The AJM News

‘New generation’ underground coal loader released

Sandvik Mining and Construction has released the LS151, a 6 tonne payload capacity underground coal mining loader, delivering increased safety and ergonomics, more power and torque.

Austin Engineering boosts growth with Brazil joint venture

After a highly successful Chilean venture Austin Engineering has established a foothold in Brazil via a new 50/50 joint venture with established Brazilian company Delp Engineering.

DBCT bullish on future coal volumes

Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal owner Prime Infrastructure is aiming to double its coal export volumes in coming years on the back of improved infrastructure utilisation and a bumper 2009/10 result.

QR divides as coal haulage contract war continues

QR formally split in two, on July 1st, with the newly-separated freight company, QR National, wasting no time in announcing a revised $250 million coal haulage contract.

Tax compromise good for miners but not wider business community

Professional services firm, Deloitte, has welcomed the Federal Government’s remodelled mining rent tax and the expansion of the scope of the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), which it believes will aid expansion.

IA highlights $18.2bn of key freight projects

Infrastructure Australia has identified more than $18.2 billion of port, rail and road projects deemed to have met its stringent criteria, including those able to strengthen the economy and clear export bottlenecks.

Government may make further concessions to iron ore miners

The Government’s new framework for mining taxation has received a wide range of responses from the industry mostly in cautious support for the plan. It has also been reported that the Government’s ongoing consultation with industry may result in further concessions.

Gillard’s tax changes appease major miners

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that discussions with major mining sector players have resulted in a significant reworking of the original Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT).

Gillard’s tax changes appease major miners

Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that discussions with major mining sector players have resulted in a significant reworking of the original Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT).

Competition Tribunal verdict on rail line access in WA

Rio Tinto has won a long struggle to restrict rivals from using its main railway to haul iron ore, but BHP Billiton may appeal after it was ordered to open up its own line.

Correction: January-February edition

Letter from the Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia, May 25th, 2010:

Kazakhstan uranium continues downward pressure on cost curve

Kazakhstan’s mine supply growth is expected to exert further downward pressure on the global sector near/mid-term cash cost curve, according to equity research firm Resource Capital Research (RCR).

Hancock gets green light for $7.2bn iron ore rail link

The unlisted company owned by Australia’s wealthiest woman, Hancock Prospecting, has been given the green light to develop a rail line connecting its Roy Hill iron ore project to Port Hedland in Western Australia.

Launch of key part to Rio’s ‘Mine of the Future’

Rio Tinto has announced the opening of its new operations centre, a key part of the ‘Mine of the Future’ - a high-technology, purpose-built centre located alongside Perth’s domestic airport.

New telescopic handler arrivals from Manitou

Manitou has released two new telescopic handlers to complement its existing offerings, one designed for high capacity and the other being ideal for narrow and obstruction-laden sites.

Caterpillar lends hand for worthy habitat

In a backstreet of rural Yea in Central Victoria, a quiet transformation is underway - Habitat for Humanity is in the early stages of building 25 new homes for families affected by Victoria’s 2009 bushfires.

WA stocks deliver 400 per cent growth in last decade

The Deloitte WA Index, which tracks the market capitalisation of Western Australian listed companies has grown by 418 per cent over the last decade to April 30th, 2010.

Iron ore spot price tipped to increase in coming months

The spot price for iron ore over the next three months is forecast to increase by 23 per cent over the previous quarter to US$148/t (FOB, 62 per cent Fe), according to equity research company Resource Capital Research (RCR).

FMG reveals framework for deal with Rudd

In a speech on June 29th, Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) CEO, Andrew Forrest, said Julia Gillard must ensure her Government achieves a substantially improved position on aspects of the proposed mining tax compared with that reached with the former Prime Minister.

Feature: What now for the tax on mining’s super profits?

Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the night before his stepping down that tax reform is never easy. When he first introduced plans to reform Australia’s tax system, Rudd along with Treasurer Wayne Swan pre-empted a backlash from the mining industry. And they were not disappointed.