The Blog

The Blog enables Australian Resource Sector Employers and members of our Expert Panel to communicate information about jobs, projects, sites, awarded contracts, terms and conditions, career tips and advice, and on a range of other topics that can't always be shared on traditional career websites and print advertising. As a job seeker, this enables you to keep abreast of movements and opportunities in the industry.

Summary of people requirements for 2010 to 2016

For the period 2010 to 2016, approximately 101,000 direct construction jobs and approximately 19,936 permanent operational jobs will be created. Even without Project Boomerang (see details below), which may or may not proceed/be overstated, the number of construction jobs for the same period is 66,000 and the number of operational roles is 11,936.

2009 – 2010

Pluto LNG Project; Woodside, Western Australia
3,000 construction and 1,000 operational
(Note: Trains 2 and 3 have also recently been approved which will extend both the timeframe and construction job numbers)

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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 28 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, National, ACT, Managerial, NSW, Professional, NT, Student/Graduate, QLD, Trainee / Apprentice, Other, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

Other WA mining projects to watch

Balla Balla Project, Western Australia

Aurox Resources – a Pilbara based iron ore developer – has secured Environmental Ministerial Approval from the Western Australian Government for its 100% owned Balla Balla iron ore project.

The project, which is located midway between Karratha and Port Hedland, is to mine and process up to 10.1 million tonnes per annum of magnetite ore over a 15 year mine life and is expected to achieve first production in early 2012.

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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 28 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

Macmahon contract wins

Macmahon has this month announced two major contract wins which will generate jobs.

The first is a $65m two year contract to carry out mining activities at Metals X Renison tin operation in Tasmania. Macmahon intend to carry out underground production and development works, as well as the overall management and maintenance of the mine’s mobile plant assets. Macmahon is expected to start on site in mid March 2010.

The second is a $500m three year extension to an existing contract for drill and blasting, mining, crushing and trail loading at BHP Billiton’s Pilbara iron ore operations.

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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 28 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, TAS, WA

A major round up of Australian mining projects

We follow on from our extensive overview of oil and gas projects last week, with 17 individual project updates in the mining sector. The list is not exhaustive, but provides an indication of project timeframes, and current and future job opportunities. We start with the Worsley Alumina Efficiency and Growth Project in Western Australia and conclude with the Melbourne Desalination Plant.

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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, National, ACT, Managerial, NSW, Professional, NT, Student/Graduate, QLD, Trainee / Apprentice, Other, SA, TAS, VIC, WA

Worsley Alumina Efficiency and Growth Project, Western Australia

  • Operators: BHP Billiton Worsley Alumina
  • Location: Worsley, south of Perth
  • Timeframe: 2 year construction, due for completion in mid to late 2010
  • Cost: $2.5b
  • Employment: A total of 4,000 jobs created across the life of the project with a peak workforce of 1,900. The bauxite mine will create an additional 500 job opportunities.
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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

Sino Iron Project, Western Australia

  • Operators: CiticPacific Mining
  • Location: 85kms south of Karratha
  • Timeframe: First production expected in late 2010 with a 25 year mine life
  • Cost: US$30b
  • Employment: More than 4,000 construction jobs and 600 operational jobs
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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

Perth Desalination Plant, Western Australia

  • Operators: Southern Seawater Alliance (SSWA)
  • Location: Binningup, south of Perth
  • Timeframe: 18 month construction, expected to be commissioned by 2011
  • Cost: $955m
  • Employment: 600 jobs during construction, local workforce only (no camp facilities)
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By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

Urea Plant, Western Australia

  • Operators: Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers
  • Location: Collie, south of Perth
  • Timeframe: 3 year construction, expected to commence construction in 2010, full production by November 2013. Construction contracts are due to be finalised in February 2010.
  • Cost: US$2.5b
  • Employment: 1,500 construction jobs and 200 permanent jobs
    • Read More
    By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
    TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

    Rapid Growth Project Stages 5 and 6, Western Australia

    • Operators: BHP Billiton
    • Location: Pilbara
    • Timeframe: 2 years
    • Cost: US$4.8b
    • Employment: More than 2,000 construction jobs and about 450 operational jobs in 2010 and 950 in 2011
    • Status: Work is expected to be completed during calendar year 2011 on BHP Billiton’s continued expansion of a number of sites in the Pilbara.

    Awarded Contracts and Employment Opportunities include:

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    By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
    TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA

    Oakajee Port and Rail, Western Australia

    • Operators: OPR was established in September 2007 to pursue a joint venture between Murchison Metals Ltd and Mitsubishi Development Pty Ltd, each of which has a 50% stake in OPR.Murchison Metals
    • Location: Mid west region of Western Australia
    • Timeframe: Construction anticipated to commence in late 2010, early 2011 with port operations forecast to start in late 2013 or early 2014.
    • Cost: $3b +
    • Employment: More than 2,000 construction jobs and 400 permanent jobs
    Read More
    By Jody Elliott, Director at The Resource Channel on 22 Feb 10
    TAGS: Blue Collar, Managerial, Professional, WA