Staff Reporters

Gindalbie Metals has awarded a $120 million contract for the key power transmission line at its Karara Iron Ore Project to Downer EDI.

Litigation funder IMF Australia has lodged a class action against ANZ Bank on behalf of 27,000 of the bank's customers.

US-based Cliffs Natural Resources has approved a $320 million expansion of its iron ore operation at Koolyanobbing, north of Southern Cross.

Transport infrastructure company Asciano has appointed Verve Energy managing director Shirley In't Veld to its board.

The State Government has come to the rescue of the Albany City Council agreeing to fund the Albany Entertainment Centre to the tune of $4 million for two years and directing the Perth Theatre Trust to manage the venue.

WA-based food company FFI has agreed to sell its Olympic Fine Foods business division to Stirling Foods and in a separate transaction will buy an icing sugar brand from Anchor Foods.

Transfield Services has announced $240 million of work with existing blue chip clients across the Australia and New Zealand region including a significant contract with the WA Department of Transport.

The state government has announced Verve Energy will manage a 10-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in the state's mid-west.

DVD rental service Quickflix has announced plans for a $3.2 million non-renounceable rights issue and hopes to use the funds to invest in marketing the company.

Forge Group's wholly owned subsidiary Abesque Engineering has won a $40 million construction and commissioning contract for Hillgrove Resources' Kanmantoo Copper Project.

Stationery retailer Smiggle has received the top award at the 2010 Australian Retail Awards.

Accounting firm MGI Perth has announced it will merge with Nedlands-based firm Ord Nexia.

The state government has released details of its plan to overhaul the state's loss-making electricity generator Verve Energy, announcing changes to the vesting contract between Verve and electricity retailer Synergy.

Marine safety equipment company Mobilarm has been admitted to the Australian Securities Exchange after successfully completing a $2.3 million initial public offering.

Artemis Resources hopes to raise $5.4 million through a share placement and an entitlement offer to fund the company's on-going gold exploration.

Latin Resources has closed a $6 million initial public offering and hopes to list on the Australian Securities Exchange tomorrow.

Agribusiness TFS Corporation has received a boost, settling a transaction with a US-based institutional investor potentially worth $120 million over six years.

Jabiru Metals has secured $14 million in funding through a silver hedge facility with BNP Paribas.

The latest figures from the Department of Mines and Petroleum show the agency assessed 70 per cent of mining exploration approvals in less than 30 days over the past 12 months.

A group of regional councils, universities as well as mining, engineering, renewable energy and engineering companies are stepping up the pressure on the state government to invest in solar power.

Conquest Mining has boosted its stake in North Queensland Metals to 32.76 per cent, moving the company closer to taking control of it takeover target.

Resolute Mining has successfully completed an equity raising of $40 million to close its gold hedge book.

The first shipment of ore from Altas Iron's North Pilbara mines, Wodgina and Pardoo, is being loaded at the new Utah Port Facility.

Paladin Energy has secured more than 50 per cent acceptances for its $27 million off-market scrip takeover of NGM Resources.

Control of construction and contracting group Leighton Holdings is in play, with Spanish company ACS launching a bid for its German parent, just days after Leighton announced the retirement of long serving chief executive Wal King.

Cooper Energy has agreed to farm out a 15 per cent stake in its Bargou block permit in Tunisia to Jacka Resources for $12 million.

The state government will invest $22 million to provide affordable housing within The Match Group's redevelopment of the historic Fremantle Dalgety Wool Store.

West Perth-based Murchison Metals has recorded a $21.5 million comprehensive loss for the 2010 financial year, compared to $18.3 million for the previous corresponding period.

Atlantic has lodged a prospectus with the Australian Securities Exchange, seeking to raise $55 million through a capital raising with the intention of the company recommencing trading.

The Australian Securities and Investment Commission has recovered $24.5 million on behalf of people who invested in Westpoint Group.

The 2010 Perth Fashion Festival has been hailed a success with record ticket sales and sold out events.

The state government has announced a shift in its coastal planning policy because it believes sea levels will rise more than original predicted over the next 100 year.