Archived News for Industry Professionals

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has introduced the Federal Government’s carbon tax legislation to Parliament, saying that the legislation will lead to reducing the country’s carbon production while stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

"The jobs of the future are clean energy jobs. Employment is projected to grow strongly with a carbon price," Ms Gillard told the Hose of Representatives.

The Federal Government has released projections that claim that up to 1.6 million jobs will created in the coming eight years, significantly more than would be created if no carbon tax was implemented.

Second MRRT exposure draft released

The Federal Government has released the second exposure draft legislation for the Minerals Resources Rent Tax (MRRT).

New technology previews long-term impact of mining on groundwater aquifers

A new centrifuge at the University of New South Wales Water Research Laboratory can act as an environmental “time machine”, allowing researchers to preview the long-term effects on groundwater aquifers of activities such as coal seam gas and longwall mining.

Senate approves offshore petroleum regulator

The Federal senate has passed a legislative package that will enable the creation of a single national regulator for offshore petroleum activities.

Resources Advisory Council formed

The Federal Government has announced the formation the Resources Advisory Council, comprised of business and union leaders from the resources sector and senior government officials. The council will be tasked with increasing productivity and competitiveness, creating jobs and improving skills of workers in the sector.

Rio Tinto increases Pilbara investment

Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced plans to invest a further $816 million in the company’s Pilbara iron ore project. The spending will be directed toward the company’s integrated power and gas network.

BAE to upgrade oil and gas operation facilities

BAE Systems has announced it will upgrade its waterfront facilities in Western Australia to deliver new services supporting Australia’s offshore oil and gas operations.

Oil and gas centre launched in NT

Construction of a new oil and gas research facility has begun in the Northern Territory.

Carbon tax vote in October

Oakajee deal nears completion

The Western Australian State Government has announced that a deal to overhaul the troubled $5.9 billion Oakajee port and rail development is only weeks away from being finalised.

NSW promises to trade royalties scheme for compensation

The New South Wales State Government has pledged to drop its planned $944 million royalties hike if the Federal Government compensated the state for losses incurred with the planned Carbon Tax.

Rio Tinto to spend $299 million on Pilbara water project

Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced a $299 million project to construct sustainable water supply for its iron ore operations in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The plant will have a planned capacity up to the 333 million tonnes (Mt/a).

Queensland to host International Gas Symposium

The Queensland Government has announced the state will host both domestic and international top-level experts and industry leaders of the gas sector in a two-day International Gas Symposium.

Queensland gas market to continue boom

The Queensland State Government has expressed its confidence in the health and longevity of its gas mining sector, with a number of new major investments set to deliver ‘decades of jobs for Queenslanders’.

NSW to follow WA on royalties increase

The New South Wales State Government has announced it will follow Western Australia's example and move to increase mining royalties. The changes will be announced in the State Budget this week after State Treasurer Mike Baird outlined the policy.

Olympic Dam agreement inches closer

An agreement between the South Australian Government and BHP Billiton over the company's proposed expansion to its Olympic Dam site seems to be inching closer after an initial draft indenture act has been outlined.

BHP funds Newcastle port expansion

BHP Billiton has announced the company has approved a US$367 million investment for the third stage of development of the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group’s (NCIG) coal handling facility in Newcastle.

Miners paying more tax

A report commissioned by the mining industry and published Deloitte Access Group shows that mining companies are paying slightly more tax as a percentage of their income compared to the same time three years ago.

South Australia developing STEM strategy

The South Australian Government is developing a cross-government strategy to increase the supply of people taking up careers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to meet the future needs of local industry.

New reference guide for sustainable mining released

A new reference guide has been launched, bringing together the the major lessons of the leading practice handbooks and case studies from around the world in a single reference point for mine managers, senior operating personnel at mine sites, consultants, regulators and others involved in implementing practical and sustainable mining solutions.