‘Farewell old friend’: Irishman killed in mine disaster
A close-knit outback town is in mourning as experts begin their investigations into the cause of an underground mining explosion that killed two people.
mining
‘We need energy’: leader touts gas to save smelter jobs
The fate of 1000 workers hangs in the balance as leaders debate the best way to save Australia's biggest aluminium smelter from closure.
Largest smelter could close in ‘national interest’ blow
Rising energy costs could force Australia's largest aluminium smelter to shut, but leaders have promised to do everything possible to keep it going.
Old batteries could deliver critical mineral shortcuts
Recycling big batteries, solar panels and wind turbines at the end of their lives could create a lucrative export industry if Australia gets its rules right.
‘Catastrophic’ mine explosion highlights safety issues
The deaths of two people in a mine explosion has rocked a close-knit town, bringing safety concerns to light as unions call for a thorough investigation.
America first, but not America only: Sinodinos says
Winning the strategic contest in the Pacific requires Canberra to sharpen its focus and broaden its circle of friends, a foreign policy expert says.
Mining giant flags more jobs at risk due to coal taxes
One of the world's biggest mining companies has hit out against Commonwealth and state taxes, arguing they must be competitive enough to attract investment.
Australian shares eye record as banks and miners rally
Australia's share market is within striking distance of its highest close after its best day in two weeks, as investors look past US-China trade jitters.
US asks Australia for help on critical minerals supply
Australia is being called upon to join the United States in the global fight against China for critical minerals dominance.
‘Back them’: PM’s blunt message after smelter bailout
Mining giant Glencore has been urged to invest in a struggling community after a $600 million taxpayer-funded bailout to secure hundreds of jobs at a smelter.
Hands out for handouts: bailouts loom for more smelters
More taxpayer bailouts could be on the horizon for ailing facilities after a $600 million lifeline to one mining giant.
China to halt BHP iron ore cargoes during price talks
China's state-run iron ore buyer has told the country's steelmakers and traders to temporarily halt purchases of all new BHP cargoes.
BHP cops $5b value hit on talk of China trade blockade
Reports China is halting iron ore shipments from BHP have weighed on the world's biggest miner, but experts say any stoush over prices should be short-lived.
Court says Clive not a foreign investor and must pay up
Australian mining magnate Clive Palmer has been ordered to pay more than $13 million after an international tribunal dismissed claims he was a foreign investor.
‘Call to arms’: peak body joins coal royalties fight
A resources sector peak body has issued a "call to arms" urging businesses to join the fight against a state government's controversial coal royalties scheme.
Conservationists outraged at coal-fired future
The extended shelf life of coal-fired power has enraged conservation groups, with one state declaring it will be in use for decades.
Premier takes a dig at miners in coal royalties rumble
A veiled swipe has been taken at "fairweather friends" by the premier of a state losing hundreds of mining jobs against the backdrop of a fight over royalties.
Coal ‘crisis’: hundreds of jobs cut, mine mothballed
A mining giant has been labelled "un-Australian" by a state government for cutting hundreds of jobs and mothballing one of its oldest sites.
‘Collateral damage’: hundreds more mining jobs axed
About 1000 workers will be out of a job after a second major miner revealed cuts, sparking fears communities will pay a heavy price in a royalties dispute.
Further job losses deal fresh blow to coal mine workers
A third mining company in as many days has announced job cuts, taking aim at a coal royalties scheme as it prepares to close an underground site.
BHP set to appoint first female CEO: report
The world's largest mining company BHP is expected to appoint the first female leader in its 140-year history, according to a report.
‘Un-Australian’: scheme under fire as mine jobs slashed
A government royalty regime must be reassessed after three coal companies announced job cuts and mine closures in recent days, an analyst says.
Fire still burning for custodians in fight against mine
A fire has kept burning on a coal mining lease for four years, with cultural custodians celebrating the anniversary with talks, music and ceremony.
Coal prices weigh on Whitehaven as profit slides
A major Australian coal producer has reported better-than-expected production from its new mines, but price pressures cut into its full-year result.
Making Mars: Aussie research turns red dirt into metal
A breakthrough to help with establishing a human colony on Mars could be hidden in its iron-rich red surface, Australian researchers say.
BHP mulls mothballing coal mines over royalty regime
BHP has delivered record production across several metal groups, but sluggish commodity prices and one state's royalty regime have chiselled away at earnings.
Call to screw the cap on $11 billion diesel subsidy
More mining giants may clean up their operations if the government capped generous credits on diesel fuel and incentivised green projects, a report finds.
Sea of green as Aussie shares notch highest-ever close
Investors have shrugged off the previous week's gloom to send Australian equities to their best-ever close as rate-sensitive stocks led the bourse higher.
Price floor sends rare earths shares through the roof
Shares in rare earths miners are soaring as the federal government indicates its support for a taxpayer-funded minimum price for the electronics ingredients.
Glencore scraps plan for New York listing, flags cuts
Glencore says it will keep its primary listing in London, shelving a possible move to New York.
Smelter rescue bolsters nation’s critical metals future
Catastrophe has been avoided with the bailout of two smelters, says a union that now urges governments to safeguard the nation's metal manufacturing capability.