Archived News for Industry Professionals

WorleyParsons has been awarded an engineer, procure and construction management services contract for the expansion of Fortescue Metal Group’s Anderson Point port facilities in Port Hedland Western Australia.

The project, expected to generate revenues for WorleyParsons of $250 million and will nearly treble iron ore throughput from approximately 55 million tonnes per annum to 155 million tonnes per annum.

The development includes second and third outloading and inloading circuits, three new berths, two shiploaders, two reclaimers, one stacker, two train unloaders, conveyor systems, transfer stations, sample stations, power and control systems and associated infrastructure.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore project to generate 550 jobs

The NRW Holdings Ltd/Eastern Guruma joint venture has been awarded the Rio Tinto Iron Ore contract for the Western Turner Brockman Project Earthworks and Primary Civil Works, worth around $160 million over 12 months.

Olympic Dam expansion project supplementary EIS ready to be assessed

The proposed Olympic Dam expansion project passed another milestone after the Commonwealth announced that BHP Billiton’s Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was ready to be assessed by Federal, State and Territory Governments.

Call for bids for offshore exploration

The Federal Government has released the largest ever acreage for offshore oil and gas exploration in its 2011 round, announced earlier this month.

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.