More than 2000 mining jobs cut in 2016

More than 2000 jobs in the Australian mining industry have been axed so far this calendar year, with hundreds more at risk as mining companies continue to respond to the sharp drop in commodity prices, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

An analysis of company announcements revealed about 2330 mining industry jobs had been axed across the country to date in 2016, led by deep cuts at BHP Billiton spin-off South32.

Rio Tinto shareholders push for stricter carbon disclosures

Rio Tinto could be forced to ramp-up its disclosure on carbon emissions and climate issues, if a motion demanded by a group of UK shareholders is successful at shareholder meetings over the next two months, according to the Australian Financial Review.

A shareholder group calling itself the ‘Aiming for A’ coalition has forced the Rio board to put a resolution to a shareholder vote that, if successful, would compel the company to disclose its resilience to a range of climate scenarios beyond 2035 and improve management of its own emissions.

Palmer’s attempt to avoid debt ‘cynical’

Clive Palmer has failed to convince a Queensland judge that his petroleum company shouldn't have to cough up almost $23 million it owes a Singapore-based exploration company, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Palmer Petroleum lost its bid to have the debt set aside in the Brisbane Supreme Court on Friday.

Justice David Boddice dismissed the court action, describing it as nothing more than a “cynical attempt” to deflect responsibility for the debt owed to BGP exploration.