SCIENCE

Government Approves $10.4B GVK Coal Mine, Rail Project in Galilee Basin

The adage that when a door closes, another window opens appears true for Australia's mining sector BHP Billiton announced it will no longer push through with its Olympic Dam expansion project, the federal government approved the $10.4-billion coal mine and rail project of Indian firm GVK Power and Infrastructure in Galilee Project.
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Groups Seek Preservation of Alice Springs from Uranium Mining

Green and health groups are seeking protection of Alice Springs from uranium mining. To give the initiative a stronger push, the Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) and the Public Health Association of Australian (PHAA) asked Northern Territory Resources Minister Kon Vatskalis to come up with a special reserve land order.

ILVA, Italy’s Largest Steelmaker to Close Shop, Thousands of Jobs at Risk

A manufacturing plant in Taranto, Italy by ILVA, Italy's largest steel maker, may be forced to close shop after a court ruling released over the weekend ordered the particular plant cannot fabricate steel while in the process of carrying out court-ordered improvements to its production line in light of the environmental and public health hazards it has created to its community.

Filipinos Tap Social Networks in Dealing with Floods

The more than 300 millimetres of rain that the monsoon dumped on Metro Manila and nearby Philippine provinces failed to dampen the Filipinos' penchant for updating their statuses on social networking sites.

Monsoon Rains Dump 300 MM in Metro Manila, Thrice Daily Average

Despite the absence of a typhoon, monsoon rains which dumped 300 millimetres (12 inches) of rain in the Philippine national capital region (NCR) caused half of Metro Manila to be flooded. The amount is thrice the daily average of 80 to 100 mm of rain, the Philippine weather bureau said.

Floods Inundate Philippine Capital

Despite the lack of a storm signal, torrential rains since Monday flooded parts of the Philippines, especially the national capital region (NCR). Hard hit by the heavy rains is Metro Manila where some parts are several metres deep in flood water.

Canberra Libs Reverse Stand on Plastic Bag Ban

The Liberals in Canberra promised to repeal the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) ban on free plastic bags if they grab the territory's political leadership after the October ACT polls. The position is a U-turn from the previous stand taken by the Libs in 2004.

August 2012 Blue Moon and Tales of Love and Massive Tragedies

The Blue Moon in August brings to mind the frequently asked questions about the cosmic event. Along with the questions come tales of love and deadly tragedies, and this is the case every two or three years, when there is an extra full moon in a year.

Abbott Insists Aussies Still Fear Carbon Tax

Using the half glass point of view, Opposition leader Tony Abbott insisted on Monday that despite recent survey results showing more acceptance of the carbon tax, many Aussies still dislike the $23 per tonne carbon price.

Survey Shows Less Opposition to Carbon Tax Among Australians

A second survey in less than one week and barely a month since the Gillard government started to collect the controversial carbon price of $23 per tonne would put a smile on Prime Minister Julia Gillard's face and a frown on Opposition leader Tony Abbott's. The report by Nielsen, released Monday and two days short of the one-month mark of the levy, said opposition to the carbon tax has been easing. Similar findings were reported by the Climate Institute last week.

WA Bans Coalmining in Margaret River Tourist Zone

Western Australia (WA) banned on Wednesday coalmining in the wine and tourism region of Margaret River. The prohibition was made by WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore who declared a no coalmining zone which covers 230 square kilometers.

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