Archived News for Industry Professionals
The Federal Government has released the largest ever acreage for offshore oil and gas exploration in its 2011 round, announced earlier this month.
The total area released comprises almost 200,000 square kilometres in known petrochemical basins in Commonwealth waters off the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.
Bidding for exploration permits will take place in two rounds. The first, for which bids are due by 13 October 2011, covers 16 areas, and the second round, covering 13 areas, is due by 12 April 2012.
Interest grows in WA onshore exploration
The Western Australian Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore has announced that that for the first time all onshore areas in the most recent acreage exploration release have received work program bids, indicating further development of a potentially lucrative onshore sector.
Queensland LNG deal signed with Chinese petrochemicals giant
Australia Pacific LNG has signed a contract with Chinese petroleum and chemical company, Sinopec Corporation, for the supply of up to 4.3 million tonnes of LNG per annum for 20 years.
Call for Papers - 2011 Australian Mining Technology Conference
The Centre is issuing a call for papers for the 2011 Australian Mining Technology Conference.
Study to assess Western Australian renewable energy potential
The Australian Government has awarded a contract for work to begin on a detailed assessment of the renewable energy potential of the Mid-West and Pilbara regions of Western Australia.
New Director for CSIRO Minerals Down Under Flagship
CSIRO has appointed a new director from within the organisation for its Minerals Down Under National Research Flagship.
ECU in research collaboration with Rio Tinto Dampier Salt
The Edith Cowan University has entered a new research collaboration agreement with Dampier Salt Ltd (DSL), part of the Rio Tinto group, which will pave the way for a series of research opportunities in Australia’s north west.
Study finds Queensland North East Minerals province could reap $1.2 billion in economic benefits
A study published by James Cook University (JCU) has found major opportunities in Queensland's North East Minerals province.
LNG issues addressed in Perth
Federal Energy and Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has addressed liquefied natural gas (LNG) project issues, including overseas demand, taxation reform and skills shortages, at the APPEA 2011 Conference and Exhibition in Perth.
Offshore gas and petroleum production regulator gets support
The Federal Government's plans for a national regulator of offshore gas and petroleum production has been supported by a leading academic at the oil and gas sector's annual meeting.
Bandanna Energy looks to $1.4 billion sale deal
Australian coal explorer Bandanna Energy is attracting interest from Chinese, Indian and other potential suitors as it prepares to short-list bidders for the company in a potential $1.4 billion deal.
Dart Energy to raise $100 million for accelerated drilling program
Dart Energy has launched a fully underwritten $100 million share issue to fund an accelerated drilling program.
BHP Billiton releases Port Hedland expansion environmental review
BHP Billiton has moved to get government approval of its plan to expand its Port Hedland operations, with the release of its public environmental review and draft environmental impact statement on the development.
Natural disasters cost Queensland resources sector $5 billion
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says flooding and cyclones have cost the industry $5 billion in lost production and that figure could rise with many mines still waterlogged.
Approval for Gooburrum sand mine
Plans for a sand mine at Gooburrum, north of Bundaberg in southern Queensland, have been given the go-ahead by council.
Seismic survey reveals new geological structures in NT
A deep seismic survey undertaken as part of the Australian Government's Energy Security Initiative has revealed major new geological structures in the Northern Territory which will have important implications for energy and mineral resource exploration.
Pre-competitive mining data release for South Australia's outback
Geoscience Australia has released to the mining and exploration industry new pre-competitive data collected across a large area of South Australia.
Rio Tinto buys into Riversdale
Rio Tinto has acquired a majority interest in Riversdale Mining Ltd delivering control of significant tier one coking coal projects. Rio Tinto’s shareholding in Riversdale passed 50% and may increase further with the takeover offer remaining open until 20 April 2011.
Call for comment on EIS for Byerwen Coal project
The Queensland Government has launched an environmental impact study of the proposed $1.5 billion Byerwen coal mine in the Central Highlands.
New petroleum exploration areas opened up
The Australian Government has released the largest offshore petroleum exploration acreage in more than a decade, comprising 29 areas across nine basins off the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania and the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.
Announcing the release at the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association's annual conference in Perth, Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said that stakeholder nominations had underpinned every area in the 2011 release, with most receiving multiple nominations.