BHP calls for productivity boost

BHP Billiton has warned that Australia must boost productivity and cut red tape in order to adapt to the changing landscape of resources demand, according to The Australian Financial Review.

BHP president of HSEC marketing and technology Mike Henry was quoted as saying Australia had a comparative advantage in some commodities, but most long-term growth was shifting to commodities the country was not as well-positioned for.

“We all know that an important aspect of Australia’s economic prosperity for the past 10 years has been driven by Chinese demand and urbanisation,” Henry said.

“Unfortunately we don’t see that for all commodities.”

NSW and SA border agreement

The New South Wales and South Australian governments signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday to improve cross-border cooperation – a move expected to be a boon for the uranium sector.

The MOU will promote proactive jurisdictions that welcome overseas resources investment, renew commitment to collaborative exploration initiatives and develop geological and regulatory information.

“This collaboration should also assist in raising the profile of the uranium and base-metal rich Curnamona province as a destination for resource-related investment, and will ensure both states reach the full potential offered by our mineral endowment especially in the Braemar province," NSW Resources and Energy Minister Chris Hartcher said.

Base project ready to go

Africa-focused Base Resources is set to launch Kenya’s first large-scale international mining project ¬– delayed since 2006 – with exports expected by the end of the year, according to Reuters.

The report confirmed the Kwale mineral sands project would produce 330,000 tonnes of ilmenite per annum, or about 10% of the world supply, as well as 80,000t of rutile, or 14% of global output.

The project had experienced delays due to financing problems, environmental protests, disputes with local farmers and government red tape.