Source: Mining Weekly                             Date: 12 October, 2011

Australia may force mining companies with operations in America to utilize more local content in exchange for tariff concessions. A similar policy could be introduced to Mongolia for it aim to introduce more Mongolian enterprises into the mining sector, butt local suppliers can rise to the level of foreign supplying companies. The change could effect a 5 percent reduction on imported materials for projects worth AUD 2 billion or more, unless firms provide an equal opportunity for Australian manufacturers to supply the project.
“We already required these plans for our major procurements, the Commonwealth's major procurements, and we will now work with states and territories to ensure Australian suppliers have opportunities to compete for projects and work,” said Prime Minister Julia Gillard. She added that the federal government would require “more comprehensive evidence” of opportunities offered to Australian industry, and resource companies would be required to list the opportunities for the Australian manufacturing sector on a public website.