BMA offers free ‘black lung’ scanning

BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance will offer free scanning to all its coal workers following the outbreak of “black lung” in Queensland, according to the Australian Financial Review.

Asset president Rag Udd said it was “disturbing” that an independent review by Monash University found systemic failures in the current testing regime for coal workers when looking for the pneumoconiosis – a disease the industry thought had been eradicated 30 years ago.

BHP set to miss iron ore target as tough year continues

BHP Billiton appears to have fallen short of its iron ore export target, with declarations by rival miners suggesting BHP has shipped less than 260 million tonnes from Port Hedland during the 2016 financial year, according to the Australian Financial Review.

BHP was supposed to ship 270Mt from Western Australia (including tonnes owned by joint venture partners) during the year to June 30, but the company reduced the target to 260Mt in April because of adverse weather and railway maintenance.

Palmer given one week deadline on Townsville refinery safety

Clive Palmer has one week to take charge of safety at his Townsville nickel refinery or the Queensland government will make him, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Palmer regained control of the refinery in February under his new company Queensland Nickel Sales.

But QNS is yet to transfer the major hazard facility licence, which requires the operator to meet stringent safety conditions, from administrators FTI Consulting.