Staff Reporters

Gunson Resources said today that it has gained Environmental Protection Authority endorsement of its mineral sands project near Shark Bay.

After raising $2.5 million in an IPO, Perth-based optical goods company C @ Ltd is expected to list on the stock exchange this week.

Despite some big corporate deals done this calendar year, the value of mergers and acquisitions in Australia appears to have fallen, according to research done by accounting firm KPMG.

Despite having the worst skills shortage in the nation, the number of apprentices and trainees in Western Australia has increased in contrast to the national trend.

A number of other winners at the Margaret River Wine Show were announced besides Evans & Tate last night.

Precious Metals Australia Ltd says it estimates that the redevelopment of its contentious Windimurra vanadium project is likely to cost $100 million.

Hit international children's entertainers the Wiggles have upstaged Western Australia's mining and meat sectors to take off the Australian Exporter of the Year Award.

Peet & Company Ltd has closed its latest syndicate offer after raising $20 million for a development project planned in Victoria.

Platinum Australia Ltd's shares are set to begin trading on the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market. The AIM listing commences after shareholders ratified a $6 million deal to fund African developments.

Kalgoorlie-based Croesus Mining NL has announced rights issue to raise almost $9 million to fund an accelerated mine development and exploration program at its Norseman gold operations in Western Australia.

Capital expenditure by Australian companies continued to grow in the September quarter, supported by strong investment in mining sector.

Perth biotechnology company pSivida has confirmed the creation of a new spin off, pSiNutria Ltd, a company it will seed with $1.5 million to focus on techology applying to the food industry.

Woodside Petroleum Ltd has sold its 54 per cent Blacktip gas field interests to Italian-based oil giant ENI in a $40 million deal.

Western Australian industrial Joyce Corporation Ltd has completed its exit from manufacturing, completing the sale of its foam business for $16 million to Indian company Sheela Foam Private Ltd.

The national winners of the 2005 Australian Export Awards program will be announced tonight in Sydney.

The Australian stock market closed lower today, after finding it could not sustain the earlier momentum which sent the benchmark index past its previous closing high.

Bullion Minerals Ltd has revealed plans to spin off several gold exploration assets in an IPO of its newly registered subsidiary Chalice Gold Mines Ltd.

Business news summaries from around the nation.

MANAGEMENT education is a field that seems to go regularly through changing fashions, but Perth company Carepoint is hoping that a new program it has developed will prove to be long lasting.

Melville Raymond Dalla Costa ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

Oroya Mining Ltd became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 30,000,000 ordinary shares (6.5%).

Faustus Nominees Pty Ltd increased its relevant interest from 25,928,215 ordinary shares (18.16%) to 26,428,215 ordinary shares (18.51%)

5,903,226 fully paid 5,903,226 fully paid. Shares will be released from escrow on 5 December 2005.

Lodged response to ASX query

$3.5 million private placement closed oversubscribed.

Proposed code: RIS Issue price: $0.20 Principal activities: owner operator of bulk carrier vessels and provision of a wide range of services for the shipping industry.

Platus Gold Corporation Pty Ltd ceased to be a substantial shareholder.

Anglo Pacific Group PLC became a substantial shareholder with a relevant interest of 5,925,300 ordinary shares (5.02%).

Deutsche Bank decreased its relevant interest from ordinary 70,230,657 shares (9.76%) to 61,163,142 ordinary shares (8.46%).

Letter Agreement has been executed with Mithril Resources Ltd for a Joint Venture covering Integra’s South Australian Exploration Licence Applications in the Musgrave Province.

Annual General Meeting will be held at Level 8, Exchange Plaza, 2 The Esplanade, Perth, Western Australia at 9.30am (WST) on Friday, 23 December 2005.

Chevron Australia’s 2005 FOCUS Environment photographic competition has attracted a record 546 entries giving a unique insight into what the environment means for today’s Western Australian school stu