John atkinson denies pressuring NSW government

John Atkinson, the former managing director of White Energy, has denied pressuring the state government of New South Wales to reopen a takeover bid for various coal exploration licenses.

Atkinson made the statement in front of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry looking into the possible rigging of a tender process for exploration licenses in Bylong Valley by former Labor minister, Ian MacDonald, back in 2008.

The corruption inquiry has been told that White Energy paid $500 million for Cascade Coal, located also in Bylong Valley, which has linked to another former Labor Minister, Eddie Obeid. The investigation has revealed White Energy had sent letters under different lettered heads to the NSW Department of primary Industries, in what the ICAC sees as an attempt to to create an illusion more than one company was interested in Cascade.

Atkinson denied the ICAC’s explanation, and suggested that a syndicate related to White Energy may have been behind the sending of letters.

 

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African mining sector has great job potential

According to experts and based on international research, the mining sector in Africa holds vast potential for the generation of new jobs that would spur economic growth and progress for many of the continent’s nations. But tapping the potential relies on cooperation between the government, the private sector, and the citizens. Already, the industry has faced some huge challenges, including the violent mining protests in South Africa.

Experts say that the enormous job potential in the region can have a multiplying effect on other employment opportunities. Researchers cite Peru’s mining policy as an example, where the development of the Yanacocha gold mine resulted into 14 jobs indirectly being created. The World Bank said that over 100 countries having mining activities in place, with nearly 30 million people employed in the sector. Job generation in the mining sector usually translates to jobs also created in supporting industries.

The International Council on Mining and Metals also cleared that mining pay is good, with many workers in the sector enjoying fringe benefits and improved staff welfare programs. Some of this benefits include upgraded mining sites equipped with Internet by satellite, entertainment systems, and a host of communications solutions for miners to stay in touch with their families.

 

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Qld Premier Newman allows return of uranium mining

Queensland’s Premier, Campbell Newman, has allowed the recommencement of uranium mining in the state, despite saying during the elections before March that his party, the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP), was opposed it.

 

The sudden backflip by the head of the state parliament has been met by staunch criticism from conservationists, concerned stakeholders, and the opposition party in Queensland. According to the Queensland Conservation Council, the move by Premier Newman ignored the global environmental trends.

 

Premier Newman explained that his change of mind regarding uranium mining policy in the state was caused by the Australian Federal Government’s recent moves to allow uranium sales to India. He said that there were no reason for citizens of Queensland to not enjoy the economic benefits of uranium mining. There is an estimated $18 billion of uranium deposits in the state’s northwest region.

 

However, experts say that since the Fukushima disaster in Japan, more nations are investing on renewable sources of energy. They pointed out to mining giant BHP, cancelling expansion plans at the Olympic Dam site, as an example of the shifts in energy trends across the globe.

 

Newman further stated that this was only the first time his cabinet had considered recommencent plants of uranium mining in Queensland.

 

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