Archived News for Industry Professionals
The coal seam gas industry in Queensland is growing rapidly but without research to understand the impact on rural communities and the environment, a group on the Darling Downs says.
The Dalby-based Basin Sustainability Alliance (BSA) has launched a blueprint for sustainable coal seam gas (CSG) operations which outlines the concerns and expections of rural landholders and regional communities.
The blueprint, entitled “Not at any cost”, recommends conditions around managing water, land, salinity and social impacts, and proposes the adoption of more rigorous drilling standards to help ensure aquifer integrity.
Strong interest in WA drilling program
The most recent round of the State Government’s co-funded drilling program has again attracted significant interest from resource companies eager to explore Western Australia’s greenfields or underexplored areas.
John Holland wins Anglo American mining services contract
John Holland has secured a three-year $144 million mining services contract with Anglo American's metallurgical coal business at Lake Lindsay and Oak Park surface coal mine operations near Middlemount, in central Queensland.
Olympic Dam project advances
BHP Billiton has announced its planned expansion of the Olympic Dam site has progressed into the feasibility study phase, which will be followed by the project's Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) and formal assessment by the Commonwealth, South Australian and Northern Territory governments.
Treasury optimistic on resources outlook
An overview of key themes from Treasury’s Business Liaison Program, held in February and March, has noted that the economy’s continuing strength has been underpinned by the mining sector, with strong external demand for resources exports and a range of major mining investment projects underway and in the pipeline.
Regal to trial new methane extraction technology
Enhanced Biogenic Methane (EBM), a wholly owned subsidiary of Regal Resources, is conducting a pilot project in Victoria for its biogenic methane enhancement (BME) technology.
Strong outlook for civil engineering construction sector
Economic Analyst, BIS Shrapnel, has released its annual study on the outlook for the civil engineering construction sector in Australia, finding that the sector is growing strongly, with 25% growth forecast for the next three years due to mining, LNG and flood reconstruction activity.
New software to improve efficiency of coal-fired power stations
New software developed by ANSTO’s materials engineering specialists is aiming to help coal-fired power stations improve their efficiency and sustain a reliable output.
BHP's Hunter Valley expansion to boost coal output
BHP Billiton has signed off on a US$400 million investment to expand Hunter Valley Energy Coal in New South Wales.
Coal projects in Central Queensland to go ahead
BHP Billiton has approved three key metallurgical coal projects located in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland.
Government accepts resource tax recommendations
The Federal Government has announced its acceptance of advice and recommendations provided by the Policy Transition Group (PTG) that was formed following the announcement of new resource taxation arrangements.
Federal Government gives go-ahead to Wandoan coal mine
The Federal Government has given conditional environmental approval to the Xstrata Coal's proposed mine at Wandoan on Queensland's Western Darling Downs.
Mining to cease on North Stradbroke Island by 2025
The Queensland Government will appoint an economic transition taskforce for North Stradbroke Island off Brisbane, after announcing that all mining on the island will be banned from 2025, two years earlier than planned.
Galaxy looks to establish first renewable powered mine
A WA lithium miner plans to establish the first mine site in Australia completely powered by renewable energy within the next three years.
BHP invests billions into WA iron ore operations
BHP Billiton has approved a $US7.4 billion ($7.2bn) capital investment to continue production growth at its Western Australia iron ore operations.
Queensland sets stronger mining safety standards
Stronger safety standards have been set for the Queensland mining industry following recent changes to legislation.
WA ranked in top 20 for mining investment
The Canadian public policy research organization, The Fraser Institute, has released its 2010-11 survey, ranking Western Australia in the top 20 mining jurisdictions of the world for attracting investment.
Shree Minerals' Tasmanian mine proposal to face EPBC assessment
A proposal by Shree Minerals to develop a magnetite and hematite mine adjacent to the Nelson Bay River in north-western Tasmania will go through a high level of assessment under national environmental law.
Doubts grow over Oakajee project as costs blow out
A blow-out in the cost of the Oakajee port and rail project in Western Australia is threatening to derail progress to meet the deadlines imposed by the WA Government, according to a report published today in The Australian.
2011 Energy Report Released by ABARES
The Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences has released its annual report into energy use and consumption throughout the country.
Minerals exports up by 25%
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) latest report on Australian mineral statistics has found that Australia’s export earnings from energy and mineral commodities increased by 25% last year, to $165 billion.