Shareholder activism: Update on the status of ‘advisory’ environmental resolutions in Australia

21 July, 2016
In its recent decision in Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility v Commonwealth Bank of Australia [2016] FCAFC 80, the Full Court of the Federal Court (Full Court) dismissed an appeal by the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR). This decision has effectively ended the prospect of shareholder activists proposing ‘advisory’ resolutions relating to the management … Read more

English High Court allows group claim to proceed against UK-domiciled mining company in relation to acts of subsidiary company abroad

21 June, 2016
The English High Court has rejected jurisdiction challenges by UK-domiciled mining company Vedanta Resources PLC and its Zambian-domiciled subsidiary Konkola Copper Mines PLC, allowing a group claim brought by 1,826 Zambian villagers in respect of alleged environmental pollution from the copper mine in Zambia to proceed against both companies: Lungowe & others v Vedanta Resources … Read more

Extension of WA co-funding drilling exploration program

31 March, 2016
The Western Australian State Government (State) recently announced the thirteenth round of applications for the Co-Funded Exploration Drill Program (Program), with an additional $5 million in grants available for explorative drilling programs in the 2016 / 2017 year. To date, prior Program rounds have provided funding of approximately $23 million to explorers, miners and prospectors. … Read more

Mining & Petroleum Law – NSW legislative changes update #2

22 March, 2016
Maximum term of exploration licences extended from 5 to 6 yearsOn 1 March 2016 the Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Harmonisation) Act 2015 (NSW) (Harmonisation Act) commenced by proclamation (except Schedule 2(23) which commenced on 18 December 2015). The object of the Harmonisation Act is to bring the Mining Act 1992 (NSW) (Mining Act) and … Read more

Mining & Petroleum Law – NSW legislative changes update #1

22 March, 2016
Renewal application for exploration licences: onus to justify larger than default area shifts to applicantOn 1 March 2016 the Mining and Petroleum Legislation Amendment (Harmonisation) Act 2015 (NSW) (Harmonisation Act) commenced by proclamation (except Schedule 2(23) which commenced on 18 December 2015). The Harmonisation Act forms part of a suite of 5 Acts, the object … Read more