MARKETS

Resources returns

THE good news is the Resources portfolio has returned in its own right. The bad news, some may say, is that the role is no longer filled by Ian Macfarlane, whose gravelly voice has long sounded out over industry issues.

Kristie Batten
Resources returns

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has instead made former Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg Minister for Resources, Energy and Northern Australia as part of his Cabinet reshuffle.

A dedicated resources and energy portfolio was absent from Tony Abbott’s Cabinet, with the role instead being incorporated into the Industry portfolio.

Northern Australia is a new portfolio, but one Turnbull said was a key element of the government’s agenda.

“Josh Frydenberg is a powerful advocate,” Turnbull said.

“We have a great story to tell on Northern Australia. It is a region of immense opportunity. It needs a powerful advocate and there are few that can match Josh's dynamism and passion for change and for the development of our nation.”

Frydenberg said he was humbled to be appointed to the role.

“It is a great privilege to be able to serve in Prime Minister Turnbull’s Cabinet in this capacity,” he said.

“I look forward to working hard to ensure our nation has a productive and innovative resources and energy sector and a Northern Australia which fully capitalises on its enormous potential.

Ian Macfarlane’s other role, Industry, went to Christopher Pyne.

Turnbull paid tribute to Macfarlane’s contribution, describing him as “one of my very, very best friends in this place”.

The Minerals Council of Australia described Macfarlane’s services to the resources industry, both under Abbott and John Howard, as “outstanding”

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions