Western Australia linked with Argentina
WESTERN Australia is hoping an agreement with Argentina will boost investment and resources and energy industry intelligence.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to develop a mutually-rewarding partnership by sharing specialist knowledge, technical skills and regulatory know-how.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston signed the agreement this month to boost two-way investment and build a stronger mining and resources relationship with Argentina.
“It will also facilitate collaboration in a range of areas including geoscience systems, information technology, mining rehabilitation, occupational health and safety, royalties and taxation,” the statement read.
This new relationship will encourage investment between Western Australian and Argentine companies, and increase export opportunities for the state’s mining, equipment, technology and services sector.
Representatives from each jurisdiction will also take part in training and capacity-raising workshops that will make good use of the first-rate mining and resource education system, created by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Taskforce to capitalise on lithium industry
A TASKFORCE will be established in Western Australia to capitalise on the state’s lithium opportunities.
The Taskforce will oversee the new Lithium and Energy Materials Strategy, designed to create a world-leading lithium and energy material industry in WA and long-term jobs.
The announcement also outlines the State Government’s desire to facilitate the processing of lithium and other energy materials, capitalising on the global demand for lithium batteries and WA’s large deposits of lithium and energy materials.
“Western Australia is the world’s leading producer of lithium and is uniquely placed to capitalise on the rising growth of battery use and technologies,” the statement read.
“There is enormous potential to increase downstream processing of lithium and other energy materials in WA, creating long-term job opportunities for Western Australians.”
The taskforce will oversee development of a Lithium and Energy Materials Strategy to build on WA’s competitive advantages, and to develop a world-leading energy materials industry that maximises benefits to Western Australia and creates jobs.
Chaired by Minister for Mines and Petroleum Bill Johnston, the Taskforce will consist of senior government representatives. The Taskforce will engage with key companies and will be informed by an industry stakeholder reference group.
“Western Australia possesses all the elements required to produce these batteries such as lithium, nickel, graphite and cobalt, meaning we are in the box seat to capitalise on the growth of this industry,” the Minister said.
“This isn’t just about extracting resources from the ground. It’s also about processing them here in WA to create jobs for Western Australians.
The Taskforce is expected present recommendations to the State Government within six months.
Safety highlighted in exploration sector
THE importance of safe work practices in the minerals exploration sector have been brought to the surface in a Western Australian report.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety in WA released its monthly safety and health snapshot, focussing on exploration health and safety.
Director Mines Safety Andrew Chaplyn said there were 17 serious injuries and one fatality in Western Australia’s mineral exploration industry in 2017.
“Drilling in any environment can be hazardous, but mineral exploration in remote locations, such as those found in Western Australia, presents additional risk factors,” Mr Chaplyn said.
“These factors include the risk of extreme weather events, accessibility difficulties and distance from emergency services.”
In 2017 there were a total of 1126 injuries and 2470 notifiable incidents reported to the department. Of these, 27 injuries and 77 notifiable incidents involved exploration operations.
“While exploration operations may only account for a small number of injuries and notifiable incidents, the risk factors associated with these operations can impact on the safety and health outcomes for workers,” Mr Chaplyn said.
“That’s why it is important exploration operations review their safe work practices and ensure the safety and health of workers is a priority.”
The department has also released the latest Quarterly Performance Snapshot covering the October to December 2017 period.
Fortescue’s $1.7 billion mine and rail project approved
Prospects of jobs and economic growth in Western Australia received a boost with Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue) approving a multi-billion dollar mine and rail project.
The $1.7 billion Eliwana mine and rail project in the Pilbara region is forecast to create up to 1,900 jobs during construction.
Fortescue is targeting a construction start in mid-2019, with production to start in December 2020.
The project consists of a new mine and ore processing facility, and a 143-kilometre rail spur project. A definitive feasibility study has been completed by the company, and the approvals process is now underway.
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