BHP Billiton invites coal to join new world order

Two weeks before Andrew Mackenzie extended his mission of simplicity to Australian industrial relations, the coal workers of Queensland were offered documentary evidence of exactly what the BHP Billiton chief executive might have in mind, according to the Australian Financial Review.

“BHP Billiton believes it's in the national interest to simplify workplace agreements so that our teams have the flexibility to succeed in the global market,” Mackenzie said on Wednesday.

Peabody problems felt around the industry

Peabody Energy's deepening financial woes come as other local coal miners have been retrenching staff and dumping mines amid the worst downturn in the coal market in decades, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Just last week, BHP axed 300 jobs from one of its mines in the Hunter Valley, citing continued low prices, and Rio Tinto is seeking to offload the bulk of its local mines.

Qld govt wants local employees at mines

The Queensland government will ensure mining projects will have to employ local workers before considering fly-in, fly-out workers, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

On Thursday, Mines Minister Anthony Lynham tabled in parliament the government's response to a committee report that called for proponents to focus on local workforces first.