AAP

Al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden has been killed in a US operation in Pakistan, President Barack Obama has announced.

A Qantas flight carrying about 100 mining workers from Perth has been turned back after a loud bang shook the plane.

The $US3.5 billion ($A3.19 billion) expansion of BHP Billiton's Samarco iron ore pellet joint venture in Brazil suggests a bullish long-term outlook for the steel-making commodity, analysts say.

The government must account for its proposed carbon tax in this month's federal budget or it won't be worth the paper it is written on, federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says.

Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan says he wants to turn the second mining boom into an opportunities boom.

The Australian share market has begun the week weaker after heavy losses last week.

The maritime union says waterfront workers on strike at Fremantle Port have had a "gutful" with stevedoring company Patrick's approach to wage negotiations.

Explosives and chemicals manufacturer Orica says it expects full year profit to be above last financial year, although the strong Australian dollar could cost the business $30 million in second half profit.

US stocks rose modestly on Friday, with Dow blue chips spurred by Caterpillar's earnings while the Nasdaq struggled after lacklustre Microsoft results and a poor Research in Motion forecast.

The Australian dollar has passed the 110 US-cent mark as the US dollar continued its weakness against most major currencies.

China seeks control over iron ore – The Fin; Mine boom raises fears of inflation – The Aus; Asian central banks buy $A in search of safety – The Fin; Strike spreads across country – The Aus; Margaret River mine ban rushed – The Fin

This article has been removed following an approach by lawyers for Mike Quigley and Jean-Pascal Beaufret.

Borrowers are expected to be spared an interest rate rise on Tuesday, even though inflation is showing signs of creeping up, economists say.

The Federal Court has dismissed an application by Kimberley gas hub opponent Joseph Roe to appeal a court ruling appointing replacements for him as a native title claim applicant.

The security contractor G4S has pleaded guilty to failing to prevent the heat-stroke death of an Aboriginal elder in the back of a prison van in Western Australia's goldfields region.

While the federal government continues to promise severe belt tightening in the May 10 budget, it would seem business and consumers are becoming less restrained.

Perth-based Platinum Australia has partly attributed a surge in quarterly production to the efforts of a new mining contractor, following industrial action at its Smokey Hills mine in South Africa.

A soaring Australian dollar produced a diving Australian sharemarket today, as investors decided that record dollar levels are bad for business.

Iron ore miner Murchison Metals has reported a fall in March quarter exports, due partly to flooding affecting production and haulage.

West Australian powerstation operator Verve Energy says a carbon tax would have to be set at up to $70 a tonne to force a shift to cleaner energy.

The Australian Greens will continue to pursue the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, which again has been suggested by the International Monetary Fund.

Shares in Paladin Energy and Extract Resources fell after reports that the Namibian government called for the state owned miner to have exclusive rights over certain strategic minerals including uranium.

Global beverages firm Foster's Group says the sharp rise in the value of the Australian dollar represents a business challenge.

Leighton Holdings has completed the sale of a 35 per cent stake in its Indian subsidiary to Indian conglomerate Welspun Group for an undisclosed amount.

Australian shares have opened 0.5 per cent lower on concerns that the record high local currency will dent the export and other overseas earnings of local companies.

The Australian dollar was slightly higher this morning, after dipping briefly overnight following weak US economic data.

US stocks rallied on Thursday as positive earnings reports lured investors to shrug off mixed economic data.

Blow-out in budget deficit to $50 billion – The Fin; Don't waste mining boom: IMF – The Aus; Kimberley gas safety deal sought – The West; Jobs cash works up debate – The Fin; Every AFL game live on TV in new deal – The West

Tim Johnston, the boss of discredited fuel pill company Firepower, continues to ignore Federal Court hearings to decide on a continuation of his overseas travel ban.

The Australian share market drifted away from early gains to close flat on Thursday as investors considered the effect a new high for the Australian dollar.

Starting next year, every AFL game for the next five seasons will be broadcast live under the new TV and internet rights deal which was finalised on Thursday.

The Australian dollar moved further into record territory on Thursday after the US central bank indicated it would not raise interest rates in the near future.