Coal makes powerful comeback

Coal is making a comeback in Australia's energy mix, with coal-fired generators lifting their share of Australia's main power market in February, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

As a result, carbon emissions from the National Electricity Market covering most of eastern Australia rose for the first time in two years, according to energy consultants Pitt & Sherry.

Black and brown coal-fired power plants supplied 75.2% of the NEM's power last month, up from 73.8% a year earlier.

A reduction in Snowy Hydro's output also helped drag down the share of power from renewable sources, Pitt & Sherry principal consultant Hugh Saddler said.

Tom Albanese takes top job at Vedanta Resources

Former Rio Tinto chief executive Tom Albanese has taken on the top role at London-listed Vedanta Resources, according to The Australian.

Albanese has been working with the company since September as the chairman of Vedanta Resources Holdings but will take on the chief executive role and join the board of Vedanta on April 1.

PanAust boss ready to hand over major projects to new CEO

After 18 years in charge of copper miner PanAust, Gary Stafford has decided to let someone else handle the looming fork in the road, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Stafford announced plans to step down from the managing director's seat within 18 months on Thursday, ending a tumultuous journey that has seen PanAust evolve from a junior explorer into a $1.1 billion producer.

The timing of the departure means Stafford will let his replacement decide which of two exciting projects the company tackles next.