Australia and NZ

Mining is often about an underground world of tunnels towards the centre of the earth. At Pike River Coal, however, the challenge of New Zealand’s geology has resulted in tunnelling uphill and a reliance on water. New CEO Peter Whittall explains all to Andrew Pelis.

The recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand reveals the geological complexity of the South Island. For Pike River Coal, however, while earth tremors are no major problem, geology has proved to be an uphill struggle.

The meteoric growth of Perth-based Catalpa Resources has been down to a solid strategy and a culture of excellence—as well as a dash of bravery, as managing director Bruce McFadzean tells Andrew Pelis.

Andy Haslam, managing director of iron ore producer Territory Resources, is delighted to be mirroring the growth of Asia’s resurgent economies. Jayne Flannery reports.

Australia is enjoying a boom in oil and gas exploration and development. Frans Roozendaal, managing director of Technip Oceania, tells Gay Sutton how the company is thriving in this increasingly competitive environment, and responding to the challenges it presents.

Jane Bordenave talks to Karara Mining Ltd about its Iron Ore Project and what makes it different from other ore projects.

Karara Mining Ltd was established as a joint venture in 2007 between the Australian mining company Gindalbie Metals Ltd and Chinese steel manufacturer AnSteel. Its primary function is to develop the AU$2 billion Karara Iron Ore Project, but will also be used as a vehicle to look at other future opportunities.

A start-up Australian mining company has found its own solution for getting into production, but is in no rush to grow haphazardly, as Alan Swaby learns.

As operator of the largest gold mine in Australia, Kalgoorlie Consolidated Gold Mines has a positive approach towards sustainability, its employees and the surrounding community. Andrew Pelis finds out more

Western Australia is a vast, arid region that on the face of it offers little encouragement for prosperity. Yet in 1893, the discovery of gold near Kalgoorlie-Boulder was the catalyst for an oasis.

Western Australia is a dry state and getting drier by the year: its dams and groundwater can no longer be expected to supply the increasing population of its fast-growing capital, Perth, so the Water Corporation is turning to other climate independent sources. John O’Hanlon speaks to project manager Nick Churchill.

Simcoa Operations is one of the world’s leading producers of silicon. Vice president Jim Brosnan tells Jane Bordenave how a dedication to efficiency and zero waste has helped it get there.

Everything is large in scale at Newmont Mining Corporation’s Boddington mine in Australia, including ethical responsibility. Tim Netscher, senior vice president of Asia Pacific operations, tells Gary Toushek about it.