Archived News for Industry Professionals - February, 2012
The South Australian Government has passed legislation that will ban mining in the state’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary after the bill was successfully passed by the Upper House.
Greens leader Mark Parnell, who led the push to require consultation with the Adnyamathanha traditional ownerss over management, hailed the move as a victory in protecting the sanctuary for all time.
"The important thing about this legislation passing through the Parliament is if future generations want to undo the good work that we've done they will have to bring it back to Parliament," Mr Parnell told the ABC.
Energy in Australia 2012 report released
The Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics (BREE) has released its latest report, Energy in Australia 2012, providing a detailed overview of energy in Australia, including resources, production, consumption, trade and prices.
DVD's advise on safety in SA mining and quarrying industries
The South Australian Minister for Industrial Relations, Russell Wortley, has launched a series of DVDs that promote safety in South Australia’s mining and quarrying industries.
New chair appointed to NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council
The NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher announced the appointment of John Hannaford as Chairman of the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC).
Mr Hannaford has held senior roles in State Government including;
Qube logistics to acquire Giacci
Qube Logistics has announced it has reached a binding agreement to acquire resources logistics specialist Giacci holdings in a bid to expand the company's reach to Western Australia.
Oil price drives Caltex profit down
Oil refiner Caltex has posted a $714 million loss in its annual operating revenue, recording a drop by 325 per cent on the last year.
Apache's Devil Creek plant to supply gas to WA domestic market
Apache Energy’s Devil Creek Gas Plant has been officially opened by the Premier of Western Australia and Minister for State Development, Colin Barnett.
The Devil Creek development, located in the northwest of Western Australia, represents an investment of approximately AUS$1.1 billion by Apache and its joint venture partner, Santos (Apache 55%/Santos 45%).
It includes the Reindeer gas field, wellhead platform and raw gas pipeline, the Devil Creek Gas Plant and the Devil Creek Sales Gas Export Pipeline that ties into the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline.
The Devil Creek Gas Plant is a two-train facility designed to process 200 million cubic feet of gas per day (220 Terajoules of gas per day) and 1,000 barrels per day of condensate. There is sufficient land within the existing plant for expansion of gas processing facilities.
"Devil Creek and the Reindeer Field demonstrate Apache's commitment to Western Australia as a key element in our global portfolio," G. Steven Farris, Apache Corporation's chairman and chief executive officer, said. "The Carnarvon Basin has significant resources yet to be discovered, and it will be a focus of Apache's exploration activities for many years."
Rio Tinto ramps up innovation effort
Rio Tinto is pushing ahead with its Mine of the Future innovation program, with plans for the development and testing of new technologies in underground tunnelling and mineral recovery.
Theiss wins Wheatstone contract
A joint venture (JV) between construction giant Theiss and EV LNG Australia (EVT) has been awarded the $500 million contract to construct LNG storage and condensate tanks for the Chevron-operated Wheatstone LNG project in Western Australia.
CSIRO launches new minerals magazine
The CSIRO has announced the release of its new minerals and resources magazine, Resourceful, to replace its previous sector magazine, Process.
OneSteel mining profits drowned out by steel losses
Mining and materials group, OneSteel Limited has announced a statutory net loss after tax of $74 million for the six months ended 31 December 2011, compared to the statutory net profit after tax for the prior corresponding half of $116 million.
Rio Tinto to introduce driverless trains to the Pilbara
Rio Tinto has announced it will run the world's first automated long-distance heavy-haul rail network, with a US$518 million investment (Rio Tinto share US$478 million) in driverless trains.
Coffey announces appointments
Consultancy giant Coffey has announced the appointments of Leeane Bond and Guy Cowan as the company’s new Non-executive Directors, taking effect from 27 February. The announcement comes as Charles Jamieson and Stephen Williams plan to step down from their positions.
Fortescue buys IOH Iron Valley mine
Fortescue Metals Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of Kerry Stokes's Iron Ore Holdings to include IOH’s Iron Valley in an expanded Nyidinghu development and mining program in the Pilbara.
Marine Supply Base contract awarded
The Northern Territory Government has announced the signing of a $104 million contract to build and operate a new oil and gas Marine supply Base at East Arm.
GA Mineral Exploration Review released
Geoscience Australia has released the Australian Mineral Exploration Review 2011, highlighting exploration expenditure and results from selected drill intersections announced by individual exploration and mining companies during 2010/11.
Mining industry claims 'stabilising influence' on NSW economy
The NSW Minerals Council has claimed that the minerals industry is playing a significant part in bolstering the NSW state economy.
NSW lifts ban on uranium exploration
The NSW Government has introduced legislation into Parliament overturning the ban on uranium exploration in NSW.
Queensland signs up to CSG agreement
Queensland has become the first state to sign up to the newly strengthened regulatory framework for coal seam gas and large coal mining developments.
Discussion paper on SA minerals and energy infrastructure proposals released
The South Australian Government has released a discussion paper on the recommendations developed by the Resources & Energy Sector Infrastructure Council (RESIC) to promote growth of the South Australian minerals and energy sector.
Report on Queensland mines shows safety improvements
The Queensland Mines and Quarries Safety Performance and Health Report 2010-11 is available at: www.mines.industry.qld.gov.au/safety-and-health/safety-performance-health-reports.htm