Quick fire – industry news briefs

Rail siding extension works at Maxwelton, between Julia Creek and Richmond, have been completed as part of a $4.26 million State Government investment. The work has increased capacity of the siding by almost five times its previous level, improving the efficiency of freight services in the region. “This new infrastructure will enable up to two cattle trains a week into the siding," Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said. “It means it’s now much easier for the cattle industry to make the most of our rail network. “To support other long-term freight opportunities, the upgraded loop will also enable the temporary storage of rollingstock at Maxwelton if required." Santos is purchasing two more Powerhouse systems from technology development firm Synertec for the GLNG joint venture. Powerhouse is a Predictive Intelligence solar and battery microgrid system providing extremely high availability of electrical power supply to remote sites. Santos is expected to use the Powerhouse technology to provide 100 per cent renewable and continuous power to well sites near an existing Powerhouse unit at Myalla. “(This) award, coupled with Santos’ and the GLNG JV’s designation of Powerhouse as their technology of choice for zero-emission energy power systems, provides further global industry validation as to the exceptional technical and commercial merits of Powerhouse providing reliable, sustainable and affordable continuous power as an intelligent microgrid for remote locations," Synertec managing director Michael Carroll said. Paul Holden is taking up the position of director - regional development and investment with Townsville Enterprise. He is returning the the organisation after more than 16 years working within State Government. Mr Holden's resume includes senior executive positions in the Office of the Coordinator-General and the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning. Newmont Corporation shareholders have voted overwhelmingly in favour of the mining giant's proposed acquisition of Australian gold producer Newcrest Mining. Completion of the deal remains subject to a number of other conditions, including Newcrest shareholder approval and court approval. “Recognizing the strategic rationale to create the industry’s strongest portfolio of world-class gold and copper assets, Newmont’s shareholders overwhelmingly voted in favor of this transformational transaction,” Newmont president and chief executive officer Tom Palmer said. “This unrivalled platform, featuring the industry’s best talent running the highest concentration of Tier One assets in the most favorable jurisdictions, uniquely positions Newmont to generate superior returns for decades.” Rio Tinto has committed an additional $1.7 million to the Australia-Japan Innovation Fund to promote research and academic projects between Australia and Japan. With this latest funding, the AJIF will allocate grants to research areas with close links to business between Australia and Japan, such as green steel, renewable energy systems and automated infrastructure. The grants will also play a key role in supporting research between the two countries in science and technology areas relevant to the resources industry as a whole, helping generate the innovations the world needs to decarbonise. The commitment was signed at the 60th Australia-Japan Annual Joint Business Conference in Melbourne. The Queensland Government is helping manufacturers reduce their energy usage and cut energy costs through its new Manufacturing Energy Efficiency Grant program. Eligible manufacturers can apply for matched grant funding of between $5,000 and $25,000 to buy equipment or introduce processes that will reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. $7.1 million will be spread across two rounds with MEEG Round 2 being released next year. MEEG Round 1 Guidelines are now available online with applications accepted from October 23. Queensland manufacturers seeking more information about project eligibility criteria, key timeframes and assessment criteria should visit www.rdmw.qld.gov.au/MEEG.

Quick fire – industry news briefs

Industry Queensland

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