ALTHOUGH Australia’s resource-reliant economy is feeling the pain of lower commodity prices, high construction and infrastructure costs, and falling investment, it is not right to say the mining boom is over. Such statements are not conducive to encouraging a turnaround in fortunes and, if anything, create more doom and gloom than warranted.
The Indonesian Government’s proposal to increase coal mining royalties to 13.5% of net sales in 2014 from the current rate of 5-7% is aimed at equating the payments of every coal miner in the archipelago, the timing is questionable as is the likely impact on small mining companies. Globally the industry is struggling from a number of factors, including low prices, rising supply and lack of capital, and Indonesia’s producers are being hit hard.
THERE are mixed messages coming from the Philippines, all of which impact the mining industry and mining investment – positively or negatively. In these difficult global times for mining, it is important that the Aquino Government achieves a sustainable balance so that mining proceeds, investment increases, Filipino people benefit and the environment is not compromised. Easier said than done, but the government has to date shown a commitment to work towards this balance, which stands it in good stead in the quest to effectively manage all competing interests.
IN these difficult times for the mining industry the support factors of networking and education are more important than ever. Establishing, maintaining and growing networks can provide many benefits to mining companies and the METS sector – chatting with like-minded peers, discussing successes and failures, sharing expertise, and learning about different situations. Education is always important in developing business but during troubled times it is even more important as this is when things must be done better or differently if companies are to survive.