Tim Treadgold

The WA government needs to be strategic in deciding when to emerge from the state's hard-border cocoon.

This month's Diggers & Dealers was notable as much for what didn't appear on the official program as what did.

Regis Resources head expects the current strength of the gold sector to last for a few years.

Labour costs make the construction of downstream processing plants a challenge in Australia.

A rush to consolidate mines could herald a flurry of mergers.

Poseidon Nickel hopes Golden Swan could be another black swan event.

Demand for electric vehicles has given BHP's nickel business a new lease of life.

Gold assets in the US and Canada are on the radar for local producers.

Mount Gibson Mining is investigating options to extend the life of WA's oldest iron ore mine.

There's life in WA's shell-shocked lithium mining and processing industry, according to one of its veterans, Pilbara Minerals chief executive, Ken Brinsden.

Goldminers on opposite coasts have diverging views on the value of Western Australia's hard border closure.

The proposed merger of Northern Star Resources and Saracen Mineral Holdings dominated the opening session on day one of the Diggers & Dealers forum.

Mark McGowan lauds state's COVID-19 response and economic resilience as he opens the annual Diggers & Dealers forum in Kalgoorlie.

A major bank believes the factors point to a surge in Perth residential property.

Qatar is moving to reclaim its place as the world's biggest LNG exporter, potentially jeopardising WA exports.

A US analyst says economic conditions today match those of times past when hard assets and resources were the pick of the investment classes.

A strong gold price, and demand for nickel, potash and even potentially iron ore indicate good times are around the corner.

Set aside the inconvenience of COVID-19 travel restrictions and WA is in good shape.

WA has a case to argue that major resources companies are better served by headquartering in Perth.

The state government's strategy in dealing with Clive Palmer has echoes of a time past.

Tesla's remarkable 290 per cent share price rise over the past four months has been dismissed as speculative overkill, but even if that's true it is hard to ignore the pace at which its electric-powered cars are selling - and the amount of battery metals they're consuming.

An investment bank spots dangers and opportunities as globalisation stalls and governments emerge as the richest players in the economy.

A national economy battered by COVID-19 could seek assistance from a strong iron ore sector in WA.

Countries are re-evaluating their relationship with China after a series of aggressive moves by the Asian giant.

Young, tech-savvy traders, and a lot of squeezed retirees, are leading a dangerous charge into exotic and complex investments.

The mining giant has snapped up Russian giant Norilsk's nickel assets as it looks to bolster its production of battery metals.

The state's iron ore producers could face a long-term threat to their dominance if nascent reserves in West Africa are brought to market.

Events are conspiring to shift momentum regarding a proposed east-west gas pipeline.

Low oil prices and their effect on LNG is unwelcome news for project development and jobs in WA.

OPINION: New Chinese edicts on production of electric vehicles could play out in favour of WA lithium producers.

The end of federal assistance to businesses and workers will be a pivotal point in how Australia emerges from COVID-19 lockdown.

The refusal to allow Clive Palmer into WA on public health grounds seems out of step with decisions relating to other high-profile businessmen.