Mining industry stopping AD push

MELBOURNE - Australia's mining sector on Thursday axed TV ads campaigning against a resources tax after pleas from new Prime Minister Julia Gillard, raising hopes of a thaw in a row that helped topple her predecessor.

Global giant BHP Billiton and the country's top mining lobby group both shelved their campaigns against the planned tax, which was partly blamed for ex-leader Kevin Rudd's sharp drop in public support.

"The board determined to suspend advertising as a gesture of goodwill in the expectation that the consultations will be meaningful and constructive," said Mitch Hooke, head of the Minerals Council of Australia.