Archived News for Industry Professionals

The New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright, has announced a broad investigation into hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Dr Wright announced that the initial scoping work would be stepped up into an official investigation, saying that preliminary work indicated a need for close examination of the issue.

“The work that has been done by my office thus far shows a substantive case for an official investigation under the Environment Act,” Dr Wright said.

Australia more addicted to pollutants

A report published by the Climate Institute shows Australia is more dependent on high polluting technology than it was two decades ago, with the country being the only G20 member nation to go backwards on its low-carbon competitiveness since 1995 according to the Global Climate Leadership Review 2012.

Funding for data fusion for geothermal exploration

The Australian Government has awarded a $1.9 million grant to National ICT Australia (NICTA) Ltd's $5 million project to provide enhanced data for targeted geothermal exploration as part of the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy (ACRE) Emerging Renewables Program.

Record energy and resources exports recorded

The value of Australia’s resources and energy exports in 2011 increased by 15 per cent from the previous year to a record $190 billion, according to the Resources and Energy Statistics December quarter 2011 report released today by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).

New head of JKMRC appointed

Dr Wayne Stange, the Managing Director of AMIRA International, has been appointed Director of the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) within the University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).

Leak blows lid off anti export boom plans

Leaked documents have revealed plans by a cabal of environmental groups to disrupt key coal export projects.

Leighton wins Rio Tinto contracts

Leighton Contractors has signed five year Framework Agreements with mining giant Rio Tinto for the delivery of a stream of earthworks projects and a stream of structural, mechanical, piping (SMP) projects as part of Rio Tinto’s 353 Mtpa (million tonnes per annum) expansion program in the Pilbara.

WA gives the nod for $400 million Pilbara project

The Western Australian Government has given final approval for a rail and power supply project in the Pilbara estimated to be worth more than $400 million, and which is expected to generate 600 jobs in the region.

Downer EDI wins BHP contract

Infrastructure giant Downer EDI has announced it has been awarded a rolling stock contract to supply Downer Electro-Motive Diesel services to BHP Billiton’s Iron Ore operations in the Pilbara for the next five years.

CSIRO Organic Geochemistry of Mineral Systems Cluster launched

The CSIRO Organic Geochemistry of Mineral Systems Cluster has been officially launched at Curtin University’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct.

Fraser Institute releases mining survey

Canada’s Fraser Institute has released its findings for the 2011/12 survey of mining companies, finding that both the Northern Territory and Western Australia have made significant improvements in their attractiveness to potential mining investors.

SA passes Arkaroola mining ban

The South Australian Government has passed legislation that will ban mining in the state’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary after the bill was successfully passed by the Upper House.

Energy in Australia 2012 report released

The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has released its latest report, Energy in Australia 2012, providing a detailed overview of energy in Australia, including resources, production, consumption, trade and prices.

DVD's advise on safety in SA mining and quarrying industries

The South Australian Minister for Industrial Relations, Russell Wortley, has launched a series of DVDs that promote safety in South Australia’s mining and quarrying industries.

New chair appointed to NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council

The NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher announced the appointment of John Hannaford as Chairman of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).

Mr Hannaford has held senior roles in State Government including;

Qube logistics to acquire Giacci

Qube Logistics has announced it has reached a binding agreement to acquire resources logistics specialist Giacci holdings in a bid to expand the company's reach to Western Australia.

Oil price drives Caltex profit down

Oil refiner Caltex has posted a $714 million loss in its annual operating revenue, recording a drop by 325 per cent on the last year.

Apache's Devil Creek plant to supply gas to WA domestic market

Apache Energy’s Devil Creek Gas Plant has been officially opened by the Premier of Western Australia and Minister for State Development, Colin Barnett.

The Devil Creek development, located in the northwest of Western Australia, represents an investment of approximately AUS$1.1 billion by Apache and its joint venture partner, Santos (Apache 55%/Santos 45%).

It includes the Reindeer gas field, wellhead platform and raw gas pipeline, the Devil Creek Gas Plant and the Devil Creek Sales Gas Export Pipeline that ties into the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.

The Devil Creek Gas Plant is a two-train facility designed to process 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (220 Terajoules of gas per day) and 1,000 barrels per day of condensate. There is sufficient land within the existing plant for expansion of gas processing facilities.

"Devil Creek and the Reindeer Field demonstrate Apache's commitment to Western Australia as a key element in our global portfolio," G. Steven Farris, Apache Corporation's chairman and chief executive officer, said. "The Carnarvon Basin has significant resources yet to be discovered, and it will be a focus of Apache's exploration activities for many years."