Staff Reporters

Forge Group subsidiary Cimeco has won key contracts to assist in the upgrade of FQM Nickel's Ravensthorpe project, in a deal worth $23 million.

The Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced extra disaster assistance for the flood-stricken area around Carnarvon in the State's north.

Mining contractor Brierty has appointed ex-Gindalbie general manager Peter McBain as its new chief executive.

Philippines-based gold miner CGA Mining has recorded record production for the seventh consecutive quarter.

WA litigation funder IMF says damages from Microsoft will probably not be paid to its client Uniloc until 2012 at the earliest.

Renewables developer Carnegie Wave Energy has signed a funding agreement with the Irish Government to evaluate potential wave energy sites in the country and develop conceptual designs.

No lead contamination has been found on Magellan Metals shipping containers, the Environment Mininster Bill Marmion announced late yesterday.

WA-based iron ore miner Atlas Iron says production from its mines is rapidly increasing, causing cash reserves to increase 58 per cent since September.

Oil explorer Range Resources has been admitted to the FTSE AIM All Share Index after satisfying the necessary liquidity requirements.

Building approvals fell in November as the Melbourne Cup interest rate hike weighed on building activity, economists say.

Opposition Leader Eric Ripper maintains he has the numbers to see off a challenge for his job from treasury spokesman Ben Wyatt.

Magellan Metals has stopped all mining and processing in the wake of its lead contamination scare.

Stockbroking and funds management firm Euroz has almost doubled it's half year profit compared to 2009, with a net after tax profit of $18.4 million.

Shadow treasurer and potential Labor leader Ben Wyatt is expected to address the media this afternoon after spending the morning in meetings with the party's Right faction.

WA litigation funder IMF Australia has announced a win for client Uniloc against software giant Microsoft overnight.

Engineering and construction company Clough will provide offshore installation support for a Chinese firm after receiving a letter of intent from the company.

The market value of Western Australia's 100 largest companies rose 14.7 per cent during 2010, outperforming most other market indices, and finishing the year at $192.5 billion.

Fortescue Metals Group has kicked off 2011 by appointing ex-Thiess executive Neville Power to the post of chief operating officer.

Eight-month delays at the Gorgon gas project and Queensland's flood crisis have resulted in contractor AJ Lucas Group forecasting a sharp fall in first-half earnings.

The Department of Environment and Conservation is inspecting 102 Magellan Metals containers used to transport lead carbonate through the port of Fremantle.

Recruitment firm Humanis has settled a legal dispute relating to its 2009 takeover of Westaff Inc, while also announcing a board restructure following the successful acquisition of ResCo Services.

Property manager Peet has chosen to close its $62 million Yanchep syndicate capital raising early, but is still negotiation with several investors to come on board.

Premier Colin Barnett has confirmed that an independent review of the Office of Shared Services (OSS) will take place, after ongoing concerns from government departments and the auditor-general.

Local internet and telecommunications provider Eftel is in the middle of a structural overhaul to breathe life into its struggling operations.

Manganese miner OM Holdings has entered into a RM65.5 million ($20.9 million) agreement to acquire land in West Malaysia for a sintering and smelting plant.

Online sales will kill jobs: retailers - The Aus; Labor ready to dump Ripper - The Aus; Grounded Burrup boss loses jet to the receivers - SMH; Lead breaches may date to 2009 - The West; Corporate M&A activity surges - The Age

Construction companies John Holland and Pindan have won major contracts to build new hospital facilities at Albany and Kalgoorlie respectively.

A peak industry group has expressed dismay at a Fair Work Australia ruling handed down today, which it says will encourage a 'strike first, commence bargaining later' approach.

Perth company Pacific Energy has signed a three-year electricity supply contract with miner Norilsk Nickel, to support the resumption of production at Norilsk's Lake Johnson mine.

Mining giant Rio Tinto has secured the backing of a majority of Riversdale Mining's directors for a takeover offer that values the Africa-focused coal miner at $3.9 billion.

West Perth-based Indo Mines has raised $5.4 million through a placement to private Chinese company Rockcheck Steel Beijing Co Ltd, to help fund development of its iron project in Indonesia.

Southern Cross Electrical Engineering has been awarded the contract for above-ground electrical and instrumentation installation at Newcrest Mining's Cadia East gold project in New South Wales.