Archived News for Industry Professionals - November, 2011
Without a bold change of policy direction, the world will lock itself into an insecure, inefficient and high-carbon energy system, the International Energy Agency warned as it launched the 2011 edition of the World Energy Outlook (WEO). The agency‟s flagship publication said there is still time to act, but the window of opportunity is closing.
“Growth, prosperity and rising population will inevitably push up energy needs over the coming decades. But we cannot continue to rely on insecure and environmentally unsustainable uses of energy,” said IEA Executive Director Maria van der Hoeven.
Transfield wins Surat Basin contract
QGC has awarded Transfield Services a $19.5 million contract for gas field work in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
Ausenco wins Kazakhstan project
Engineering specialist Ausenco has been awarded the $45 million create phase engineering services contract for the US $1.8 billion Bozashakol copper project in Kazakhstan.
Resources boom impact has peaked, economists warn
The benefits of the resources boom have reached a peak, with major implications for Australia’s economy, Victoria University economists Peter Sheehan and Bob Gregory have warned.
BHP Billiton strikes royalty agreement with WA
Mining giant BHP Billiton has finalised an agreement with the Western Australian Government that will see increases to the the royalty rate payable to the State for its iron ore Fines product.
CSG under fire as damning report suppressed
A report that 'thoroughly dismantles' the claim that coal seam gas is a clean energy source has allegedly been suppressed by the company that was contracted to publish it.
Mount Peak deal signed
Mining and resources company TNG Limited has signed a $13.4 million agreement with China’s Ao-Zhong International Minerals to co-develop the key pilot plant test work as part of TNG's Mount Peake Iron-Vanadium Project in the Territory.
WA receives appeals against Vasse Coal recommendations
The Western Australian Minister for Environment Bill Marmion has received an independent Appeals Committee report against the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) recommendations against the Vasse Coal proposal.
Carbon tax package passes Senate
The Federal Government has successfully passed its carbon tax package through the Federal Upper House, with the legislation due to take effect in July, 2012.
SA Opposition to back Olympic Dam expansion
The South Australian Opposition has announced it will back the passage of the Olympic Dam expansion bill, ensuring the legislation’s passage through State Parliament before Christmas.
MRRT goes before parliament
The Federal Government has introduced the controversial minerals resource rent tax (MRRT) llegislation before parliament, with Acting Prime Minister Wayne Swan describing the legislative package as ‘an historic reform’.
MCA releases carbon pricing economic impact assessment
The Minserals Council of Australia (MCA) has published its Economic Impact of the Carbon Pricing Scheme, which addresses perceived ‘shortcomings’ of Treasury’s current modelling.
New UQ centre to focus on CSG
The University of Queensland has announced plans to establish a new centre of excellence within the Sustainable Minerals Institute for research and education in coal seam gas.
BHP Billiton moves ahead with Cavel Ridge project
BHP Billiton has announced it will continue with the planned construction of the Cavel Ridge mine project and expansion of Peak Downs in the northern Bowen Basin.
QR National expands Peabody coal haulage contract
QR National has expanded contract tonnages in its long-term coal haulage agreement with Peabody Energy Australia Coal in NSW’s Hunter Valley.