Australia - The African Mirror

Apr

2024

China labels US comments on Taiwan and AUKUS ‘dangerous’

CHINA'S government labelled as "dangerous" comments by a senior U.S. diplomat that the AUKUS submarine project between Australia, Britain and the United States could help deter any Chinese move against Taiwan. The project, finalised by the three countries last year, involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of the allies' efforts to push back against China's growing power in the Indo-Pacific region. Speaking last week, the U.S. State Department's No. 2 diplomat, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, said the new submarine capabilities would enhance peace and stability, including in the strait that separates China and Taiwan. China claims democratically governed…

Apr

2024

By The African Mirror

Australia’s Fortescue partners with OCP Group for green energy development in Morocco

BUSINESS

AUSTRALIA'S Fortescue said that it would form a joint venture with OCP Group to supply green hydrogen, ammonia and fertilizers to Morocco, Europe and international markets, as the iron ore miner looks to transform itself into a green energy superpower with a global footprint. Fortescue's equal partnership with the Moroccan fertilizer producer includes the potential development of manufacturing facilities and a research and development hub in Marrakesh. "The partners' objective is to supply green hydrogen and ammonia for use both as sources of green energy and in the manufacture of carbon-neutral and customized fertilizers," Fortescue said. The partners have also proposed…

Nov

2023

By RENJU JOSE

Australia to apologise half a century after ‘Thalidomide tragedy’

WORLD

AUSTRALIA will issue a national apology to all citizens affected by the "Thalidomide tragedy", Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, more than half a century after babies were born with birth defects when mothers took the morning sickness pill. Thalidomide was the active ingredient in a sedative widely distributed to many mothers in Australia and around the world in the early 1960s. It was found to cause malformation of limbs, facial features and internal organs in unborn children. "The thalidomide tragedy is a dark chapter in the history of our nation and the world," Albanese said in a statement. "The survivors,…

Nov

2023

By The African Mirror

Saudi Arabia clear to host 2034 World Cup after Australia drops out

FOOTBALL

SAUDI Arabia was left as a shoo-in to host the 2034 World Cup after Australia confirmed it would not make a bid for soccer's global showpiece on Tuesday's deadline day. World soccer's governing body FIFA had invited bids from Asia and Oceania for the tournament by October 31. Football Australia (FA) boss James Johnson had said the country was "exploring the possibility" of 2034, but on Tuesday the domestic governing body said it would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. Australia's decision not to proceed with 2034 leaves Saudi Arabia…

Oct

2023

By The African Mirror

Australia’s AVZ Minerals to file arbitration over contested Congo lithium mine

NEWS

Australia's AVZ Minerals said that it plans to file an emergency arbitration application, seeking injunctive relief against Cominiere to prohibit any transaction related to the contested Manono lithium mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Last week, China's Zijin Mining said joint venture Manono Lithium SAS, in which its unit Jinxiang Lithium owns a 61% stake and DRC's state-owned Cominiere has the remaining interest, was granted rights over the northeast tenement of the Manono mine. AVZ is seeking relief under International Criminal Court rules to maintain and preserve the rights of Dathcom Mining SA, which it said owns the Manono project.…

Oct

2023

By SAURABH SHARMA

South Africa thump Australia to stay unbeaten at World Cup

SPORT

SOUTH Africa crushed Australia by 134 runs to cruise to their second victory at the World Cup, as Quinton de Kock struck back-to-back tons and Aiden Markram made a half-century before the bowlers ripped through the five-times champions. Chasing 312, Australia lost half their wickets for 65 runs and struggled against Kagiso Rabada (3-33), Marco Jansen (2-54) and Keshav Maharaj (2-30) as they folded for 177 in 40.5 overs with Marnus Labuschagne (46) their only batsman to fire. The comprehensive victory was built on a platform provided by De Kock, who scored 109 while Markram made a handy 56 to…

Jul

2023

By The African Mirror

Women’s World Cup 2023: start date, schedule, teams, venues and final

FOOTBALL

Here's what you need to know about the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand: WHEN DOES THE WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023 START? * This year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will be held from July 20-August 20. * The tournament will begin with a Group A match between hosts New Zealand and Norway on July 20. WHICH TEAMS ARE TAKING PART? The World Cup will feature 32 teams and begin with a group stage, with teams divided into eight groups of four. * Group A: New Zealand (hosts), Norway,…

Jun

2023

By RENJU JOSE

Driver charged after Australia’s worst bus accident in decades kills 10 wedding guests

WORLD

A man was charged with dangerous driving after at least 10 wedding guests were killed when the bus they were travelling in crashed at a roundabout in Australia's worst bus accident in almost 30 years, police said. Twenty-five people were injured in the accident around 11:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) on Sunday near the town of Greta, about 180 km (112 miles) northwest of Sydney, police said. The bus carrying 35 passengers left the road and flipped onto its side at a roundabout after a wedding in the Hunter region, a rural area famous for its vineyards and wedding spots. Police…

Feb

2023

By The African Mirror

Australia deploys more experts, equipment to search for lost radioactive capsule

WORLD

MELANIE BURTON and LEWIS JACKSON AUSTRALIAN authorities sent out more personnel and specialised detection equipment to search for a tiny radioactive capsule missing somewhere in the outback, including a team from the country's nuclear safety agency. The capsule is believed to have fallen from a road train - a truck with multiple trailers - that made a 1,400 km (870 miles) journey in Western Australia and its loss has triggered a radiation alert for large parts of the vast state. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said on Monday that it would take five days to retrace the road…

Jan

2023

By The African Mirror

Four killed, three injured after choppers collide mid-air in Australia

WORLD

TWO helicopters collided in mid-air near a popular tourist attraction in Australia's Gold Coast region, killing four people and critically injuring three more, authorities said. Emergency services were called to the scene near the Sea World theme park at about 2 p.m. local time, Gary Worrell, acting inspector at the Queensland police, told a news briefing. Worrell said the two aircraft crash-landed after the collision. "As a result of that, four people have lost their lives today." The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it had launched an investigation into the accident. Thomson Reuters Foundation