7/22/2010
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Spitfire Communications
A number of key developments are coinciding with this year’s Queensland Mining and Engineering (QME) exhibition in Mackay next week, making it perfect timing for buyers and suppliers.
The exhibition will be held at the Mackay Showgrounds from July 27-29, and has attracted over 500 exhibitors, offering a wide range of goods and services.
QME 2010 is a perfectly-timed strategic platform for the forthcoming high-growth phase in Queensland’s mining and resources industry, said Soren Norgaard, exhibition manager for QME organiser Reed Exhibitions.
“With what has been termed “Boom II” in full swing following the global financial crisis, plus the recent resolution of the government’s proposed mining super tax stoush ensuring greater certainty for the industry – notwithstanding the federal election campaign – there are plenty of new mining-related developments in the Central Queensland region,” he said.
“For both buyers and suppliers, QME 2010 represents an ideal business-to-business opportunity to make new contacts, and seek out new products, services and ways of doing business.
“There have been a number of very significant announcements in the past few months, with major new projects either now gearing up, or in the process of starting up in the very near future,” said Norgaard.
“For example, Rio has announced it is again looking to expand its activities in Australia following resolution of the mining tax issue.
“In addition, businesses of all sizes in the region have strongly welcomed the resolution of the tax issue, and are now looking forward to a resumption in growth and future prospects.
“This, and other developments, will mean increased business opportunities for suppliers exhibiting at QME, and also mining companies and individuals looking for new and innovative solutions.
“QME, and the associated QME International Mining Industry Conference on July 27 and 28 at the adjacent Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre will present ideal networking opportunities across all industry sectors,” he said.
Recent key industry announcements include:
• BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Coal Operations (BMA) development of its Bowen Basin Coal Growth project (BBCGP), which involves the production of an additional 20 million tones per annum of coal products through the staged development of four principle components:
o Daunia Mine: a new open cut coal mine and associated infrastructure to produce up to 4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of coking coal for the export market
o Caval Ridge Mine: a new open cut coal mine and associated infrastructure to produce up to 5.5 Mtpa of coking coal for the export market. As part of this component, a new coal handling and processing plant would be constructed to process an additional 2.5 Mtpa of coal from the adjacent BMA owned Peak Downs mine.
o Goonyella Riverside Mine: expansion of the existing open cut and underground coal mining operation to produce up to 9.5 Mtpa of coking coal for the export market.
o New airport: construction of a new airport replacing the existing Moranbah airport facility, to accommodate increased travel to and from the area providing a wider range of transport options for the larger workforce associated with BMA’s expanded operations.
• Xstrata has announced it will resume $400 million in works to expand the Ernest Henry copper mine, as well as $186 million worth of work for expansion of its Wandoan thermal coal project, and an exploration program around Cloncurry and Mt Isa – projects which were suspended when the mining super tax was first announced.
• State government co-ordinator general approval of the proposed 495 km, $2 billion Hancock rail corridor — an essential milestone towards the proposed Alpha Coal Mine – which would run from Hancock Coal's proposed Alpha Coal Mine in the Galilee Basin to Abbot Point.
QME is part of the REEDMININGEVENTS structured portfolio of premium mining industry exhibitions owned and operated by Reed Exhibitions Australia. This portfolio includes:
• Goldfields Mining Expo (GME), Kalgoorlie, October 26-28, 2010
• Asia Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX), Sydney, September 6-9, 2011; this is REEDMININGEVENTS’ flagship event, held every four years.
Further information:
Exhibitors & Visitors: Reed Exhibitions, Soren Norgaard, ph (02) 9422 2563, email soren.norgaard@reedexhibitions.com.au, website www.queenslandminingexpo.com.au.
Media: Spitfire Communications, Mark Cherrington, ph 0419 236 704, email mark.cherrington@spitfirecommunications.com.au.
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