Archived News for Industry Professionals - June, 2012
Smelting giant Pacific Aluminium has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to maintaining operations in its Bell Bay smelter following a successful renegotiation of power contracts with Hydro Tasmania.
"This announcement lifts the cloud of uncertainty that has been hanging over this region and gives the people of George Town and Northern Tasmania renewed hope that they have turned a corner," Premier Lara Giddings said.
"The fact that contracts have been secured until 2025 shows that Pacific Aluminium is here to stay and is an important sign of confidence for the Tasmanian economy.
St Barbara and Allied Gold to merge
The boards of St Barbara Limited and Allied Gold have announced the creation of an international diversified gold producer following a successful merger. According to a joint statement, the merged company has a forecasted gold production of approximately 435,000 ounces in the 2012-13 financial year.
Yancoal lists on ASX
Yanzhou Coal backed Yancoal has listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) following the successful merging with Gloucester Coal and specific assets of the previously unlisted portfolio of Yancoal Australia. The company is one of the largest pure-play coal companies in the country.
NSW Land and Water Commissioner to oversee CSG exploration
“We acknowledge the many responses to the draft Strategic Regional Land Use policy and will continue to refine the policy over the next few months to ensure NSW has the strongest regulation of mining and gas extraction in Australia, if not the world."
Queensland announces Cape York Management Plan consultation
The Queensland Government is calling tourism operators, pastoralists, traditional owners, environmental groups and industry representatives to comment on the release of a scoping paper for the proposed bioregion management plan of the Cape York area.
Resources and energy exports to hit record levels
Australia’s resources and energy commodity export earnings are forecast to reach a record $209 billion in 2012–13, according to the Resources and Energy Quarterly—June quarter 2012, released by the Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE).
WA announces water guideline for miners
The Western Australian Department of Water is calling for comment on a new state-wide guideline aimed at clarifying water management regulations for the resources industry.
Fortescue tilts at mining tax
Mining giant Fortescue Metals has lodged a last ditch challenge against the impending mining and minerals rent tax with the High Court.
Abigroup secures Gladstone rail contract
Abigroup has announced it has secured a $76 contract from QR National to undertake the civil works for a 13km balloon rail loop for the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal at the Port of Gladstone.
Lambert Port expansion approved
The Western Australian Government has announced the approval of Rio Tinto’s Cape Lambert Port B works. The approval of the works comes after Rio Tinto outlined a massive multi-billion increase to its domestic iron ore operations.
BHP Billiton announces new mine at Illawarra Coal
Mining giant BHP Billiton has announced a new $830 million mine at Illawarra Coal in southern New South Wales. The company will build a new mining area at Appin Mine to replace production at its ageing West Cliff Mine.
Queensland releases gas market review for consultation
The Queensland Government has released a draft of the Queensland Gas Market Review, prepared by the state's Gas Market Advisor, for public consultation.
Government announces gas industry carbon price transition arrangement
The Federal Government has announced transitional arrangements for the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) industries when the carbon price is applied to the non-transport use of these fuels in 2012-13.
Rio unveils $4 billion iron ore capital works program
Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced its next iron ore investment phase, unveiling a $4.1 billion spending plan to develop its tier one irone ore business.
Queensland moves to strike mining/farming balance
The Queensland Government has announced it will move to strike a balance between the interests of the mining industry and landholders after it tabled a report by an Independent Review into Land Access arrangements.
South Australia not enjoying a mining boom
The South Australian Centre for Economic Studies at the University of Adelaide claims that South Australia is not experiencing a "mining boom" and warns against resting its hopes for future prosperity on the realisation of a mining boom.
Queensland appoints GasFields Commissioenrs
Mr Seeney said Chairman Cotter would bring the group together in July to review the 55 public submissions and provide feedback on how the Gasfields Commission should operate.
“This input from the GasFields Commission will shape the legislation which will be introduced in Parliament later this year,” he said.
Regions left behind finds report
The Australia Local Government has released the 2012-13 State of the Regions Report, concluding that a new approach to regional development is urgently needed to address the growing inequality across the country’s regions.
New bilateral agreement over Alpha coal mine
The Federal and Queensland Governments have struck a new bilateral agreement over the disputed Alpha Coal mine project, agreeing to 'significant' changes to pre-existing environmental approvals for major projects.
Eureka deal inches closer
Aurora Oil & Gas’s takeover bid of Eureka Energy is inching closer to reality after estimates show that Aurora already owns some 33 per cent of the company.
Supreme Court gives Gloucester/Yancoal merger the green light
The Supreme Court of Victoria has given the final approval for the proposed merger of Gloucester Coal and Yancoal Australia. The approval by the Court is the final step needed before the announcement is made on the ASX.