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.
Miners face depression and anxiety (895) April 24, 2012 Health professionals say depression, anxiety, and stress are hidden in workers on most mines and companies should spend more on protecting mental health.
Rinehart and Rio Tinto face “mega-litigation” (0) April 24, 2012 Gina Rinehart is demanding Rio Tinto pay her royalties for iron ore production at the Channar and Eastern Ranges mines in the Pilbara.
New plans for mining radio network (0) April 23, 2012 The Macquarie Radio Network is looking at making an “Australian Mining Radio Network” with specialised programming for rural areas.
Miner eyes Steve Irwin reserve (0) April 23, 2012 The Wilderness Society says bauxite miner Cape Alumina will soon be mining in the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York.
Mining “benchwarmers” earn 150k for nothing (0) April 23, 2012 Some fly-in fly-out “benchwarmers” are spending two to 12 months at home earning $150,000 a year before being needed on site.
Coal train workers strike (23) April 23, 2012 Downer EDI Hunter Valley coal train maintenance workers carried out strikes this weekend over stalled enterprise agreement negotiations.
WA rare earths players to visit Europe (0) April 23, 2012 The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and the state’s key rare earths players will travel to Europe next month to meet international investors.
Google take front seat in space mining (0) April 23, 2012 Mining in space has taken a leap forward as Google founder Larry Page and director James Cameron start up an asteroid mining company.
BGC wins Rinehart’s Roy Hill contracts (0) April 23, 2012 Australian company BGC Contracting has won construction contracts for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore project.
Xstrata threatens Mumbrella with defamation (0) April 20, 2012 Xstrata has threatened media and marketing news site Mumbrella with defamation after it reported on a parody video made by a group backed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
Exploit Victoria’s brown coal: Ferguson (0) April 20, 2012 The Minister for Energy and Resources Martin Ferguson is pushing plans to turn the Latrobe Valley into a mining hub and develop Victoria’s large brown coal reserves.
Contractor suing over Sino Iron work (0) April 20, 2012 A contractor on Citic Pacific’s Sino Iron development in Western Australia is suing the project’s lead contractor after it had work cancelled.
BHP joins rival iron ore system (0) April 20, 2012 BHP Billiton has joined China’s rival iron ore trading system, the last of Australia’s big iron ore companies to do so.
Top five stories of the week (0) April 20, 2012 Australian Mining looks at the top five stories that had you reading this week.
FMG and Barnett take mining tax to the High Court (0) April 20, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group has confirmed it will challenge the mining tax in the High Court and WA Premier Colin Barnett has thrown his support behind the move.
BMA ballots go to workers (0) April 20, 2012 A postal ballot for BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance miners’ new enterprise agreement will go out today.
Anglo blamed for “river of disease” in South Africa mines (0) April 19, 2012 More than 1,200 former South African miners are suing Anglo American for failing to provide protection from dangerous dust levels in underground gold mines from the 1960s to 1990s.
Mining families “still happy” despite hard work (0) April 19, 2012 Despite working difficult rosters and long hours Queensland mining families are more stable than average families in the state, according to one fly-in fly-out researcher.
Forrest accused of recycling mining tax claims (0) April 19, 2012 The Federal Government and some political pundits have dismissed Andrew Forrest’s claims Kevin Rudd was on the verge of changing the mining tax before losing power.
NRW win Pilbara contracts (22) April 19, 2012 NRW have been awarded a number of civil mining contracts in the Pilbara.
Camberwell coal mine plan renewed (0) April 19, 2012 A previously rejected open cut coal mine has been revived after a court approved an appeal from the miner.
NT wants FIFO inquiry too (0) April 19, 2012 The Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce says the Federal Government’s fly-in fly-out inquiry should visit the NT.
EDMS changes name (0) April 19, 2012 EDMS has changed the name of the company.
BHP denies recruiting campaign for ‘closed’ mine (0) April 19, 2012 BHP Billiton has denied that it is hiring new contractors at its Norwich Park coal mine despite announcing its closure earlier this month.
Rudd wanted to fix mining tax before spill: Forrest (0) April 18, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group founder and chairman Andrew Forrest says Kevin Rudd was on the verge of changing the mining tax before he was rolled by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
BHP sees drop in metals year on year (0) April 18, 2012 BHP has seen a drop in production for all of its metals apart from alumina and iron ore.
Greedy landlords make “extraordinary” FIFO cost: FMG (0) April 18, 2012 Fortescue Metals Group says fly-in fly-out workers are $100,000 cheaper to employ and greedy landlords share the blame for skyrocketing property prices in mining regions.
Analysts tip Lynas following protestor failures (0) April 18, 2012 Analysts say confidence is building in Lynas Corporation following the Malaysian High Court’s dismissal of an appeal against the company’s rare earth processing plant.
Fair Work appeal may change drug testing on site (0) April 18, 2012 An appeal against a controversial Fair Work Australia ruling may determine the future restrictions on drug and alcohol testing on mine sites, AMMA says.
Forrest hits out at ‘racist’ Swan over mining tax (0) April 18, 2012 Fortescue Metals’ Andrew Forrest has slammed Wayne Swan, accusing him of “almost an act of racism” by turning Australians against one another in the latest mining tax salvo.
Dozer swallowed by coal stockpile (0) April 18, 2012 A bulldozer was yesterday ‘eaten’ by a coal stockpile at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal in Gladstone.
Fleetwood wins Gladstone camp contract (10) April 18, 2012 Fleetwood has won a contract from Gladstone Council to build a 1000 person accommodation village in the region.
Unions abuse safety concerns: Barnett (0) April 17, 2012 West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has launched another attack against the Gillard Government’s mining policy, claiming harmonised safety laws will be used as a weapon by unions against companies.
Sex infections and mental health problems trouble FIFO workers (0) April 17, 2012 Sexually transmitted infections, relationship breakdowns, and parenting difficulties are the most common issues for doctors treating fly-in fly-out workers, according to the Australian Medical Association of WA.
BHP preparing for Port Hedland outer harbour (0) April 17, 2012 BHP Billiton hopes to begin pre-construction piling at Port Hedland this Friday, the first step in its $10 billion outer harbour project.
Glencore facing child labour, acid dumping allegations (0) April 16, 2012 Mining giant Glencore, poised to form a merger with Xstrata to form the world’s largest resources company, has been accused of dumping raw acid and profiting off child labour.
Coal mines under investigation (9) April 16, 2012 Four coal mines are under investigation over possible environmental breaches after accusations they discharged contaminated water into the Fitzroy catchment.
Hard work forcing miners out of the industry (0) April 16, 2012 Despite record pay the brutal hours, drug use, and family pressure of fly-in fly-out work is forcing employees out of the mining industry at an alarming rate.
New apprentices for Coal & Allied (0) April 16, 2012 Coal & Allied has taken on its largest apprentice intake to date, employing 16 new workers in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Most Aussies support mining (0) April 16, 2012 Almost all Australians think the mining boom has been good for Australia but less than half say they’ve personally benefitted from the industry.
Senator calls for mining tax hike (0) April 16, 2012 Labor backbencher Doug Cameron has called on the government to ignore the mining anti-tax campaign and increase the Mineral Resources Rent Tax.
Kagara stops mining (0) April 13, 2012 Kagara says it’s suspended mining at its Baal Gammon site in Queensland while it continues work on restructuring and refinancing its business.
Lynas slams “baseless scare campaign” on rare earths (0) April 13, 2012 Lynas Corporation has stepped up its rhetoric against protestors, accusing them of leading a “baseless scare campaign” that is “sabotaging” the regulatory process.
Miners restart anti tax ad campaign (0) April 13, 2012 Mining industry groups have launched a new campaign ahead of the mining tax to stop its expansion.
Pressure mounts for coal seam gas bans (0) April 13, 2012 The Victorian Opposition is set to introduce a motion to parliament next week calling for a moratorium on unconventional gas exploration.
Miner fined for zinc spill (0) April 13, 2012 MMG has been fined more than $40 000 for its zinc spill in 2009.
Palmer pays zero tax (0) April 12, 2012 Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer, a stringent critic of the Government’s mining tax, did not pay tax on his private company last year.
Industry speaks: essential credentials for mining jobs (0) April 12, 2012 If ‘how do I break into mining?’ is the most frequent question we hear, the second most common query we get is about tickets, licenses and certificates.
Emerald expands airport to cope with FIFO (0) April 12, 2012 The Bowen Basin town of Emerald is considering plans for a separate fly-in fly-out airport terminal to cope with a massive increase in transient mining workers.
WesTrac to acquire Australian Bucyrus businesses for $400m (0) April 12, 2012 WesTrac has announced it has reached an agreement with Caterpillar to acquire the distribution and support businesses formerly operated by Bucyrus in Western Australia, NSW, and Canberra.
Green groups are worse than terrorists: Government (0) April 12, 2012 The nation’s leading counter-terrorism organisation is monitoring some environmentalists following Government warnings that protestors pose greater risks than terrorists.
Mining leading jobs growth (0) April 11, 2012 Mining and resources investment is boosting job numbers, with mining states outstripping other regions of Australia in employer confidence.
Toyota Hilux may leave Rio and BHP mines (0) April 11, 2012 All but the safest vehicles may be banned from mine sites following strict new assessments by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
CFMEU heads to Fair Work to halt BMA ballot (0) April 11, 2012 The CFMEU has applied to Fair Work Australia to halt a postal ballot for BMA workers regarding a new workplace agreement.
Activists vandalise coal magnate’s home (0) April 11, 2012 Illawarra coal magnate Arun Jagatramka, who leads Gujarat NRE Coking Coal, has had his house vandalised by environmental activists.
Magnates can take credit for economy: Palmer (0) April 11, 2012 Clive Palmer says he and his fellow mining magnates Andrew Forrest and Gina Rinehart can take most of the credit for international investment in Australia.
Coal mining resumes after hazardous gas leaks (0) April 11, 2012 Night time mining has resumed at the Collinsville coal mine after it suspended operations following hazardous gas leaks.
Norfolk Group wins $17.5 million Rio Tinto work (0) April 10, 2012 Norfolk Group has won a five year $17.5 million contract with Rio Tinto for electrical and engineering installation services.
Tunnel specialists work on mine collapse (0) April 10, 2012 Tunnelling specialists have been brought in to help rescue nine workers who have been trapped inside a Peru mine since Thursday.
Diggers and Dealers in doubt (0) April 10, 2012 The future of the annual Diggers and Dealers mining conference is uncertain, with Kalgoorlie’s conference centre struggling to keep its doors open.
Miners to lose jobs in the Hunter Valley (0) April 10, 2012 More than 100 miners will lose their jobs after BHP Billiton cancels it contract with Bowditch over safety concerns.
Qantas opens Sydney-Newman mining route (0) April 10, 2012 The importance of Newman to the Pilbara mining industry is growing, with Qantas announcing a new direct Sydney-Newman flight to meet growing demand.
Give Lynas a “fair go”: High Commissioner (0) April 10, 2012 The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Miles Kupa has called on Malaysians to give Lynas Corporation a “fair go” with its rare earths business.
Fire engulfs mine bus (0) April 10, 2012 Miners have escaped injury after a bus taking them to camp caught fire last night at Coppabella.
Is the Skills Shortage a Hoax? (0) April 5, 2012 How come if Australia is experiencing a skills crisis, the only jobs being advertised are for engineers? If you’re working in the trades or working as a labourer, it would ...
Arrow Energy pipeline faces public scrutiny (0) April 5, 2012 The environmental impact statement for Arrow Energy’s proposed 580-kilomtre pipeline from Moranbah to Gladstone has been released.
May as well leave minerals in the ground, Barnett says (0) April 5, 2012 Western Australia may as well leave the minerals in the ground as along as the eastern states ‘steal’ its GST revenues, premier Colin Barnett says.
Rio and BHP should team up: analysts (0) April 5, 2012 Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton could have more success selling their diamond assets if they team up, according to analysts from Nomura.
Young workers target Pilbara mining jobs (0) April 5, 2012 A partnership between Woodside and the Pilbara Training Institute to fund new teaching equipment will help boost the amount of young people scoring mining jobs.
AIMEX to be held next year (0) April 5, 2012 Reed Mining Events have announced that Australia’s largest mining exhibition – AIMEX – will be held next year.
Orica to expand Kooragang Island operations (0) April 5, 2012 Orica has submitted additional information to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure for the expansion of its manufacturing operations on Kooragang Island.
Sustainability group blasts mining jobs expo (0) April 4, 2012 The Saving our Sustainability group says a recent careers expo in South Australia was used to brainwash children with a pro-mining message.
QR may step into BMA coal strikes (0) April 4, 2012 QR national could reportedly help end the long running series of industrial disputes across BMA coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
Monadelphous keeps on winning (0) April 4, 2012 Monadelphous has won new construction and maintenance contracts in Western Australia and Queensland worth $220 million, bringing its total work won this year to $1.8 billion.
Twiggy and Palmer buy up juniors (0) April 4, 2012 Mining magnates Clive Palmer and Andrew Forrest have made small investments in two junior resources companies.
Brown coal protests end (0) April 4, 2012 Activists protesting Victoria’s new commitment to brown coal have ended their demonstrations.
ASX pushes ahead with mining changes (11) April 4, 2012 The ASX says it will push ahead with controversial new changes to disclosure rules for mining companies after receiving positive feedback from the industry.
GR Engineering wins Sandfire contract (22) April 4, 2012 GR Engineering has won an EPCM contract at Sandfire Resources’ DeGrussa copper gold project.
OneSteel changes name for mining move (0) April 4, 2012 OneSteel will change its name to Arrium as part of its move away from steel and into the mining sector.
US workers to score desperately needed mining jobs (0) April 3, 2012 Engineers, surveyors, and tradespeople from the US will soon form part of a lucky group scoring well-paid mining jobs in Australia’s resources industry.
BMA blames workers for force majeure (0) April 3, 2012 BMA has blamed bad weather and industrial action for not meeting contract requirements on its Queensland coal mines.
Miners face explosions, acid sprays, gassings (0) April 3, 2012 Acid sprays, gassings, venomous snakes, and lightning strikes are just some of the risks faced by Queensland miners atop the threat of mine collapse and violent explosions.
Coal mining still a threat to Margaret River, MP says (0) April 3, 2012 The member for Western Australia’s Margaret River region has accused premier Colin Barnett of breaking his promise to protect the area from coal mining.
Rio Tinto to help study rock art (0) April 3, 2012 Thousands of pieces of Aboriginal rock art in the Pilbara are set to be researched and catalogued under an alliance between Rio Tinto and the University of Western Australia.
“We want Australian mining standards,” NZ miners say (0) April 3, 2012 Solid Energy used the Pike River inquiry to call for mines inspections to be run by the Queensland Mines Inspectorate rather than New Zealand’s own Labour Department.
Coal mine fined for overflow (0) April 3, 2012 Moolarben Coal has been fined more $100 000 for an uncontrolled contaminated water release back in 2009.
BASF strengthens mining and oil divisions (0) April 3, 2012 BASF has changed its organisational set up to increase its Global Oilfield and Mining Solutions division’s focus.
U.S. aims to cut mining fatalities to zero (0) April 3, 2012 An ambitious safety initiative has been announced in the U.S. which aims to completely cut all mine site fatalities.
Arguments against Forrest “embarrassing”: High Court (0) April 2, 2012 The High Court has labeled some ASIC arguments against Andrew Forrest as “embarrassing” in the lead up to a judgment on whether the he mislead investors in 2004.
Coal protestors block Newcastle Harbour (62) April 2, 2012 Hundreds of Rising Tide protestors took to Newcastle Harbour for its seventh annual anti-coal port blockade.
Australian miners stranded in Mali (6) April 2, 2012 Five Australian miners have been stranded in Mali, caught inside the country’s worsening civil war.
GetUp targets Palmer and Rinehart (0) April 2, 2012 Lobby group GetUp has targeted mining magnates Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer in a campaign against the mining industry and “billionaire welfare”.
BMA coal strikes ongoing (0) April 2, 2012 Miners are carrying out further industrial action at BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
Pike River hearings to soon end (0) April 2, 2012 The Pike River Royal Commission will finally come to an end this week after more than a year of investigation.
BHP head of iron ore resigns (0) March 30, 2012 BHP Billiton’s head of iron ore Ian Ashby has announced his resignation after spending more than 25 years with the company.
Go home FIFO workers: Port Hedland locals (0) March 30, 2012 Angry Port Hedland locals have turned out in force for the Port Hedland hearing of the Government’s inquiry into fly-in fly-out work.
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.
“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…” ...
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.
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.
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.
Health professionals say depression, anxiety, and stress are hidden in workers on most mines and companies should spend more on protecting mental health.
Gina Rinehart is demanding Rio Tinto pay her royalties for iron ore production at the Channar and Eastern Ranges mines in the Pilbara.
The Macquarie Radio Network is looking at making an “Australian Mining Radio Network” with specialised programming for rural areas.
The Wilderness Society says bauxite miner Cape Alumina will soon be mining in the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York.
Some fly-in fly-out “benchwarmers” are spending two to 12 months at home earning $150,000 a year before being needed on site.
The future of the massive Abbot Point Coal Terminal is in doubt after main supporter Rio Tinto has pulled out of development.
Downer EDI Hunter Valley coal train maintenance workers carried out strikes this weekend over stalled enterprise agreement negotiations.
The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy and the state’s key rare earths players will travel to Europe next month to meet international investors.
Mining in space has taken a leap forward as Google founder Larry Page and director James Cameron start up an asteroid mining company.
Australian company BGC Contracting has won construction contracts for Gina Rinehart’s Roy Hill iron ore project.
Xstrata has threatened media and marketing news site Mumbrella with defamation after it reported on a parody video made by a group backed by the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union.
The Minister for Energy and Resources Martin Ferguson is pushing plans to turn the Latrobe Valley into a mining hub and develop Victoria’s large brown coal reserves.
A contractor on Citic Pacific’s Sino Iron development in Western Australia is suing the project’s lead contractor after it had work cancelled.
BHP Billiton has joined China’s rival iron ore trading system, the last of Australia’s big iron ore companies to do so.
Australian Mining looks at the top five stories that had you reading this week.
Fortescue Metals Group has confirmed it will challenge the mining tax in the High Court and WA Premier Colin Barnett has thrown his support behind the move.
A postal ballot for BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance miners’ new enterprise agreement will go out today.
If you’re a mining professional working in Australia, you won’t be surprised to hear your skills are in high demand.
More than 1,200 former South African miners are suing Anglo American for failing to provide protection from dangerous dust levels in underground gold mines from the 1960s to 1990s.
Despite working difficult rosters and long hours Queensland mining families are more stable than average families in the state, according to one fly-in fly-out researcher.
The Federal Government and some political pundits have dismissed Andrew Forrest’s claims Kevin Rudd was on the verge of changing the mining tax before losing power.
NRW have been awarded a number of civil mining contracts in the Pilbara.
A previously rejected open cut coal mine has been revived after a court approved an appeal from the miner.
The Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce says the Federal Government’s fly-in fly-out inquiry should visit the NT.
Transmin’s Rocklogic robotic mining system has won the WA Information Technology and Telecommunications Awards.
Fair Work Australia is under pressure to change its name.
BHP Billiton has denied that it is hiring new contractors at its Norwich Park coal mine despite announcing its closure earlier this month.
Fortescue Metals Group founder and chairman Andrew Forrest says Kevin Rudd was on the verge of changing the mining tax before he was rolled by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
BHP has seen a drop in production for all of its metals apart from alumina and iron ore.
Fortescue Metals Group says fly-in fly-out workers are $100,000 cheaper to employ and greedy landlords share the blame for skyrocketing property prices in mining regions.
Analysts say confidence is building in Lynas Corporation following the Malaysian High Court’s dismissal of an appeal against the company’s rare earth processing plant.
Rio Tinto’s $300 million plan to expand the Pilbara town of Wickham has been approved.
An appeal against a controversial Fair Work Australia ruling may determine the future restrictions on drug and alcohol testing on mine sites, AMMA says.
Fortescue Metals’ Andrew Forrest has slammed Wayne Swan, accusing him of “almost an act of racism” by turning Australians against one another in the latest mining tax salvo.
A bulldozer was yesterday ‘eaten’ by a coal stockpile at the RG Tanna Coal Terminal in Gladstone.
Fleetwood has won a contract from Gladstone Council to build a 1000 person accommodation village in the region.
West Australian Premier Colin Barnett has launched another attack against the Gillard Government’s mining policy, claiming harmonised safety laws will be used as a weapon by unions against companies.
Sexually transmitted infections, relationship breakdowns, and parenting difficulties are the most common issues for doctors treating fly-in fly-out workers, according to the Australian Medical Association of WA.
An Australian has been arrested in Zimbabwe for ‘illegally owning a company’.
BHP Billiton hopes to begin pre-construction piling at Port Hedland this Friday, the first step in its $10 billion outer harbour project.
Mining giant Glencore, poised to form a merger with Xstrata to form the world’s largest resources company, has been accused of dumping raw acid and profiting off child labour.
Four coal mines are under investigation over possible environmental breaches after accusations they discharged contaminated water into the Fitzroy catchment.
Coal & Allied has taken on its largest apprentice intake to date, employing 16 new workers in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Almost all Australians think the mining boom has been good for Australia but less than half say they’ve personally benefitted from the industry.
Labor backbencher Doug Cameron has called on the government to ignore the mining anti-tax campaign and increase the Mineral Resources Rent Tax.
Xstrata Coal has turned its former Baal Bone underground mine into a hands-on training facility.
Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett says he “never, ever” said WA was boom state.
Kagara says it’s suspended mining at its Baal Gammon site in Queensland while it continues work on restructuring and refinancing its business.
Lynas Corporation has stepped up its rhetoric against protestors, accusing them of leading a “baseless scare campaign” that is “sabotaging” the regulatory process.
Mining industry groups have launched a new campaign ahead of the mining tax to stop its expansion.
The Victorian Opposition is set to introduce a motion to parliament next week calling for a moratorium on unconventional gas exploration.
MMG has been fined more than $40 000 for its zinc spill in 2009.
We look at the top five stories you read this week.
Some Norwich park coal miners have come out saying they only knew of the mine’s closure when it was announced on Wednesday.
If ‘how do I break into mining?’ is the most frequent question we hear, the second most common query we get is about tickets, licenses and certificates.
The Bowen Basin town of Emerald is considering plans for a separate fly-in fly-out airport terminal to cope with a massive increase in transient mining workers.
WesTrac has announced it has reached an agreement with Caterpillar to acquire the distribution and support businesses formerly operated by Bucyrus in Western Australia, NSW, and Canberra.
The nation’s leading counter-terrorism organisation is monitoring some environmentalists following Government warnings that protestors pose greater risks than terrorists.
Powerlines between Perth and Pilbara will go underground in a move to cut delays and red tape in moving massive mining machinery.
Despite many peoples’ beliefs, ongoing industrial action is not the cause behind the Norwich Park coal mine closure.
BMA have today announced it will cease production at the Norwich Park coal mine.
Mining and resources investment is boosting job numbers, with mining states outstripping other regions of Australia in employer confidence.
All but the safest vehicles may be banned from mine sites following strict new assessments by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.
The CFMEU has applied to Fair Work Australia to halt a postal ballot for BMA workers regarding a new workplace agreement.
Illawarra coal magnate Arun Jagatramka, who leads Gujarat NRE Coking Coal, has had his house vandalised by environmental activists.
Clive Palmer says he and his fellow mining magnates Andrew Forrest and Gina Rinehart can take most of the credit for international investment in Australia.
Night time mining has resumed at the Collinsville coal mine after it suspended operations following hazardous gas leaks.
Komatsu have announced the opening of its new Wacol assembly, service, and remanufacturing facility.
Norfolk Group has won a five year $17.5 million contract with Rio Tinto for electrical and engineering installation services.
Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has won a power supply contract for Rio Tinto’s Coastal Water Project.
Tunnelling specialists have been brought in to help rescue nine workers who have been trapped inside a Peru mine since Thursday.
The future of the annual Diggers and Dealers mining conference is uncertain, with Kalgoorlie’s conference centre struggling to keep its doors open.
More than 100 miners will lose their jobs after BHP Billiton cancels it contract with Bowditch over safety concerns.
The importance of Newman to the Pilbara mining industry is growing, with Qantas announcing a new direct Sydney-Newman flight to meet growing demand.
The Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia Miles Kupa has called on Malaysians to give Lynas Corporation a “fair go” with its rare earths business.
Miners have escaped injury after a bus taking them to camp caught fire last night at Coppabella.
How come if Australia is experiencing a skills crisis, the only jobs being advertised are for engineers? If you’re working in the trades or working as a labourer, it would ...
The environmental impact statement for Arrow Energy’s proposed 580-kilomtre pipeline from Moranbah to Gladstone has been released.
Western Australia may as well leave the minerals in the ground as along as the eastern states ‘steal’ its GST revenues, premier Colin Barnett says.
Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton could have more success selling their diamond assets if they team up, according to analysts from Nomura.
The NSW Minerals Council has slammed a report calling for the slowing down of the mining boom, calling it flawed and misleading.
A partnership between Woodside and the Pilbara Training Institute to fund new teaching equipment will help boost the amount of young people scoring mining jobs.
Reed Mining Events have announced that Australia’s largest mining exhibition – AIMEX – will be held next year.
Workers across BMA’s seven coal mines yesterday voted to carry out further strikes.
Orica has submitted additional information to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure for the expansion of its manufacturing operations on Kooragang Island.
The Saving our Sustainability group says a recent careers expo in South Australia was used to brainwash children with a pro-mining message.
QR national could reportedly help end the long running series of industrial disputes across BMA coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
Monadelphous has won new construction and maintenance contracts in Western Australia and Queensland worth $220 million, bringing its total work won this year to $1.8 billion.
Mining magnates Clive Palmer and Andrew Forrest have made small investments in two junior resources companies.
Activists protesting Victoria’s new commitment to brown coal have ended their demonstrations.
The ASX says it will push ahead with controversial new changes to disclosure rules for mining companies after receiving positive feedback from the industry.
GR Engineering has won an EPCM contract at Sandfire Resources’ DeGrussa copper gold project.
Economic and industry analyst BIS Shrapnel has forecast the current mining driven civil construction boom to end in 2015.
OneSteel will change its name to Arrium as part of its move away from steel and into the mining sector.
Engineers, surveyors, and tradespeople from the US will soon form part of a lucky group scoring well-paid mining jobs in Australia’s resources industry.
BMA has blamed bad weather and industrial action for not meeting contract requirements on its Queensland coal mines.
Acid sprays, gassings, venomous snakes, and lightning strikes are just some of the risks faced by Queensland miners atop the threat of mine collapse and violent explosions.
The member for Western Australia’s Margaret River region has accused premier Colin Barnett of breaking his promise to protect the area from coal mining.
Thousands of pieces of Aboriginal rock art in the Pilbara are set to be researched and catalogued under an alliance between Rio Tinto and the University of Western Australia.
Solid Energy used the Pike River inquiry to call for mines inspections to be run by the Queensland Mines Inspectorate rather than New Zealand’s own Labour Department.
Moolarben Coal has been fined more $100 000 for an uncontrolled contaminated water release back in 2009.
BASF has changed its organisational set up to increase its Global Oilfield and Mining Solutions division’s focus.
An ambitious safety initiative has been announced in the U.S. which aims to completely cut all mine site fatalities.
Australian miners competed against teams from around the world at the 34th international mining games last weekend.
The High Court has labeled some ASIC arguments against Andrew Forrest as “embarrassing” in the lead up to a judgment on whether the he mislead investors in 2004.
Hundreds of Rising Tide protestors took to Newcastle Harbour for its seventh annual anti-coal port blockade.
Five Australian miners have been stranded in Mali, caught inside the country’s worsening civil war.
Following the exposure of 25 miners to hazardous gases, Thiess has shut down dangerous sections of the Collinsville coal mine.
Lobby group GetUp has targeted mining magnates Gina Rinehart and Clive Palmer in a campaign against the mining industry and “billionaire welfare”.
Miners are carrying out further industrial action at BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) coal mines in the Bowen Basin.
Galaxy Resources has announced that it will merge with Canadian lithium and potash company Lithium One.
The Pike River Royal Commission will finally come to an end this week after more than a year of investigation.
BHP Billiton’s head of iron ore Ian Ashby has announced his resignation after spending more than 25 years with the company.
Angry Port Hedland locals have turned out in force for the Port Hedland hearing of the Government’s inquiry into fly-in fly-out work.
The WA Government has dropped its prosecution of US energy giant Apache over the 2008 Varanus Island blast that cut WA’s gas supply by 30 per cent.