ConocoPhillips, Xstrata donate to floods

American oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips has pledged to donate $1 million towards
the Queensland floods crisis, while Swiss miner Xstrata says it will double its
contribution to the cause to $2 million.
Both donations will be made to the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.
ConocoPhillips chief executive Jim Mulva said the donation would be used to replace
essential items lost in the floods, restore infrastructure and provide aid to those
in need.
Xstrata chief executive Mick Davis said the company decided to increase the size of
its donation in light of the enormity of the disaster and magnitude of the
rebuilding challenges ahead.
"We urge other companies to also respond to the premier's plea for financial
support," Mr Davis said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said Xstrata was also reviewing other opportunities to provide financial and
other direct forms of assistance.
Xstrata has substantial coal, zinc, copper and technology operations in the state,
while ConocoPhillips is joint venturing with Origin Energy Ltd at the Australia
Pacific LNG project at Gladstone.
Also on Tuesday, Wesfarmers Ltd said it would donate $5 million to the Queensland
Premier's flood relief appeal, bringing its total contributions to the cause to more
than $7.5 million.
Additionally, Wesfarmers said more than $3.5 million had also been collected from
customer donations through its retail businesses, such as Coles, Bunnings, Target,
Kmart and Officeworks.
Queensland-based travel group Flight Centre also said it would guarantee a minimum
$2 million donation.
Flight Centre has been affected by the floods, which forced it to close about 70 of
its retail and corporate travel outlets at various times last week due to power
outages, while four stores in Brisbane still remain closed, although they are
expected to reopen this week.
Wesfarmers downgraded full year coal sales estimates from its Curragh mine in
Queensland after flooding hampered operations.
AAP rl



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