Archived News for Engineering Professionals - March, 2014
The biggest mining project in Australia is now locked in, with Gina Rinehart securing a $7.2 billion deal for work at Roy Hill.
Toyota pays up after 'sticky pedal' deaths
Toyota will pay an incredible $1.32 billion to settle a criminal investigation into deadly safety issues
Broad soil study puts carbon future on the map
A new set of maps will establish a clear baseline for Australia’s soil organic carbon stocks.
Joyce jabs at Unions' safety hook
Alan Joyce has again lashed out at the Australian union movement, claiming it has been spreading rampant lies to fight efforts for more foreign investment.
Pumping dams could plug holes in power supply
Using a giant battery made of water and gravity, engineers have proposed a new way to store renewable energy to meet extra demands.
Cyborg seedlings grow new field of science
There is no doubt that plants are excellent, but a team of MIT engineers are looking to cutting-edge materials to make them even better.
Team takes title for long race on short supply
Two teams from Monash University have made their mark at the Shell Eco-Marathon.
Universal echoes bring Big Bang physics into a new age
Physicists have discovered evidence from the first few billionths of a second after the universe formed.
Council says more power can come in a thousand little sources
A new discussion paper says technology has solutions to the major cost of living for many.
Holland drops staff and sites to face new age of operation
The John Holland group, a giant of the Australian engineering and construction landscape, is shedding hundreds of staff and looking to sell one of its main facilities.
Sparks fly from friction to power the future
New developments could see the end of giant coal, gas or nuclear turbines, and the rise of electricity gathered by simple movement and friction.
Twin tunnels to link sides of Sydney for $3 billion
The Prime Minister and Premier of New South Wales have signed-off on a $3 billion tunnel project for Sydney commuters.
New drone fleet coming to keep remote eyes on borders, power
The Federal Government is buying a fleet of surveillance drones for border security and other duties, creating around 100 jobs for an estimated cost of $3 billion.
Academic minds turn to matters of mining
A new centre has been funded to study the effects of one of the world’s most dangerous professions.
New lasers to take aim at just one atom
It may soon be possible to cut and drill materials one atom at a time, using a super-focused laser.
Testing ground set for plasma jar to the stars
Australian engineers have their eyes on inter-stellar skies, and are about to test the jet engine that may take them there.
Australian team chasing goal to clear space with lasers
Australian engineers are working on a laser to shoot at space junk clogging up the area around Earth.
Big names drifting away from Abbot Point plan
The Queensland Government remains optimistic about the plan to expand the Abbot Point coal port terminal, despite very few interested private companies remaining.
Efforts to access iron in trans-Tasman seabed
New Zealand firm TransTasman Resources is looking to break open offshore iron sands, seeking permission for marine mining off the southern coast.
Incredible ocean link plan brings unknown risk
Progress appears to have been made on a $40 billion project to open a new link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Leaks and spills in Japan still, insiders say returning unwise
Experts have told media outlets that a decision to let Fukushima resident back into their homes is premature and potentially very dangerous.