QLD Mining & Energy Bulletin

QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Spring 2011

QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin

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CONFIDENCE IN AUSTRALIAN MINING raised concerns over the carbon tax and its implications on such issues as job security and investment fears. Queensland Resources Council Chief Executive, Michael Roche, said the deal is likely to deplete the sector of thousands of jobs, especially in coal mining. "Using actual cost data from Queensland mines, economic consultants ACIL Tasman have calculated the carbon tax is going to cost 2,700 Queensland coal workers their jobs, possibly as early as 2018. Taking into account the fl ow-on to industries servicing the industry, total job losses of more than 13,000 have been forecast to follow the premature closure of mines," he said. You can read our full coverage of the industry's response on page 6. D uring a time of global uncertainty with markets in turmoil, sometimes it's good to know that the mining industry is confi dent that Australia will remain largely unscathed. At a business lunch in Sydney in August, BHP Billiton chairman, Jacques Nasser, said that he believes Australia is safe from global turmoil and is confi dent about China's continued growth. However, he did warn about complacency. "My own view is that Australians should feel quietly confi dent about our ability to manage through what is playing out in the northern hemisphere…quietly confi dent – not complacent," The Australian quoted him as saying. As reported by the ABC, he touted the company's confi dence in China, which buys approximately 30 per cent of its exports. "China will continue to grow. I was there recently, I walked away believing their focus was right, that we may not see 10, 11, 12 per cent growth, but we will see 7, 8, 9 per cent growth and the texture of the growth may change." He also said Australia should delay the introduction of the carbon tax until other countries implement a similar policy, adding that the "downside" outweighs the "upside". Nasser is not alone in his criticism of the Federal Government's carbon tax, the full details of which were released in July. Many others in the mining industry have Also inside this issue, we discuss to what extent Queensland has been affected by the skills shortage with recruitment expert Simon Bristow. We also speak with John Cooling about the state of Fi-Fo services. We look at the town of Clermont, one of Queensland's earliest inland settlements, which is rich in both history and natural surroundings. Kay Drabsch reports on the strong growth reported in female mining industry employment, and argues that it is important to grow the diversity of mining and resources environments by leveraging the skills that women bring. Joel McEnery discusses transportation issues facing the mining industry. On the topic of sustainable mining, Professor Chris Moran argues that operating sustainably is more productive mining. Peter Cox reports on the how the pipeline industry is rising to the challenges presented in key CSG/LNG projects. Inside you will also fi nd regular features on research and development and the latest mining events. I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on the Federal Government's carbon tax, so please drop me a line at: editor@aprs.com.au or follow me on Twitter: @KathrynEdwards. Kathryn Edwards Editor Queensland Mining and Energy Bulletin QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Spring 2011 [3] EDITOR'S LETTER

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