Mining

Gold-focused Calidus Resources has begun trading on the ASX after raising $7.8 million from investors and completing a reverse takeover of biotech company Pharmanet Group.

Perth-based Iluka Resources plans to put its Hamilton mineral separation plant in Victoria on care-and-maintenance status, resulting in a $150 million pre-tax impairment charge in its half-year accounts.

Alliance Airlines has extended its provision of air charter services for Citic Pacific Mining in the Pilbara region, having signed a new five-year contract.  

Brierty announced today that its $300 million mining contract at Rio Tinto’s Western Turner Syncline project, which was undertaken in partnership with three indigenous contractors, has been suspended.

Atlas Iron has put plans to develop its Corunna Downs iron ore project on ice, but will maintain production for FY18 by increasing output at its Mt Webber operation.

APA Group will construct a new $180 million gas pipeline and power station to provide energy to Gold Road Resources’ Gruyere gold project near Laverton.

China-based Tianqi Lithium has agreed to invest up to $317 million to double the output of its Kwinana lithium hydroxide processing plant.

The state government has been condemned by conservation groups for allowing four uranium projects with existing approvals to be developed.

Paladin Energy will be left to sweat for up to a month on an independent valuation of its stake in the Langer Heinrich uranium mine, as a critical $US277 million debt repayment looms.

A hostile acquisition attempt aimed at junior explorer Lepidico has passed deadline with minimal acceptances and will not go ahead, the takeover target says.

Golden Mile Resources has wrapped up its first day of trading on the ASX, after raising $4.5 million from investors through an initial public offering.

Sandfire Resources will spend $3 million to earn a majority stake in Thundelarra’s Red Bore project, which lies adjacent to the copper miner’s DeGrussa operation in the Bryah Basin.

Mount Gibson Iron has terminated its offtake agreement with a Chinese company that had planned to buy product from the Iron Hill mine in the Mid West.

Business News sat down to lunch at Julio’s with mining director Bronwyn Barnes.

Brazil-focused gold explorer Crusader Resources has recommended shareholders accept an all-scrip takeover offer from AIM-listed Stratex International, that values the target at $54 million.

BHP Billiton's chairman-elect Ken MacKenzie's top priority will be to meet as many shareholders as possible, when he takes the reins in September.

Pilbara Minerals has announced another capital raising, this time by way of a placement and share purchase plan, to fund development of its Pilgangoora lithium project.

A joint venture between Civmec and Amec Foster Wheeler has been formally awarded a $298 million engineering, procurement and construction contract for Gold Road Resources’ Gruyere gold project.

Independence Group has announced plans to sell its Stockman copper-zinc project in Victoria for $47.2 million in cash and royalty payments, but will record a $20 million impairment on the project.

Clive Palmer has dismissed the gathering of CITIC Pacific Mining employees outside the Supreme Court of Western Australia this morning, ahead of the start of the trial between his private company Mineralogy and Citic over royalties, as a ‘Chinese tactic’.

Norway-based investment bank Pareto Securities has completed its first major Australian deal, as sole manager of a $US100 million ($A133 million) bond issue announced today by Pilbara Minerals.

Local contractor Primero Group is set to win its third major contract on a mining project this year while RCR Tomlinson has geared up to supply Rio Tinto’s new iron ore mine.

Tribune Resources and Rand Mining will empty their cash reserves to pay out inaugural dividends to their shareholders, with their shared managing director to reap $3.1 million.

Australian mining and exploration companies have been urged to target North American investors, with PCF Capital Group saying this strategy could bring $4 billion into the local industry.

Nickel miner Western Areas has announced plans to sell its stake in an ilmenite-copper-nickel explorer which is dual-listed on the AIM and FSE markets for up to $27.5 million.

MACA has been named preferred contractor for a $100 million open pit mining services job at Ramelius Resources’ Mt Magnet gold project.

Local gold explorers Anova Metals and Exterra Resources have entered into a merger agreement, with Anova to wholly acquire Exterra in an all-scrip deal worth $21.3 million.

West Perth-based copper producer India Resources has entered administration after facing numerous delays at its Surda mine in India, including strikes due to employee payment issues.

Resources Minister Matt Canavan said today the exploration development incentive (EDI) scheme was unlikely to continue, despite telling the industry he had an open mind on its future, and labelled alternatives put forward by the Association of Mining & Exploration Companies as radical.

Henderson-based Civmec has received $90 million worth of contracts for work on a number of projects nationwide, with the most significant being a construction job at Alcoa of Australia’s Pinjarra alumina refinery.

Adani has given the green light to start work on the controversial $16 billion Carmichael coal mine in Queensland's Galilee Basin.

Junior explorer Dragon Mining’s plan to delist from the ASX and join the Hong Kong Stock Exchange appears set to be delayed by several months, along with its proposed $17.5 million capital raising.