Bringing space technology back to earth for Australian mining industry (0) March 10, 2010 Scientists involved in CSIRO’s Minerals Down Under Flagship are transferring technologies developed for space exploration and mining on the Moon and Mars, into new applications for the Australian mining industry.
Coal miners unite in bid for Queensland Rail (0) March 9, 2010 Queensland coal miners have resolved to band together to take ownership of Queensland Rail (QR), labelling the State Government’s privatisation plans as “in the interest of neither the coal industry ...
Juniors bypass the majors (0) March 9, 2010 An alliance of iron ore miners have progressed plans for another port facility at Port Hedland.
Range River Gold re-opens historic Mt Morgans gold mine (0) March 5, 2010 Range River Gold yesterday officially opened its mining operations in the historic Mt Morgans area between Leonora and Laverton in Western Australia.
Castlemaine acquires Lihir Ballarat gold project (0) March 5, 2010 Castlemaine Goldfields today bought Lihir Gold’s unsuccessful Ballarat gold project for $4.5 million in cash as well as a percentage of future production revenues.
Aquila takes Vale to court over Eagle Downs dispute (0) March 5, 2010 Aquila Resources is taking Vale-subsidiary Bowen Central Coal to court as a result of the impasse over the Eagle Downs coking coal project.
WA explorers urged to apply for drilling funds (0) March 5, 2010 WA Mines Minister Norman Moore has called on minerals explorers to apply for more than $5 million of Government funding.
Contractor capital raise (0) March 4, 2010 Driller Swick Mining has raised close to $20 million through a share placement.
Actively reducing collision risks on site (0) March 4, 2010 The Queensland DEEDI has undertaken a project to sharply reduce the number of vehicle collisions on mine sites.
Moore dismisses uranium ‘scaremongering’ (0) March 3, 2010 Western Australian Mines Minister Norman Moore yesterday dismissed Federal Labor candidate Ian Bishop’s concerns about an old Western Mining-BHP Billiton uranium test site as “scaremongering.”
Iron ore benchmark set to soar (0) March 3, 2010 Investment banks have predicted a massive leap in the iron ore benchmark prices for this year.
Hydraulic hose rupture prompts safety alert (0) March 3, 2010 The Queensland Mines Inspectorate has issued a safety alert after a high pressure emulsion line on a hydraulic longwall pump sled ruptured.
ABARE forecasts strong demand for iron ore (10) March 2, 2010 ABARE is predicting a positive outlook for the global steel industry in 2010-11, which will drive iron ore and metallurgical coal exports up to $35.1 billion and $30.5 billion respectively.
Copper up on tragedy (0) March 2, 2010 The price of copper climbed following Chile’s earthquake over the weekend, which saw the halting of major copper mines.
Rio Tinto completes Alcan divestmests (0) March 2, 2010 In a further effort to repay its debts, Rio Tinto has sold the Alcan Packaging food Americas division to global packaging manufacturer Bemis Company for US$1.2 billion (around A$1.33 billion).
Airborne geological survey flies over south-east NSW (0) March 2, 2010 The New South Wales Government has funded an $850,000 airborne geophysical survey to study the earth’s crust over the State’s south-eastern regions.
Miners reject premier’s claims (0) March 1, 2010 The WA Chamber of Minerals and Energy has rejected Colin Barnett’s claims that the mining industry is grossly undertaxed.
Super pit expansion (0) March 1, 2010 Kalgoorlie’s super pit is moving closer to expansion but the move has raised concern from local residents.
Uranium demand set to quadruple by 2050 (0) March 1, 2010 A climate change academic from the University of Adelaide has predicted the global demand for mined uranium will rise at least four times in the next 30 years.
Vale ignores Eagle Downs deadline (0) March 1, 2010 Aquila Resources today confirmed that Vale-subsidiary Bowen Central Coal (BCC) had not signed off on the infrastructure arrangements for the Eagle Downs project by last Friday’s deadline.
Worley calls for nuclear discussion (0) February 26, 2010 John Grills has called for open discussion on the future of nuclear energy in Australia.
Pilbara joint venture stalls (0) February 26, 2010 BHP and Rio’s Pilbara iron ore joint venture has hit another snag.
Aquila Resources reports $12.4 million loss for the half-year (0) February 26, 2010 Aquila Resources this morning reported a $12.4 million net loss after tax for the six months up to 31 December 2009, its half-yearly financial results released this morning.
Magellan restarts operations at Wiluna mine (0) February 26, 2010 Magellan Metals has restarted operations at its lead carbonate mine near Wiluna, Western Australia, nearly three years after the State Government banned lead shipments on safety grounds.
Fortescue’s Catlow retires from board (0) February 26, 2010 Fortescue Metals’ original chief financial officer, Christopher Catlow, today announced his retirement from the company effective 31 May.
Iluka reports net loss (0) February 25, 2010 Iluka Resources reported a loss for the year, and is predicting another for the 2010 first half.
Longer shifts will injure miners, CFMEU (0) February 24, 2010 Longer standard shifts at BMA’s coal mines will be detrimental to safety at the mine, the CFMEU has claimed.
Dispute leaves Eagle Downs grounded (0) February 24, 2010 Aquila Resources and Bowen Central Coal are disputing the infrastructure arrangements for their Eagle Downs hard coking coal project in Queensland.
Xstrata breathes easy in Mt Isa (0) February 24, 2010 Further tests have found that Xstrata did not exceed legal lead levels at its operations in Mt Isa.
Queensland miners support land-use framework (0) February 23, 2010 QRC chief executive Michael Roche believes the State Government’s plans for a long-term land-use planning framework would provide “absolute certainty.”
Avoca reaches compulsory takeover mark for Dioro (0) February 23, 2010 Avoca Resources has acquired more than 90% of Dioro Exploration and will now complete the compulsory acquisition of the remaining shares.
Miners want more workplace flexibility (0) February 23, 2010 The Australian Mines and Metals Association has urged both sides of government to release policies supporting major changes to national workplace laws.
Rare earth miner talks end (0) February 23, 2010 Rare earths miner Arafura has ended talks with Chinese company Jiangsu.
Temporary miners earn more (0) February 22, 2010 Miners on 457 visas earn more than other overseas skilled workers on the same visa.
Fortescue delays ramp up plans (0) February 22, 2010 Fortescue has postponed a planned production increase as it struggles to gain funding from outside sources.
Rio gets an A- (0) February 22, 2010 Rio has been given an upgrade in its credit rating from Fitch Ratings.
Xstrata denies excessive lead levels (0) February 22, 2010 Xstrata says its Mt Isa operations did not exceed legal lead levels during last year’s December quarter.
WA Govt. renews Pilbara education funding (0) February 19, 2010 WA Minister for Education Liz Constable yesterday announced a three-year extension to the Pilbara Education Partnership with BHP Billiton Iron Ore.
Lihir books profit (0) February 19, 2010 Lihir has announced a rise in profits and revenues from the previous fiscal year.
Decade of opportunity for Queensland (0) February 19, 2010 The QRC has delivered a ‘best scenario’ analysis of the State’s resource sector that predicts a major jump in revenue by 2020.
ACCC delays joint venture review (0) February 19, 2010 The ACCC has delayed its review of the proposed Pilbara iron ore joint venture between BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.
Fortescue’s dramatic drop (0) February 19, 2010 Fortescue has reported a heavily diminished profit from last year.
WA Index falls after 12 months of growth (0) February 18, 2010 The market capitalisation of Western Australian listed companies decreased for the first time in 12 months in January.
Longwall hydraulics failure prompts safety alert (0) February 18, 2010 Industry and Investment NSW has issued a safety alert after the “catastrophic failure” of hydraulic isolation valves on a longwall system.
Roche wants QLD coal part of rail privatisation (0) February 18, 2010 QRC chief executive Michael Roche has warned the State Government against leaving the coal industry out of its plans to privatise Queensland Rail’s coal rail business.
Mining school may close (0) February 18, 2010 Low numbers may force the closure of Kalgoorlie’s school of mines.
WA reduces applications backlog (0) February 18, 2010 A new report shows that the WA Department of Mines and Petroleum has made progress in trimming down its build-up of mining approvals.
‘Get on with it,’ MCA to Rudd (0) February 17, 2010 MCA chief executive Mitchell Hooke has called on the Federal Government to institute economic reforms and improve infrastructure.
Vehicle hoist incidents prompt safety concerns (0) February 17, 2010 Industry and Investment NSW has issued a safety bulletin to the mining industry concerning the use of light vehicle service hoists.
China won’t be alone for long, Elliott (0) February 17, 2010 Ernst & Young mining leader Mike Elliott told MINING DAILY that while China’s dominance of Australian mining investment was made easier by a lack of competition, it will soon have ...
Terpu steps down (0) February 17, 2010 John Terpu has stepped down from the leadership of Conquest.
Sage eyeing Griffin (0) February 16, 2010 Tony Sage has told MINING DAILY that he is considering acquisition of Griffin Coal’s beleaguered assets.
Galaxy lands deal in Japan (0) February 16, 2010 Galaxy Resources has signed an off-take agreement with Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation.
Mining jobs at risk (0) February 16, 2010 Congestion at Perth Airport has put mining jobs at risk.
IMX upgrades Tonghua contract (0) February 16, 2010 IMX Resources yesterday extended its three-year sales contract with Tonghua Mining to carry on for the duration of the Cairn Hill mine’s working life.
China at the top of Australian M&A (0) February 16, 2010 A new report has found that China accounted for two thirds of Australian mining merger and acquisition deals in 2009.
Royalty speculation ‘unhelpful’, AMEC (0) February 15, 2010 AMEC chief executive Simon Bennison has labelled WA Treasurer Troy Buswell’s comments on mining royalties as “extremely unhelpful” and “damaging.”
Emeco withdraws from Europe (0) February 15, 2010 Heavy earthmoving equipment company Emeco Holdings is pulling out of Europe as a result of “continued underperformance.”
Metals X acquisition (0) February 15, 2010 Metals X has acquired a major stake in Jabiru Metals.
Paladin posts reduced loss (0) February 15, 2010 Uranium miner Paladin Energy has posted a first half net loss of US$19 million, a significant improvement on the US$475.6 million loss from the same period a year earlier.
Iron ore price set to surge (0) February 15, 2010 Iron ore prices could hit record levels as miners push for the current spot price to indicate the new benchmark.
Ramelius relinquishes Dioro stake (0) February 12, 2010 Ramelius Resources has conceded defeat in the takeover war for Dioro Exploration, after agreeing to sell its 37.51% stake to rival bidder Avoca Resources.
Female employment grows in QLD (0) February 12, 2010 The percentage of women employed in the Queensland resources sector grew to 14% last year, compared to 11.3% in 2007-08.
Olympic Dam shaft accident proving costly (0) February 12, 2010 The hoist accident at BHP’s Olympic Dam mine may cost the company up to US$200 million in lost profit.
Better than expected profits for Rio (0) February 12, 2010 Rio Tinto finds itself in a solid financial position after posting unexpectedly strong full year profits.
Ravensthorpe restart (0) February 12, 2010 First Quantum has finalised the purchase of Ravensthorpe and outlined its restarting.
Australian Mine Map (0) February 11, 2010 Australian map of operating mines. Data from Geosciences Australia
QLD moves to conserve cropping land (0) February 11, 2010 The Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe yesterday announced plans to protect the State’s food growing land from mining development.
Contamination accusations (0) February 11, 2010 ERA has been accused of leaking significant amounts of uranium from its dam.
Galaxy gain long term shipping (0) February 11, 2010 Lithium miner Galaxy arranges long term shipping for its concentrates.
Queensland mines charged (0) February 11, 2010 Two mines in Queensland’s north west have been charged with causing serious environmental harm.
Caution the name of the game, Kloppers (0) February 11, 2010 BHP Billiton boss Marius Kloppers has urged caution when assessing the mining industry’s strength in the immediate future.
Ramelius fails in Dioro bid (0) February 10, 2010 Ramelius Resources now holds 37.51% of Dioro Exploration, after its takeover bid closed earlier this week.
Changes to Royalties for Regions program (0) February 10, 2010 Western Australian Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls has outlined how mining royalties will be spent in country areas for the 2010-11 financial year
Iluka opens new mine (0) February 10, 2010 Iluka Resources have opened South Australia’s newest mine.
OZ names new chairman (0) February 10, 2010 OZ Minerals has named the likely successor for outgoing chairman Barry Cusack.
Doubts cloud Palmer’s coal deal (0) February 10, 2010 Clive Palmer’s US$60 coal export deal has been brought into further doubt after more denials from China.
MCC signs on with Aurox (19) February 9, 2010 The Metallurgical Corporation of China will provide engineering services and funding assistance for Aurox Resources’ $1.78 billion Balla Balla iron ore project.
Tusker board approves Barrick offer (0) February 9, 2010 The board of Tusker Gold has unanimously recommended an 80 cent per share takeover bid from Barrick Gold.
Miners locked out (0) February 9, 2010 Miners have been locked out of Xstrata’s Tahmoor colliery over ongoing disputes
BHP shuffles iron ore roles (0) February 9, 2010 BHP has named a new iron ore president ahead of its upcoming joint venture with Rio Tinto.
Coal deal not complete, China (0) February 9, 2010 A Chinese news agency has reported that the company involved in Clive Palmer’s US$60 billion coal export deal has rejected suggestions the deal is finalised.
Immigration reforms to tackle skills shortages (0) February 8, 2010 Reforms to the national permanent skilled migration program could ease the looming skills shortages in the mining industry.
Pilbara Cities getting underway (0) February 8, 2010 The WA Government is calling for expressions of interest from Australian developers in the revitalisation of South Hedland.
ASIC appeals twiggy dismissal (0) February 5, 2010 ASIC has appealed against the dismissal of its case against Fortesuce Metals and Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest
IPO taken off the market (0) February 5, 2010 Cape Lambert Resources has withdrawn the IPO for Q Copper in the face of poor market conditions.
Major rail contracts secured (0) February 5, 2010 Both Asciano and Downer EDI yesterday announced the signing of key rail haulage contracts.
Native Title lag (0) February 5, 2010 The University of Queensland has announced a course to assist the mining industry with the latest amendments to Native Title legislation.
Troy goes where the gold is (0) February 4, 2010 Troy Resources speaks with MINING DAILY about its search for gold, and the current gold situation in Australia.
Tin contract awarded (0) February 4, 2010 Macmahon has won a two year contract to service Bluestone’s tin mine.
Rocklands terminates Jindal takeover talks (0) February 4, 2010 Rocklands Richfield’s share price took a significant hit yesterday, after the coking coal developer announced it had halted takeover negotiations with Indian company Jindal Steel and Power.
Newmont boss flags record gold prices (0) February 4, 2010 Newmont president Richard O’Brien predicted gold prices could rise as high as US$1350 per ounce this year at the opening of Australia’s largest gold mine yesterday.
Rio completes asset sale, mulls Argyle restart (0) February 3, 2010 Rio Tinto has continued its debt repayment efforts by divesting several Alcan Packaging divisions to Amcor for $1.95 billion.
Waratah Coal’s resource base blooms (0) February 3, 2010 Clive Palmer’s Waratah Coal has nearly doubled its total coal resource base after discovering an additional 3.48 billion tonnes at its North Alpha project.
Equinox rolls over (0) February 3, 2010 Equinox Resources has reached a deal to roll over $400 million in debt.
Iron ore talks reportedly underway (0) February 3, 2010 Contract price negotiations are said to be happening in Singapore between Chinese steel makers and Australian iron ore producers.
Mid-west infrastructure sharing deal (0) February 2, 2010 Two Western Australian iron ore miners yesterday unveiled the first infrastructure sharing agreement in the State’s mid-west region.
BHP expects profit drop (0) February 2, 2010 BHP has been forecast to see a significant drop in profits.
Palmer tops donor list (0) February 2, 2010 Figures have shown Clive Palmer to be Australia’s largest political donor.
Kagara spin off gold (0) February 1, 2010 Kagara Ltd will spin off its gold assets in an IPO in April.
Xstrata plans massive coal complex (0) February 1, 2010 Xstrata Coal is aiming to develop a $15 billion, 100 million tonne per annum coal complex near the Queensland town of Wandoan.
Pipeline in the works (0) February 1, 2010 Phosphate Australia is investigating the construction of a pipeline to transport phosphate.
ERA in the box seat, CEO (0) February 1, 2010 Energy Resources Australia chief executive Rob Atkinson has told MINING DAILY his company is well positioned for success in the expanding uranium market.
Perilya all cashed up (0) January 29, 2010 Lead and zinc miner Perilya says it is on the look out for future acquisitions.
Michelmore warns against new tax (0) January 29, 2010 MMG chief executive Andrew Michelmore has said a new mining royalties system may, “kill the goose that lays the golden egg.”
Ramelius holds hopes for higher production (0) January 29, 2010 Ramelius Resources expects “significantly higher production” from its mines, following the release of strong December quarter production results yesterday.
BHP approves Pilbara expansion (0) January 29, 2010 BHP has approved nearly US$2 billion for the expansion of its Pilbara iron ore operations.
Bilfinger Berger to list in Australia (0) January 28, 2010 The German parent of Bilfinger Berger Australia has announced plans to list the company on the ASX later in the year.
Henry Tax Review speculation damaging (0) January 28, 2010 Speculation following leaking of the Henry Tax Review is detrimental to the mining industry, AMEC says.
Second mine for Avoca (0) January 28, 2010 Avoca Resources has announced plans for a second underground mine at its Higginsville Gold Project in Western Australia.
Bligh comfortable with dinner plans (0) January 28, 2010 Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says she is happy for her ministers to be having dinner meetings with business leaders.
New mining flight standards (0) January 28, 2010 New safety and risk standards have been introduced for pilots servicing the resources sector.
Bass Metals secure offtake (0) January 27, 2010 Bass Metals has secured an offtake agreement with the world’s largest zinc producer.
Murchison strong on back of Chinese demand (0) January 27, 2010 Murchison Metals has joined other iron ore miners in reporting strong results for the December quarter and remains positive for 2010.
Merger to be probed (0) January 27, 2010 The European Commission will investigate the proposed iron ore joint venture between BHP and Rio.
Strong results for Endeavor (0) January 27, 2010 CBH Resources recorded higher than expected lead and zinc production at its Endeavor Mine during the December quarter.
Super Pit life extension (0) January 25, 2010 The Kalgoorlie Super Pit has received final approvals for expansion.
BP exec to lead Iron Ore Alliance (0) January 25, 2010 The NWIOA has named former BP executive Tony Considine as its new chief executive.
Palmer float postponed (0) January 25, 2010 Clive Palmer has seen his IPO postponed once again, and the departure of a leading executive.
Lihir sets production record (0) January 25, 2010 Lihir Gold has joined the ranks of one million ounce producers.
CFMEU rubbishes gender pay ‘nonsense’ (0) January 25, 2010 The CFMEU has slammed last week’s revelation that the gender pay gap in the mining industry doubled in 2009.
Northern sees OM acquisition (0) January 22, 2010 OM Holdings has taken a 10% stake in Northern Iron, and seen Northern chairman resign.
CBH-Toho joint venture agreement (0) January 22, 2010 CBH Resources yesterday announced a $67.5 million deal with its major shareholder, Toho Zinc that will clear 81% of the company’s total debt.
Atlas increases resource (0) January 22, 2010 Atlas Iron has seen its resource skyrocket in the last year.
Major debt write off (0) January 22, 2010 China Steel Australia has wiped $52 million in debt through a debt equity swap with its lenders.
Fortescue goes beyond China (0) January 22, 2010 Fortescue Metals has shipped its first ore to a non-Chinese customer.
Miner to face ‘sand theft’ charges (0) January 21, 2010 Unimin Australia has been accused of illegally mining and selling sand by-products.
Drop in coal output for Wesfarmers (0) January 21, 2010 Wesfarmers recorded a decrease in production at all three of its coal mines in the December 2009 quarter.
OZ surpasses guidance (0) January 21, 2010 OZ Minerals has exceeded guidance expectations for 2009.
Resource sector employer confidence doubles (0) January 21, 2010 A survey has found that 39.9% of employers in the resources sector intend to increase their staff levels over the coming quarter, an increase of 20.4 percentage points.
Interest in Paladin (0) January 21, 2010 Paladin Energy may soon be the target of a takeover bid by Canadian miner Cameco.
Record production for Minara (0) January 20, 2010 Minara Resources has posted record production numbers at its Murrin Murrin operation in WA.
Boost for Bass’ Fossey mine (0) January 20, 2010 The Tasmanian EPA has approved Bass Metals’ proposed Fossey Mine at Hellyer.
Opinion split over joint venture (0) January 20, 2010 A national survey has revealed divided opinion over the proposed BHP Billiton-Rio Tinto iron ore joint venture.
Proposed R&D tax legislation (0) January 20, 2010 Deloitte has released a report on the effects the proposed R&D tax legislation will have on the mining sector.
New production records for BHP (0) January 20, 2010 BHP Billiton this morning released its production results for the second half of 2009, revealing new production records for iron ore, nickel and zinc.
Centrex Chairman steps down (0) January 19, 2010 The chairman of Centrex Metals has announced his resignation.
Grange gets the green light (0) January 19, 2010 Grange Resources has been given environmental approval for its Albany Port Expansion project.
BHP fast-tracks Queensland projects (0) January 19, 2010 BHP Billiton hopes to fast-track the development of the Caval Ridge and Hay Point Coal Terminal Stage 3 Expansion (HPX3) projects with a $288 million investment.
Greyhound unveils new link (0) January 18, 2010 Greyhound begins a new run targeted at servicing mining shifts.
Murky days ahead for the sunshine state (0) January 18, 2010 A survey of Queensland mining executives has revealed an ageing workforce and an increased demand for skilled workers will hinder the state’s growth in the next decade.
Rio cracks iron ore records (0) January 15, 2010 Rio Tinto has reported record numbers for its global iron ore production and sales in 2009.
Verve may have to relax (0) January 15, 2010 The WA Government says it may advise Griffin Coal’s biggest customer to waive some conditions of an existing purchase contract.
Raw deal for women in mining (0) January 15, 2010 A member of AusIMM’s Women in Mining Committee has told MINING DAILY the gender pay gap at the top levels of the mining industry is three times more than in ...
Gold miner Focuses on 100,000 ounces (0) January 15, 2010 Focus Minerals has ambitions of becoming a 100,000 ounce per annum gold producer within 12 months, after completing the $16.96 million refurbishment of its Three Mile Hill mill this week.
‘Robust’ results for Cazaly (0) January 14, 2010 A pre-feasibility study has revealed “robust economics” for Cazaly Resources’ Parker Range iron ore project in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia.
Board dispute leads to resignation (0) January 14, 2010 Norton Gold Fields’ managing director Jon Parker has resigned after a disagreement with the company’s board.
Gender pay gap doubled in 2009, AusIMM (0) January 14, 2010 A study of remuneration trends and employment practices in the Australian mining industry has revealed a large rise in the gender pay gap as the economy slowed last year.
Water at the top of Cadia conditions (0) January 13, 2010 The conditions of consent for the planned Cadia East mine expansion have sought to protect the water supplies of local landowners.
Skills shortage on the horizon (0) January 13, 2010 Economics analyst Peter Kenyon told MINING DAILY that a return to boom mining conditions will mean another skills shortage in WA.
Mount Gibson restarts Extension Hill project (0) January 13, 2010 Mount Gibson Iron hopes to complete construction of its Extension Hill iron ore project within the next 15 months at a cost of $80 million.
Esperance lead levels safe for humans, Golder report (0) January 13, 2010 Golder Associates has declared the last traces of lead carbonate dust at Esperance in Western Australia no longer pose a risk to humans.
Trucks & Transport (0) January 12, 2010 Australian Mining is now calling for editorial contributions to the February Trucks & Transport feature.
China closes Rio spy investigation (0) January 12, 2010 Chinese officials have concluded their espionage investigation of Rio Tinto’s Stern Hu.
Joint-venture alumina refinery in WA (0) January 12, 2010 Chinese state-owned company Yankuang will provide 75% of the funds necessary to build an alumina refinery in Western Australia, after signing an agreement with Bauxite Resources yesterday.
Port agreement reached (0) January 12, 2010 A deal has been struck to ship iron ore through South Australia.
A shrinking loss for Alcoa (0) January 12, 2010 Alcoa has recorded a significantly reduced loss for the final quarter of 2009.
Iron ore juniors revel in spot price rise (0) January 12, 2010 Foster Stockbroking analyst Michael Evans has told MINING DAILY the share prices of junior iron miners should continue to rise in the medium term.
Health hazards for miners in the sun (0) January 11, 2010 The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy has released a report outlining the hazards of UV exposure for miners.
Rio Tinto has continued its debt repayment efforts by divesting several Alcan Packaging divisions to Amcor for $1.95 billion.