Energy & Natural Resources

A judge has vacated a hearing in Energy Resources' lawsuit challenging a decision not to renew its lease for the Jabiluka uranium mine in the Northern Territory after hearing there were "good prospects" the case could be resolved. 

Rio Tinto has signed a $430 million partnership agreement with Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. to fast track development of its copper-gold project in Western Australia's Great Sandy Desert.

Western Power, Ventia, and a property owner found jointly liable for loss arising from the Parkerville bushfire are equally liable to each other for any costs orders in favour of the plaintiffs in the case, after a judge found he could not disturb existing costs orders in a new proceeding.

Gilbert + Tobin has snagged an Allens partner with expertise on major transactions and projects for its energy, infrastructure and resources group.

AGL has sued Siemens for damages stemming from a generator outage at its coal-fired power station in Victoria's LaTrobe Valley, which the energy company said at the time had resulted in a $70 million profit hit.

Petrol giant Ampol has announced it is exiting the retail electricity market in Australia and New Zealand, divesting its assets to AGL and Meridian to direct its focus towards electric vehicle charging and renewable fuels. 

The High Court has been asked to weigh in on whether issue and Anshun estoppel apply to SOP Act claims, with a South Australian wind farm seeking to overturn a ruling ordering it to make a $21 million progress payment to joint venture partners GE Renewable Energy and Elecnor.

NSW has approved 10 renewable energy projects to connect to the state's first renewable energy zone.

Herbert Smith Freehills has bolstered its Brisbane energy practice by luring a pair of partners from Allens and Johnson Winter Slattery.

Rio Tinto has put down $75 million for Zanthus Resources' interest in the Yarraloola Iron Ore project assets in Western Australia's Pilbara region as part of a joint venture with Mitsui & Co and Nippon Steel.