Energy & Natural Resources

Mining giant Rio Tinto is considering ceasing operations at Australia's largest aluminium smelter amid rising energy costs.

Baker McKenzie has recruited two new partners from Allens and King & Wood Mallesons to bolster the ranks of its energy and tax practices.

The ACCC has asked a judge to slap Queensland-based mining equipment company Qteq with a penalty of between $11 million and $13 million after he found the company and its chairman attempted to engage in cartel conduct. 

A partner who has advised on landmark energy and infrastructure projects is headed back to Ashurst, after a two-year stint at Gilbert + Tobin.

Spanish infrastructure firm Acciona is mulling cross-claims against contractor Veolia Australia after losing its fight to move their dispute over the Kwinana waste-to-energy project west, a court has heard.

Electricity company Tilt Renewables has won government approval for a 40 MW wind farm in Western Australia's Wheatbelt.

A GIO insurance policy held by labour hire company Workpac extended to indemnify a Rio Tinto mine operator for damages resulting from an injury to a worker, an appeals court has found.

The federal government plans to significantly increase penalties for companies that contravene environment laws as it moves forward with a suite of changes described by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young as “not worth the paper they’re printed on”.

Australia has reached an agreement with the US for the supply of critical minerals and rare earths amid increasing competition with China, starting with projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. 

Infrastructure giant Acciona must fight a $224M lost-revenue case by contractor Veolia Australia over the Kwinana waste-to-energy plant on Veolia's home turf.