Fly-in, fly-out workers can expect to be offered more flexible work arrangements as mining companies scramble to attract and retain staff amid a growing skilled worker shortage in WA. Mining recruitment specialists say BHP’s recent announcement that it will begin offering a drive-in, drive-out option for workers on its Pilbara mines was the latest example […]
Azuma Resources Company to Start Mining Next Year
The Azuma Resources Limited, an Australian company prospecting for gold in the Upper West Region is set to start surface mining for gold by next year. This follows feasibility studies on its prospecting and exploration stages carried out in the area since 2006, when the company entered the region in 2006 and focused on the […]
FIFO Contractors Lose Travel Pay from BHP
Fly-in, fly-out contractors will no longer be paid for their time travelling to and from remote BHP operations in WA. One subcontractor said the changes put them up to $800 a month out of pocket, at a time when the mining giant’s iron ore price continues to soar. Australian Manufacturing Workers Union State Secretary Steve […]
McGowan Government Launches New FIFO Mental Health Code
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston today launched Australia’s first code of practice to help promote and maintain mentally healthy workplaces for FIFO workers in the resources and construction sectors. The code was developed following extensive public consultation. The ‘Mentally healthy workplaces for fly-in fly-out workers in the resources and construction sectors’ code aims to […]
WA Cashes in on Lithium Boom as Work Begins on World’s Largest Lithium Refinery
What is expected to be the world’s largest lithium refinery has reached a major milestone, with construction starting on the $1 billion project south of Perth. The Kemerton-based refinery, led by United States company Albemarle, is expected to produce 100,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide each year — more than double that of a refinery planned for […]
WA Government to Close Ex-Mining Town
Former Pilbara mining town Wittenoom, which inhabits an area highly contaminated with blue asbestos, will be closed by the Western Australian Government after protracted attempts to relocate the last three residents. Wittenoom, which was degazetted in 2007 and has not received electricity for over a decade, was a bustling Pilbara town from 1939 to 1966 due […]
Wesfarmers $1.5b bid for Rare Earths Miner Lynas
Wesfarmers is planning to dip into its war chest from the spin-off of Coles and the sale of its coal assets and Kmart Tyre and Auto, proposing a $1.5 billion acquisition of rare earths miner Lynas. The conglomerate has made a cash offer of $2.25 per share — a premium of nearly 45 per cent […]
Fortescue Metals Group Set To Open Autonomous Vehicle Research Centre
Mining company Fortescue Metals Group is exploring how it could apply autonomous mobility technology in an urban environment, announcing it plans to establish a new research and development centre in Karratha, Western Australia. The Fortescue Future of Mobility Centre will leverage the company’s success in using autonomous technology across its mining operations. Fortescue has been using […]
WA Iron Ore Ports Clearing Due to Cyclone Veronica
BHP has shut down the world’s largest iron ore export port, Port Hedland, as Cyclone Veronica bears down on the West Australian coast. The miner has suspended all port and rail activities in the region, telling workers to get to safety ahead of the category three cyclone smashing into Western Australia’s north-west coast near Karratha, […]
Bill Shorten Pledges Millions for WA Mining Research Centre
Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says Labor will go halves with the WA Government and other parties on a new $46 million research centre for mining in Perth. The Australian Future Mines centre would see the CSIRO, Australian Academy of Sciences, universities and industry help map the nation’s resources. Mr Shorten said two-thirds of the […]