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Dispute likely to delay Kimberley hub
Disputes between traditional owners will likely delay a planned Woodside Petroleum-led Browse gas processing hub in Western Australia, Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says. However Woodside says they should not alter its overall schedule for the development in the Kimberley region with a final investment decision still expected in mid-2012.
Moore meets with BHP over mine death
BHP Billiton has held urgent talks with Mines Minister Norman Moore after it launched an inquiry into the death of a 45-year-old man at its Leinster nickel mine. The talks come as the BHP's safety record came under fire, following a spate of deaths over the past two years.
Gindalbie secures $1.3bn Karara loan
Gindalbie Metals has signed the term sheet and mandate letter for a $1.3 billion loan facility to support its Karara iron ore project in Western Australia. The 12-year loan facility is sourced from China Development Bank and Bank of China. Gindalbie said the first debt drawdown will be in June this year.
International Petroleum flags NSX float
International Petroleum has unveiled plans to list on the National Stock Exchange, days after the Australian Securities Exchange blocked a deal with links to controversial businessman Frank Timis. The Tony Sage-led International Petroleum has lodged a prospectus with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission to raise $30 million to enable it to list on the NSX.
BHP-Rio JV should pay extra $300m
BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto should start paying about $300 million a year extra in state royalties under their planned iron ore joint venture in Western Australia, Premier Colin Barnett says. Premier Colin Barnett said in June last year when the tie-up was announced that the proposed JV would spell an end to the mining giants’ iron ore royalty concessions, which were part of agreements signed with the state in the 1960s.