Mining

Perth-based Panoramic Resources has released an updated scoping study on its renamed Gum Creek gold project in the Murchison region, which details plans for a smaller operation with a lower capex.

Shares in Perth-based MOD Resources surged 350 per cent today on positive drilling results at the company’s copper tenements in Botswana.

The chief executive of mining giant Rio Tinto will hand the reins over to the leader of the company’s copper and coal division later this year.

Flinders Mines shares have surged after the Pilbara focused iron ore junior received a $38 million takeover offer from private New Zealand company Todd Corporation, which last year offered to buy Flinders' major project.

Blackham Resources will proceed with a $22.9 million refurbishment of the Wiluna gold plant at its Matilda project, with Interquip/Mintrex and Practon Engineering selected as key contractors today.

French company Sodexo is set to become one of the biggest service providers in the Pilbara after signing a $2.5 billion contract to manage all of Rio Tinto’s mine camps and other facilities for 10 years.

Shares in Platypus Minerals were down more than 31 per cent today as the company announced a $10 million deal to buy Belmont-based lithium explorer Lepidico.

Mining giant BHP Billiton has called for tax and workplace reforms in Australia, wading into the ongoing political debate ahead of the federal election later this year.

Doray Minerals has posted a sizeable boost in net profit for the six months to December, as the company works towards opening its second gold mine in Western Australia later this year.

Perth-based Decmil Group has won a $30.6 million contract to build a warehouse hub in Port Hedland for a subsidiary of BHP Billiton.

Fortescue Metals Group has played down a downgrade by ratings agency Moody's, saying it will have no impact on its debt structure.

Mining giant Rio Tinto plans to cut around 170 jobs at its Pilbara operations in Western Australia over the next few months, unions have been told.

Western Areas founder Terry Streeter has emerged as a major shareholder in nickel and gold explorer St George Mining, after participating in a $2.13 million capital raising.

Matrix Composites & Engineering has sold its engineering workshop in Malaga for $3.25 million, with the proceeds to be used to further reduce the company's debt.

Aurizon has sealed an eight-year extension to an existing coal haulage contract with mining giant BHP Billiton, giving the troubled freight rail operator some respite.

Gold hopeful Blackham Resources has tapped investors for a $20.3 million capital raising to fund ongoing work at its Matilda project near Wiluna.

Moreton Resources has named Perth-based Macmahon Holdings as the preferred mining partner for its South Burnett coal project.

Rare earths company Arafura Resources says it will incur a $27.7 million non-cash impairment charge against its Nolans project in the Northern Territory.

Global gold producer Newmont Mining has sold its 19 per cent stake in local company Regis Resources.

Former Hanlong Mining boss Hui Xiao has been handed an eight-year prison sentence by a Sydney court for insider trading with regards to two Perth resources companies.

Clive Palmer has promised to rehire 550 workers facing the axe at his troubled north Queensland nickel refinery.

Shares in West Perth-based Drake Resources have doubled in value on news the company is planning to exit the resources industry by acquiring an Israeli tech company for $11 million.

Mincor Resources is planning to pursue gold mining opportunities on its Kambalda tenements, while continuing to pursue long-term developments at its core nickel projects.

Workers at Clive Palmer's ailing north Queensland nickel refinery have been sacked and will have to wait to learn whether they will be rehired.

Pilbara Minerals is targeting lithium and tantalite production at its Pilgangoora project near Port Hedland by the end of next year, after a pre-feasibility study estimated an $184 million capex.

Local company Talisman Mining has tapped investors for a $16.7 million capital raising to fund ongoing exploration at its Springfield copper-gold project in the Murchison region.

Gold hopeful ABM Resources has restructured its board and initiated a capital raising and debt facility agreement as it progresses its Tanami tenements in the Northern Territory.

The consumer watchdog has sought further information from miner Fortescue Metals Group on its proposed tie-up with Brazilian iron ore giant Vale.

Aspiring uranium miner Bannerman Resources chief executive and managing director Len Jubber has resigned after seven years at the helm, with his shoes to be filled with former general manager Brandon Munro.

The recent BHP Billiton organisational restructure will drive productivity improvements without significant operational job losses, according to new BHP operations president of Australian minerals Mike Henry, although the company won’t commit to a deadline for its targeted 290 million tonnes per annum iron ore run rate.

Smaller iron ore miners were the big winners today after the iron ore price surged overnight, whereas Fortescue Metals Group failed to sustain Monday's big gains despite announcing a joint venture and investment deal with Brazil's Vale.

Shares in local explorer Primary Gold closed nearly 40 per cent higher on news it had recruited three new board members, who also happen to be shareholders in the company.