tonnes in the June quarter.
It’s estimated four million tonnes of Australian coal is at risk of closure, and another 32 million tonnes will be produced at negative margins in 2013, a Wood Mackenzie report ...
NSW Minerals Council chief Stephen Galilee has called Ulan, Moolarben and Wilpinjong coal mines the jewels in the crown of the state’s mining industry.
Downer EDI has won $230 million in blasting contract extensions.
The Queensland Government has come out with a discussion paper outlining strategies to cut red tape for gold prospectors dependent on small-scale alluvial mining.
Gujarat NRE Coking Coal shares remain in a trading halt after three weeks as the company has again asked for an extension.
Oz Minerals has cut 61 workers from its Prominent Hill mine in South Australia.
State-owned coal miner Solid Energy confessed it neglected to keep one its miners safe after he was crushed by tonnes of coal in July last year.
Mining contractor NRW Holdings have been awarded a $31 million contract at BHP Billiton Iron Ore’s Mooka Ore Car Repair Shop.
A statistician will conduct an independent review of data on dust emissions in the Hunter Valley after a report handed down by the Australian Rail Track Corporation was slammed in ...
Energy Australia say some of their workers at Yallourn Power station are being harassed, with one employee claiming the word ‘scab’ was spray-painted on his fence.
GlencoreXstrata’s Ernest Henry Mining will halt magnetite production at its Cloncurry operation, east of Mount Isa.
As gold prices tumble and goldminers around the world slash their asset values by billions of dollars, AngloGold Ashanti is another company to join the ranks.
A mining body is demanding significant changes to the Local Government Act rating system that will let councils have mine rates as supplementary instead of as part of the general ...
Queensland-based Watpac Civil & Mining has slashed $30 million in costs from its company as it looks to concentrate on mining services, as well as defence, social infrastructure and commercial ...
Anglo American is calling for voluntary redundancies across its Grasstree operations in central Queensland.
The crackdown on illegal Chinese miners continues, with more than 4,500 miners leaving Ghana since June.
The mining and resources industry are not satisfied with the Rudd government’s move to a decreased floating price, with the major lobby groups still advocating for the carbon tax to ...
Community groups in the Hunter Valley will conduct their own testing of coal train dust after rejecting a recent report that stated coal trains did not have stronger associations with ...
Rumours have emerged that Barrick Gold is edging closer to the sale of its Western Australian assets, with speculation Tribune Resources is considering buying out the East Kundana gold mine.
Drilling technology company Coretrack’s legal battle is continuing more than a year after it began.
Hay Point Coal Terminal posted its highest coal export figure in three years as miners ramp up production to offset lower commodity prices.
Despite widespread job losses and reports the mining sector is on a downward trend, new projects are coming online.
Australia’s gas export contracts are facing stiff competition from the United States as Asian customers insist on cheaper LNG from two of the country’s big ventures.
Expansion plans for BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance’s Broadmeadow underground and Goonyella Riverside mine are open for public comment.
Apex Energy have been denied permission to drill 16 exploration wells within Illawarra water catchment areas.
Executive salaries are under scrutiny as the mining industry implements belt-tightening measures across its companies.
An investigation in China has shown a coal mine company hid the death toll from a gas explosion in northeast China’s Jilin Province in March.
Gina Rinehart plans to build a mine on her family’s cattle station in the Pilbara capable of producing 5 million tonnes of iron ore a year.
A consumables contract up for grabs at KCGM’s Mt Charlotte underground mine has got drilling companies clambering over each other bidding for the opportunity which is reportedly worth more than ...
The effects of the mining investment slowdown are trickling through southeast Queensland, with many Toowoomba businesses slashing jobs.
Rental prices in the Surat and Bowen basins have marginally decreased in some towns but are still higher than market price.
Lifeline say its financial counselling offices across the Hunter Valley are being swamped with people who have lost their jobs and don’t have back up plans.
Iron ore producer Arrium could soon expand to gold and copper production, new CEO Andrew Roberts said on Thursday.
Poseidon Nickel has announced an enormous 121 per cent increase in its probable nickel reserves at Mt Windarra.
Western Australian nickel miner Panoramic Resources this week announced it is increasing its quarterly nickel production by 18 per cent in the three months to June.
The Western Australian mining industry said unstable resource prices and job cuts are common in the mining industry and it is accustomed to it.
Rio Tinto’s bauxite mining staff have discovered a rare quoll population at its operations located around Weipa on the Cape York Peninsula.
Clive Palmer’s company Mineralogy could lose its right to operate security measures at a new multi-billion dollar port in Western Australia.
Northern Territory is going against the tide in the country’s mining downturn, according to the Minerals Council of Australia.
Forty-five contractors have been cut at Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s Windarra nickel project amid speculation a bid to reopen the Western Australian mine has been hamstrung by financing issues.
Existing copper resources can sustain increasing global demand for at least another century, new research has found.
Australian mining companies running in Africa are opposed to political leaders following Canada’s footsteps in bringing anti-corruption and bribery laws into effect
Arizona-based Freeport McMoRan said it will restart underground mining in eastern Indonesia today, after production was halted nearly two months ago due to a tunnel collapse.
A Queensland minister wants more women participating in the mining industry.
Resources Minister Gary Gray wants more exploration of Australia’s natural gas reserves, warning that competition from Russia and Africa could threaten export into Asia.
As the list of shelved and postponed mining projects grows and miners shift focus from construction to production phases a total of $12 billion has been wiped off the value ...
The weakening mining services industry has led engineering operation Ausenco to buy a Canadian oil sands firm.
The New South Wales government has given Australian resources company TriAusMin the green signal to re-open Woodlawn mine.
Local Indigenous community members have spent a second day protesting against Whitehaven’s Maules Creek mine, claiming the company failed to consult them about cultural and heritage concerns.
Western Australia’s main resources safety regulator has issued a warning to Pilbara mining operators and workers following a spike in manual handling injuries.
Indigenous mining contractor Ngarda will lay off a number of staff posted at Fortescue’s Christmas Creek mine.
West Australian gold miner Northern Star has axed plans to develop its Ashburton Gold mine until gold prices recover.
Compensation awarded to families of the Pike River mine victims has been labelled “pathetic” and serves as a reminder that miners shouldn’t write their own safety rules, unions say.
The new Federal Environment Minister has delayed a decision on the Abbot Point coal expansion by more than four weeks, indicating more time is needed to properly assess the project. ...
Mining power house Rio Tinto can’t seem to cop a break, after posting a $3 billion loss earlier this year its West Australian iron ore production has now taken a ...
Gulgong residents on the western edge of Hunter Valley have opposed proposals by The Mac Group to erect a 400-bed temporary worker facility in the town.
Claims the mining boom is over are overstated and government needs be careful not to strangle the emerging coal seam gas sector with red tape, a mining service company has ...
A downturn in the mining sector is flowing through to the industry’s service sector with projects being shelved or scrapped, and austerity measures in full swing.
The union for Hunter Valley coal miners said an application for a new coal exploration lease in Lake Macquarie, is ‘a matter of importance’ for the area.
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance asset president Stephen Dumble said the company is committed to a future in Central Queensland, but indicated cost cutting measures would continue.
The mining industry is fighting against the doubling of green tape between federal and state governments, saying it has forked out an additional $820 million over 10 years to get ...
Newly appointed Western Australian mines minister Bill Marmion is throwing support behind junior miners, vowing to streamline environmental approvals processes.
A battle is building over the Federal government’s push to for the development of Woodside’s multi-billion-dollar Browse gasfield through FLNG, with West Australian Premier Colin Barnett opposed.
Zinc maker Terramin announced on Friday its Angas zinc mine is going into care and maintenance, with 115 jobs being slashed.
In the wake of gold miner Newcrest’s reporting scandal the market regulator will increase its scrutiny on company communications during the upcoming reporting season.
Atlas Iron has received board approval to develop the Mount Webber mine with Altura Mining.
As coal miners continue to cut jobs and undertake operational spending reviews, mining body Queensland Resources Council has designed a guide to help companies allocate regional funding.
Fabrication, construction and services company AusGroup has win a contract for the overhaul and maintenance of Alcoa’s calciner.
Despite the gold price drop, Regis Resources is forging ahead with a plant production expansion at its Duketon project near Laverton.
Analysts see no end in sight for conflict in the South African mining industry.
Santos and Drillsearch Energy have formed a joint venture to fast-track the Western Cooper Gas Project.
An emotional Judge Jane Farish has today awarded compensation to the victims of the Pike River mine explosion in New Zealand.
Uranium exploration company Deep Yellow has cut jobs and reduced salaries by five per cent as it ramps up steps to reduce overhead costs, blaming the move on the weakness ...
Santos GLNG and QGC today signed an agreement that will see them share gas infrastructure, reducing supply risks to both of the Curtis Island LNG projects.
Contractor Downer Mining will lay off staff at Fortescue Metals Groups’ Christmas Creek iron ore mine in the Pilbara.
CSIRO has come up with a new, sustainable treatment for removing contaminants from mining wastewater.
Whitehaven Coal has received final approval to develop its $766 million Maules Creek mine.
Santos GLNG said it is moving to establish a long-term workforce in Gladstone with plans to recruit 102 people for permanent ongoing roles by August.
Mining companies have copped criticism for making the Hunter communities ‘convenient scapegoats’ for job cuts in the coal sector.
Greens candidate for Cowper NSW Carol Vernon has expressed worry over the possibility of mining in the headwaters of the Clarence River.
Aditya Birla Minerals is looking for a buyer for its Mt Gordon copper mine in Queensland which is set to sell for around $250 million.
A key salary survey has revealed chief coal mine managers are taking home about the same pay packet as Federal Opposition leader Tony Abbott.
China’s state-owned private companies and enterprises will take advantage of weak equity and asset values in the resources industry by accelerating acquisitions and investments.
The gold sector has taken another hit with WA gold miner Apex Minerals going into administration.
A federal judge in the United States has rejected a securities rule that asked oil and gas companies to disclose payments made to foreign companies from projects.
Woodside has downgraded its annual production estimates after a technical glitch forced the temporary shutdown of its Pluto LNG plant.
A fatal tunnel collapse at a copper and gold mine in Indonesia should not hamper contract negotiations with America’s Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, a government negotiating team said.
The CFMEU said it is disturbed about reports PPE is being stolen from the Perilya mine at Broken Hill.
Shell say their Prelude floating LNG project will contribute $45 billion to the Australian economy over the life of the project $12 billion of which would be tax payments.
A former Anglo Coal employee has launched legal action, suing the company for more than $1 million for injuries sustained in a 2009 mining accident.
Port Hedland has posted another record breaking year for iron ore exports which are up by 40 million tonnes.
A judge has declared mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting must go to court to settle a mine ownership conflict with the family of her father’s previous partner.
Infamous activist Jonathan Moylan has been charged over a hoax press release which temporarily wiped more than $314 million off the value of Whitehaven Coal.
One of the biggest coal-fired power stations in Australia is looking to use greenhouse gas emissions emitted from coal to generate biofuels in a bid to lower its carbon cost.
Hundreds of people are expected to take the streets of Brisbane tomorrow to protest against the latest round of job cuts in Queensland’s mining sector.
Tremors were recorded west of Mackay in north Queensland around 4:30pm yesterday near the Hail Creek Mine in the Bowen Basin.
Environmental groups have sent Aurizon an open letter urging them to dump plans to buy GVK Hancock’s rail and port project, adding they will use any peaceful means necessary to ...
BHP Billiton is fast tracking the modernisation of its Pilbara iron ore division, coinciding with the launch of its new remote operation centre in Perth.
Rey Resources has struck a deal to sell its Duchess Paradise coal project in the Kimberley to Hong Kong’s Crystal Yield Investments for $21 million.