Queenslanders want to phase out coal to save Great Barrier Reef: poll

Queenslanders believe coal mining should be phased out to save the Great Barrier Reef, with concern over the impact mining is having on one of the world's greatest natural icons, according to the Australian Financial Review.

The Essential Research poll, commissioned by environmental activists 350.org, surveyed more than 1000 Queenslanders and 501 people from outside the state on their views on the reef, mining and impacts to the environment.

Australian firms will win Oyu Tolgoi work

Australia's export credit agency says the fact procurement work for the massive Oyu Tolgoi expansion will be conducted from Rio Tinto's Brisbane office should help small Australian contractors to win their share of work on the project, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The federal government's Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) was this week confirmed as one of 20 lenders behind a $US4.4 billion ($6.1 billion) debt package for the Mongolian mine expansion, with EFIC contributing $US150 million.

Lithium on the rise

Prices for lithium are soaring as traditional demand from ceramics and glass manufacturers coincides with rising demand from lithium ion battery and electric vehicle manufacturers, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Lithium prices rose from $US4900 ($6774) per tonne to $5900 per tonne in the year to October 2015, and since then the price has almost doubled to $10,000/t.

UBS analyst Matthew Schembri said the onset of the northern winter had crimped production of lithium in China and duly created a shortage, and he predicted the price could continue rising over the next six months.