The AJM News

Global iron ore & steel outlook - part one

Iron ore was one of the commodity success stories in 2009, and looks set to continue its healthy performance due to strong and increasing demand for raw materials to fuel Chinese steel production.

Thermal coal demand spikes as Chinese power disrupted

Thermal coal spot prices surged as heavy snow threatened power supplies in northern China recently, and offshore oil and gas operations were also affected.

Rio’s operations review reflects commodities recovery

It was another strong quarter of iron ore production, driven by continuing high demand from China, for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations which achieved record sales for both the quarter and full year.

Rio’s operations review reflects commodities recovery

It was another strong quarter of iron ore production, driven by continuing high demand from China, for Rio Tinto’s Pilbara operations which achieved record sales for both the quarter and full year.

Resurgent global steel production supports iron ore

The iron ore market has recovered from the GFC, supported by a rise in steel production of 14 per cent from October to December last year, according to equity research firm Resource Capital Research (RCR).

Vote of confidence in coal future

A commitment of more than half a billion dollars to the expansion of the export coal industry in central Queensland has been commended by the Queensland Resources Council (QRC).

India: a new star for mining entrepreneurs? Part one

At 1.1 billion and growing rapidly, India’s population is expected to surpass that of China by 2045, and with it the demand for minerals.

Production set to soar to 100,000 ounces: Focus

Focus Minerals announced that it is set to become a 100,000-ounce-a-year-plus gold producer within 12 months.

QLD climbs up export earners list but still lacks skills

Queensland snatched the title of Australia's second-largest exporting state after a Federal Government report said the value of goods exported by the state jumped 48 per cent in 2008/09 to $65.5 billion.

Newcastle sets coal export record in December

The port of Newcastle shipped a record of almost 52 million tonnes of cargo in the six months to December thanks largely to coal, according to data released on January 11th.

UQ to research new ways of mining and mineral extraction

The University of Queensland will host a new $17.5 million Cooperative Research Centre aimed at transforming Australia's mineral resources.

Government assistance for emission-intensive, trade-exposed industries

Although the EITE scheme is part of the CPRS Scheme which is yet to be passed by Parliament, EITE industries should be getting ready now.

Australia's mineral resources maintain world status

Based on the latest assessment of Australia’s minerals inventory, the sector continues to hold the potential to remain the most important export earner for the foreseeable future.

Employment trends changing but little improvement for geoscientists

The Australasian Institute of Mining & Metallurgy (AusIMM) said that times appear to have changed in the mining industry and with them employment practices.

WA Index up 123% last year driven by resources sector

The market capitalisation of Western Australian listed companies which comprise the Deloitte WA Index grew 123.2 per cent or $93 billion for the year ending December 31st, 2009.

Gold shares under-perform despite the headlines

In its December quarter report on junior and mid tier gold companies, equity resource company Resource Capital Research (RCR), is cautious on the medium term outlook for gold.

Higher Australian dollar hurts commodity export earnings

Earnings from energy and minerals exports are forecast to fall by 20 per cent to close to $129 billion in 2009-10, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural & Resource Economics (ABARE).

Caterpillar launches new internet hub for Cat F-series

Caterpillar has launched a new site within cat.com where miners can experience the new Cat F-Series trucks and access free posters and videos.

Miners back take-or-pay plan for Wiggins Island

Queensland coal producers have given formal support to an operational plan for the new Wiggins Island Coal Export Terminal (WICET).

ETS should consider rightful ownership of emissions

Climate change has become the global catch phrase of the 21st Century and decisions made at the current United Nations talks in Copenhagen will have a lasting influence on the global economy and the mining industry.