Archived News for Industry Professionals - January, 2012
The Western Australian Government has announced its formal support of the expansion of Esperance Port, with State Transport Minister Troy Buswell announcing plans to increase capacity by up to 20 million tonnes per annum in a staged plan.
Mr Buswell said the government would embark on a market sounding exercise to identify priate sector interest in expanding the port’s iron ore export capacity. Mr Buswell also announced that discussions with the private sector over their willingness to invest are expected to start early this year.
The Minister said the decision to expand capacity from 11 mtpa to about 20 mtpa in the first instance at Esperance Port instead of Kwinana was influenced by a recently completed study into the Yilgarn province’s burgeoning iron ore industry and the fact that $120 million was being spent to upgrade the port’s road and rail access.
Mount Isa master plan to be released
A master plan that is set to coordinate the development of freight infrastructure in north west Queensland over the next 50 years is set for release by the Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone (MITEZ).
Collaborative energy and mining research planned with Chinese partners
Three major Chinese companies have joined The University of Western Australia and 15 other Chinese and Australian science and industry partners to develop new international collaborative approaches to energy and mining research.
SKM appoints new leader of mining business
Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) has appointed a new general manager to head the company’s mining and metals business, following the appointment of the former general manager, Santo Rizzuto, to the role of CEO.
Ichthys LNG Project signed off
Japanese oil and gas company, INPEX Corporation and the French giant TOTAL S.A. have confirmed the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the US$34 billion Ichthys LNG Project. The agreement was announced at a ceremony in Darwin, the site of the onshore gas processing facilities which will be built to produce 8.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum.
Resources drives construction sector
A December surge in resource-related engineering projects has helped stem the decline in the nation's construction sector, according to figures released by the Australian Industry Group (AI Group).
Offshore regulators begin operations
Two new bodies responsible for consistency and efficiency in offshore petroleum regulation in Commonwealth waters have begun operations.
QR National and Rio Tinto sign haulage agreement
QR National and resources giant Rio Tinto have signed a 10 year performance based contract that will see 3 million tonnes of coal per annum moved from Rio Tinto's Blair Athol/ Clermont operations to the Abbot Point Coal Terminal (APCT).
John Holland wins Wheatstone contracts
John Holland, a fully owned subsidiary of Leighton Holdings, has secured a $240 million contract with Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd on the Chevron-operated Wheatstone Project near Onslow on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast.
Productivity Commission releases carbon policy assistance schemes discussion paper
The Productivity Commission has released a consultation paper on the reviews of carbon policy assistance schemes foremissions-intensive trade-exposed activities, the coal mining sector and the steel industry that it has been commissioned to undertake.