Rio Tinto, Anglo push for stronger NSW rules

Rio Tinto, Anglo American and Shenhua Group have told the NSW government that proposed legislative amendments – to prioritise the economic significance of mining projects during the environmental approvals process – should go further, to help save investment and jobs, according to the Australian Financial Review.

The controversial amendments, which are being fiercely opposed by environmental and community groups, are intended to give more certainty to the planning process for mines and help investor confidence. The mining giants are among the resources majors arguing the changes don’t go far enough.

In its submission to the State Environmental Planning Policy for Mining, Rio Tinto Coal Australia described the uncertainty in NSW’s planning system as a “significant disincentive” to investment in the state.

Newcrest delays report on internal probe into disclosure controversy

Newcrest Mining's internal investigation into the continuous disclosure controversy that engulfed the gold producer in June is set to extend beyond the completion date originally advised by chairman Don Mercer, according to The Australian.

When Mercer announced the probe on June 25, he said it might take a couple of months.

Miners tipped to ride out ore price slump amid positive signs from China

Australia’s mining heavyweights are increasingly confident they can emerge from the iron ore market's annual witching hour in better shape than recent years, with key indicators out of China suggesting comparatively favourable conditions ahead, according to The Australian.

August and September have historically proved painful for iron ore prices, but a mix of low stockpiles, healthy steel production and increased confidence in China's economy are shaping up to insulate iron ore prices during the upcoming seasonal weakness.