Mining giant Xstrata has opened a new $4.5 million accommodation precinct at its Mt Isa mine in north-west Queensland.
The facility will cater for new employees and offer them accommodation for three months.
Xstrata’s Steve de Kruijff says there are 93-bedroom duplex units as part of the complex, which is an environmentally-friendly design.
“We have got a lot [...]

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The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) says despite a jump in the state’s unemployment rate, the mining industry remains strong.
The jobless figure rose to its highest level since 2003 on Thirsday, but QRC chief executive Michael Roche says the resources sector is not to blame.
“The mining industry is going from strength to strength, despite the global [...]

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Mining group Petra Diamonds has discovered a 507.55 carat white diamond at South Africa’s Cullinan mine, one of the largest high-quality rough diamonds ever found, the firm said on Tuesday.
“This spectacular gemstone was recovered on Thursday 24 September and is currently with experts for analysis,” said a statement released by the London-listed company which operates [...]

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The West Australian Government has given final environmental approval for Gindalbie’s multi-billion dollar iron ore project in the state’s mid-west.
Gindalbie is developing the Karara project, east of Geraldton, in a joint venture with Chinese steel producer Ansteel.
It is the final step in the State Government approvals process.
The project will now go to the Federal Environment [...]

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BC Iron has formalised a landmark JV agreement with Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) that puts BC Iron on track to become Australia’s newest iron ore producer in early 2010.
The agreement will see the two companies establish a joint venture to develop BC Iron’s Nullagine Iron Ore Project in Western Australia’s Pilbarra region.
The formation of the [...]

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An oil and gas exploration company says its found an onshore oil flow on the Gippsland coastline near Seaspray in south-east Victoria.
The executive chairman of Lakes Oil, Rob Annells, says the discovery was made during exploratory drilling works in the area.
He says the find is geologically significant, and could herald the first onshore oil flow [...]

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FORTESCUE Metals Group did not mislead investors about binding agreements with Chinese parties because investors knew that its Pilbara iron ore project was in its infancy, a court has heard.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has alleged Fortescue engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct by overstating the nature of deals with three state-owned Chinese companies [...]

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Mining giant Rio Tinto has announced it will cut more than 700 jobs in central and far north Queensland, citing a sharp drop in aluminium prices and demand.
The company will slow down expansion of the Yarwun alumina refinery at Gladstone and cut back annual bauxite production at its Weipa mine from 19.4 million tonnes to [...]

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Iron Ore producer , Fortescue Metals Group Ltd,  has suspended about two thirds of its long-term shipping contracts as its Chinese customers take advantage of cheaper rates stemming from the commodities slump.
 
Fortescue said on Friday that it was suspending all long-term cost and freight (CFR) shipping contracts, whereby the miner covers transport costs and passes [...]

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Fortescue Metals Group Ltd is a step closer to obtaining access to railways owned by BHP Billiton Ltd and Rio Tinto Ltd after Treasurer Wayne Swan ruled they should be opened to third parties.
Rio Tinto Ltd, the world’s second largest iron ore producer, says it is disappointed by the federal government’s decision to allow third-party [...]

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