Author: admin

The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has welcomed funding under the State Government’s Regional Economic Futures Fund (REFF) to examine the use of former mine sites for renewable energy products. QRC chief executive Janette Hewson says the funding will be used for a feasibility study to determine how wind and solar can be used on mined land in the Bowen Basin. “Queensland’s resources sector has an international reputation as a world leader in post-mining land use and this project will build on this to understand social and community benefits from alternative land uses,” she said. “$500,000 provided through the REFF along with a $50,000 contribution by the QRC will fund a feasibility study to evaluate the potential of renewable energy projects…

Australia’s aluminium industry is calling for competitive energy and designated critical minerals status to access global capital and overcome excessive red tape. The closure of a single bauxite mine in WA that employs 600 people can lead to the loss of 10,000 indirect jobs and a $2.7b reduction to GDP, according to latest modelling by the Australian Aluminium Council (AAC). In the Council’s report, Economic Contribution of the Vertically Integrated Australian Aluminium Industry, research has found that the nation’s vertically-integrated aluminium industry contributes $18b a year to the nation’s economy but is especially vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. AAC chief executive Marghanita Johnson says this calls for an urgent response from government. “Australia is one of the very few countries…

Dredging has begun at Lumsden Point in the Port of Port Hedland, with around 1m cubic metres of material to be removed over the next eight weeks. The dredging will create a deeper access channel, swing basin and berth pockets to ensure the safe and efficient berthing of vessels at the new Lumsden Point facility. Earlier this year, Jan De Nul was awarded the contract for this work, with extensive preparatory works already completed and the JFJ De Nul cutter suction dredge arriving in Port Hedland earlier this week. To minimise the risk on impact to surrounding habitats, environmental monitoring is also being undertaken. WA Ports, Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says its fantastic to see the progress being made.…

The Coal Minesite Rehabilitation Trust is offering more than $200,000 in post-graduate scholarships to students at any Queensland university. Two scholarships are up for grabs and offer $40,000 a year over three years to students doing their post-graduate studies in world-leading environmental management. The Trust was established in 2007 by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC), Queensland Government and industry representatives. QRC chief executive Janette Hewson says the scholarships are a practical way to continue Queensland’s leading expertise in mined land rehabilitation. “Queensland has an international reputation as a leader in mined land rehabilitation and innovative environmental practices across all of stages of mine development from design to closure,” she said. “These scholarships will build on the progress already made by…

Following the $455b export high in FY23, earnings from Australia’s resources and energy sectors are set to normalise, according to the September 2024 Resources and Energy Quarterly (REQ). Released by the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources, the REQ forecasts export earnings to ease to $372b in FY25, down from $415b recorded in FY24, as a result of weaker global prices, slower world growth and increased supply of key commodities. Iron ore prices fell to a two year low to below $144/t (US$100/t) due to weakness in global steel demand and falling steel production in China, while prices for base metals, lithium, nickel and metallurgical coal remained weak. Notably, the gold price hit a new record high of $3608/oz…

Wyloo and Metalshub have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the carbon footprint, ESG (environmental, social and governance) credentials, pricing and provenance in international nickel markets. The mining industry has been grappling with the downward pressure on nickel prices and mine closures from a flood of cheap nickel, mined in low-cost Indonesian operations, coming on to the global scene. Wyloo intends to use Metalshub for the sale of its low-carbon nickel and nickel concentrate products following a restart of its Kambalda nickel operations in WA. This collaboration aims to develop a price index for low-carbon nickel concentrate and nickel sulphate, to be referenced in future sales contracts. Wyloo chief executive Luca Giacovazzi says the collaboration will set a…

Australia’s first purpose-built hydrogen research, testing and training facility is now up and running in Victoria. Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio officially opened the new Hycel Hydrogen Technology Hub at Deakin University in Warrnambool. The 4.5ha precinct features a new product engineering development laboratory, three laboratory bays, associated offices and a dedicated community and multifunctional space. This hub will increase Victoria’s testing and manufacturing capabilities in hydrogen technologies, with a focus on developing fuel cells for transport and heavy vehicles, plus trains and boats. A $9m investment from the State Government’s Higher Education State Investment Fund plus a $9m investment from the Federal Government helped support the project. Not only will the hub drive hydrogen fuel research, but…