Monday, July 23, 2012
End of Australia's Mining Boom Inevitable: Hockey
Opposition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey has described the federal government's forecast budget surplus as smoke and mirrors after a new report tipping the end of the mining boom.
A Deloitte Access Economics report says Australia's mining boom is about to peak and an economic slowdown is inevitable.
Mr Hockey says the report confirms the coalition's criticism of the government's economic management.
"The government has built a budget that is wholly captive to the mining boom and the taxes to be collected from mining taxes," he told reporters in Sydney on Monday.
"Now it's apparent the budget is unravelling because it was built on smoke and mirrors."
The shadow treasurer said the government had failed to address the inevitable economic downturn that followed an economic peak.
"Every boom ends, otherwise it wouldn't be a boom," Mr Hockey said.
"When the mining boom sneezes, the budget gets pneumonia."
The coalition said the government now needed to explain how it would scramble back to a forecast $1.5 billion budget surplus for 2012/13.
"I'm calling on the government to come clean about what taxes and what levies it will introduce to try and make up for the budget black hole," Mr Hockey said.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Australia's Commodities Price Boom is Over: Ferguson
Australia blew the last mining boom and can no longer rely on high commodities prices, federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says, as China's economy continues to slow.
"From here on in, the premium prices are gone," Mr Ferguson told AAP at the opening of the new Australian Minerals Research Centre in Perth on Friday.
"We're not going to see iron ore at $US180-$US190 a tonne, we're not going to see thermal coal at about $US170 (a tonne), coking coal at about $US320 a tonne any more.
"The only way we will maintain our revenue stream as a country, at a state and federal level, is if we expand capacity."
While Australia was in the midst of the greatest mining boom in its history - with $270 billion committed to future projects and $230 billion more potentially on the way - it had failed to fully cash in on the previous boom of the mid-2000s, the resources minister said.
"Australia did not, as a nation, and nor did the companies, get the last resources boom right," he said.
"China grew quicker than expected - they failed to invest in capacity and we lost market share."
Mr Ferguson said Australia was already disadvantaged by its high labour costs and the resources sector needed to be more efficient.
"We are, in essence, a high-wage economy," he said.
"As grades fall and input costs rise, the Australian resources sector will only continue to prosper if more efficient mining and processing techniques are implemented.
"For Australia to remain competitive in a global market in which low-wage competitors are emerging every year, we must ensure that we develop and employ technology."
As mining profits were squeezed, the nation needed to transform itself into a major exporter of minerals and petroleum services and technology, Mr Ferguson said.
This sector was already vibrant, worth $8.9 billion in global sales in 2008/09, he said.
The minister's reality check came as Australia's main trading partner, China, reported that its economic growth had slowed to a three-year low of 7.6 per cent for the June quarter, down from 8.1 per cent in the previous quarter.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Australian Koala 2012 Gold Proof Coins Released by Perth Mint
Marking the fifth year for the gold coin series, the Perth Mint of Australia has released four 2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins, including one in high-relief.
These four strikes are featured in different sizes but all contain the same reverse image chosen by the Perth Mint for use on its series of 2012 koala coins.
Sizes for the Koala Gold Proof Coins include 2 ounces, 1 ounce, 1/10 ounce and 1/25 ounce. The 1 ounce strike is featured in high-relief. All four are struck to proof quality from 99.99% pure gold.
Coins of the series debuted in 2008. They followed a companion series of silver coins which made their first appearance the previous year.
The Perth Mint changes the reverse design of the koala coins annually. In 2008, an adult koala was depicted sitting on a eucalyptus tree branch with its young clinging to its back. In 2009, a single koala was shown sitting on one branch while using its front paws to grasp another. They followed that design in 2010 with a koala clinging to a branch with all fours as it munched on eucalyptus leaves. Last year’s 2011 image depicted an adult koala in the fork of a eucalyptus tree as its young clings to one of the branches.
The design chosen for 2012 shows an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. It was designed by Perth Mint artist Alesha Howarth.
Reverse inscriptions on the coin include the size of the strike along with "9999 GOLD." The Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark is also shown on the reverse.
The obverse contains Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. It is surrounded by
the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," the year and the face value of the coin.
Each of these Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins is struck as legal tender of Australia. The associated face value is AUD $200 for the two ounce coin, $100 for the one ounce, $15 for the 1/10 ounce and $5 for the 1/25 ounce.
Each coin is presented in a display case with a numbered certificate of authenticity indicating the maximum mintage of the strike. The coin, case and certificate are presented inside an illustrated shipper.
2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins are available worldwide directly from the Perth Mint of Australia with the exception of the two ounce and one ounce coins for purchasers from the United States. These must be purchased from an authorized distributor.
These four strikes are featured in different sizes but all contain the same reverse image chosen by the Perth Mint for use on its series of 2012 koala coins.
Sizes for the Koala Gold Proof Coins include 2 ounces, 1 ounce, 1/10 ounce and 1/25 ounce. The 1 ounce strike is featured in high-relief. All four are struck to proof quality from 99.99% pure gold.
Coins of the series debuted in 2008. They followed a companion series of silver coins which made their first appearance the previous year.
The Perth Mint changes the reverse design of the koala coins annually. In 2008, an adult koala was depicted sitting on a eucalyptus tree branch with its young clinging to its back. In 2009, a single koala was shown sitting on one branch while using its front paws to grasp another. They followed that design in 2010 with a koala clinging to a branch with all fours as it munched on eucalyptus leaves. Last year’s 2011 image depicted an adult koala in the fork of a eucalyptus tree as its young clings to one of the branches.
The design chosen for 2012 shows an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. It was designed by Perth Mint artist Alesha Howarth.
Reverse inscriptions on the coin include the size of the strike along with "9999 GOLD." The Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark is also shown on the reverse.
The obverse contains Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. It is surrounded by
the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," the year and the face value of the coin.
Each of these Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins is struck as legal tender of Australia. The associated face value is AUD $200 for the two ounce coin, $100 for the one ounce, $15 for the 1/10 ounce and $5 for the 1/25 ounce.
Specification for 2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins
| 2 oz | 1 oz | 1/10 oz | 1/25 oz | |
| Gold Content (Troy oz) | 2 | 1 | 1/10 | 1/25 |
| Face Value (AUD) | 200 | 100 | 15 | 5 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.99 | 99.99 | 99.99 | 99.99 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 62.215 | 31.107 | 3.111 | 1.244 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 41.10 | 27.30 | 16.60 | 14.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 3.90 | 5.00 | 1.50 | 1.40 |
| Mintage | 250 | 2,000 | 5,000 | 15,000 |
| Price (AUD) | $5,250.00 | $2,990.00 | $329.00 | $145.00 |
Each coin is presented in a display case with a numbered certificate of authenticity indicating the maximum mintage of the strike. The coin, case and certificate are presented inside an illustrated shipper.
2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins are available worldwide directly from the Perth Mint of Australia with the exception of the two ounce and one ounce coins for purchasers from the United States. These must be purchased from an authorized distributor.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
2012 Discover Australia Platinum Five Coin Set 1/10th Ounce Coins Perth Mint
2012 Discover Australia Platinum Five-Coin Set at The Perth Mint, featuring:
- 99.95% Pure Platinum in Proof Quality
- Five Brilliant New Australian Animal Designs
- Extremely Limited Mintage – 1,000
- Australian Legal Tender
- Presentation Packaging
- Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
- New One Year Series
| Platinum Content (Troy oz) | 0.10 |
| Monetary Denomination (AUD) | 15 |
| Fineness (% purity) | 99.95 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 3.112 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 16.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 1.32 |
99.95% Pure Platinum in Proof Quality
Each coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/10oz of 99.95% pure platinum in proof quality.Five Brilliant New Australian Animal Designs
The Red Kangaroo, the largest species of this famous animal, is native to Australia and found throughout the mainland across scrubland, grassland and desert habitats. The coin's reverse depicts a Red Kangaroo jumping across the ochred-coloured earth of the Australian outback. The inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and RED KANGAROO are also included in the design.The Kookaburra is one of Australia’s most recognisable birds, whose white-coloured plumage and brown facial stripe is distinctive as is its loud, laughing call. The coin’s reverse depicts a Kookaburra perched on a branch among the green leaves of a gum tree and the inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and KOOKABURRA.
The Green and Gold Bell Frog is an emerald to olive green coloured amphibian that often displays brown and gold markings. The coin's reverse depicts a Green and Gold Bell Frog resting on green reeds and includes the inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and GREEN & GOLD BELL FROG.
The Goanna is known as one of Australia’s largest monitor lizards. These reptiles are usually dark grey to black in colour and display cream or yellow scales, which form bands and spots, in contrast. Goannas are found throughout most of Australia in a variety of environments. The coin's reverse depicts a Goanna resting on yellow desert sand. The inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and GOANNA are also included in the design.
The Whale Shark is the world’s largest fish, yet despite its formidable size, is considered harmless. Found in coastal waters and the lagoons of coral atolls, this majestic creature was not discovered until 1828 although the species is actually millions of years old. The Whale Shark coin's reverse depicts a Whale Shark swimming through blue ocean waters. The inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and WHALE SHARK are also included in the design.
All the designs also include The Perth Mint’s famous ‘P’ mintmark.
Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 1,000 of each of these 1/10oz platinum proof coins.Australian Legal Tender
Issued as Australian legal tender, each coin's obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date and the monetary denomination.Numbered Certificates of Authenticity
The set is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity for each coin.Presentation Display Packaging
The iconic, themed display packaging includes a coloured shipper and display case with a classic timber lid.Tuesday, May 1, 2012
2012 Mini Roo 0.5g Gold Coin at The Perth Mint
- 99.99% Pure Gold
- Miniature Kangaroo Coin
- Iconic Reverse Design
- Australian Legal Tender
- Affordable Precious Metal Gift
- Presentation Packaging
This delicate, button-sized release represents a golden opportunity for anyone to own an iconic Australian coin.
Extremely affordable, the delightful Mini Roo presents collectors with the chance to add a ‘joey’ to their collection. A precious collectable or gift that will stand the test of time.
99.99% Pure Gold
The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 0.5g of 99.99% pure gold.Iconic Reverse Design
The Mini Roo gold bullion coin design portrays a kangaroo in a standing pose, against the background of a bush windmill and water tank. As well as its weight and fineness, The Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark also appears on the reverse.
Australian Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.
Presentation Packaging
The 2012 Mini Roo is housed in a protective acrylic capsule and presented in a colourful wallet-sized card.Sunday, April 15, 2012
CHINESE ASTROLOGICAL SERIES 2012 YEAR OF THE DRAGON GOLD COIN 'PROSPERITY' Perth Mint Australia Gold
- Proof Quality 1/5oz 99.99% Pure Gold
- Year of the Dragon Design
- Chinese Character for 'Prosperity'
- Issued as Legal Tender
- Presentation Case
- Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, the birth dates for people ruled by this Chinese Lunar sign include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012. Those born under the influence of this sign are said to be confident, enterprising, independent, self-assured, brave, and passionate.
Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold
Celebrating the 2012 Year of the Dragon, this coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/5oz of 99.99% pure gold in proof quality.Year of the Dragon Design
The reverse design depicts a dragon holding a pearl marked with the Chinese character for prosperity – Fu.Issued as Legal Tender
Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the obverse of the coin bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.Limited Mintage
No more than 2,000 of these coins will be released individually.Presentation Case
Each coin is housed in a presentation case featuring a timber lid and a stylised shipper accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.CHINESE ASTROLOGICAL SERIES 2012 YEAR OF THE DRAGON GOLD COIN 'PROSPERITY' Perth Mint Australia Gold
Sunday, April 8, 2012
2012 Discover Australia – Kookaburra 1/2oz, 1/10oz, 1/25oz Gold Proof Coins Perth Mint Australia Gold
2012 Discover Australia – Kookaburra Gold Proof Coins at The Perth Mint, featuring:
- Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold
- Kookaburra Design
- Australian Legal Tender
- H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Obverse
- Extremely Limited Mintage
- Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
- Presentation Packaging
- New One Year Series
Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold
These 2012 coins are struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz, 1/10oz and 1/25oz of 99.99% pure gold in proof quality.Kookaburra Design
The coin’s reverse depicts a Kookaburra perched on a tree branch partially submerged in a river, and the inscriptions DISCOVER AUSTRALIA and KOOKABURRA. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also included in the design.Australian Legal Tender
The coins are issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965.H.M. Queen Elizabeth II Obverse
Each coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more than 500 1/2oz gold coins, 1,000 1/10oz gold coins and 2,500 1/25oz gold coins.Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.Presentation Packaging
Each coin is housed in presentation packaging comprising a display case featuring a timber lid and a superbly illustrated box-shipper.
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