Resources task force created to ensure the longevity of Australian mining
A new “taskforce” has been created in Australia to transform the country’s mining sector.
The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Matt Canavan has announced the creation of a new Resources 2030 Taskforce, tasked with developing new ways of working, new ideas and new technologies in order for the resources sector to “seize the opportunities inherent in global challenges.”
The taskforce will focus on ensuring the longevity of one of Australia’s leading industries, achieved by identifying reforms that will help secure its future.
It will seek out identify bold, attainable reforms to ensure the resource sector’s competitiveness and sustainability to 2030 and will present its findings to the Minister by August 2018.
“Mining has never been as important to the global economy as it is now. The modern world relies on a more diverse list of minerals for a greater range of products than at any other time,” Minister Canavan said.
Related stories:
Anglo American launches ambitious Sustainability Strategy
International Institute of Diamond Grading and Research installs 34.8kw solar roof in India
Critical Resource appoints two new members to Senior Advisory Panel
Renewables the key to energy cost savings and competitive edge says Deloitte
“The mining boom is not over. Mining is as important as it has ever been and its importance to the Australian economy is only likely to increase.
“Australia has a world-leading innovative resources industry that contributes significantly to the Australian economy and employs many Australians,” Minister Canavan said.
“But to stay ahead of the game, we need to develop new ways of working, new ideas and new technologies.
The Australian Government will use the Taskforce's report to develop a Resources Statement in the latter half of 2018 – the first time since the 1990’s.
The Taskforce will be led by Mr Andrew Cripps, the former Queensland Minister for Natural Resource, as well as:
- Erica Smyth, the current chair of the Federal Government's offshore oil and gas environmental and safety regulator, NOPSEMA.
- Will Robinson, President of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies.
- Mike Henry, the President Operations, Minerals Australia of BHP.
- Marcia Langton, a nationally recognised leader of the indigenous community who has worked closely on resources issues.
- Joyce McCulloch, the Mayor of Mount Isa, a proud mining town.
- Paul Flynn, the CEO and Managing Director of Whitehaven Coal.
- Chris Pigram is the former CEO of Geoscience Australia and a respected geologist in his own right.
