Industry News

 

METS export hub initiative expands The mining equipment, technology and services sector has been recognised for its critical contribution to the Australian economy with the announcement of the AUS$1.025 million expansion of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) METS Export Hub Initiative into Victoria and Western Australia. read more »

BP looks to renewables to drive hydrogen play Oil and gas giant BP is looking to build 1.5 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity in Western Australia if it goes ahead with a full commercial project to build a renewable hydrogen production facility in that state, with an eye to the export market. read more »

Tighter time-frames for planning commission The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission will have 12 weeks to decide whether to approve controversial developments and mining projects, as part of the government's push to ensure timely decision-making. read more »

Worley sheds 3000 jobs ASX-listed engineering services provider Worley has cut 3000 jobs and secured an extra $465 million in debt to shore up its books, after plunging oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic dented its project pipeline. read more »

Mining export revenue surges despite pandemic Data released by the ABS has confirmed the importance of keeping Australia’s mining industry operating during the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic challenges. read more »

Metal prices on the rise as COVID-19 hits supply Global metal prices have seen the first sustained rise in months after the coronavirus pandemic sent them on an initial steep decline. read more »

Pandemic fallout making projects no longer viable Up to three gigawatts of large scale wind and solar projects could be delayed in Australia as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and its impact on the local currency, debt markets, and appetite for new investments. read more »

Gas project deferrals a risk to economy EnergyQuest says gas project deferrals and the reduction of capital expenditure recently announced by major oil and gas companies could be detrimental to Australia’s economy. read more »

Rio sees increased demand from China for iron ore Australia's biggest trading partner is rebounding quickly from its encounter with the coronavirus and showing a strong appetite for Australian iron ore. read more »

Weir Minerals launches Accumin to world MESCA MEMBER GOOD NEWS: Weir Minerals has announced the global launch of its Accumin lubricators, following international demand for the superior-quality grease lubrication. read more »

Have your say on skills needs MESCA is playing a leading role in ensuring the skills of the mining and energy sector workforce is evolving to meet future needs, and more urgently, the needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. read more »

Austrade provides COVID-19 advice for exporters As government, businesses and community align to step up the global fight against COVID-19, Austrade has increased activity to keep exporters informed. read more »

State border closures impact mining workforce Various states and territories have introduced border restrictions in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 from infection epicentres. read more »

COVID-19 to halt growth in renewables The global Covid-19 pandemic is expected to hit planned wind and solar projects in Australia and other countries particularly hard, and wipe out any anticipated growth in renewables deployment in 2020, according to a new study. read more »

Plans to keep mining and gas sector operating The national cabinet will consider measures to ensure Australia’s mining and gas industries can continue operating through the COVID-19 crisis with state and territory travel bans impacting flights and non-essential staff. read more »

Miners look to manage FIFO workforce amid travel bans Big miners are confident their reliance on fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workforces is sustainable amid tougher domestic travel restrictions, as the mayors of mining towns say they would embrace any shift back to residential workforces. read more »

Government cash to help METS companies keep staff The federal government has announced a new $66 billion stimulus package, increasing the “safety net” for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic. read more »

BHP to hire 1500 workers nation-wide Mining giant BHP plans to hire 1500 workers across its iron ore, coal and copper operations to help ease significant job losses expected from the coronavirus pandemic. read more »

Export earnings to hit record despite virus Australia’s resource and energy export earnings are forecast to hit a record of $299 billion in 2019–2020 despite the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. read more »

Solar projects hit with delays and price increases PwC has released a report looking at the impact COVID-19 is having on Australia’s renewables and solar sector, which found that the virus outbreak will impact manufacturing and the supply of key equipment and materials used in the construction of solar energy facilities in Australia. read more »