BHP threatens union with court action over proposed 24-hour stoppages

BHP Billiton has threatened to take the union representing coal train drivers to court in response to proposed strike action next week over stalled wage talks, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

BHP Mt Arthur Coal general manager Mark van den Heuvel has written to the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union saying the company will take “all necessary steps”, including legal action, to prevent harm to its business from any industrial action.

The threat is similar to one made last year by Xstrata Coal when train drivers working for Pacific National went on strike in response to a stalemate in their salary negotiations.

Coal train drivers based in the Hunter who work for Aurizon say the company has refused to budge in its negotiations since May.

Origin energy focused on LNG exports

Origin Energy has flagged potential liquefied natural gas exports from a high-risk, high-return offshore well being drilled off New Zealand's South Island, according to The Australian.

Speaking after the company's first-half results, managing director Grant King said Origin was looking at opportunities to build its LNG exposure once the $US24.7 billion Australia Pacific LNG plant it is building with ConocoPhillips at Gladstone starts delivering cash after 2016.

Although it was early days in the strategy, the big Caravel prospect off the coast of Dunedin was of a magnitude to support LNG exports if the $50 million-plus well being drilled there came off.

Santos CSG project leaps forward with NSW deal

Santos has secured a guarantee from the NSW government for an assessment of its controversial Narrabri coal seam gas project in a significant move towards the realisation of the venture, according to the Australian Financial Review.